Preparation for the Beaujolais run

Burlington Diary June 2007.

Sat.16^th. June. I have just returned from France with the usually fuck ups to put right.

 

Preparation for the Beaujolais run 2007

On a brighter note, whilst staying with Dave and Julie Green in Buxy, I have met “Katinka” a very pleasant, helpful young lady from the office of Tourism who can arrange all the details for the Beaujolais run in November; she is prepared to arrange accommodation along with organising the invitation to the Gala dinner at the local wine cooperative for our visiting group Wigan group. The area is so beautiful that Jo and I are thinking seriously about relocating to the Burgundy region. We have made some valuable estate agent contacts who I plan to telephone this week. 

I can list just a few of the incidents that have pissed me off whilst I have been away. On arrival Don Mikey ‘probably’ knifed my tyre because I parked in his place whilst I was unpacking the car, the renters have systematically murdered the Jasmine, the drains were blocked again, the emulsion has fallen off the damp wall, but more disturbingly, even with effusive assurances due to pure neglect, my motorbike has developed terminal problems. Finally, on a personal, level I have painted four shite landscapes. Naturally, the present people at the Blanchesserie still continue to be the best liars, lazy soap dodging misfits comprehensive smiling thieves that live and breathe: they would be definite candidates for the ‘fuck off’ bin. As a consequence, since my return, I have been running around all weekend like a headless chicken searching for parts for my motorcycle that I cannot access in France: this is due to the model not having been imported to the country. I have had numerous promises of locating the components but so far, just like the car part suppliers, they all seem to belong to the same club. I have been offered only the wrong ‘bits’ at top prices. 

On a positive note however, Alain Luzan, my local artisan carpenter has kindly made the dashboard blanks. He spent the afternoon rummaging at home for some vintage seasoned timber. I have had two pieces cut and planed, both 120mm x 20mm x 10 mm; it is always necessary to have the security of an extra piece in the unlikely event of a mistake. I lovingly stored the pieces in the sejour until my return to England but to my horror when I came to wrap the timber for the flight home I discovered that the wood had disappeared. Having searched high and low, after much cursing, raucous ripping combined with a great deal of strident swearing to the heavens, such as, “the bastards have had them away!” and “those fuckers never, ever fail to surprise!” and “I’ll fuckin’ have ‘em!” the red mist eventually cleared, the light revealed, luckily with an inspired guess I wondered if anyone had thought of using them as shelves in their grubby shithole bedrooms. Sure enough a new tenant, a very personable kind of guy, Pete, had knicked them to build a display unit to place his music CD’s, personal photos, paperbacks bordering a big ‘fuck off’ radio. I was so pleased to recover my treasure that I could actually see the funny side of the theft. This, however, rapidly turned to anger when I realised that the timber had warped due to the weight from his trophies. Just as you think that it has been another problem solved someone always turns up to bite you on your arse. I packed the wood managing, along with my damaged bike bits, to take them onto the plane back to the safety of England.

Meanwhile, Chris has polished the uprights but has been suffering from tete dust poisoning, as such he has not made much progress on the car. He suspects that this evil micro fine toxin has totally infiltrated, infusing the entire house. Not only, does he have an inflamed swollen throat, a twangy rattling cough and puffy running eyes but so does Marion his long suffering wife. But it would be a brave man to admit to her what exactly is the cause of her demise.

Internal panels

Sat.19.05.07. Chris has worked tirelessly blending the engine panels into the body tub. Only able to labour for several hours at a time he has eventually achieved his desired outcome, the side of the vehicle is now one sweeping, seamless, sexy line. For the past few weeks I have remodelling the cockpit panels gradually refining the design by adding extra curves to reflect the other panels of the car. The dashboard has been ‘mocked up’ at least 6 times but is still not quite in harmony with the overall internal plan. In an attempt to accommodate most of the switches and dials from the vintage Jaguar dash the central area has become muddled, seriously over cluttered. There is always profit in the maxim ‘less is more’ so I intend to revert back to a minimalist approach.

