Reliant Scimitar SE5a Episode 2 - Not at all going to plan!

In this video I explain the latest in the (un)reliable Reliant saga, repair the rear brakes and explore the crazy brake pipe set up! We also hit a bit of a roadblock, just what I needed, another long term project!
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[@keithrushforth4019]

Please keep the V6 as it's burble is part of the charm of the old Scimitars. To stick a turbo four pot in there would ruin the character of the car. Besides which those old Essex V6s are easy to work on so if it does need a new cam or whatever (that's what it sounds like) it wouldn't be a big job,.

[@leemcarthy4550]

You’re such a lovely man and ooze so much happiness joy and positivity, I’m not even sure you’re aware just how good you are. You’ve kept me sane with your content especially right now as am waiting for a new hip so I’m unable to work, I’m only very young too so it’s quite a difficult time for me. I just want to say thank you for being such a lovely man who’s highly intelligent and knowledgeable with cars. Not only that but you’re also a genius at keeping people (especially me) entertained. You’re everything that’s good in the world rolled in to one human being. I appreciate u buddy 👍 .

[@ChishanFipz]

Signed: The guy he bought the scimitar off

[@PedroPlckle]

Couldn't have said it better. All the best, Lee

[@tastyclassics]

Sorry for the delay in new videos but there's been a lot of life admin over the last few weeks! Back at it now though and thanks again for the incredible 10k subs, really appreciate it, spurring me on to save these things!

[@Oh-Jay52]

Single Circuit brakes? like the Mk1 minis (austin 7 etc) ...?

[@markzehetmeier195]

i feel that the car really deserves to have its mechanical heart repaired .

[@ched999uk]

Nice to see an SE5A - I rebuilt one many years ago from a rolling shell and boxes of bits. I would take rocker covers off and check things, do a compression test and then if it's bad look at an engine swap. It would be sad to see a Scimitar gone.

[@rob19632]

I have rebuilt a couple of Essex engines , a long time ago. They pretty simple. The cam is driven by two cogs on the front of the engine. Then the valves are operated by push rods. I would do an engine flush, change the oil and do the valve clearances. I did a crank regrind and changed the bid ends and mains.and put in new cam and oil pump. It ended up putting out 128 bhp which was only 7 down on new. There is more room in the scimitar than a Capri. Worth keeping the 3.0 Essex in my opinion.

[@anthonygibbo1881]

Definitely worth a rebuild that v6 I mean she did run like a champ when you drove her to she place of birth and I'm sure some new pushrods bearings and rings and she will be good as gold , I mean WHAT A MACHIIIINNE ("Clarkson" voice ) Definitely deserves bringing back to life because the old dirl don't seem too bad would love to own her 😂 oh and congrats on the 10k subscribers let's goo 👏🏻

[@philiplane3533]

I was so worried by the silence I did a bit of detective work and dropped in to see Ben at the workshop this afternoon. I can tell you, its all real! I saw the Scimitar, Mini, Morris 1000, Passat and the F250. What a lovely man! Very friendly and very genuine. I wish you all the very best with this channel as I can vicariously dream of doing what you are doing so well.

[@trevorpickering8660]

😊

[@stevepearce1913]

Nice to see our very own Vice Grip Garage back! Why not slot a Cosworth 24V V6 from a Ford Scorpio into the Scimitar? With a T5 5 speed gearbox it would really give some much needed performance and you can also tune those engines or even add turbos or throttle bodies for more power!

[@cavegod1]

Remove the belts and run it and use a scope to listen to various areas to pin point the noise!

[@andymarston360]

Great to see you back... Settling in with a beer to enjoy this..

[@brianclayton3359]

Great Video if you do sink a bit of cash into the old Scimitar definately change the fiber camshaft drive gear for a new one (steel if you can afford one) keep up the good work1

[@graemefisher7014]

Sell it and put the money into another left for dead car after the one you have lined up, really enjoy your videos you are the only you tuber who doesn’t annoy me which is high praise from me

[@tastyclassics]

😅 That's very good to know cheers Graeme!

[@alic4788]

Finally. We were getting worried. Let me just get the washing up done, and make a cuppa ready to sit comfortably and see what's been going on. 😁 I agree that engine sounds like it's ready for the bin. If you go the Saab route, it might be worth while getting in touch with Matt at Urchfab. He's done quite a few Saab engine swaps.

[@richardnewman8983]

Hello i love watching your videos it makes my day with being disabled and having mental health issues it gives me so much joy in watching your videos i am just watching you working on the mini which i love as i have always loved the clubman with the square front i had a blue one many years ago. i also love the scimitars specially the essex 3.0ltr. Please keep up the good work your a great guy who is down to earth and i thank you. from Richard from Dronfield Derbyshire.

