New owner

[MTBiker]

Good morning fellow Scimitar owners, I've been waiting a while to be able to say that, I can now having driven my newly acquired Scimitar home yesterday! Before I say what I bought I thought I might describe what I wanted. The one thing I did not want was a project, usual story, plenty of those and not enough time. I narrowed down the choice to a galvanised chassis GTE or preferably a GTC. Over the last few months the choice came down to three individual cars, two GTE's and a C. Both E's where nice but required some work, one with a huge file of work done but seemed somewhat poorly cared for. The other E looked a better buy but had done a very high mileage, having said that the paperwork indicated that it had been well looked after. This left the C, very well cared for and apart from a few rattles to chase down will, I hope need no significant work other than a bit of personalisation.
So, yesterday I found myself driving down from the Midlands to Swindon in a GTC. Nothing broke or fell off, the car went where I pointed it, started and stopped when I wanted, pleasantly comfortable and adequately powerful. Even the "period" radio/cassette performed well. Two things I did not like, a vague gear change, I have plans for that in the future. The other problem is the indicator switch, its on the wrong side! How easy is it to move it to the other side of the steering column?
That's about it for the moment, I'm sure I'll be bothering the forum with question as ownership proceeds!
John

[philhoward]

Welcome

Indicator switch has always been on that side for a Scimitar, I'm afraid - it's just the opposite to most modern stuff.

[AJL Electronics]

Welcome

Indicator switch has always been on that side for a Scimitar, I'm afraid - it's just the opposite to most modern stuff.

We are British. The car is British. That is why the indicator switch is on the correct side!

[Lukeyboy46]

You'll soon get used to the indicator! You'll soon find yourself activating your windscreen wipers by accident instead in your other cars!

[peter freeman]

I suppose there is nothing to stop you from turning the indicator stalk through 180deg - not tried it myself as I am in agreement with Andy - the indicators are on the correct side. We have two cars with them on the left and two with them on the right - you just get used to it. Welcome to Scim land.

[greeny]

Welcome to the world of scimitar. As above the indicator is something you get used to. Which C is it the last three of the chassis number will help me find it on the register you can pm me if your not happy to post.

The only thing with this site and scimitar owners is we love pictures

Edit and where abouts are you, there are loads of "noggins" get togethers with other scimi owners so you can get ideas and discuss issues.

[MarkHawkins]

Switching between cars with indicator stalks on differing sides is relatively simple after you have tried switching between bikes with gear changes on opposite sides and opposite shift patterns ..

[Rev Light]

John,

"driving down from the Midlands to Swindon in a GTC"

If that is Swindon, Wilts, then I am local to you, as I live in Swindon and own an SE5A. Mine is, however a running restoration - a long term mobile project, if you will.

The local Wiltshire Noggin is at The Barge Inn at Seend, between Melksham and Devizes. Nice little run out over the Downs. We have regular attendees with GTC's to compare notes with.

Congrats on your purchase.

Steve

[MTBiker]

Many thanks for the welcome. Yes, Swindon Wilts, I'll try and get down the the meet at Seend.
As for the indicator, I ride bikes that have the gear change on opposite sides, I have no problem with that. But I do like an easy life so will investigate moving the switch, if it looks straight forward then I'll do it, if not I'll be getting used to it!
John

[scimjim]

welcome

[Roger Pennington]

Hi John, welcome to the forum, and enjoy your car! It sounds good, please let us know more

[tanuki]

We are British. The car is British. That is why the indicator switch is on the correct side!

Agreed ! That's part of the charm ... even the french love it
My 'old' french cars have it on the left, 'old' english cars on the right ... and moderns on the left of course - including the SST -
My favorite of all ? The Caterham ... nothing on the column ... all commands on the dashboard

Welcome to you !!
Cheers, Fred

[willholderogri]

If you have both types of bike then you will get used to the indicator. I am also not far from you if you need any help (i have had my scim on the road since 2005 and use every day) I share the mileage with my motorbikes, both right foot change and left brake. and I like you don't have a problem riding bikes with the gearchange on the wrong side (ie left) leaver the indicator for a while see how you get on but it is easy to change however the housing would have to be modified.
will SE5A (not concours but good mechanics)

[Rev Light]

I chug around on motorbikes as well, but I am too young for British bikes, as I am only 50 and it was all done and dusted by then. That said, my Scimitar predates my first foray into car ownership by almost 8 years - although my first two cars were of a similar age! I currently own an Airhead (1982 BMW R100) and a Honda NC750X for the commute, when the weather is reasonable.

Steve

[DARK STAR]

Indicator switches should be on the opposite side of the steering wheel to the gear lever so you can activate them while down-changing to turn (or overtake).
Of course most people don't indicate (especially in France) so it's rather irrelevant.