My Driving Orange Is BACK ON THE ROAD! | Workshop Diaries | Edd China

I'm pleased to share that my driving orange is now back on the road!
Hot metal and a hammer should fix my wonky steering but then I have to set up the classic Mini suspension that sits under my Amazing Outspan Orange. This week, having solved the mystery of why my driving orange has been pulling to the right for so many years; I now need to correct a bad fix of some old accident damage.
After some heating, bashing, cutting and welding I get the mushed suspension mount back to standard(ish) and then I set up the suspension geometry with some low-tech methods. But, will all of this corrective work finally get this orange oddball back on the straight and narrow?
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[@dragonskunkstudio7582]

I was glued to this video. When I took mechanic school the wheel alignment was a separate course and I opted not to take it as it was all done with lasers and electronics, not every garage would have such an elaborate system. So when I can learn something new it is always appreciated. Thanks Edd!

[@stevejohnson1685]

I worked for a U.S. company that had a wheel alignment system product. Despite being a physics and maths major, I still was intimidated by the geometry stuff. Edd made it all so (comparatively) simple here - thanks, Edd!

[@danieljordannicol9937]

This is the wheeler dealers everyone wanted

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Totally agree. No more skipping past all the Brewer rubbish to get to Edd in the shop.

[@bkirkbir]

Well, we need more interesting cars

[@lexuses3942]

Do you know why he left ?

[@general_bommel]

@Tom Reeves same

[@clockwork9827]

it's one of them

[@a1d3nh0]

Edd, you’re the greatest. Keep up this workshop series, it’s what wheeler dealers should have always been.

[@lawrences1347]

Stop bleating on about Wheeler Dealers.

[@a1d3nh0]

@@lawrences1347 first time I’ve ever mentioned it, dumbass

[@ElectronicInspiration]

@@lawrences1347 roasted

[@deanchartier2663]

I love all the simple alignment tools a home garage, and a few helpful hints from Edd! I used to work on everything mostly body and frame work. 20 + years until a car accident rear ended me causing multiple fractures in my spine. That ended my business and career. I love ❤️ “Welcome to the workshop” I feel like I’m a friend stopping by for a chat and lesson as I’m a grease junkie too,

[@QuantumFlay]

Loving the videos Edd it’s so refreshing seeing the best part of “wheeler dealers” nitty gritty that I enjoyed so much, Friday afternoons are now something to look forward to! Thanks Edd + The team

[@eddchina]

Thank you! It's always lovely to get feedback like this!

[@rdvgraaff]

@@eddchina I prefer KZbin and the freedom it gives you to produce how you want to.

[@adammcallister2260]

@@eddchina you were absolutely right when you said the work is the USP of the show and having a 1hr program condensed down to about 20 minutes of mechanical work was never going to work. This is far better and much, much more entertaining. Great work!

[@buenodye4723]

Here here good sir 👍

[@lmcshera]

I don’t miss the staged purchase & sale “negotiations” thats for sure

[@martinaggett7461]

I remember seeing three Outspan orange cars stored off Berkhamsted High Street in the late 80s/90s, I always thought they were the coolest thing ever.

[@bohicajohnson7203]

The gusset is actually part of a bracket. That, the CAD and the angle grinder warms the cockles of Bad Obsession Motorsport's heart!

[@drost582]

Love the videos. I remember seeing that Orange Mini in a magazine, long time ago. Great to see it again. Here in Canada my father had a shop and worked on VW and British Leland products. I can still smell the inside of those old cars. Keep the videos coming.

[@joshg1704]

Orange you missing something? Such a head-turner. Good job as always Edd.

[@kevthebusman4768]

Great to see Edd using the old tools and not all this electronic BS , Rock on Edd.

[@TastierBackInThe80s]

This episode couldnt have come any sooner. Absolute rubbish week Ive had, and this will be just what the Dr ordered.

[@Si74l0rd]

Yeah, I've not had the best day, been on the phone with the bank for an hour trying to resolve technical issues. I was irritable, now I'm feeling pretty chipper again. Watching Edd is bloody awesome for relaxing to and learning something new. Top job as always Edd!

