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New, unregistered Irish-bought car from 1976 - where do I start?

1911131415

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,731 ✭✭✭Type 17


    You have to keep that Merc. You'll probably never see another original Irish one again.

    True, and probably an Irish-assembled one (there's a digit in the chassis number that will tell you if it was assembled from a kit).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,492 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    The road tax on the Merc would have been a shocker, maybe that's why it was parked up despite the gas conversion.

    There will be people creaming themselves over that Squareback :)

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,790 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Gosh OP - sorry for your loss, but your story sounds like a life well lived.

    And got me to thinking about my Dad.....still with us, but Def a man of his own mind. He too is....eccentric. ....and inclined to collect all manner of stuff. Cars, farm machinery, etc. Last time I checked there were.....22 cars at home.....originally a boat builder and carpenter he went through lots of phases. ...and he plays music as well. We, my generation, really haven't a fraction of the talent our parents had: much of theirs learned by economic necessity.

    He lives frugally, has no interest in creature comforts. He buys cars no one wants, cos he likes them. S-Class. 7-Series. LS400. etc etc. He bought an 02 540i a while ago. "Why?" I asked......."because I've always wanted to see the inside of a V8" came the reply....

    He's why I'm a petrol head. And builder. And.....everything else..

    Must pop over again. Mustn't leave things unsaid. Life's too short.

    I'll deal with the collection when the time is right.

    Thanks for the reminder.


    I posted that on Page 4.....who knew this would turn into the best thread on boards.ie by a mile ??

    Anyway, I did what said id do and started visiting, albeit sporadically due to Covid19 - but at 78+ yrs age, there was that to worry about too. Thankfully he's the happiest cocooner I've ever met, surrounded by his collection.

    Mind you, it didn't stop his tally of cars increasing....he's added 3 Minis, a W211 and an 03 S Class ......

    I delved into the bowels of the place and note the Trevi and W111 are still there, but my one-owner 1200 Beetle is dead....too much stuff piled on it methinks, and roof collapsed.....sigh...

    .....it'll be a few years yet, my thread-in-the-making, methinks

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s


    I'd love t see pictures of the trevi


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,317 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    Anything happening with the cub?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,891 ✭✭✭Odelay


    The VW variant must have been the passion vaggen on the honeymoon. Was it suspension failure that killed it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    Anything happening with the cub?


    Hi Cobo - my brother has decided to try his hand at getting that back on the road. I'll be dropping it to him in the next few days (It's a bit of a cross country trek!) - However, if it ends up sitting in another shed or if he changes his mind I'll keep you posted!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    Odelay wrote: »
    The VW variant must have been the passion vaggen on the honeymoon. Was it suspension failure that killed it?


    shudder .... i don't even want to think about that sort of thing!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    Hi Alpha Beta - are you keeping anything for yourself out of the entire lot?


    Hard to know what will be kept and what will be sold as of yet - I'd love to keep the merc and get it into car-show condition sometime. The 504 will definitely be kept for the time being. And the midget (yet to be uncovered) is probably a keeper too. As regards the bikes I think we'll hang onto the Harley (as that was a present for the old fella from my mum) and one of the Honda 50's. All the tractors will probably go (two Fergusons, a little Zetor and a Ford 3000) but I'm in no rush with any of them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    galwaytt wrote: »
    I posted that on Page 4.....who knew this would turn into the best thread on boards.ie by a mile ??

    Anyway, I did what said id do and started visiting, albeit sporadically due to Covid19 - but at 78+ yrs age, there was that to worry about too. Thankfully he's the happiest cocooner I've ever met, surrounded by his collection.

    Mind you, it didn't stop his tally of cars increasing....he's added 3 Minis, a W211 and an 03 S Class ......

    I delved into the bowels of the place and note the Trevi and W111 are still there, but my one-owner 1200 Beetle is dead....too much stuff piled on it methinks, and roof collapsed.....sigh...

    .....it'll be a few years yet, my thread-in-the-making, methinks




    I have a feeling your old man would have got on rather handsomely with mine!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,317 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    alfa beta wrote: »
    Hi Cobo - my brother has decided to try his hand at getting that back on the road. I'll be dropping it to him in the next few days (It's a bit of a cross country trek!) - However, if it ends up sitting in another shed or if he changes his mind I'll keep you posted!!

    It should fire up easily enough, if she lives could you make a short video I haven't heard a cub in years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    It should fire up easily enough, if she lives could you make a short video I haven't heard a cub in years.


