Where have all the classics gone?

[stag-phil]

At the weekend I enjoyed a few days in Wales, near Tenby with the Stag.

This is the first time I have been away in the car and for 95% of the time the hood was down.

We had a great time, even SWMBO enjoyed being driven in Stag but I did not see another classic car all weekend, not one. As it was a Bank Holiday I was really expecting to be waving to other classics and was hoping to see some other Stags on the road especially as the weather was pretty good.

Where were you?

The only problem I had with the Stag was the tonneau catches, to start with the driver’s side would not lock when the hood was down and on the return journey the problem had spread to the passenger side. On my return tightening the catch bolts swiftly fixed the problem.

The long drive gave me the opportunity to get to know the car a lot better, I did not find the seats very comfortable and can understand why some owners convert their seats to something more modern. To be fair I should have spent a bit more time adjusting the seat. The other thing is the position of the clutch pedal, my left foot was getting stuck under the steering column. Towards the end I had learnt to keep my foot lower down on the clutch pedal but I would be interested to know if there are any adjustments or mods that would help.

Apart from those two minor issues (three if you add in the light steering) the Stag was great fun and really made the weekend.

I have started planning the next weekend away in the Stag!

[nib]

Hi Phil
Good to hear your problems were minor.
Has your seat lost any of its foam? The reason I ask is because I find my seats quite comfortable since having them re-formed.
The steering on my Mk1 is very light,it felt a lot better on my previous Mk2,I think the rack is slightly different on a Mk1 and add on the big steering wheel and you have the complete opposite of responsive.
Mark

[Ian Durrant]

I have always thought the stag seats were very comfortable. Maybe yours need new foams or diaphrams? My only criticism of them has been how hot they get in the sun (always keep a beach towel to put over them in the sun so they stay cool when you want to drive it) and that the lateral support isn't great so fast cornering results in your backside sliding left and right. It is a tourer rather than an out and out sports car though.

Taking mine on long drives was always a joy and I am hoping it will be again once this resto is complete.

[stag-phil]

The seats are in good condition but I was getting a bit of back pain after a while. I think a bit of time adjusting could help.

But what a car, it sounds great and is very practical.

[Ian Durrant]

The seats are in good condition but I was getting a bit of back pain after a while. I think a bit of time adjusting could help.

But what a car, it sounds great and is very practical.

Well IMHO you chose the best classic

[martin]

Hi Phil, it's GREAT that you enjoyed the weekend - even better that SWMBO did. I think you've got to lose weight and get smaller feet don't forget the height adjustment, that may make a difference.
Another thing you could try is to get rid of that waggely stick thing in the middle nitraM.

[GTJones]

Hi Phil

Shame you were not down this way this weekend as there is a regular (1st Saturday of the month) classic car brunch meet in the Cothi Bridge Hotel, not far from Tenby. There is a great mix of classics.
Check out the West Wales web site (http://www.stag.org.uk/index.aspx?pid=847) for details of the events in the area, this weekend is the Pembrokshire run (4th Sept) where over 600 classics meet up for a 80 mile tour starting from Haverford west, it's a great day with people out lining the route.
Gary

[CLASSICCHAV]

Hello Phil,in answer to your where were the classics?,parked up at home and i was in the kitchen getting drunk.simples.Glad you had a nice time though,wales is a lovely place.

[Princejohny]

Hi Phil

Shame you were not down this way this weekend as there is a regular (1st Saturday of the month) classic car brunch meet in the Cothi Bridge Hotel, not far from Tenby. There is a great mix of classics.
Check out the West Wales web site (http://www.stag.org.uk/index.aspx?pid=847) for details of the events in the area, this weekend is the Pembrokshire run (4th Sept) where over 600 classics meet up for a 80 mile tour starting from Haverford west, it's a great day with people out lining the route.
Gary

Looking forward to seeing this at the Withybush Showground (a vast area next to an airfield) near Haverfordwest. Just moved to Haver last week and should be able to walk there. Haven't got a running classic to enter at mo but last year there were hundreds attending. A visual feast if anyone's not been.

Johny

[ukbiggles]

Hi Phil, glad to see that you are enjoying the Stag.

Wrt the problem with your foot getting stuck under the steering column, I had this problem initially. There is a plastic shroud over the lower half of the steering column. Mine was loose meaning it hung down slightly, and my foot was getting caught on it as I released the clutch.

Fitting it properly cured the problem. Maybe yours is something like this too?

Gord

[stag-phil]

Ian: Absolutely right, the Stag has to be the most underrated classics. In fact I am quite glad it is as the current values in no way represent it’s true worth. A four seater convertible with a gorgeous sounding V8 should command prices far in excess of the current market value. Not only that, the SOC and in particular this forum make owning a Stag an absolute joy, more so than any other car I have owned.
Martin: On the return journey it occurred to me that the engine has so much torque and pulls in most gears that at times it felt as if it was an auto. In fact, on a couple of occasions when approaching a roundabout I had to remind myself to change gear and to come out of overdrive.

Gary: Story of my life, being in the right place at the wrong time. I will definitely be making a return journey, it was a great driving experience and a lovely part of the country.

Gord: I removed the lower steering column cover as it had broken but I still find on occasions that my foot interfered with the steering column. I only have size 8’s but I have learnt that by keeping my foot lower on the pedal I do not have a problem. I also wonder if it is connected to the seating position, I will have to try experimenting with the height adjustment and hopefully that will make the seat more comfortably as well as changing the angle of my foot on the clutch pedal. I have bought a replacement cover from JP which is made of fibreglass and therefore a bit thicker than the original plastic one. I will fit that to see if that helps as well.

Phil

[Another Peter]

Phil

Glad you enjoyed your weekend break apart from those annoying niggles which I'm sure from the advice on the Forum you will resolve.

I'm off for a weekend jaunt tomorrow up to the Lake District and I know it would be one heck of a journey for you Phil, but anyone else who wants to see lots of nice cars should be at Lakeside (south end of Windermere) at 10.00am on the Saturday and Sunday for the annual TR Register Lakes Tour. I'll be there in the Stag rather than a TR as one of the daughters wants to come with the wife and I.

Always a great weekend - if only the weather would oblige....

Regards

Peter

[Guest]

Hi Phil, you are right about the stag being under valued. Of course now I have one (5 years) they can double in value, that would be nice!!! And they are the best classic car bar none in my opinion. My mate has a series 3 E Type, common as muck!!!!!

Jason

[martin]

I went down to Heathrow to look at a Stag for a mate in the early nineties, it was the most expensive Stag in the country, and in the middle of the classic bubble, £17500, so they are definitely going up in value. Martin.