[@AceFace50001]

I may be from the States, but my week has been rubbish as well. Edd's Zen approach is much appreciated.

[@irifyan4643]

Same

[@engineslovetostartmatthew]

Have a better day tomorrow guy's keep calm and carry on

[@irifyan4643]

@@engineslovetostartmatthew thanks buddy

[@mrrberger]

Edd brings smiles to those on the outside and now he gets to smile on the inside. Everyone loves a classic mini and it's variants, you bring happiness to so many, thanks.

[@bentp4891]

I wish I had a workshop like Eds, with a car lift. And all the tools you need. And the actual ability and skill to use them.

[@jasonhobbs5611]

My thoughts exactly, I would be happy to find 1 reliable trust worthy mechanic that knows what he's doing. I've been looking for years and I'm still looking lol

[@VMorghulisreal]

It is amazing how Mr. China solves mechanical issues that should throw back into the litter all those cars. You give new life to these oldies and that's fantastic! Good job, Mr China!

[@JimWattsHereNow]

Another cracking episode, really explained the mystery of toe, caster and camber. Great work Ed and team. Also super job Howard and son!

[@chrissharp5073]

There is something addictive about watching you put together,fix,repair or restore a vehicle. Your skills and knowledge are absolutely brilliant. Thank you for sharing. WD's lost the star of the show but we gained you and your videos.

[@coresect]

Every time I see the Outspan car I'm reminded of the space pod in 2001. It would just need to be white and have a pair of mechanical claw-arms.

[@lvlavericktheoutsider1090]

Now you've said it....

[@nick3795]

I really loved the times you sorted out the geometry on WD, unfortunately I couldn't pause, rewind or come back to the episode for use as a guide. This series is a great source of information, I must admit I was a bit wary at first, wondering whether it could be the same without Brewer's door cards but please keep these videos coming. I've been watching from the 8th November from ECWD Ep.1 and I have reached Ep. 23, great work! Thanks mate.

[@digitalrailroader]

Loved the Shoutout to Nik and Richard of BOM! Perhaps they’ll let you take Binky for a spin when she’s all done!

[@888johnmac]

with Binky's reduced cabin area i doubt Edd would even fit in the drivers seat

[@russjam121]

Unless they are putting a seat for edd on the roof then it will be a no as edd barely fits in a range rover let alone a classic mini.

[@eddchina]

Being full-size, unless Nik has fitted a Tardis bracket there will be no way of squeezing me into such a small space full of Celica bits and HVAC tomfoolery!

[@agentno01]

So happy to see the Orange back on the road and driving safely! Seeing it dart across the roads was just hilarous. Just one thing occured to me: I've learned it is best practice to put the bolt for the tie rod in from above, not from below (which is of course easier to get in). This prevents it falling out in case the nut comes loose, which would lead to a complete loss of control. That is of course unlikely because of the nyloc nuts used today, but I think still an important point. Greetings from Germany, Timo

[@SirHackaL0t.]

Thank you. The first time I’ve seen suspension being adjusted in full. Nice job. :)

[@geekiejesus8482]

A quality video! And I'm immensely gratified you are doing well in this series of videos after your experiences with Brewer. I always felt that your segments were akin to a patient teacher who opens the minds of those looking eager to learn.

[@diegocella6791]

For anyone who is wondering where is the Range Rover, it's still at the MOT station, they are still writing the report...

[@richardschofield2201]

All those unexpected trips to the supplies store to get more toner and paper probably slowing them down a little.

[@petergrunendahl2074]

Great, we will receive a lot of repair clips. :-)

[@ettaxi1082]

@@richardschofield2201 sounds like it's going to rival War & Peace.🤣

[@joaopmf]

Some say the DVSA's website crashed because of that

[@lvlavericktheoutsider1090]

XD

[@Slyder42]

Just seeing that orange zipping down the road. It is a clever vehicle. Very enlightening to see the explanation behind what happens when you get an alignment. Thanks Edd!