    Will do :-)


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Jaysus keep the Merc at least! What a beauty!! I'd give my right arm and possibly my left to be in your situation.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,219 ✭✭✭pablo128


    Jaysus keep the Merc at least! What a beauty!! I'd give my right arm and possibly my left to be in your situation.

    I'd say 99% of the posters on this thread would do it he same, me included! I'd be over the moon with an empty shed, let alone the machines.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,790 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    alfa beta wrote: »
    I have a feeling your old man would have got on rather handsomely with mine!!!

    You're right - they seem of the same ilk.

    Keep the Merc. I wouldn't even aim for showroom standard - the way I look at is, they were never showroom when in everyday use, so that not really how they were. Think 'oily rag' resto.

    One thing I dont want to do to ours is have it super shiney. They were never 2-pack shiney even when they were new !!

    At one point my Dad had two at the same time: a 220s and a 220SEb - here they are in a too-short driveway in Caherdavin in Limerick in about 1972.....you can't see the front of the SEb. It has the twin stack lights unlike the single big ones of the S.

    He paid the Ever Ready Garage in Donnybrook the princely sum of £880 for the SEb in.....1968 ?? A one owner, ex diplomatic corps car.....

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    galwaytt wrote: »
    here they are in a too-short driveway in Caherdavin in Limerick in about 1972.


    Great photo - it's not too many houses that would have had two Mercs parked outside like that back then!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭Bif


    alfa beta wrote: »
    Great photo - it's not too many houses that would have had two Mercs parked outside like that back then!!
    Was he a gov. minister?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,790 ✭✭✭✭galwaytt


    Bif wrote: »
    Was he a gov. minister?

    Lolz no, a builder. Collecting Veehickles obviously started early... :pac: The 220s was subsequently sold to an uncle of mine, and the SEb kept.

    I came across old negatives which I'm playing around with digitising atmo, and came across pics of his first car, and his second - see attached - and yes, like this was in a different time & place, them's are chickens......

    Note the bonnet badge on the black car - same one was on the steering wheel- prior to the use of "VW" as badge, it's the old Wolfsburg badge.

    I think the tyre widths are bordering comical - but probably made the car very comfortable.

    Ode To The Motorist

    “And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, generates funds to the exchequer. You don't want to acknowledge that as truth because, deep down in places you don't talk about at the Green Party, you want me on that road, you need me on that road. We use words like freedom, enjoyment, sport and community. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent instilling those values in our families and loved ones. You use them as a punch line. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the tax revenue and the very freedom to spend it that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you" and went on your way. Otherwise I suggest you pick up a bus pass and get the ********* ********* off the road” 



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,317 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    galwaytt wrote: »
    Lolz no, a builder. Collecting Veehickles obviously started early... :pac: The 220s was subsequently sold to an uncle of mine, and the SEb kept.

    I came across old negatives which I'm playing around with digitising atmo, and came across pics of his first car, and his second - see attached - and yes, like this was in a different time & place, them's are chickens......

    Note the bonnet badge on the black car - same one was on the steering wheel- prior to the use of "VW" as badge, it's the old Wolfsburg badge.

    I think the tyre widths are bordering comical - but probably made the car very comfortable.
    Well, the black car always knew where it was going....


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Here is what your type 3 should sound like, my maiden voyage today after a long resto,

    now just small bits a and maybe a respray, or maybe not.





    :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s


    Sounds great, the only thing I'd change would be the plates.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    And in case the eagle eyed boardsie is looking for the tax and insurance disc...

    they are on the passenger seat.....no screen wallet:)


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    kev1.3s wrote: »
    Sounds great, the only thing I'd change would be the plates.

    Step away from the vehicle now mister...:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,085 ✭✭✭✭BonnieSituation


    kadman wrote: »
    Step away from the vehicle now mister...:D

    Tbf, he has a point.

    Set of these would just make her pop:

    50043041638_c417bdd417_c.jpg

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=113848851&postcount=6122


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Tbf, he has a point.

    Set of these would just make her pop:

    50043041638_c417bdd417_c.jpg

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=113848851&postcount=6122

    mmm..............maybe.
    And the front ??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s


    kadman wrote: »
    mmm..............maybe.
    And the front ??

