Assessing A Jensen 541

Jonn has been appraising our 1956 Jensen 541.

Here are his notes:

Grease all points. Remove all wheels and strip and check brakes. Wash down engine and gearbox areas. Refit all brake drums. Start up and check clutch bite point. Confirm bite point high.

Finish inspection. Run for a further 10 mins. Oil pressure ok. Temp upto 70 degrees. Brakes appear to all work. Switch off and inspect for signs of oil leaks. Findings… Anti freeze content low. No sun visors fitted. Exhaust downpipes hitting engine. Oil leaks, nothing serious just a few drips. Fuel filter black in bottom. Slight blows from exhaust system in various places. Play/knock in steering idler offside. Both steering idlers very close to chassis rails. All tyres starting to perish. Front brakes binding slightly. Front brake shoes glazed. Handbrake requires adjusting. Rear brake shoes worn. Rear diff sweaty. Drivers door panel loose at top edge. Clutch bite point high. Fuel guage not working. Runs not too bad but would benefit from service and tune up. Engine side covers, nearside wet and oily at bottom edge. Body and chassis all appear OK. Not run up to full temperature to check engine running hot as car inside workshop, but coolant will require changing as anti freeze content low, so will carry out a system flush at the same time.