[@marcosspagnol7488]

Hands down Edd!!! What an amazing class, thank you for your effort to bring such a complicated topic in a palatable and easy way to understand.

[@snoddy65]

That was a nice little shout out to BOM

[@djmips]

Bad Obsession Motorsport are awesome.

[@1mic3]

It’s jobs like this that only go to show that I’m good for nothing but filling the washer bottle! Great video as ever 👍👍

[@hippynurd]

Ive always been kind of a fraid of steering and suspension stuff, thanks for the video, you explained everything very well

[@mrlister2000]

"a nice tidy gusset" - A sentence you thought you would never hear Edd say!

[@spana123321]

Can’t beat fettling with a gusset 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Robb403]

You very good at presenting technical instructions about servicing your car in an understandable manner.

[@Simon-ui6db]

Its given the car a new zest of life..... Yeah I'll get my coat. Great series Edd and the team.

[@hammelbammel1651]

It is like every friday evening you are visiting your friend in his workshop and together you are wrenching on cars,....just great!

[@themotorhino1331]

This is what I look forward to in closing out my work week. I watch it usually on my lunch break and finish out the day on a good note. For that, I thank you.

[@Spookieham]

Another cracking video from Edd with lots of hammer action. Just like the best days of WD but even better. Great shout out to the lads at Project Binky!

[@briantitchener4829]

Great episode as usual. The Outspan Orange test drive was delightful. Since living abroad I have forgotten how quaint the English countryside looks.

[@tedmoss]

Very nice. I love to see the small cars, they are so easy to work on. I had a Daily driver 1962 DKW for 10 years (1964 to 1974) which I got in a trade for a 1958 Ford Consul. It finally gave out because of using detergent oil (1/3 detergent and 2/3 oil) instead of 2 stroke oil.

[@sirgilly2858]

It's Great to see Edd.. Doing what he knows best and sharing his knowledge with us all.. Roll on a Million subs 👏👏👏 👍

[@engineslovetostartmatthew]

Well said

[@dazzlerbob1870]

Ed after you mentioned Richard & Nick on their CAD design, you've not had any ideas yourself of grafting a Toyota Celica 4 wheel drive running gear into the Outspan mini?

[@eddchina]

We’d never be able to squeeze all that in!

[@Odin029]

It's a small part of this video, but watching Edd back in the day showed me how to use spray paint without getting streaks.

[@ElliotFlowers]

I have never been so eager to see a list of problems that needs to get done for an MOT!!! COME ON!!! Lets see it!!!!!

[@GeneraleRus]

I can't stop laughing at seeing Edd driving a motorized orange with his knees under his chin

[@philiplawrence2785]

Found this on a local history site

[@philiplawrence2785]

But can’t upload a photo or the outspan car

[@parrotraiser6541]

Congratulations on sorting your Mini Citric. That tie-rod end bracket has a pretty dubious metallurgical history. Bent by an unknown impact, twisted back, subjected to various degrees of heat with questionable coatings to blend with the skin, might it have been safer and quicker to amputate and replace with a fabricated new piece, or are there factors I haven't considered?

[@jdmjesus6103]

The fresh gusseting should remove any chance of cracks forming if that's what you're concerned about. It's at least as strong as the other side so I'd say it's fine.

[@Makatea]

It's a solid, mecanically superior plan, but would probably have taken another episode to get it done. Given that the orange will not make a lot of long-distance driving, it's good enough how Edd did it ;-)

[@dimadee]

Thanks Edd for putting a big smile on my face during lockdown in Melbourne. Great job mate!

[@michaelfoster7521]

Fantastic a show that finally focuses on the mechanics, keep up the good work Edd

[@gowerski]

the best part of this ep was you enunciating the writers' in names :^)

[@Rog_Ramjet]

I was always advised that you put the bolt through from the top and fixed the nut from below so that if the nut fell off the bolt would stay in place keeping the joint (from someone 50 years in engineering).