    Has to be black letters on white background, same font.
    Dont want to come across as pedantic but one of my pet hates is those black plates, especially on an original irish car.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    kev1.3s wrote: »
    Has to be black letters on white background, same font.
    Dont want to come across as pedantic but one of my pet hates is those black plates, especially on an original irish car.

    Different views are always welcome, thats what boards is all about:)

    But the only original Irish part of this car, is the number plate and floor pan.

    The body was originally on an english floor pan. But as the chassis number is stamped on the floor pan itself, law dictates that the logbook details stay with the pan.

    So when I scrapped the original very crusty powdery non repairable pan, and replaced it with the better solid floorpan, the numbers changed.

    Hence the original irish number on a UK body. Not what I wanted to do, but law says I must.

    Do I keep the plates now:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s


    kadman wrote: »
    Different views are always welcome, thats what boards is all about:)

    But the only original Irish part of this car, is the number plate and floor pan.

    The body was originally on an english floor pan. But as the chassis number is stamped on the floor pan itself, law dictates that the logbook details stay with the pan.

    So when I scrapped the original very crusty powdery non repairable pan, and replaced it with the better solid floorpan, the numbers changed.

    Hence the original irish number on a UK body. Not what I wanted to do, but law says I must.

    Do I keep the plates now:D:D
    Its entirely your call, whatever you think suits it best but i certainly think original style plates look way better.


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    You're probably right...any suggestions where to get them , as not all motor factors do the vintage plates.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,492 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    kev1.3s wrote: »
    Has to be black letters on white background, same font.
    Dont want to come across as pedantic but one of my pet hates is those black plates, especially on an original irish car.

    Those plates would have been the originals until some point in the 70s

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,731 ✭✭✭Type 17


    Those plates would have been the originals until some point in the 70s

    Not quite those ones - the black/silver ones that were standard (until Irl joined the EEC in 1974) were the RPI 393 font in the pic below, rather than the 78 D 1165 one.

    20cff1W.png


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,795 ✭✭✭Isambard


    my take on number plates DSC00125.jpg

    if I recall they were from Eireplates.

    these from the morris minor club years ago would be better still

    013.jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭forgottenhills


    Isambard wrote: »
    my take on number plates DSC00125.jpg

    That's very casual parking there in the middle of the road.

    There were a couple of towns in the midlands that used to have very wide main streets, particularly some before they improved with segregated-off parking areas and flower beds etc that narrowed the streets. The locals used to say that you could drive into town and just pull up, rather than have to park.

    Edit: I have just realised that that particular road/mountain pass runs between the yellow lines so car is fine!


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 19,864 Mod ✭✭✭✭Sam Russell


    That's very casual parking there in the middle of the road.

    There were a couple of towns in the midlands that used to have very wide main streets, particularly some before they improved with segregated-off parking areas and flower beds etc that narrowed the streets. The locals used to say that you could drive into town and just pull up, rather than have to park.

    Edit: I have just realised that that particular road/mountain pass runs between the yellow lines so car is fine!

    There used to be parking in the middle of O'Connell St in Dublin.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,819 ✭✭✭Silent Running


    There used to be parking in the middle of O'Connell St in Dublin.

    I can conform this. I used to park there. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 35,492 ✭✭✭✭Hotblack Desiato


    Type 17 wrote: »
    Not quite those ones - the black/silver ones that were standard (until Irl joined the EEC in 1974) were the RPI 393 font in the pic below, rather than the 78 D 1165 one.

    20cff1W.png

    Yes the font on modern black plates is usually wrong, it's the same one as standard current plates which is a lot narrower (stroke width and symbol width) to accommodate more symbols.

    From my childhood I seem to recall black plates with raised plastic white symbols on them on very old cars! A little like the '79 Cortina but not silver and with a sort of triangular cross section.

    I also seem to recall that silver on black plates remained legal for some time after they commonly fell out of use, can anyone recall the year? I have a modern classic bike one would look well on...

    Scrap the cap!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,638 ✭✭✭zilog_jones


    Black plates were still allowed up until 1987, I believe. There were a few plastic variations produced in the '80s, some with what looked like gold or bronze lettering.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,358 ✭✭✭kev1.3s


    Black plates were still allowed up until 1987, I believe. There were a few plastic variations produced in the '80s, some with what looked like gold or bronze lettering.

