Parts and more parts

Studying the site plan a made directly for 49A, the “Burlington register” stand. Having found the stand I couldn’t find any vehicles, assuming that it was a little early I pressed on to my next target which was the Hawke stand. Success, a tidy pitch with 6 strong examples of the marque. I blasted away with my camera, hopefully, capturing all the features that we had targeted for later scrutiny. Halls A to E contained the major suppliers of components that I aimed to explore. I figured that, if I visit all the stands to compare prices I would consult with Chris via the magic mobile phone, before I made my final swoop. I went to Allifab and Autobrass, Coventry nut and bolt, the Electrical Parts Company and Europa Specialist spares, LB restoration projects and Midland Wheel supplies, Minimenders and Noggin End Metals, RNR aluminium and Rapidfit Looms, Soft bits for Sevens and Surplus Supplies, and finally Woolies and Welder’s Warehouse. 

I came across two wrinkly old crusties running the stand of the Electrical Parts Company who had genuine Lucas lighting parts, but even after haggling, promising them a shipping order and waving my wedge around, the wily old crock still wouldn’t budge on price. This was my third visit to their stand so I correctly gave up and focussed my attentions to Automec Equipment for all my lighting requirements, but, although cheaper the quality was very poor and I knew that Chris wouldn’t put up with poorly crafted crap from the Eastern Block. I temporarily, abandoned my search for lights going back for a second time to Europa to price out ‘wire’s’. The total of £800.00 included splines, hubs and nuts but Andy on the counter did offer a deal, via “Mary in the office”, of a nominal percentage concession for a one off order of over a grand. He can go and bollocks. 

On a different hunt I discovered that not one seat manufacturer would sell me a naked seat, proudly claiming that they didn’t want their reputation tarnished by a rank amateur fumbling in a garden shed. Our fumbling upholsterer happens to be one of the most highly regarded craftsperson in this field, Terry Trimmer. I rapidly became accustomed to the bullshit that pervades this industry knowing full well that these seats in question are made in some sweatshop in India, with very little quality control but displaying an even greater lack of concern for the unfortunate buggers who labour for them. So, Spargo, Corbeau and Cobra seats can all go into the ‘fuck off bin’.

I, at long last made first deal with Beugler Strippers who were selling an Aston petrol cap for £35.00. I smugly rejoiced in my first bargain because, shite ones sell for that money. This, on the contrary, was genuine chrome on brass usually costing £90.00. On a roll I visited my last lighting supplier with fixed prices and the list etched in my brain. He not only had quality Lucas parts but knew exactly the parts that Morgan actually used. Bingo, I eagerly purchase, 4 Lucas indicator lights (Lucas 794) for £22.00 each, 2 Lucas rear stop/tail lights (Lucas 692) for £18.00 each, 2 chrome on brass Lucas bullet wing lights for £50.00, 2 polished air vents £9.00 each, 1 rear view chrome on brass mirror £17.00, 2 Triumph rubber pedal covers for £2.00 each and lastly, 2 enamelled on brass Union Jack badges £4.00 each. I wanted to spend, spend, and spend because, as the show was now closing, this would be the last opportunity I would have to buy this range of quality swag. But, as I was stuffing everything into a used Tesco bag I suddenly recognised the salesman’s accent. The two brothers behind the stall were from Chorley. Fuck me; I have travelled 110 miles to buy lights from a bloke who just lives up the road. The total bill was £200.00 with discount, but all the bits have provenance, therefore, as such, excellent.