[@Ivorbiggin]

I never seen a ‘nyloc’ nut fall off or become loose

[@jmaxim80]

Love the new show edd I hope your having fun with it and continue it for many years to come. 🤞

[@johnnyknap]

Excellent explanation of setting the geometry on an orange. Many thanks Edd

[@garyparker2969]

Sorry Edd I COULDN'T HANDLE ALL THE TECHNO-JIVE But I'm GLAD To See You've Got'er Fixed and Are Back To Peeling Around The Roads Again. God Bless All.

[@arthurtsaktserlis6726]

You’re a legend Ed keep it up. Thank you for all your time and content. Cheers.

[@paulw103]

Three words sums up this series of videos “Absolutely bl00dy brilliant” Keep up the great work Ed and team 👍

[@richardhaywoodh]

Brilliant full steering adjustment explanation of what can be a very confusing subject

[@paulb4uk]

Superb work back to being able to drive and enjoy it safely ,

[@templetoon1983]

An Orange of that size should never run out of juice 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mariegriffiths]

Get your coat in shame for that joke.

[@TJMack-]

Great vid, Edd. Dunno if I said this before but, I'm old enough to see one of these Outspan Orange minis in an Edinburgh car dealership showroom when I was about 6-7 years old (c. 1973-74) and being absolutely fascinated by it! I particularly liked the orange tinted windows - groovy! With you driving it through your local village it was very reminiscent of an episode of 'The Avengers' or something.

[@davejellyman]

Absolutely brilliant liked wheeler dealers but many times skipped the selling and buying parts to get to the interesting stuff. Glad to see Edd back .

[@c1tlr340]

Loving these video's, great to have Edd back. What's everyone's thoughts on "Ant Anstead master mechanic"? I can't watch it

[@theroadtrips]

I'm quite enjoying it actually, I like how he's made it more personal and gets the crew involved, nice touch I think. Bad timing by having his ex other half in it though!!

[@chuckstang]

Wonderful episode Edd. I kept checking the time to make sure we were getting a test drive in. Now I'll have to find a job around the house to not complete so I can say, "but that's a job for another day."

[@andymiller5611]

Fantastic video and great content! At nearly 45 minutes, we'll soon be having one hour long episodes - can't wait!

[@jesper1406]

It took a while for Edd to get to do what I really love to watch, but eventually we are here. 45 minutes with Edd, without having to listen to the big pumpkin yakking on forever about his own greatness. That's all I ever wanted: Edd. Just Edd, doing his things nice and slowly. I learn something every time... Keep it up Edd!!!

[@banditpete12]

Your a joy to watch edd! There is far to many people on screen that sound like there reading from a manual and actually have no idea why there doing what they are doing. instead of actually speaking and explaining from experience like yourself.

[@mrwaffles1394]

The orange makes me happy. Love it.

[@williamdubyaog1334]

Well done Edd VERY well done 👌🏻, to see you driving that around just put a big smile on my face 😁

[@toboldygo5823]

Ed is more down to earth than the other guys. I like seeing Ed work on cars Keep up the good work. As you guys on the other side of the pond say crack on 🪄✨👍🏻✨

[@TheOddVideoChannel]

15:22 "... maybe even a plane". Nice! I am currently restoring a plane, a Scheibe Falke SF-25b. If you're interested then have a look at the videos I made about it ;)

[@Phiyedough]

Nice welding, I wish mine was that neat!

[@Kurogane-san]

Finally the orange rolls straight ahead. Good job fixing it Edd!!

[@XLR8RRICK]

Good to see you still at it Edd.

[@danbanham728]

Subscribed, my new favourite channel, loving these videos Edd, Humour, entertainment, educational, enjoyable... that's my viewing sorted for a Friday, night... big tick! Seriously really pleased for you that you are doing well with so many subscribers, well earned. You were by far the part of WD that everyone loved and these videos are allowing you to do what you want to do, with your content no BS, no dead weight, just quality content! good for you and we all benefit. What I also love is you don't talk about what you are doing like anyone is stupid but at the same time you appreciate your audience and the level of technical expertise. Here is to 1M subscribers!

