Humber FV1600 - ARN 105-819 - Restoration moves forward.

[Dave Mills]

The Humber springs to life. Richard Coutts-Smith trekked down from Barnawatha to Seymour and we began the preparations for start up. Replaced the fuel pump and jerry rigged a make shift fuel tank, replaced the distributor base plate, replaced spark plugs and squirted oil down the bores. Connected the jumper cable between the Austin Champ and the Humber. Rich hit the ignition switch and the old girl fired up spewing smoke, rubbish and rat droppings everywhere; catching us by surprise.
After at least 25 years the mighty B60 sprung to life a testament to the fine manufacturing of a Rolls Royce engine.

Rich did get some footage and hopefully he will add it to this thread. Thanks Rich for your assistance, two heads are better than one.

Dave.

[Richard Coutts-Smith]

Yes not bad for a truck snatched from the jaws of the scrapper!
For the uninitiated, note black umbilical cable running from the cab, to an Austin Champ out of shot. The Champ provided all the 24v electric required to start and run the Humber. A great bit of original kit .
There was also evidence of a minor water leak...
Rich.

[Keith Webb]

Great to see it running, congratulations!

Was that all that was left of the rear body after a high pressure wash?

[Dave Mills]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

Great to see it running, congratulations!

Was that all that was left of the rear body after a high pressure wash?

Almost, removed the body; well, it fell apart. At least made it easier to remove. Only to expose more rust in the chassis, I am afraid that the vehicle is good for parts only, will need to use my other chassis and transfer the parts.

Dave.

[Keith Webb]

At least what's there was fairly unmolested. What's the engine like?

[Dave Mills]

What's the engine like?

Sounds strong and quite, although running rough as time went on. The compression test told me that I have a blown head gasket between pots 1 and 2. Now that I know it runs and what the problem is I can remove the motor and transmission.

[pauldavies]

Dave your are certainly doing very well with the Humber and maybe we will meet at Champ Camp with our other vehicles. Nice to have an understanding wife give her my love they are as rare as the vehicles we restore.

[pauldavies]

Dave your are certainly doing very well with the Humber and maybe we will meet at Champ Camp with our other vehicles. Nice to have an understanding wife give her my love they are as rare as the vehicles we restore.

[Dave Mills]

Thanks Paul, your project is also looking great and hopefully we will see each other's vehicles in time. Will those bows fit through your shed door? Kathy (Wife) is just sooooooo supportive of my endeavours and often jokes that I am out with my other woman when I am working or admiring the Humber.

It is day 6 of spring and we are faced with bushfires in the Tallarook ranges just 20k's to the south of us at the moment (2012 Champ Camp territory) helicopters, plumes of smoke, CFA fire crews around and that dreaded smell of burning bush wafting through the air. Safe in Seymour and I don't think that the situation will change for us as things are still fairly green just this blasted wind. Some small townships and some homes in the fire zone are under threat. A terrible start to what will unfortunately be a nightmare summer season for us I am afraid. Anyway this is our land Australia.

Cheers,

Dave

[pauldavies]

No the hoops and top cab frame need to be taken off prior to moving out of the shed, won't be for a while.

[Dave Mills]

It has been a long slow slog but we have managed to get two coats of Deep Bronze Green 2 pack on the cabin. The flash from the camera does not do it justice, however, you can get the idea. Will wait a couple of weeks for the paint to harden and then place the cabin onto the chassis.

Dave.

[fv1620]

Looking good. Well done.