Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire - Project Sapphire Episode 3

Hey friends! After a long delay, here's the third episode of Project Sapphire. Lots of little jobs that dad and I have been closing out on our Road-to-Roadworthy.
These jobs have included: stripping and painting the undersides of the doors, the boot and the scuttle behind the back bumper; removing the floor and front seat to drop the gearbox and repair all leaks; reinstalling the gearbox; repairing both kingpin assemblies; sourcing and replacing the tie-rod ends/balljoints; replacing the rear pinion seal in the diff; removing the radiator and altering the air cleaners.
Lots of work and lots of talk in this episode! As always, thanks for your ongoing support. I really appreciate it! Note: I got my editing a little mixed up towards the end and I say that the gearbox is out, then do a voice over saying the gearbox came out a week later... I'm not the best at editing these videos but it's all for fun!!
Thanks friends - and as always click subscribe :)
The jazz music in this episode is in copyright:
Music: Cafe Jazz Vibe
Musician: Background Music

[@rosewood1]

Well done refurbishment becomes a huge job. The more you look the more issues you find. They are great to drive.

[@bens54sapphire]

Thank you - and too true! We’re not far off now, but the more you look the more jobs you find 🙃😂

[@rosewood1]

@@bens54sapphire I ended up with my Mark 2 Sapphire pulling the fuel system completely apart. Acid dipped fuel tank and re lined rebuilt twin strombergs ignition system complete new brake system including PBR power booster stripped under body and repainted and many other jobs.

[@bens54sapphire]

@@rosewood1huge task. Which model PBR did you end up using? I know Penn Bradley speaks through a few different models but they were in the 90s. I tried to find a Clayton Dewendre but they’re rare as hens teeth. Huge too!

[@rosewood1]

@bens54sapphire I am not sure. I think it's the same as a number of Australian cars also the Rover 90 I think has something similiar. The Mark 2 also has bigger ventilated or rather finned 1 inch drums. I have gone from 1 wheel that sort of braked to 4 that are as good or better than most cars with disk brakes. It works brilliantly and would pass any modern test easily. The twin strombergs really give it some go. I fitted new 185 radials classic tyres which are correct but If I was doing it again I would not go below 195. The rolling diameter from the previous 205 is a significant difference which is unfortunate. An expensive thing to fix. See how I go.

[@bens54sapphire]

@@rosewood1keep us in the loop!!

[@michaelguerin56]

In regard to seatbelts, the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) based in Porirua near Wellington, New Zealand recently published a video showing a technical solution for front seat belts. It uses a frame mounted centrally behind the front seats. The video will be on their TH-cam channel. I suggest that you view the video and then have a chat with your preferred vehicle engineer.

[@bens54sapphire]

Thank you for the heads up!! I’ll definitely research this! Cheers 👍👍

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

Well done you are going great guns. The Sapphire is a great car and my Humber Super Snipe Series Va shares its engine albeit in 3L form.

[@bens54sapphire]

Thanks Paul!! We try to work on it when time allows, still aiming to get it on the road this year for its 70th birthday. Lots of commonalities with Humber, including the Rootes gearbox! I think Alvis used the same synchro box too, could be wrong though

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

@@bens54sapphire regrettably mine has a BW Type 35 auto. A manual with o/d would have been great. Not sure it was even offered in Australia by 1966.

[@bens54sapphire]

I enjoy the 4 speed synchro, but later models and the Star Saphire did come with BW autos which would be more relaxing to drive. Still happy with the synchro though don’t get me wrong!

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

@@bens54sapphire I completely agree. Personally, if I bought an Armstrong Siddeley I would be after a pre select. I was very interested in a Whitley that was for sale a couple of years ago but I missed it.

[@bens54sapphire]

@@paulscountrygarage9180 I’m a little thankful to not have one to be honest! Reading the service manual, they appear to be very difficult to maintain! For ‘54, I wouldn’t want any option but the 4 speed manual and the 150hp engine 👌👌

[@MrTimcoronel]

your oil filter looks very similar to the one on my Daimler V8. How tall does it need to be? I can measure the ones in my spares stash and let you know the Ryco equivalent

[@bens54sapphire]

I wouldn’t be surprised - the casing sayings “purofilter” on the top. I forgot to film it but I’ve since purchased the adaptor to use the screw on disposable Z9 oil filters. Thank you very much for the offer though I appreciate that!!

[@MrTimcoronel]

no sound?

[@bens54sapphire]

Hi Tim, it might have still been exporting. It should be ok now!

[@MrTimcoronel]

@@bens54sapphire you're right. Serves me right for being awake at late o'clock ;)

[@bens54sapphire]

@@MrTimcoronel I’m as guilty as you!! 😂 fear of the mornings