[@mrshaneyt43]

Never seen that tracking pad before . Absolutely brilliant 👌

[@dankorolyk5917]

Another brilliant episode Edd!

[@stevewild6478]

I remember driving that orange in the 70s at a British Leyland garage I worked at, we had it as a demonstration vehicle for a few weeks it did not handle then so I'm sure it has got worse over years.

[@TheKRU251]

Excellent to see the transformation to the driveability of the 'Orange'. One thing. Are you able to fit the adjustable tie bar clevis with the bolt head at the top? As an apprentice aircraft engineer we were taught that if the nyloc or thread failed etc the bolt would at least stay in place due to gravity! Keep up the great content Ed. Superb!!!!!!

[@Makatea]

Plus, in aviation, you'd probably use a crown nut with a pin or a Fokker-pin if it gets undone more frequently.

[@TheKRU251]

@@Makatea If British yes; slit pin and castelated nut with a drilled bolt. If a Spam Can (American aircraft) a nyloc is the order of the day!

[@Makatea]

@@TheKRU251 Which begs the question: What would the beancounters at Boeing get their mechanics to do ;-) ?

[@marklampert1885]

Excellent series of videos on the little orange. And I have to admit that I got a good laugh from watching you zoom down the road and whip around corners!

[@christhjian9923]

Glad you're doing great with your channel. I've never seen so rudimentary alignment tools, although I've seen videos people doing their adjustments just with a cord and a measuring tape or a ruler. Still, the ones used in this video were the most simple tools designed for the job which I've seen. I'd like to ask how happy were you with the alignment tools? I know you got the job done, but would you recommend the tools to others? Which companies are offering them?All the best to you and the crew!

[@18robsmith]

One of the most hilarious cars ever - great to see one promenading around again :-)

[@mcburcke]

I'm a Yank, but I lived in Old Blighty (Woodbridge, Suffolk) for eight years, so I know a bit about the average bloke...based on that, I"m not at all surprised to see a giant orange motoring down the lanes. Madmen and Englishmen....

[@corrosionblock1]

Nice one Edd, great job on the steering. Nice village you live by, Cheers Dan

[@artillerest43rdva7]

you make it sound so easy to fix the front end alignment, how and what adjustments do what to correct the way it rolls. you have neat tools to be able complete the task. and do it correctly. thank you for the how to do video. always liked watching you fix up the cars in “wheelers dealers” I always wondered your name was in WD, always caught parts of the show. never was able to watch entire program. due to work schedule.

[@whoaaanelly65]

As a guy who's just finished a major front end rework with modification (drop and EPAS) I'm right now researching alignment shops knowing vintage car with modifications adjustment capabilities. As such a fellar is really hooking his peepers on those alignment tools! Are they available in the states? Ooh... Maybe Edd put a mention of them in his description. Fingers crossed!

[@whoaaanelly65]

I paused the video and saw Trakrite, but don't find anything looking like Caster/Camber card. And it's a UK product I see on eBay. Hopefully I get a reply with more info. Or I'll "Ask Edd."

[@eddchina]

Hi, the drive-over toe gauge is from Gunson and is called Trakrite and the castor/camber gauge is by ADA Instruments. I bought them at MiniSpares here in the UK because the Orange is a Mini but they're readily available on line by the looks of it.

[@whoaaanelly65]

@@eddchina thanks Edd. I really liked the simplicity of yours, but found "similar to it items" on this side of the pond, so awaiting their arrival. Fingers crossed they work as well. I so appreciate your response! Have been a fan for years and was happy to see your new channel. Cheers.

[@hellcat1988]

When cutting two pieces of metal from patterns with a common edge, you have to account for the thickness of the cutting wheel plus about 1/16th of an inch or so for melt. You will come up short if you don't. Also, PLEASE tell us where to get that caster/camber plate tool!

[@calibrazxr750]

But any tiny difference will be nullified by the weld.

