Classics World

Shields up!

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I’ve managed to modify my recently acquired foot brace, but haven’t yet fitted it. Why? Well, while working on the carburette­r linkage, I became slightly distracted and began pondering the merits of fitting a heat shield (directly beneath the carburette­rs and directly above the silencer). I consider a heat shield to be a must have, because it does exactly what the name suggests – shields the carburette­rs from radiant heat, thus helping prevent fuel vaporisati­on. And, more importantl­y, it serves as a very effective barrier as, in the event of a fuel leak, it prevents said fuel from becoming intimate with the hot surface of the silencer – with likely incendiary results!

When I first rebuilt the Davrian I’d fitted a heat shield, but it wasn’t sufficient­ly large enough, nor was it aesthetica­lly pleasing. With a desire to create something that will be fit for purpose, as well as being pleasant in appearance, I had a good look at the area to be ‘shielded’ and then made a template from cardboard. This was trimmed, folded to shape, and trial-fitted.

After a few minor tweaks, the template fitted perfectly. All I then had to do was to replicate the heat shield in metal. So, I popped in to see Pete Downey, at Downey Engineerin­g in Pontrilas, to look at his Davrian Mark 8 (more on this next month), and to see if I could buy a metal offcut. However, Pete

suggested I visited ACL Sheet Metal in Hereford. They offered to cut, fold, and weld the heat shield for me. What they produced is a work of art. It is truly the Rolls-Royce of Davrian heat shields.

But, I made a rookie error as the metal I chose was too thick and heavy. I was going to support the shield using a bracket I’d made and fitted to the underside of the carburette­rs. I soon realised a shield this substantia­l would place too much strain on the bracket/carbs. Which is why I’m going to have another heat shield made – a lightweigh­t one. It’s also going to include a suitably positioned drain hole.

Because I’m adopting a belt and braces approach, I’ve also lined the underside of the airbox with ZircoFlex self-adhesive heat shield. This material is a brilliant thermal barrier and will definitely make for cooler running carbs.

Shielding seems to have been a bit of a theme this month. I’ve been underneath the Davrian fitting two other shields. Made by the Davrian’s original builder, to a high standard, they bolt to the underside and protect the cooling pipes, gear shaft, gear linkage, and wiring loom from the elements. As usual, fitting involved some gymnastics – and, as usual, some of the bolts didn’t want to play ball. But, I persevered and managed to get them attached eventually. I’m always amazed at how smooth the underside of the Davrian is. This is one flat-bottomed car – not so its owner!

Although planned for, I haven’t managed to make a start on the bodywork. However, for my most recent birthday, David presented me with a box of assorted bodywork ‘goodies’ including a sanding block, emery paper, primer, spreaders, and filler. He’s even planning to help! Mind you, this is probably to try and get into my good books. He’s been looking at Volvo 740 and 940 estates; I’ve a sneaking suspicion I’ll return home soon to find one parked in front of the garage – where my (modern) Volvo usually is.

I’ve lined the underside of the airbox with ZircoFlex heat shield

 ??  ?? Perfect size, shape, and beautifull­y fabricated – but too heavy for where I’d planned to mount it. My fault!
Perfect size, shape, and beautifull­y fabricated – but too heavy for where I’d planned to mount it. My fault!
 ??  ?? Measuring, cutting, and trimming
a template for the heat shield. Note the metal mounting bracket.
Measuring, cutting, and trimming a template for the heat shield. Note the metal mounting bracket.
 ??  ?? Fitting ZircoFlex heatshield material to underside of the carburette­r airbox. Fitting the undershiel­ds wasn’t too easy, but well worth the effort.
Fitting ZircoFlex heatshield material to underside of the carburette­r airbox. Fitting the undershiel­ds wasn’t too easy, but well worth the effort.
 ??  ?? These nicely fabricated protective undershiel­ds should do a great job of work. They don’t weigh much either.
These nicely fabricated protective undershiel­ds should do a great job of work. They don’t weigh much either.
 ??  ??

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