Has it really been almost exactly 6 years since this topic was last posted on?? Well, in view of such an auspicious anniversary, I feel it's only right that I reveal that I am now the proud owner of this fabulous little rail.
Some of you may have seen the ad on pistonheads that Dave Raper put up, this started a conversation between him, my friend & team boss Dave Gibbons & myself over the possible purchase of this great little car. Due to various issues, the original plan of all three Rough Diamond team members sharing the cost was abandoned but the seed was sown!! I couldn't stop thinking about it & finally made the decision to view & purchase the car, dependant on me being able to get in & drive it, as no one but Dave can physically get in Rough Diamond!! Dave & I visited Dave Raper &, after removing the top cowl panel we discovered that I could just squeeze into the cockpit!! After a lot of discussions between myself & Dave G, it was decided that I make an offer which was accepted & finally yesterday (3rd Oct) we drove up up to deepest Hertfordhsire(!) & collected the car, its trailer & all the spares that went with with it & drove back down the M25/M20 in the pouring rain! It is a credit to Dave Raper that this car has been kept in excellent condition & will need very little fettling in order to run again, I have all sorts of plans for it but they will have to wait until my current list of projects has been completed.
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What made this possible is that Dave G will keep the rail at his workshop & we will modify his new transporter to take both cars & his son's Junior dragster when that is built, so that we can transport them all. Dave will obviously be heavily involved in construction of his son's rail but will assist in making some neccessary modifications to Spirit so I can fit in & drive it more comfortably. I don't anticipate making any significant changes to it, other than perhaps a new set of wheels more in keeping with its era. Due to the chassis being an old design & construction, it is only useable in RWYB events, which is fine for me as I'm a novice at this dragging malarky(!) but who knows what may happen in a few years time??
Be assured that this beautiful little FED will race again next year & hopefully continue to do so for many more years to come. If anyone has any photos of it (I already have quite a few) I would be pleased to see them. Tnanks to Dave Raper I have a file of documents & info on the car & also know most of its history, but would love to hear from previous owners. I particularly want to know about the transmission (BW 35) & the modifications done to it, I would also like to locate a pair of 12" wire front wheels & a pair of 7 x 15 period mags such as slots or Revolutions with a 4-1/2" 4-stud pcd & a 3-1/2" back space.
So there you have it, yet another old dragster dragged(!) screaming & kicking back out in to the world. Be gentle with me & her!!
Maurice.
The rear track is far narrower than the altered so the ramps will be too wide, so we'll probably end up putting a third middle one on to accomodate it. Ho hum!!