Gathering lists

Tues.05.12.06. Today, some progress has actually been achieved. I have phoned the initial parts list to John at Paddocks. This includes, the new wiring loom, brakes drum shoes, a core plug set, a stop tail switch a return spring anchor, a spring pull off and a section of stainless steel pipe for the modification of the exhaust system. I have taken a large piece of cardboard to the workshop to fashion the patterns for the interior panels of the engine bay. These, ultimately will be constructed from aluminium and will form the ideal platform for the engine bay ancillaries, these designs should, in addition, display a clean, well-organized compartment.

It is difficult to comprehend why the rebuild has stuttered to almost a complete halt.

We have had several planning sessions but in reality there has been little practical advancement. But, maybe, just around the corner, we shall regain our passion to push forward with renewed vigour. I hope so.          

Weds.06.12.06. New life has been breathed into the project hopefully we can build upon these recent efforts. Chris has cleaned and polished all the components that form the rocker mechanism, later spending the rest of the day constructing the unit. It now sits snugly on the new stage 2 head. The addition of the aluminium rocker cover completes the picture. The value of such cleanliness is not only beneficial for the smooth operation of the top end but the spotless metallic assembly is again another example of craftsmanship but more appreciably, a symbol of pride. Meanwhile, I busied myself by cutting the patterns for the scuttle and engine bay. These were made from stiff cardboard fastened together with masking tape. To ensure the proposed design is flawlessly correct I intend to develop the blueprints into MDF, which then can be filed and sanded to establish a flawlessly accurate fit. 

At the end of the day the decals that represent the clocks and dials were positioned on the mock dashboard. The ultimate arrangement of these instruments, via trial and error, has gradually become more established, a final design cannot be too far away. The combination of a gloriously rich walnut dash bordered by ‘jade green’ leather is proving to be the preferred choice.

Mercifully, the mission is back on track, we are once more blue sky thinking, pushing the envelope out of the box, flying with eagles rather than working with turkeys, not brainstorming but, thought cascading with a shower fountain of ideas; we have taken a helicopter view to conclusively square the circle to pull the pebble out of the dam. I may open another tin of chunks tonight?