Paul's Triumph Stag 3.0L V8

As you may have read from my previous posts, a historical rebuild / refurb of this car has introduced some electrical gremlins. Whilst investigating why the battery totally discharged every few days I noticed that there was considerable spurious wiring hanging out of the dash for a) a radio which wasn't fitted b) a rocker switch fixed to the centre console for something or other - unknown. There was also missing bulbs in the dash and issues with non functioning interior lighting, not to mention a random indicator that seems to make it's own mind up whether it works or not. So whilst I was waiting for some paint to dry I decided to investigate and remove the spurious wiring.  Got a little carried away. Now it's all in bits I will put it back together with a little more care than the last time, check and test all of the wiring and replace with LED in the dash and interior - might even do the the indicators as well. The more I look into the electricals the more I need...

43 years have taken their toll on the padding of the front seats. Whilst the structure/frame was sturdy and robust, the bolsters were non-existent and had collapsed. There was also evidence of rust to the rails and the seat frame. So, new fillers were purchased from Mr Rimmer and I started to open up the first seat to see what was inside...... As there are no issues (other than dirt) with the vinyl covering, I carefully removed each of the many retaining clips that hold the fabric to the frame. What I found in there was disgusting. The foam had completely disintegrated in the bolsters and stank!! With the aid of rubber gloves and a razor blade, I parted the vinyl from the padding. Not easy, as the padding had been glued to the vinyl and was still firmly attached even after all of this time. It was also complicated by the need to disassemble the seat frames in order to remove the vinyl in a way that it could be re-used.  I ended up with 3 pieces of frame: the runne...

I t's been a few weeks since I have had any time to work on the Stag. It's been a very busy time at work - the culmination of 2 years work successfully delivered at the end of June 17. So now it's time to take a breath and get back into the garage. The last few weeks have benefited from some very warm, dry weather - perfect for the old Stag. I have had the Stag on the road a few times with the hood down listening to that intoxicating burble. But, every time I get into the car after it has stood for a few days, the battery is flat. As there is now radio or clock at the moment, then this is a little puzzling. Once started the, voltage reading climbs up to 16.5v (as I would expect if the battery was very low) but it stays there and doesn't drop back as I would expect after 20-30 miles. Dropped a quick query on the SOC Forum and the consensus is that the alternator needs replacing. The built in regulator is probably not functioning.  The direct replacement is the 18 ACR. ...