    Black with gold digits made up of lines.
    Sorry to have completely derailed this thread which m is the best thread in here in quite some time


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,731 ✭✭✭Type 17


    Speaking of back on track, why the hell are we posting sample pics from the internet of period, pre-'74 black and silver plates when we have two perfect examples? :)
    alfa beta wrote: »
    IMG-5508.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 763 ✭✭✭alfa beta


    kadman wrote: »
    Here is what your type 3 should sound like, my maiden voyage today after a long resto,

    now just small bits a and maybe a respray, or maybe not.





    :)


    This looks (and sounds great) - I love the fastback shape - not really a fan of the squareback shape i must admit but i love this. (VW looked so much closer to Porsche back then, maybe that's what I like about this)

    Well, we managed to move our VW today. It took hours as we only had an inch on each side (between the merc and the 504) and no way of getting to the tyres, or the steering wheel etc, so it was a slow process using some jacks and pulling it a few inches at a time. It's too dark to take photos now, but I'll get some tomorrow. It's in better nick than I thought so I'm quite happy with that. Seemed very solid when pulling it too.

    My mum was delighted as she found some Horse Chestnuts in the glove compartment. She remembered picking them off a tree when herself and Dad broke down on their honeymoon and were waiting for the AA man to arrive - somewhere near Warrington I believe.

    There's so much more to old cars than engines and chassis and body panels, isn't there? There are memories and secrets and character. Is that why we keep them?

    On another note, we also brought this machine out into the daylight for the first time in a few years. Started like a dream on a newly charged battery, and drove perfectly. But then got stuck in third for some reason and now seems impossible to get back into neutral. Maybe someone here is familiar with old Ford 3000's and knows something I don't!


    IMG-5519.jpg


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Music Moderators, Regional East Moderators, Regional Midlands Moderators, Regional Midwest Moderators, Regional Abroad Moderators, Regional North Mods, Regional West Moderators, Regional South East Moderators, Regional North East Moderators, Regional North West Moderators, Regional South Moderators Posts: 8,037 CMod ✭✭✭✭Gaspode


    alfa beta wrote: »

    My mum was delighted as she found some Horse Chestnuts in the glove compartment. She remembered picking them off a tree when herself and Dad broke down on their honeymoon and were waiting for the AA man to arrive - somewhere near Warrington I believe.

    There's so much more to old cars than engines and chassis and body panels, isn't there?

    What a lovely thing, this thread is the thread that just keeps giving!


  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    The squareback must hold a special place in your mums heart.
    Maybe thats the one to keep. Get it running and drive it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭stock>


    alfa beta wrote: »
    On another note, we also brought this machine out into the daylight for the first time in a few years. Started like a dream on a newly charged battery, and drove perfectly. But then got stuck in third for some reason and now seems impossible to get back into neutral. Maybe someone here is familiar with old Ford 3000's and knows something I don't!


    IMG-5519.jpg
    Lift the gear levers and align the two selectors rods, you will see the two squares and align them,then replace the gear levers with a bit of sealant. The gear levers wear as do the selectors and one slips out of the other so be gentle when changing gear..............................................................


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,783 ✭✭✭eddhorse


    My mum was delighted as she found some Horse Chestnuts in the glove compartment. She remembered picking them off a tree when herself and Dad broke down on their honeymoon and were waiting for the AA man to arrive - somewhere near Warrington I believe.

    Ive changed my mind, keep the squareback !!!


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  • Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 5,124 Mod ✭✭✭✭kadman


    Mum might like to see the squareback everyday for the happy memories, then again she might not want to be reminded
    of all the happy memories by seeing the car everyday.
    Its a funny thing like that.

    I remember similar circumstances in my own family. And it was too painful for some family members to be reminded
    by all the items of the deceased member, so they were sold on. Its a very individual thing.

    There is probably a long list of people who would love that car, me included.

    But I still think you should hang on to it. Or at least let it go to someone who would put it back on the road.
    Its probably worth more to break it for parts, which is a sad thing,than sell it as it is.
    And that would be sacrilegious in my view to such a car.

    It needs to be on the road and driving.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,029 ✭✭✭spaceHopper


    Whats under the tarm to the left of the merc?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 741 ✭✭✭WildWater


    Whats under the tarm to the left of the merc?

    At this rate, I'll be pretty disappointed if it's not a space shuttle. :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 755 ✭✭✭stock>


    Whats under the tarm to the left of the merc?


    DB5..............................................................;);)


  • Registered Users Posts: 441 ✭✭forgottenhills


    stock> wrote: »
    DB5..............................................................;);)

    Or perhaps a DeLorean, driven once and parked up.


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