Back on Track?

Tues.26.09.06. Chris has been fastidiously shaping the pattern for the inner wings of the engine panels; naturally they are perfect, brightly forming the reflective interior of the engine bay. The method of permanently fixing both panels to the car has been thoughtfully considered. The aluminium joint on the body tub has already been cut back to accommodate the extended rear edge of the engine panels. The additional 20mm will be fed underneath the corresponding perimeter facing edge of the tub to be subsequently screwed together then sealed with filler. This alteration will augment an invisible, seamless, plane creating a continuous smooth profile that will accentuate the side elevation of the car.

I have prepared and sent the parts order list for John at James Paddock. He will need at least two days to compile his quote but I am confident that it will be competitive, but more importantly the components should be of a superior standard to that of Rimmers. A similar list, but containing requests for engine and performance upgrades, has also been ‘faxed’ to Jigsaw Racing. In theory Paddocks will provide the bread and butter items whereas Jigsaw will supply the upgraded shockers plus the performance tuned engine and carburration elements.

Dick pitched up delivering a car for Chris and in typical fashion offered his opinion on the concept of creating doors into the Burlington. “I feel that it will compromise the integrity of the car but crucially cause ‘scuttle flex’ at certain speeds. The natural strength of the cockpit could possibly be jeopardised, I would also suspect the doors would rattle breaking their hinges and seals over a period of time?” quoted cautious but astute Dick. He is a real enigma often nailing a problem with remarkable insight yet in the next breath he can shoot himself squarely in the foot with a pathetic, brainless, moronic suggestion. “If you can’t find a pair of seats narrow enough to fit why you don’t just make them yourself out of wood and get Terry Trimmer to cover them” offered Dick, the six toed, inbred cretin. “I’ll just cut down a tree and spend the next two months wittling them up, shall I?” responded a baffled Chris.      

I brought the callipers that I had robbed from Rimmers to show to Chris because I felt that they could be saved and made good. The actual cost of reconditioned callipers from John is a remarkable £35.00 but a repair kit is only £12.00 per side, showing a saving of about £50.00. But, fortunately the ones that we have acquired are in remarkably fresh condition after being scrubbed and polished could be then finished in a stunning bright colour to add another touch of class to the vehicle.

The day has concluded on a high, perhaps all the tough argumentative times are really behind us.