Old fart in Charente

Hi all, I’m a total car nut, particularly Caterham 7’s (but not a very good mechanic) now living in SW France.
Having owned several T3, T4 and T5 vehicles, we now have a 1971 T2 bay, which started life in Sweden, went to the U.K., and was restored in 2017 when it won an award, and used to tow the back part of a Mini. Since then it was exported to France by an English Photographer, and we bought it about 2 years ago. It has an FFVE certificate as a French registered car of collection, and only needs a CT (MOT equivalent) every 5 years. It is a bit tired now, and we fitted variable power steering, indicator switch, front brake callipers, new starter motor, and I’m restoring some MGF leather seats to replace the originals. There is a little paint needed, it smokes a lot on start-up, and 2nd gear is very hard to engage, especially on the way down. Apart from that, it starts on the button and is a lot of fun.

 

Welcome...

 

Welcome from another old fart, I'm in the Monts du Lyonnais.

 

Welcome from just the right side of the NE French border. The van looks very nice.

 

Earlys rule!

 

Welcome

 

Bienvenue

 

"wilkommen"

 

Welcome, especially with an Early

 

Thank you all for such a warm welcome. I have a lot to learn about the T2, and plan to slowly work through a list of jobs. The old girl has a bit of character. Cheers!

 

I do like that table.
Charente is quite near Limoges, I see. When I was a kid I used to do a student exchange with a lad from St. Sulpice Laurière (did I remember that right?).

 

difficult to say, we didn't know you back then.

 

Hi from West Lancashire - We have a 73 T2 1600 - Our 2nd gear is very evasive too - but the CSP shifter that I fitted makes it easier to find . I also have fitted a pair of MGF seats in cream leather - brightens up the cab and very comfortable to drive

 

Mange tout Rodney!! Welcome. 2nd gear issue could potentially mean a tweak on the clutch cable is needed( if your lucky!)

 

Hi from the Italian Alps.

 

Hi & Welcome on board

 

We almost completely lost 2nd gear for a year, as you say, especially coming from third. Replaced the rear gear coupling, and its now a gear changing dream.