I leave for my summer break in France tomorrow but for the first time with a little trepidation. In good heart, Chris wants to finish the cockpit area requesting that I leave the units I have been constructing over the past month. I could be over reacting at this suggestion with unnecessary feelings of being robbed of a creative area that I have felt contented, fulfilled, as a consequence have maintained sole possession. The threat of all of my work being altered, assimilated or even abused is disconcerting. In particular, Chris still harbours an idea of completely changing the style of the dashboard. Having made decisions by using endless drawings, cardboard, plywood and MDF models I genuinely feel that I am only one last modification away from perfection. To have this triumph usurped at the eleventh hour is quietly pissing me off. When there are much more pressing tasks to tackle such as, the engine bay still needs to be lined, the body tub removed, primed then repainted, the boot box space has to be re-cut, the petrol pipe has to be routed, the exhaust needs to be fixed to the car, the wings should be dispatched to Danny to be painted, the workshop must have another total ‘clean up’… etc….etc…but once again a focussed, ordered approach has been abandoned to be replaced by chaotic, random options. 

I am increasingly worried about leaving the work that I have personally designed and fashioned, but I have always been a possessive bastard and must assume that “Chris knows best and that I should unflinchingly trust him”. My arse!

      

Whitby Folk

Andy, coincidentally, had also had an eventful weekend at the Whitby folk festival. Swaying back from the final night escorted by Jimmy the Axe they stumbled across the local plod harassing a drunken, puny seventeen year old folky slumped awkwardly in a deck chair inside a shop doorway. One of the pernickety PC’s unnecessarily demanded that the young innocent preceded any slurred response by referring to him as ‘Sir’. Passing by, Andy suggested a possible reason for the young mans demeanour was that he had obviously been ‘oversevered’ with strong ale at the ‘gig’ but he was by no means difficult, aggressive, a serious danger to the town, stating also that he in fact was conspicuously quite harmless, clearly and obviously disturbing no one’s peace. In fact, if he himself was in the young man’s position, being requested to refer to the Pc as ‘Sir’, he would probably react by informing him to ‘fuck off’ or worse, stick the nut on.

   

Jimmy waved goodbye as Andy was arrested for threatening behaviour to find himself spending the rest of the night in gaol; the morning after regretting his involvement vowing that his days of being on the wrong side of the law were over. The desk Sergeant agreed that he should probably ‘mend his ways’ but felt that his younger colleague had been over zealous, sympathetically confessing that he really should not have been banged up. 

He did, however, question Andy’s occupation as a Solicitor, especially after pulling his lengthy crime sheet, asking how such a perpetual law breaker could have possibly qualified as a lawyer. Andy explained that he was in fact a ‘building solicitor’. He was released without a charge, fined £80.00, but still had to pay £25.00 for taxi back to Whitby.

Cockney Mick and Preacher

Tues.08.05.07. I have continued to work on the re-modelling of the cockpit. Chris has spent odd hours on the engine panels.

Cockney Mick along with the Preacher were propping up the bar sampling the 6% ‘Inch’s’ cider that was the latest brew in the Oak. “its fackin’ great this brew, smoove and dry wiv a kick, you wanna fackin’ try it”. Perhaps not, if it makes me fackin’ speak like you.Andy Lewis joined us greeted by the the news that his £600.00 chop saw had been stolen from the the Oak over the weekend. Mick needed the saw to build his “fack off” deckin’ at ‘is noo ‘ouse and had previously asked Andy to drop it off at the Oak before he left for the annual folk festival in Whitby. Mick had felt a certain responsibility for the security of the machine generously offering to make up the loss. Andy chuckled, stating that he had not, in fact, had time to drop off the saw, so the joke instead was on Mick. “Fackin’ ‘ell, I’ve bin awt and bought a fackin’ ovva one, you cant”. Whilst everyone else was enjoying this wheeze reversal Andy suddenly realised that his foreman ‘Bodge’ may have dropped off the said chop saw. A quick phone call confirmed that that was the case. Andy was down one chop saw, Cockney Mick feeling slightly guilty, repeated his original offer being good to his word was prepared to make up for the loss offering £200.00 in the form of compensation. Andy accepted the bid knowing that he would claim the debt from ‘Bodge’ his dumb workee. Perhaps ‘Bodge’ was once the partner of ‘Scarpa’ the locally renowned builders?  

More suppliers

Suppliers visited

 

·      Woolies. They remain the top suppliers of trim, rubber extrusions and carpet products; they are also ‘old school’ moreover they very ‘nice’ people.  

