Garage Day 28 January 2026
I guess we’re doing the I-4 shuffle! Go North, now go South, now go North? Is that even a thing? Yup, in case you were wondering we’re back at the Braunstein Garage in Sanford.
The Plus 8 in DeLand needed a few things John had to acquire so we have a bit of a Supply Chain delay. So, we’ll do a few more things to my fleet this week and then, hopefully, as the requisite bits will have been delivered to John during this delay, next week we’ll once again poke at the Plus 8 in DeLand.
This one job, the Plus 8 transmission rebuild, has taken on a life of its own! It has stretched our abilities and our thought processes. (Yes, we do sometimes have thoughts!) It has taxed John’s tool collection and his budget! The transmission rebuild was only the start . . . (Nope, this isn’t our finest hour!! Well, not yet, but just you wait!!)
Today, it’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since the failed Shuttle flight of the Challenger. We have to reflect on the bravery and unselfish commitments of those seven people who were lost at the Cape. I wasn’t here in Florida at the time but when I visited the Space Center a few years back, I was brought to tears when I saw the Space Shuttle on display. If you haven’t seen it, you should go. It’s quite dramatic!!
Another wintry cold snap! This winter, in Florida, seems at least to me, a bit worse than usual? I have had to find my long-sleeved shirts and jackets and bundle up like ‘Nanook of the North!’ It’s not supposed to be like this!! And it will only get worse, or so say the talking heads!! This coming weekend is supposed to be apocalyptic. I guess I will retreat into my igloo and wait for the ‘all clear’ sirens!! Anyone want ice cream?
Ok, so back to reality? Here in Sanford, the 1938 Series 1 Morgan 4/4 (Blue and Black car) got an engine oil and filter change (Really, it’s been years!) The Jag needs one as well. It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since it was done. And what I remember about the process proved to be all wrong? We got it done, anyway!! Old and New? I had all the requisite bits to include the oil extraction device for the Jaguar. How it works or where you stick it is another story!
In order to make sure the oil in the Series 1 Morgan 4/4 actually flowed and to give Gary a driving test in the beast, we took it around the block. I remember my sister, when she lived in Alaska in the early 80s, had to plug in her car (she had an engine warmer?) at the Grocery Store so it wouldn’t freeze! I had visions of this but nope it wasn’t quite that cold. Everyone had stories of this relative or that, having inches and inches of snow. Nope, not for me. That’s why I am here!!
Lunch today was at Culvers. Indoor seating. Nothing on the patio . . . no thanks!!
There were lots of tools in play today!! The oil catch-can! I emptied it assuming we’d need a bit of room!! Ratchets and sockets and, of course, the oil ‘sucking’ machine! The oil filter socket thingee for the Jag canister filter housing cap . . . and a few Whitworth wrenches to loosen the drain plug on the 4/4. Long screw drivers to adjust the steering gear on the 4/4. And certainly, rags and paper towels. We did have to cut a gasket for the radiator cap, so Exacto knives and scissors.
Even with the oil changes we stayed pretty tidy today. No massive spills other than the lift appears to have another hydraulic leak. I am going to ignore it for now. Possibly a result of leaving the 4/4 in the air too long??
Tom had donut duty today (28 Jan), and if I do say so myself, he excelled! Lovely bits of pastry . . . some heart shaped, how sweet and there were donut holes!!
Now next week (4th of February) John has donut duty! And, oh so convenient, as we are at his Garage next week!!
Again, don’t forget, we go North to DeLand . . . again, next week!!
Cheers, Mark
Photos by Pete Burg
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