[@vodaploda]

Really like the Scimitar body shape...I'd love it brought to life, pimped...but totally get that there's many other interesting projects. The understanding of engines and getting them back to life is really good to watch and an education. Thanks for the interesting content.

[@RedsGarageUK]

16:30 I don't know about the Scimitar, but the TR7 has that exact setup with just one bleed nipple at the rear. It's possible that is standard.

[@cgfootman]

36k subscribers in a year. Well done 👏

[@willyrackham2957]

Doing those brakes takes me back to 1969 as an apprentice.....anyhow stick another lump in it has to an Essex v6 ...I used to PDI these when new ...actually a nice motor....great show ....carry on !

[@JonathanTRoyNI]

If funds allow, I would love to see you try to rescue the engine. Whatever you do I am sure it will be fun and I will be watching.

[@vincemanley7168]

Had one about ten years ago same colour, what I would like to see is this one back in mint condition unlike mine due to lack of funds, still loved driving her and that v6 sounded great 👍 here's wishing you do her justice.

[@jonasbjork6593]

A car like that? Of course you should do a complete engine rebuild. I can't imagine that being hard or too expensive. Then shine it up and someone will have a nice classic for many years. If I lived in Brittain I would take the project over. 😀

[@kernowgirl53]

I would love to see it brought totally back to life. She sat a long time before you got her, so maybe park her in the corner under a cover to revisit when you have a break in other jobs. She got you all the way to and from your trip, so I think a bit of love would pay her back. 😊😊 loving your channel ❤

[@tonyashby9287]

Please save it 🙏

[@udall69ify]

Good to see you back. If you are looking for a vote mine would be to strip and rebuild current engine and go for complete renovation. Would follow with great interest 👍

[@SorryIwasntListening]

I wouldn't give up on the engine just yet.... Sound top end and I would like to what is under the rocker cover!!

[@raymondpearce5245]

Good to see you back brilliant video

[@stephendeadman7131]

Good to see you back 😊! 🙌

[@claytonspeedcars]

Great content! Subscribed! Always been a fan of the SE5 and 6 but never had the chance to play with one. Thanks!

[@neill4133]

Great video again, love your humour, keep it up!

[@croonersteve]

When you we’re outside cranking you can see it arcing out on the cylinder head with great regularity. Get the ignition up to snuff

[@nigelperkins1317]

yes it looks a good car

[@easyeaz]

Defo keeping this vid for when at work tomorrow night 😊😊

[@Jaxs2]

Another great video, Andy. You're a pleasure to watch my friend.... it would be great to see more from the Scimitar either way .. but that's for you to decide as its down to cost as you say .. takecare 🫵

[@stevenfrance6648]

A set of push rods might work mate

[@seonblackman7245]

I have a scimitar SE6a ...had it since 97 ...been keeping it running by hook or crook since then...finally getting down to restoration and rebuilt engine plus improved interior....your video inspired me to keep pushing on with it

[@terrywilkins5266]

Eagerly awaited next video mate.

[@malcolmaston3547]

I’ve taxed worse, great video again Ben, keep it up mate

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

The Scimitar engine should be rebuilt. It's such a cool coupe. How many have you seen in London? none most likely. I really think you could get a very good price for it after it's sorted out. It's most likely a niche market for these type of cars but then there are guys/gals out there in the UK and Europe that want to own one again. My guess is the 50 to 70 year olds out there would love to have a quick, and agile coupe to drive. As far as I'm concerned I'll wait for your videos. You're entertaining and educational. A real 21st century window into the world of British cars and England in general in 2023.

[@tastyclassics]

Thank you Clifford appreciate the kind and insightful words!

[@johnhaynes9910]

You are my hero, good to see you back among the spanners/old screwdrivers etc :)

[@gordonwelcher9598]

The trees outside look like something Black Sabbath would use for an album cover.

[@tonyhopgood1189]

Great to have you back, I was getting withdrawal.

[@terrywilkins5266]

Ben, that Reliant is a classic and could be worth something if you put the work into it. Love the videos though.

[@Chaostetley]

Great video, stitching hoodies - that cracked me up 😁

[@mhawkins1975]

You deserve the subscribers great channel and fantastic content with great humour too.

[@brentgilmore3281]

Hello from Across the Pond! I wanted to let you know, your videos are awesome. I tend to watch UK car videos over the USA videos, you guys, or Blokes, are a lot more entertaining and educational! Keep up the great work!

[@RajKumarSharma-hq8zy]

Nice to know you merry Christmas to you

[@GrahamReid34]

Phew your back was getting worried. Also 10k subs 🎉🎉

[@wassallevents]

I had the same noise on mine and it was one of the nuts for adjusting the rockers had come loose so you could here the push rod slapping the cam. It sounded just like yours. The nuts need taking off and squishing in the vice slightly and then re fitting. Hopefully yours is the same as nice easy fix.