·      Europa. Very professional, large purpose built stand, computer link up to their home store, importantly, they have products of authentic superiority.

·      H and H Ignition Solutions. I thanked Phil and Lee for their help with the replacement dizzy cap and damaged Lucas coil. I also noticed that they supply electric fans of various sizes starting at around £25.00. The fan sounds too cheap but why not ‘take a punt’?

·      Spax, Avro suspension. None of these manufactures were represented at the show. I wonder why?

·      Car Solutions. They had a large external stand but most of their components were of foreign manufacture, exuding dubious merit.

·      Producers of Cobras, F40s, D type Jag for Chris. I managed to collect all of the information, expensive brochures, took endless photographs of these beasts, the toys of the unworthy rich. Completing one of these vehicles costs in excess of £80,000  which poses the natural question “why not buy the real thing?”

The poor weather did not fill me with encouragement as I travelled the 130 miles to Stoneleigh but the day has actually proved to be exceptionally productive. I tended to have a much more measured approach, ignored the sparse club stands in favour of the main suppliers of parts. 

I was better prepared to recognise the shite from the genuinely original. Prices did not always reflect the difference, so the experiences of the past year, particularly the bad ‘karma’ we had endured from several of the ‘so called’ professional purveyors proved to be invaluable. I have returned with much information, extensive contacts as opposed to a shopping bag brimming with inferior product. I am learning, albeit, slowly, as a consequence, too late. 

The suppliers

·      Push button starters and ancillary switches for the dashboard.

I trawled all the component suppliers for switches but they were either of poor quality at approximately £5.00 per unit (the total cost of everything that I would need would be in excess of £35.00), or ultra modern catering for ‘supercar’ enthusiasts. I did discover some original Jaguar switches plus all the relevant instruments at John Gordon of Accrington that had been rescued from a very early vehicle. Heavy toggle switches, a three-way clockwork light control, push button start, all in near brand new condition:  the entire vintage collection of parts for £55.00. I sweated for the rest of the day in the hope of getting a more favourable deal patiently waiting until the end of the afternoon. Luckily, John had not sold the unit but would not budge on the price. 

He pointed out that the switches alone would be worth every penny of the asking price, but I suspect he knew that I was mad keen to have this glorious section of old dash. He could smell my desire as soon as I had walked into the hall to once more search out his stall feebly delaying to make my bid. He allowed me one photograph of his beaming face for my journal. But, I still have to present this selection to Chris. Recalling everything that I brought back last year, the poor purchases that I had foolishly made, all that I acquired this weekend may possibly be confined to the ‘fuck off’ bin, along with myself, regardless of their obvious suitability, simple elegance and beauty.  

·      Aluminium nose cone grills.

RNR Aluminium Stockholders provided a galvanised section of honeycomb alli for £7.00, but could also supply the same size piece but in stainless for £70.00. I was definitely tempted but it may be prudent to fashion the grill initially from the cheaper alternative. Life’s Motors also have a backing screen for £75.00 which may also be a sensible addition.

·      Minilite wheels, genuine spoked Dunlop wheels.

Midland Wheels have offered four 5x15 genuine Minilites for £265.00. Chase MG needs to check their stocks before they submit a price but will be attending the Tatton Park Show in June and August. I understand that most of the component suppliers will be subscribing to the Show; sensibly the timing to buy most of the remaining items in Summer would be more appropriate.  

·      Spax adjustable platforms and how they operate properly.

Spax were not at the show. Demon Tweeks could not answer any of my questions but Track Developments of Swindon who specialise in professional racing ‘set-ups’ recommended a lighter spring choice for the front suspension units but were completely baffled by the configuration that Spax had provided, particularly the inability to adjust the damper whilst on the car. Their advice was to start again using Protech shocks combined with ‘off the shelf’ springs. They could also make brand new platform seats to accommodate a 2.25 ID spring at a cost of approximately £60.00. They also felt to have new springs built subsequently tempered could potentially incur a serious cost.    

·      Side screen fixings for doorless vehicles; possibly Caterhams? 

Most of the side screen fixing solutions involved two brackets being attached to the main windscreen uprights using a French hinge to open and close the assembly. None of the mechanisms appeared very effective having a real air of ‘afterthought’.

