New horizons

Weds.27.09.06. I have thought of a possible compromise to offset the disappointment if the deadline for completion of the Burlington cannot be met: practically at this stage, it is very unlikely. To attempt the run one month later could be a solution. Instead of the Beaujolais Nouveau run we could create the Beaujolais Vieux run returning with some quality vintage Burgundys in place of the thin, fruitless piss they call Nouveau. As I attempted to explain or suggest this alternative to Chris I possibly phrased it badly, “If we took this option it could be an opportunity to finish the car properly, not rushed or cobbled up?” “Cobbled up, I say, cobbled up! There’ll be NO cobbling up, if I’m still involved! I don’t do cobbling up, fudging, patching, half a job Joe and I don’t bodget and scarpa!” “I wasn’t suggesting anything of the sort” if we hadn’t made terrific progress over the past few days I could have been in deep water. But Chris responded favourably, in his own way, “Maybe we could go in summer when the weathers warmer? And, don’t forget, I’m only rude to the people that I like.” The kite has been flown, the seed laid, the dye cast. The next few days could be crucial especially if the proposal is leaked to the Doc.

Chris has finished the dry fitting of the engine panels using the gash alli from Andy ‘couldn’t give a shit’. The bonnet closes perfectly with the tiniest of gaps. All the careful preparation has reaped dividends with both of the panels coming together as if professionally manufactured. To see the combined curving contours of the entire body has resulted in the question of ‘doors’ to resurface. The uninterrupted line of the body tub, engine panel and bonnet could be seen properly for the first time: to break the flow could be detrimental to the final appearance of the vehicle. The estimated work time for the build could be in excess of ten days, there are structurally technical complications not withstanding Colin who has demanded £1000 for completing the work. Suddenly the ‘grand’ spent on the engine and drive train upgrade seems like a bargain. The jury remains still out on the doors. 

The fax has arrived from Paddocks. The parts listed indicate provenance as well as price. The choice of three types of master cylinder, two sorts of brake pads and a branded clutch are just some examples. This encourages us to predict confidently that we may well have eventually found an honest, factual and ‘on the door step’ supplier.

Later in the afternoon the final cuts had been made to accommodate the engine panels into the tub but it was the design of the dashboard that diverted our thoughts. Earlier the new steering rack had been delivered. Chic Doig, thankfully, was true to his word, the rack had been reconditioned too a high standard: compared with the ‘bendy toy’ that had arrived a few days before; this was a well crafted, genuine piece of kit with ‘Stanpart’ written all the way through it. Unfortunately, the overall finish was not good but easily remedied. The paint stripped off and the surface rust removed with 80’s the rack looked brand new. Two coatings of rust preventer and a layer of Hammerite should produce an appropriate excellent component. There was a real buzz in the workshop, stuff was getting done, the project was evolving positively. We were excited, so much so that Chris kept forgetting what he was exactly working on. His trademark butterfly working practise was being severely tested with ‘senior moments’ or what I prefer to call them, CRAFT, in other words ‘can’t remember a fuckin’ thing.” “Shall we have an aluminium dashboard? we certainly have enough left”. Still slightly vague Chris went for a shower.

This has been one of the better days. I look forward to many more.