[@stephenclarke8540]

So the priory let you out great to have the bodge master back

[@monksiemagic]

Great watch, brilliant channel. Spreading the word. Deserves many more subs!

[@tastyclassics]

Thank you Daniel! I've only been doing it since October last year but if you keep watching i'll keep doing!

[@johncallaghan4616]

Welcome back Ben, and massive Congrats on reaching 10k Subs (really quite quickly) but we shouldn’t be surprised, as the vids you produce really are works of beauty! Keep it up! For the Passat, pls don’t scrap…….fix ‘er upperer ! For the Scimitar, (not teaching you how to suck eggs!) something as simple as a long screwdriver on the rocker, pressed against one of those things on the side of your noggin’ (handle side up, of course!) to ‘find the clickety clackety spot’ might save you from dismantling, and help you determine next steps - I’d say lifters - thereafter see how much time you’ve got for a tiny delve inside, but I would now put her on the back-burner. Defo try to keep the original engine. Really lookin’ forward to the next instalment, whatever it is, but please make it sooooooooon ! Keep ‘em comin’ JCHK

[@barfy75]

Tip for you, Ben. Pour rectangular cross-section bottles (oil, anti-freeze, whatever) on side so "landscape" rather than "portrait" (aka turn 90 degrees) and the contents are less likely to glug out. I guess the science is the air replaces the contents more easily as they come out, but all you need to know is there's less mess. Love your channel. 👍

[@garyhardman8369]

One of the very few KZbin channels that I click like, before watching. Whatever you decide to do, I'm sure it will It will be entertaining!

[@petecollins3848]

Carry on as they say young man

[@TC-qd1zw]

A great Ford Essex 3.0 engine. Same as the Ark1 Granada which I had and it caught birds.

[@robmooijaart5313]

New subscriber here, please restore it to it's original state. At least mechanically, I wouldn't mind the patina. Love the stuff you do and I am pleased to see your channel grow, well deserved!

[@rickyrall1971]

Amazing knowledge, funny brother, makes excellent entertainment

[@tastyclassics]

Thanks Ricky!

[@georgesharman9891]

Congratulations on getting to 10000 you'll soon be on 100k

[@nealtyson3342]

Worth a bit of time to see what's going on with the old girl. You said it yourself, if you can save an old car then you will. If its not meant to be then so be it but worth a bit of investigating imo. Good luck 👍

[@rayclarine793]

Fix the car mate you have a great find every job you do gets you familiar with the car and when you are driving it painted the pain will be forgotten .

[@anthonyhawkins9239]

I love the revival side of you’re channel 👍, but would love to see this turn up ready for an engine swap 👍, so yeah ! Like to see this old girl back when you’re ready 🤓

[@andrewthompson7793]

Go saab.... im doing the same to my 1980 tvr tasmin. Which used to be 2.8 ford v6. 😊 ooh and congrats on the 10k subs

[@chrisaris8756]

From a distance ie over my iPhone I was inclining towards a knock from the camshaft. Pull off the rocker covers and see what’s what. Keep it up Ben you’ll be a million subscribers in no time!!

[@andybarnes437]

Chuffing love a bit of Tasty Classics on a Friday night...

[@pauljeffries]

Restore the scimitar 100%

[@DarrenCoull]

Something that light and cool looking deserves a V8 soundtrack! Doesn't need to be 4.6L Rover (they have some cylinder liner issues!), just a 3.9/4.0 would be easiest to do - preferably a Thor-type injected motor from a Disco 2. Best of luck!

[@markletts8802]

Absolutely love the 5a .but to say that doesn't sound to bad.LOL..optimism. at its finest,.worth the sub and all important👍

[@chinbin2006]

It's a 3.0 Essex V6, put a new/ good lump in there, you can't beat an Essex! A much more desirable car with the correct engine.

[@cliffordkinnear9705]

There is another guy/chap in England that specializes in engine overhauls only. He could help with any hard to find engine parts or machine them for you. Just trying to help.

[@mach1rob]

It deserves to live, its done well so far considering the time it's been sleeping, not many would have made the trip to Tammuff and back after being left for so long. Mine pisses me off each time I do owt, but perseverance will see it return one day, once dvla pull their finger out! It's great to watch as mines been off the road since 2007!