·      Mig welding suppliers for a demonstration. 

Weld UK has a comprehensive stock of everything involved with welding. They are based in Pinxton Nottinghamshire. Their suggestions to ‘seek professional training’ were succinct, bluntly honest and I shall certainly be back in touch after a few lessons with the illusive Colin. 

·      Motalita steering wheels, prices and styles.

The preferred choice of wheel has to be specially ordered from Motalita and could take up to 6 weeks for delivery. A 13 or 14 inch wheel would cost about £200.00. The Chase MG alternative may actually win the day, but we shall see?

·      An alternative seat trimmer if Terry continues to drag his feet.

Interior Seatings of Mansfield could cover my ’63 spitfire seats for £400.00. Fuck me, these costs are spiralling out of control.

·      Bonnet catches and engine panel vents.

Europa had the strongest selection of quality catches, but until we actually decide what we need or want I was not able to purchase anything.

·      Quality stainless steel nuts and bolts.

Aidpac of Bilston have the best Stainless. Unfortunately, I didn’t take the windscreen tilting nuts to the show so I could not gamble on the size. Oh well.  

Stoneleigh 2007

Burlington Diary May 2007

Fri.04.05.07. I have spent the week re-modelling the internal gearbox console along side other related areas. I have tended to adopt a practical, ‘hands on’, design and build approach; fine tuning the construction refining the subtle curves with additional mouldings. With each minor ‘tweek’ the design improves. This is a slow ‘suck it and see’ method but with each laborious alteration emerges a subtle transformation adding to the ‘wholeness’ of the entire proposal. 

The Stoneleigh Show has come around again. I have prepared a shopping list and intend to be far more focussed this year particularly with another years experience of the project behind us.

Mon.07.05.07. The Shopping list for Kit car show at Stoneleigh

The results

·      Windscreen mounting rubber, cockpit trim from Woolies.  

Woolies can provide any rubber extrusions that are needed for the car: I have obtained a new catalogue for that purpose.

·      Bonnet catches and louvred vent for the engine panels.

Europa seems to be the best option. They can also provide a Motolita wheel as well as a blank boss for £200

·      Carpet suppliers.

Woolies again are the best choice for sound proofing and carpets.

·      Harness alternatives.

Sabelt UK of Carlisle or Demon Tweeks can supply a lap type belt for £45.00.

·      Visit the Burlington stand. Badges for the SS. 

There were absolutely no cars at the Burlington stand (there were only 3 Arrows last year). I have a terrific photograph of an empty area of grass where the cars should have been. I am not really sure whether or not this is a good or a bad omen. According to the person I spoke to last year he had not seen a SS in 12 years, it appears that the other cars that were produced have since died. I can only imagine what an impact 001 will have next year; probably the only SS still on the road, certainly utterly unique in terms of excellence of finish. This car is already becoming very special. When I return I intend to visit the Burlington internet site to see if there any still out there?

·      Photograph dashboards of period vehicles.

It was such a pissy day most of the ‘good’ vehicles were covered up. The cars in the exhibition halls tended to be of the exotic genre apart from the latest Marlin which had quite a tidy interior. The XK Jag fakes, oddly enough, were shabby.   

·      Oil cooler systems and radiator manufacturers.

Chase MG had an oil cooler system for £42.00, a perfectly acceptable fake Motalita and Triumph boss for £99.00 (Europa quoted £200.00 for the genuine article). They can also supply wire wheels. The rims are produced in India, the spokes, hubs, splines assemblies are totally British

Dashboard detail

Sat.21.04.07. Chris has finished the assembly of the engine panels to the tub. He is glad to see the back of the tete dust but it is also wonderful to see the sweeping lines of the completed central body tub. The wooden interior gear stick console sections have been cut and constructed.

The dashboard has been altered to now sport ‘swept up’ ends, the final cavity to house the period timepiece has also been cut.

The pigs have arrived but quickly escaped through the electric fence. Having chased them around the woods for half an hour they were in due course, unceremoniously banged up in Southpork. Billy Green is running a book in the Oak to see how long it will be before they are rustled by the ‘Lower Ince Bandits’.  

