A40 Farina Club

Poor old Gab - from being displayed at the NEC to living under a hedge. How the great are fallen! Had to go and visit a very poorly Club member out in the wilds of Oxfordshire yesterday and some of the side roads were still icy/snowy which was a bit of a bother. Happily Gab's skinny crossplies often give more grip especially on hills 'cos they tend to cut through to the tarmac. Even so, I was relieved to get back home safely...

Sharp eyes may wonder why she isn't covered in ice during these below-zero days. Truth is, as well as the engine tucked up in dad's old army greatcoat plus a duvet under the bonnet, there's a three-foot tubular heater in her cabin! Probably warmer than the ruddy house.

Valentina isn't having much fun either. We've had over an inch of snow with more in the forecast. I believe (don't quote me on it!) that Wolverhampton has the highest average elevation of any city in the UK, so we do get a lot of snow here, but that doesn't mean we're any better at dealing with it!

happily my Mildred is tucked in her garage!

Naff all in Foleshillistan

I'm so glad Ruby's tucked up in the garage!, How long has poor Gab been outside for Keith ? I hope she's under cover soon. Surely don't leave that 3 foot heater on over night?

She's been outside now for a fortnight and the roofers reckon their work will be finished early next week. Then, of course, the skip needs removing before the scaffolding can come down, so I reckon she won't be back in the garage until nearly Christmas (not that it really matters).

And yes I ruddy well do leave the heater on overnight! We've had minus seven across several nights and the old lady needs cosseting.

Oh no what's happened to the Roof on the house Keith? I hope it Is sorted soon..Good old Gab. Running well I take it? Blimy -7 is dammed cold. Heater seems to be working okay and doing a good job.

House built in '71 but is situated on high ground with one side facing east so the roof catches all the inclement weather. The ridge and eastern dormer needed remedial attention to the tiles and lead flashing. Major scaffolding was needed for full access so it's a long job in this cold weather.

I understand Keith. I was going to say the design is very 1970s and very nice too. Oddly enough we have some like it round by me.

Garden thermometer in the early hours of today registered minus 9 degrees here in Banbury.

Gary tells me that Gab's antifreeze is good down to minus 8 but that the coolant will "only" resemble slush now and not solid ice and so if I warm the engine slowly (and not drive off straight away) the coolant will thaw and not cause a blockage or burst a pipe.

He advises me to keep a close eye in case any leaks appear later - antifreeze apparently has a high "creep" factor and will find the slightest gap.

Happy days!