[@tastyclassics]

It's a proper knuckle scuffer! Next episode is well underway though let's see if it'll come round to my way of thinking

[@103190hamman]

I would love to see the vw brought back to do more towing especially cause it will save you in gas

[@nigelmcdonnell1442]

I had one of years ago but a gt and put a 3litre capri engine in it ,sprayed it red ,it was so solid it didn’t even crack when I rolled it😮

[@tastyclassics]

🤣

[@user-kj4jk9pi5w]

Great video Ben. How about one documenting a rebuild of the engine?

[@jayohara7785]

hello brother. On the back brakes it shares the same platform as the ford capri which i have myself so it is correct to have the bleed nipple on the drinkers side and not the captain's side hope that helps keep up the good work from a brother from another mother.

[@jason.aldridge5004]

Sure I see a alegro windscreen in this outgoing and there's a arch just next to the bonnet stand why's that. Great vid👌OK maybe it's a sticker on the pully ha

[@dennisblake2498]

As far as I know they can have a 3.0 Ford Essex engine in them . My uncle did that if I remember correctly to his Reliant Scimitar with a manual gearbox. Not sure if a 2.9 efi would slot in but our family have done some crazy stuff including putting a 205 pinto 2.5 into a Ford Sierra estate on a F reg, thing was rapid. Best was a Rover 3.5 V8 into a Bedford CF MK1 long wheel base semi high top.

[@Phil-1969]

Lol that old scimitar, sounds just like my old mk3 cavalier trying to start on a cold morning, then just about fires up and ticks over 😂

[@Parknest]

You should get everything fixed and sell it on as a fully working car. That noise sounds like the top end. My first thought is valve clearances but I'm sure there's others who know the Essex V6 better than I ever will. It would also benefit from new plugs, HT leads, dizzy cap, rotor arm and air filter.

[@jagvette1]

Tell the brake shoe trolls to go forth and multiply, IT'S the rear brakes and a damn good soaking in Brake cleaner or thinners, they are as good as new.

[@stevenmoran4060]

Fix ignition components to give it the best chance of running correctly then look at the top end. I had a Capri 3 litre auto that buggered it’s engine when the oil pump had a moment but, the Essex engine is fairly simple and straightforward and parts will be available. Not too many Scimitars around these days so give it every chance to survive. Plus, it will be worth more if the mechanicals are functioning well and someone else can tidy up the bodywork. The Wolfrace wheels had slightly longer slots I think from memories of 45 years ago!

[@madyottoyotto3055]

Knock knock lol 🤣 Have to keep the V6 its the whole point of that car

[@mickbucknell6290]

Your engine is fine, sounds like the tappets need re- setting is all.

[@ILikeSarnies]

You drop videos when you can fella & I'll be watching 👍

[@borntogame5519]

Catching up on you videos I allways call ht leads lightning rods lol it sounds more scary ha ha

[@PJBonoVox]

"Tell someone who gives a shit". Love it.

[@nickhannaford3253]

Maybe some more detective work such as a compression test might be worth while. Also stick a borescope down the cylinders to have a look. Keep up the good work 👍.

[@richardsherburn4816]

This is a great up and coming channel; I'm really enjoying the content 😀. Regarding the Scimitar, would a compression test tell you if the V6 is worth any more effort?. Keep up the good work.

[@iantelford3930]

Absolutely ❤ the ambassador videos this car needs some love i get what you was saying about the engine but putting a four banger in a car that was meant to have a V in it is sacrilege I would go for the 24 valve cosworth or the rover V8

[@heckmacbuff]

It has to be the V6 for this car, especially as it is still pretty original.

[@iand299]

Congratulations you made the 10k. Now where can I order my hoodie? Ha. Love what you’re doing. Would love to get involved. Found a rare spec van that warrants saving but don’t have the work space to paint it. Anyways, Saab turbo is deffo the way to go on a budget

[@stever1053]

Hi, at least pull the rocker covers off and have a good look at what is going on, I reckon it is valve gear related. Don't be too quick to condem the engine, may not be too bad start simple when diagnosing. Thanks for the video.

[@mhawkins1975]

I have a b205l Saab turbo engine in my 2002 9-3 convertible very strong they will handle 300bhp.

[@jeffangelli6136]

Love the reliant .can't help but envision a u.s. ford taurus sho yamaha v6 in the bay

[@370DatsunZed]

In the words of Shakin Stevens, “lovely stuff”

[@janevacani6789]

Here for the hair 😊

[@andrewpayn2754]

Love this stuff, great to watch! I would like to see the engine running nice, but obviously you don’t want to put too much time and money into it as it spoils the whole idea of these videos!

[@DaveCurran]

Engine swap sounds like a good idea. Would like to see that.

[@aspicer15]

great keep the V6 if possible or source another V6 such a classic..

[@pclayton5063]

I'd take the valve covers off and check for a bent pushrod or valve and if the noise appears to be the bottom end then you need to make the decision to keep it or not.