Macawber

Weds.02.08.06. I called at Mark and Andy’s to verify the approach that we prefer to undertake with the chassis. It appears that ‘chin scratcher Edwin’ was correct when he insisted that various sections of the outriggers could be severely damaged using the shot blasting method. Mark suggested that a much simpler approach could be employed. The suggestion was to clean off as much grime as we possibly could and then carefully paint a solution of ‘galvafroid’ to prevent any rusting or deterioration of the metal. Alternatively, bead or sand blasting is a much less invasive process that would clean the metal thoroughly and then follow this with several coats of ‘hammerite’ or ‘galvafroid’. I later discussed both of these methods with Chris but sensibly concluded to make the decision tomorrow when we have researched the details of the costs and logistics.

I finally broke the news that Dave Brown could not now construct the dashboard and the other cockpit modifications. We were also relying on Dave to re-cut the engine side panels, which is more of an immediate problem, as they are essential for the completion of the body tub and scuttle. Chris was not best pleased, typically replying, “I knew he didn’t want to do the job from day one when he mentioned that it would cost a fortune if we had to pay for someone to carry out the work: you see, he wasn’t volunteering he actually wanted paying for it!” I did attempt to defend Dave explaining that he always takes on too many commitments; presently his priority was to finish the work on his house. “Bollocks, man, he just did not want to do it: I’ve seen it all before, trust me, listen, I’ve got the ‘T’ shirt”. “Look, it’s just another job that we can do ourselves: along with all the others”.

“What about the engine re-build?” I questioned, cautiously. After which we again debated all the original over heating problems; the lack of a header tank, the mis-match of the head to the block, the faulty water pump, the lightweight radiator, the restricted circulation in the block, the frozen thermostat and anything else that we could think of that should have screamed out to us to say “get a new fuckin’ engine!” but it didn’t, so we plan to start the re-build next week. Will we ever learn? By the way, “Any news from those bastards at the DVLA?” barked Chris, “because, you realise that they could just block the project totally, they are real bastards, I know, believe me!” I had immediately switched to ‘best liar in the world mode’ as Chris had caught me on the back foot with this rapid change of direction from engine cooling systems to the ‘bastards of Swansea’. “Oh it’s a mere formality, they only want to check that the engine number and chassis number correspond with the log book” I casually replied, even though knowing full well that I must contact Nikki Hannan in the Manchester office in less than 5 weeks to inform her, along with the dreaded DVLA, that the vehicle is ready for inspection.  

It seems today we have encountered yet more stumbling blocks; we have made little or no progress. Time is slipping away at a rate of knots; we have more concerns than solutions. I feel exactly like Macawber, “annual income £1.00, annual expenditure 99p, result ecstasy, annual expenditure £1.01, result misery”.

 “Never mind, lad, we’ll get it done, don’t you worry” quietly claimed Chris, reassuringly.