To Do or NOT to do

[David Kemp]

I am about to start a restoration of Jupiter 715, my intent is not to do a concourse resto, or make it a trailer Queen, But to drive it on full registration.
My question is do I leave the bush's ,seals that look ok ,alone, & not disturb 60 years of mechanical harmony. Or do I replace all rubber etc , as it is passed it's use by date & will fail with use.

[Forumadmin]

I would enjoy the car and see what leaks and rattles after giving an inspection on a lift.
Fix what is necessary and then tackle refurbishing jobs when you do not have any events to go to.
I would however go through the brake system checking everything functions first and put silicone fluid in.

[Keith Clements]

What is rubber on a Jupiter and what would I check after 60 years? When was the car last used? I suspect at least some parts have been replaced.
BRAKES
Check operation of all brake cylinders and make sure they do not leak. I can almost guaranteee they will not be all OK and some will need polishing or seal and cylinder replacement. Dismantle master cylinder and check condition of seal and piston. Blow out all old fluid from all lines and servos and clean fluid reservoir. Replace with silcone fluid. If you have a Javelin or modified Jup there may be a rubber pipe feeding the master cylinder. Definately replace this.

It is likely the three flexible brake pipes need replacing.

FRONT Suspension.
If the front suspension is of the metal (not rubber) variety then it is worth taking apart cleaning and greasing, before use. Make sure the boots on the top link are properly tied onand seal.

If rubber then, if there are no rattles, you should be OK until the winter refurb time. Think about polybushes.

Check out movement in king pin, lower pin and wheel bearings. Also flush out steering rack and put oil, not grease, in it, and probably fit new boots to the rack ends. Check out track rod ends for wear. Check camber and track so as not to wear out any new tyres you might fit.

Shock absorber operation should also be checked, front and back. A cobbled street is good for that or a speed hump.

REAR suspension
Check for cracks on lower arm and panhard rod rubber, but otherwise is probably OK unless it has had a hard life. Check the rear hubs are well on their tapers and there is no movement.


Transmission.
UJs often wear over this time period and the layrub may be hard or worn. So if any movement replace. The midship bearing has two soft runbbers that probably need replacing. Anyhow check for vibration on the road (or on axle stands) first and see what speed vibration occurs. Worth taking rear wheels off when doing this on axle stands. That method can also be used for checking wheel balance if your local garage cannot do it.

Gearbox rear support has rubber which MUST rotate on the tube. This often gums or rusts up after disuse. You may be able to release by slackening off the four small bolts and jiggling around and spraying with silicone grease. If you do not you are likely to crack the clutch bell housing.

Engine mounting rubbers ..check. Water pipes...check.

That's the important stuff! You are then into wipers, seals, grommets, rubber electrical connectors.... all of which may have gone hard or turned to goo.