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Daimler Dart restoration

by Esmond Tearle

I suppose that in a funny sort of a way things have now progressed in so much as the suspension was the initial reason that my Dart's intended rolling restoration project has turned into a full blown body off restoration.

It was the rear spring hanger that had parted company from the chassis that made a relatively simple rebuild that could be done over a period of time whilst I could still use and drive the Dart, turn into major task.

This week, the rear suspension is all in place, and the front suspension is now well under way towards being fully reconditioned and reassembled.

I told last month how I acquired new trunnions, as they are a source of problems if not kept well greased. It makes sense to replace any parts that may lead to future problems, so the trunnions were top of the list.

In addition, every nut and bolt, without exception has been replaced.

When Brian came to bolting everything into place, he discovered that the steering centre drag link, otherwise known as the centre tie bar, was showing signs of deterioration in the two bushes. These are made of metal with rubber bushes, and were referred to by Brian as "metallastic bushes". I had a look in the parts list from the Daimler specialist I buy parts from, and the centre tie bar can be bought complete as an exchange unit. The price is not exactly cheap, but I reckoned that was the best option.

I rang to enquire, and was told that the metallistic bushes can be bought and then it's a case of press out the old ones, and press in the new ones. Not a problem for Brian, the workshop has a press. Basically, I had saved myself some money.

Another part that was found to need renewal was a suspension bump stop. Probably not something that was a major problem if it wasn't there, but as it was supposed to be there, then I reckoned that it was worth replacing that together with the others. If one has failed, then so would the others. I rang to order these, and one was on back order, so things can still progress, but the last bump stop will be fitted when all the suspension and steering is in place.

Not much has happened since last month, but we are slowly and surely moving in the right direction.

On a very sad note indeed, I would like to dedicate this series of articles to my dear friend Eddie Oehlman who was to have painted my Dart when the time came to eventually restore the bodywork. I know he was looking forward to doing the job.

Sadly Eddie was suddenly, unexpectedly and very prematurely taken from us.

A brighter star in heaven. God bless you Ed.

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