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.