The Snail

well forget quad supercharged V12 conversions and roof chops, i've spent the past few weekends doing some pretty major modifications to Snail.[:0]

First up (not for the faint hearted) has been converting her to 2 speed windscreen wipers (using a motor from a later PB). This was quite a challenge to wire in correctly without the matching switch. I got around it by using 2 relays. I got the idea from this:

http://www.vitessesteve.co.uk/LucasStuff/LucasStuff2.html

It needed a bit of tweaking to work for my application.

Next up i made an intermittent wiper controller:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=3182

I had to remote the switch and add a period looking knob - but now it can swipe on 5, 10, or 20 second delays on the slow winding.

finally i wired in hazard warning lights. I only needed a suitable switch but ended buying a kit:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CLASSIC-CAR-ELECTRONIC-HAZARD-WARNING-LIGHT-KIT-EasyFit-/180386802384?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item29ffe42ad0

this isn't much more than a switch, flasher and a couple of diodes.

just need to put the whole thing back together now, not so much fun with numb fingers.

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Very worthwhile mods, I didn't realise the PB has twin speed - mine hasn't so must be on even later models. My wipers were the usual lazy sweep until I fitted a high output alternator now they swing about like trapeze's on speed even with light on and heater blower running. Definitely going to look at the intermittent controller though[^]

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Summer's Coming
 
Not sure if the later Dodge badged Commers had two speed wipers but i was going to fit a 2 speed assembly from a spacevan to mine but you need to have the dodge cover panel as well coz the standard PB one wont fit over the motor.:( cant be bothered to cut and weld a bit in,too much messing about[V] So if any one has a dodge wiper motor cover panel they wish to part with i would be most gratefull :p:p

back to my "rootes"
 
have to say i bought the motor off ebay so not sure if it is from a late PB or Spacevan.

it bolts in place fine, but you are right - the cover doesn't fit.

however 10 mins with a hacksaw and a file can make the wiper motor casing just about small enough to just about get the cover back on okay (i have a 1-2mm gap on one side). some faffing was also required to get the clock back in.

looking at the motor though, i think it should be possible to use an earlier 'round' 2 speed motor rather than the later 'square' one.

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Took the Snail for a spin today, haven't driven her since what feels like the summer. Unfortunately the hours I spent taking apart and cleaning the speedo seem to have been wasted. The needle shakes a little less (+-10mph) but now it reads 70mph when I'm doing about 10mph. Maybe Commer miles are a bit like Dog years - 7 to every human year, or every normal mile. Think I'll bite the bullet and get it sent off to Speedograph Richfield to be rebuilt and recalibrated.

Anyway, hit the dual carriageway and got up to an indicated 10mph (+once round the clock...) and all seems fairly well. The new carb isn't set up right yet and it seems as if it running a little lean. Unfortunately it is a later Stromberg with a fixed jet and an adjustable needle - except to adjust the needle I have to remove the carb as space is too tight.

It got dark and I got bored, come on summer.

would fitting a wooden steering wheel look stupid? Think deep down I may already know the answer but think I'll offer the one from the alpine just to see.

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quote:
Originally posted by commeracer

Heading your way Sam ;)

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"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"



That's a nice looking sucker:)

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Summer's Coming.....
Trust me
 
Just spoken to Tim, very excited.

Rear of the van hasn't been lowered, guess the springs must be a little tied - or the 'emergency' booze stash is a big heavier than I thought.

Morris minor steering wheels won't fit - Sunbeam Alpine / Hillman Avenger ones do.

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You don't want to fit one of those nasty, powerful, throbbing, burbling, growling, gorgeous American things - fit the Viva engine instead:)

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