The 1957 Dope Dauphine

[Adey]

dont worry too much, just thought it was funny it had gone full circle back to you

 

[Adey]

I made a start on pulling the head off the spare 956cc engine and making sure it was ok for use on the 1108cc block once i build that up. I removed the rocker cover to be greeted with a pretty clean head and engine, looks good so far. Head came off with ease but on inspection one of the valves that was in the open position hadn't returned to the closed position. I bounced all the other valves and they moved nice and freely so i just whipped the the spring off, gently tapped the valve out and gave it a clean up in the drill. It popped back in nicely and moves freely again. Next was the water pump......... looks like it was stopped many years ago with antifreeze still in it, this had solidified and seized the pump solid, so i whipped it apart. Lots of yellow solidified crud but nothing too major and i have started to clean everything up there. Hopefully the pump itself is salvageable but everything else is looking good. I will give it all a good hot jet wash tomorrow and put it aside ready for assembly later on

 

[Adey]

Head came up quite well with a jet wash so I think it's pretty much ready to go now. Ive checked the head with a straight edge and it's very good so should bolt up perfectly fine. Water pump is free and spinning but seems a bit crappy so I'll try and source a new pump for assembly.



Next on the list is to drop the crank out of the 1108cc engine. Its fitted with a 7 bolt crank and I need a 5 bolt to use with the correct flywheel. Luckily I have good condition 5 bolt crank here ready to go . I love this type of mishmash building using spare parts from everywhere.

 

[Adey]

Right flying along with this now in between entertaining the kids. Cam chain off, crank out, clean up, new crank back in, chuck on some assembly lube and all torqued up to spec. Bish Bash Bosh. I might just get this back together and the head on the block this eve all being well. Surprisingly both the engines seem in good condition inside. The 956 looks to be very low millage but sat for ages so abit tight, the 1108 bottom end may have had a rebuild at some point, fresh looking shells and non Renault sealant on things would suggest so.

 

[Turbell]

All looks nice and fresh......has that blower in one of pics started rolling towards the pile of engine bits.....hoping not to get noticed and just ....sort of get involved...?

 

[Adey]

lol its something I was working on for the twingo. small tdo4, probably abit big for the 1108cc tbh.... I really like the thought of staying naturally aspirated in the dauphine, making some nice snorty carb noises. that and it should be nicer on the clutch and box with no big slug of torque. It will have to sit on the side and just watch.

 

[DaveL485]

All looks nice and fresh......has that blower in one of pics started rolling towards the pile of engine bits.....hoping not to get noticed and just ....sort of get involved...?

"How to turn an ancient Dauph into a rolling hand grenade"

Do it.

 

[Adey]

That will do for today. Timing chain on, cover and sump also thrown on and then the headgasket, head and flywheel. Massive part of the job done, pleased with that for a pikey throw together.

 

[Adey]

 

[Adey]

Nothing much done today, just ordering of some parts. Spark plugs, pair of oil filters and a water pump sorted so far.

 

[Adey]

Carried on a little more this eve. Dizzy drive gear put in place and the the dizzy though I need an m7 nut to retain it. Push rods in and then the clearances set. After that I cleaned the manifold stud threads and then fitted the manifolds, fuel pump also in place and then the dynamo. I need to make up a little tensioner bracket as the fitment is slightly different from the old 12v item that was there. All in all some more good progress, engine turns nice and feels nice when rotating so just waiting on the postman. I also need to find a carb, 32mm throttle with 60mm mounting hole centres in the oval solex style mounting?

 

[Adey]

Woooo shafts arrived this evening, about an hour ago actually. Measured up and one is correct as ordered and one slightly longer, I intend to trim it as it will still be fully engaged in the UJ. The first one only bloody fits straight off the bat. So pleased right now. Its abit late so I'll wait until tomorrow to get the grinder out and sort the other. Only other thing I did today was paint up a few engine parts. Black is all I had in the cupboard so black is the colour it went



Really doesn't look to bad for something built on the garage floor, Hopefully i can get the rear end fully built up tomorrow ready to then put back in the car.

 

[Turbell]

Looking tidy, I’ll get in garage tomorrow and see what bits of Renault shi.....gold I’ve got for you.

 

[Adey]

cheers @Turbell if you happen to find some big rear hub nuts and tapered collars I could be interested. Turns out the new shafts have a bigger thread on the end.

 

[DaveL485]

I see you've invested in some upgraded garage equipment mate. Looking slick.

 

[Adey]

indeed I have, works quite well thought i need to fight a 2 year old and 5 year old for use of it

 

[Adey]

Quick start this morning before dad duties. I measured the slightly longer shaft for overall length and then checked engagement into the UJ based on the correct item. The difference was 6mm less engagement, not too bad when the overall is nearly 2 inch so I went for it. All went well, cut with the angle grinder, quenched then a quick tidy up with a flap wheel. Assembled into the axle tube and bolted up to the gearbox perfectly.

Next up is modifying some gearbox side mounts, hopefully using the rover v8 items and then fully assemble the rear axle/subframe.

 

[j_carter]

Your motivation and can do attitude is simply remarkable. You are as mad as a box of frogs and it can not be faulted. Great work.

 

[Turbell]

I’ll pm you, two carbs, one hot air autochoke I believe early R8 other looks same carb but manual choke, can’t see any codes on them , Ali tab missing with info
Clutches new and preloved, about 3/4 of a mil off used.

 

[Adey]

Your motivation and can do attitude is simply remarkable. You are as mad as a box of frogs and it can not be faulted. Great work.

cheers man, I'm just pikey and hate spending money unless I really have to. I'll always try and fix or bodge something over buying new.