Fri.27.04.07. This has been a slow week. I travelled down in Cornwall for three days meeting Neil and Janet Harris; but also delivering some mattresses for ‘Brad’ (it seems that bridges have been built, much water has passed underneath, I’m being sucked in again; but that’s another story). But, even so, the work on the car has continued. Chris has started to polish the stainless steel brackets for the tilting windscreen. The steel is of such high quality that the end product looks brand new, ‘out of the box fresh’. The newly modelled cockpit panels are acceptable but need raised mouldings around the edges to be finished off properly. The base of the scuttle has been cut back by 5cms to accommodate the dashboard (but, alas, the corners need to be softened as the support bar is clearly visible on both edges).

 More importantly, however, the pigs have survived the first week. They appear to have doubled in size, extremely content in their perfect surroundings. Fingers crossed they will endure yet another week in paradise.  

The month has exposed the tardy attitude that we have inevitably slid into. We shall finish the project but with more of a whimper than a big bang. 

Southpork

Thurs.19.04.07. The support bar under the scuttle has been re-located above to assist the new design of the dashboard. The assembly of the engine panels has also been concluded, extremely satisfactorily. The plywood boot lining has also been constructed; using the scoring method to achieve the curve proved to be successful. The ugliness of the scored top although hidden can be covered by applying a paper/PVA layer both for strength and appearance                   

When genuine progress is accomplished there is very little to report. Pourquoir?  

Fri.20.04.07. It has been a fruitful day particularly on the R and D front. With a small amount of coaxing the boot liner fits flawlessly. The door to the boot space will be hinged using a piano style mechanism which when lowered could double as a small table. Patterns have been made for all of the internal panels; some of these will be fashioned in MDF, plywood for the flexible units to be later covered in either carpet or leather? The support bar for scuttle will be positioned to support the dashboard at an appropriate angle. The facing bottom edge of the scuttle will be cut back so that the ends of the dash can gently sweep up giving the appearance of graceful subtlety. Creating this ‘swept up’ effect has been the major problem with the design of the dash. 

Experimenting with different materials and methods in an attempt to disguise the clumsy, bulky nature of the previous dash with the intention to imitate the 70^th anniversary ‘Morganesque’ style has been a constant quandary for the past month. Re-locating the support bar followed by the removal of 5cms. from the floor of the scuttle has immediately solved this dilemma. The corners of the dash can be gently turned up displaying a sexier more delicate image.

As a planning session the day has been enormously productive. The benefit of the work achieved today will prove profitable over the next few weeks. Why have we not approached other aspects of the build in such a way?

The ‘pigfest’ continues to occupy the minds and souls of the Roy Castle corner. The imminent arrival of the wieners is the current topic of conversation. 

In fact Kenny and the Doc returned from Southpork have reinforced the security fence before installing the first lot of bedding for the inmates. Enjoying a Barbeque washed down with three bottles of sauvignon also made their task much easier. Only Knocker dared to change the banter by recounting how Andy Lewis had sent images of himself masturbating to all of his local girlfriends requesting a shag for the night. Unfortunately, Lou had ‘surfed his net’ unfortunately discovering his message. She responded by breaking off their relationship. I can’t understand why? 

Panels, box and Pigs

Weds.18.04.07. Both engine panels have been secured to the central tub, they have been packed with filler compound and are extremely substantial. Chris has not welcomed the return of the dreaded tete dust but his skill has been rewarded by the continuous sweeping line that has been formed, the practicality of a now totally sturdy unyielding structure is the ‘real’ bonus. 

The patterns for the engine bay panels have been re-cut accommodating the bell housing, the new location of the master cylinders, battery cubicle and steering shaft. These will later be fabricated by Catterall and Woods of Chorley. To ensure complete accuracy they will be laser cut using 2mm density aluminium. The entire body of the car now has taken on yet another emerging look’. ‘Completeness’ once disguised, has become immediately apparent.   

The boot lining has proved a little difficult to construct but the provisional cardboard maquette has slotted in pretty well, considering this has been the first fitting. The curved top will be tackled tomorrow but there are several solutions to the problem, all of which are respectable compromises. But the major decision today has been to abandon the dashboard design entirely for a radical option. Fuck me!

