Petrol plus what?

I was talking to someone recently about adding additives to petrol to counter-act the effect of the lower octane and the increasing use of ethanol in petrol.  When I started looking at all of the options I came away confused.

Any thoughts on what works?  And the relative cost of these additives?

Thanks

Steering wheel

There is nothing wrong with the steering wheel fitted to my Daimler, however I have always fancied one of those lovely slim wooden ones.  Mota-lita make some lovely ones as do Nardi.  So do I buy one?

I do not need one, there are many other things I could more usefully spend my money on - but they do look good.

Any thoughts on which sort to get and also any issues with fitting them?

No more smell of petrol

Whenever I went in the garage it smelled strongly of petrol due to the tank leaking.  I was constantly propping the door open to let the fumes out.  Now it has had the new tank fitted it is a delight to go into the garage - no smell of petrol, just a shiny Daimler.

The garage that fitted the tank did a great job.  Martin Robey Jaguar parts were really helpful as I needed a couple of extra bits once the tank had been delivered.  The folks in their parts department were very helpful and polite.

The next job is to get the wire wheels fitted.  Two other jobs also remain, one is relatively easy - where do I get a wooden steering wheel?  The other task is more difficult - how do I get my wife to go for a ride in the car?

Petrol tank fitted

I have started to enjoy the Daimler more.  I treated it to a wash today. 

The best bit about the car apart from the looks is the wonderful soft burble of the V8.  I love it.

The petrol tank has finally been fitted.  There were a few minor issues on the way, more of which another day.  My next job is to sort the hubs so that the wire wheels can be fitted before winter.

Petrol tank and other excitement

Ok - things are not that exciting.  In the last couple of weeks the Daimler has needed a new battery.  So I went to Halfords to buy the most powerful battery that would fit, with a 4 year guarantee.  The logic of the powerful (and hence expensive) battery is that older cars often have starting issues, so plenty of oomph seemed like the right thing to do.  The reason for a 4 year guarantee is that when I have had classic cars in the past the short journeys and infrequent starts are hard on batteries, so I hope that if I kill this one off in the next few years I can have a replacement.

On a more expensive note I took the car to a local garage to get them to check a petrol leak.  I had suspected the petrol tank, but hoped that it might be a rusting pipe or perished rubber.  They confirmed it was the tank.  So does anyone know the best place to get a new tank?  And I know I need a fitting kit, but what else do I need?

Little things

It is the little things that frustrate and also the little things that make me smile.  I have been looking for some new mats for my Daimler for a few months.  I cannot find what I am looking for so I thought I would just buy some cheap ones (£25) for the set to tidy things up pending finding some nice ones.


See below the before and after pictures.

Wire wheels - part 2

I have finally bought 4 wire wheels.  I bought them off a delightful chap in Essex.  They are second hand, they are from an E Type Jag, and they have been refurbished.  So now I need some hubs, but as my car is a 1969 model I am not sure which hubs I need.  I know post 67 cars require different wheels to those that are pre 1967 but I have not been able to find out how the hubs differ or what part number I need.  Any ideas?

I also need to buy 4 spinners, there are sets available between £150 - £170 however those for a Jag are a bit cheaper, presumably because there are fewer Daimlers out there.

Either way I am getting excited about seeing my car on wire wheels.