[@hellcat1988]

@@calibrazxr750 Yes, but I was saying that to alert people who AREN'T welding the two pieces together or have the common edge open like he did. If you notice when he did the patters, the two edges he shared were the bottom of the gusset plates, so they didn't need to be exact.

[@danclemts]

Who makes the alignment gauge you use? Awesome show

[@calibrazxr750]

@@hellcat1988 I have carried out the exact same kind of work as he did, I repair cars in my spare time, as well as restoring a couple of classics, where I make repair sections from sheet steel. The templates themselves are rarely that accurate to begin with and there always tends to be small areas that don't quite fit perfectly, but a little shaved off here and a little extra weld there and even the worst fitting piece will look perfect when finished. Making small pieces like he did, in areas that are basically hidden, the need for an accurate or precise fit is negligible and almost pointless.

[@hellcat1988]

@@calibrazxr750 I didn't say that they need to be exact in every case. I said people need to remember to take it into account. Why is this such a point of contention for so many people? It's simple forethought and proper planning when making patterns for repairs!

[@twinkletoesheiferlump4999]

Loving the videos. A joy to watch and very informative. Thank you Ed for them x

[@BITTYBOY121]

Brilliant welding Edd - Well done man ! 👍👍👍

[@ScrotusXL]

Edd, great to see the big orange still going strong! I was taken for a spin in one when at primary school back in the 1970’s😳😅

[@kimmyrask7368]

Why is the description in my own language? So annoying haha

[@tomf3150]

Same. KZbin is stupid.

[@valde3336]

It's also translated totally wrong. Basically it talks about diary of driving on orange color road in China. This is almost only channel that has the translated title so translations must be some setting or something.

[@BoojayDeeth]

Nice Vid. At last the orange is rolling in a straight line. Love the detail, I bet it's good not having to edit on the whim of a TV producer. Here's to the channel continuing to go from strength to strength.

[@trev8591]

Fantastic explanation of steering geometry, showing this to my son. You explain it so well, Edd. Looking forward to an update on Malcolm's Beetle.

[@sjmoreira]

Love how you make it look so simple and easy to adjust the suspension alignment with a few (mostly basic) tools! Specially considering that some "garages" make a mess of it using those fancy machines with all the bells and whistles 🤦🏻‍♂️ #MilwaukeeChristmas

[@iamgrays]

I can't believe how invested I am in this orange!

[@nancyorourke8044]

Enjoyed seeing the Outspan Orange finally out and about! Congratulations on a job well done.

[@Golo1949]

Saw this vehicle in a motorway service station a good few years ago.

[@robbiegeefrom4325]

Me and my son are always looking forward to the new episodes. Keep up the great work!!!!

[@kingcal53]

Brilliant watching!

[@mehmeh5471]

Excellent video, this is the kind of stuff requiring precision that i don't trust tyre places to do properly to factory specifications. Thank you!

[@jeremytravis360]

I enjoyed your video from 43 minutes on Edd I'm an old git who doesn't drive anymore. But nice to see it on the rad with all the improvements. A job well done. I used to watch you on some of the old programs and I loved some of the conversions. It always amused me when Bill told us how much profit was made. It never really accounted for your man-hours in labour.

[@MrR6pilot]

I remember seeing that driving around the south west holiday resorts when I was a kid. It used to have a weird sounding electronic klaxon and a sweeping orange strobe light underneath !

[@mattwills87]

I'm sure Mark Evans will be delighted 😀 first cars then motorbikes then planes you'll have to pitch him the idea 'A boat is born'.

[@tightlines106]

The yank with a VW was a Kool guy keep us updated

[@julianh9347]

Great video, just one little critique from my personal point of view. That hole for the tie rod looked terribly worn out and widened. Personally i think i would have narrowed the diameter a bit of it, to make it more round then oval shaped :)

[@frances7243]

Another great video and, like others, these are my "must" for a Friday. Also good to see things not going quite to plan, as in car mechanics reality, and your solutions. Thanks Edd.