Much earlier in the project the realisation of having spent several weeks planning, designing and manufacturing these various dashboard blueprints, only to have them rejected entirely, would have propelled me into my vacuous black hole, bottom lip protruding, stamping my feet. But, I must now be either utterly immune to criticism or I have developed a greater understanding of ‘Design and Build’. The present dash models are no longer relevant because it is proposed by Chris to remove the original strengthening bar from beneath scuttle to re-locate internally above. This would allow the main dash panel to be supported by the bar but would also, more importantly, eliminate the 6cms below the dash that has proved to be difficult to mask, without displaying a clumsy, bulky arrangement. It is another bold amendment and another fundamental lesson. “Never be afraid to undo previous mistakes”. The amount of time and effort that has been given to this particular assignment is miniscule compared with the bigger picture; to alter thus committing to a superior finite design must be the primary consideration. The knowledge gained from the original concept will not be wasted but the eventual outcome will become sufficient, satisfactory recompense. 

Nonetheless, it didn’t prevent me from having a shed full of ale later in the Oak. The ‘Landlord’ proudly announced that the pigs should arrive to “Southpork” on Saturday morning. There will be 3 Saddlebacks and 3 cross Wild Boar/ Saddleback, all six week old wieners. David quietly read ‘The Wigan Observer’, Chris decided that it was an evening of ‘listening’, Doctor Dave seemed strangely sober and today I saw a bin man driving his truck wearing a pair of fuckin’ ‘Ray bans’. What’s all that about?   

Savoy

Mon.16.04.07. The timber has been purchased from Savoy Timbers for the inner lining of the boot space, later to be taken to Richie’s workshop for cutting and sanding. Just as the boot box was assembled loosely the same will apply to the lining. The severity of the curve, that mirrors that of the inner wing profile, has caused problems, in that, even 3mm plywood does not take kindly to being ‘bent’ to such an extent. One solution to this problem would be to score the outer skin with a Stanley knife to assist the necessary curvature? The dashboard continues to progress. Using the drawings as aids the finer details are much easier to document as a consequence the wooden alternatives were easier to modify.

Chris has been assembling the engine side panels to the central tub. Being always conscious of the need to fix these panels rigidly, a multitude of screws, nuts and bolts have been studded along the joint. 

The seam, at one point, resembled the spinal track of Frankenstein’s monster but with liberal applications of filler these wounds rapidly disappeared, skilfully blended into the leading edge of the tub to now appear as one complete unit. The front edge of the panels has been firmly supported by the radiator mounting brackets plus an adjustable metal brace that spans the nose cone. All these fastening points have created a solid rigid base. The aluminium cladding of the engine compartment also provides an extra resource establishing the inflexibility, and stability of the total construction of the tub, scuttle, engine panels, nose cone and bonnet.  

Side panels

Thurs.12.04.07. Chris has stripped the car down to the tub and rear wings; the purpose is to finalise the fixing of the engine side panels. Ultimately the panels will become integrated into the tub permanently, secured by four bolts to the scuttle sides, by custom-built brackets and an adjustable tension bar at the front of the engine bay. It was also necessary to amend the original brake pipe brackets to contain the freshly designed engine panels. Unfortunately, the recent dry build had exposed an obstruction to the Goodrich braided hose connectors resulting in changes to the brackets. As soon as the panels are secured the tub will be lifted off the chassis for the definitive corrections. 

The cavity for the boot box will be redefined; the inspection hatch for the rear spring clarified and any essential cuts to the tub shall be enlarged. Once these conclusive alterations are completed the tub will be returned to the chassis for the definitive, ultimate and momentous time.

Earlier in the day having drawn out the sections of the boot box I took them to Richie who cut out the panels ready for assembly. I propose assembling the box temporarily

in preparation for finite adjustments. I also made cardboard templates of the inner rear wings and remaining boot space. The entire area will be clad using a combination of MDF and plywood, soundproofed with matting to produce a sympathetic, well constructed, usable space.

Sat.14.04.07. I have constructed the boot box but only fastened the sides together temporalily. I have started four dashboard designs and begun to cut out the patterns for the lining for the boot space. Chris has continued to work on the engine panel assembly. 

Progress?

