I have a 74 Clubby which a mate has dumped on me to sell. It's not in the greatest condition, so I thought I'd repair a couple of bits.

The triangular metal plate type thingy which bolts between the radiator housing and the thermostat housing has broken. Am I correct in assuming that this may be because some engine mounts have broken and the plate couldn't take the engine moving? If so, how easy is it to fix this up?

Does anyone know what the cheapest set of tyres is for 10" contessas?

Thanks

just weld the plate back together, the radiator is (should) only be bolted to the engine and should easily handle movement, unless the inner arch is bent in its way

Hi,

Some friend! I hope he is giving you some sort of compensation for your efforts!

The radiator is secured to the engine, not the body, so loose engine mounts is unlikely to cause the top rad bracket to break, unless the engine is really flopping around and the radiator has hit the body!

I reckon the rad is probably loose on the bottom mounting bracket somewhere. Tighten/fix as required and replace the top bracket.

Cheap Tyres: Kumho or Hankook 145R10 were around $70 each last time I checked. But I would visit your local "pick-a-part" or Suzuki/Daihatsu wrecker. Early 80's Daihatsu and Suzuki shopping carts ran 145R10 tyres. You should be able to pick up a four roadworthy 145R10 tyres for $100 or less. Then have them swapped onto the Contessas by your favourite tyre retailer. (Bob Jane, Beaurepairs etc)

If you are in Melbourne I have four 145R10 Kumho that have done about 500km since new that I'd be willing to sell.

_________________
Brett Nicholson
Greendale (near Ballan) VIC.
1971 Morris Mini Moke
1966 Austin Mini
1965 Morris Mini Traveller
1973 LR Series 3 88
2007 LR Freelander 2

The changing gears also feels a bit clunky, which is another reason I thought it might be engine mounts.

Thanks for the info! I'll replace the top bracket and see what else might be busted.