Weds.11.04.07. Better news on the building front. Chris has been studiously calculating the position of the rear lights, indicators and reflectors. The exact position of the units on the wings has several determining factors. Namely, their location has an influence upon the height of the bumper, the fixing of the spare wheel, luggage rack, the accessibility of the fuel cap and the obvious considerations of illumination. The combination of all of these factors has also an aesthetic impact upon the rear appearance of the car and for that reason alone, a considered, deliberate approach is fundamental. 

I have decided to use photographic images from other proven vehicles as an aid for the design of the dashboard and console. By plotting out the various alternatives I propose to develop the most appropriate for the car. 

I intend to produce at least three initial blueprints, all quite different in form using a diversity of materials and colour codes. The first will utilize the traditional materials of walnut and leather: another will principally utilize aluminium as a base and the final design will incorporate the retro styling of the ‘70’ year anniversary Morgan vehicles that incorporates the body colour within the actual dashboard. I have, also a trip to France during the next month where I have a piece of South American hardwood given to me by ‘Don Mikey’. He alleges that the exotic South American timber is at least 200 years old; it certainly is well seasoned having wonderfully rich black swirls hidden within the naturally sumptuous grain. I have an idea that would involve Monsieur Alain Luzan, the local and well-respected carpenter, to have the slab of wood planed, prepared then cut to the required size of the dash and console. French timber crafted by a notable artisan sounds pretty perfect for the Burlington to add yet another twist to the tale. This idea may tip the balance in favour of wood as the chosen material. 

Inevitably any conversation in the Oak eventually gravitates to ‘cars’ when just the ‘blokes’ gather in the Roy Castle corner. And sure enough it was the turn of cockney Mick to wax lyrical about his particular favourite machine; his M540i. “It’s fackin’ faast as fack, 192 mph wiv 450 bhp, I’ve ‘ad the limiter taken out an’ ‘ad it rechipped, it’s a beast, it’s a right evil cant” (why don’t people from the south of England swear like the rest of us, it’s not difficult? They insist upon saying ‘cant’ instead of cunt and ‘fackin’ ‘ell’ rather than fuckin’ hell). Mick commenced, “Let me tell you a story about some young cant who wanted to buy the car. He said to me, can I drive? I said, can you fack! So I took ‘im, just poodling along, foa a ride up to the motorway. To which he said, what’s all the fuss about? Then I nudged her into second an’ by the time we ‘ad reached the end of the slip road we were touchin’ 90 fackin’miles a fackin’ hour. You should ‘ave seen the cants face, it was snow white an’ glued to the back seat. I took ‘im up the motorway at 170, I’m sure ‘ee was going to piss ‘imself; when I slowed dawn I arsked ‘im if ‘ee still wanted to buy the car an’ ‘ee said, do I fuck. I knew the cant would be shit scared, I noo ‘ee was just a fackin’ tyre kicker, but I didn’t want to sell the car anyway so I told ‘im to fack off an’ not waste my time”.     

Windscreen actually functions

Burlington Diary April 2007

Weds.04.04.07. The windscreen fits and moves perfectly; it certainly appears that all the hard work last summer has paid off. The new brackets securely uphold the rigidity, facilitating the smooth operation of the tilting mechanism. In combination with the dashboard position and general cockpit arrangement, the actual gear stick length from the selector to the position on the central console has been calculated. The distance of the steering column to the dashboard in relation to the travel of the seat along with the position the gearshift have also been measured then carefully noted. The location of the aero screen swivel brackets has also been considered. They are to be hidden under the rubber mounting of the main screen enabling them to be removed when not required.

I have continued to work on the dash design, which might, as Hampson suggests after a recent visit, would be better in alli. 

Over the Easter weekend I have worked on the dash and cockpit proposals but on Monday Jo and I found time to enjoy the Oak. Food was the primary attraction with Cockney Mick providing fresh Jersey Royals, asparagus together with Iceberg lettuce from his mate, Dodgy Don in Essex. Only the day before the corner had enjoyed live lobster, raw scallops and oysters; this was a much more of a grazing menu with additional side dishes of creamy sweet crayfish, pickled garlic, plump green Provence olives, cherry toms ‘off the vine’, pork in sherry and blueberry pie, finally, another stir fry using the last of the Chris’s crap beef.

We must get back to working on the car.