Meatloaf

Weds.19.09.07. I am presently affectionately known as ‘Meatloaf’ at Savoy timbers, currently making my 8^th blank dashboard then buying my 3^rd  hole cutting set. The boys down there know my exact measurements 48 inches by 8 and a half, worst of all I know the exact price of £1.96pence. Apparently the much adored ‘Meat’ penned a song called ‘dashboard lights’. But, none the less, the sharper set of cutters has made very light work of the 6mm plywood dash backplate, thankfully, my hobby band saw has accurately traced the outline shape of the model. So much so that the instrument holes have first been located then drilled accordingly. This should form the ultimate template for the eventual ‘facia’ and also act as, not only reinforcement, but more essentially serve as the fixing board for all of the gauges and switches.

Thurs.20.09.07. The template of 6mm plywood dash was laid upon the blank raw ‘maple’ that I sourced in France from Alain Luzan, after which the outline was drawn in. The centres of the holes were identified by using a compass. Applying the radius to produce a series of arcs their precise position could be located. Once marked they were pre-drilled with a 2mm wood bit to facilitate sighting the hole cutter in the correct place. To confirm the cutting procedure I telephoned Dave Brown to ask his advice as to whether my proposed method would be successful. It was suggested that two approaches could be adopted. However, both require a slightly smaller hole to be drilled for each of the instrument sockets, the template then clamped to the back of the blank board will function as a guide for the router. After which, the first method, being the simplest, is to choose the exact profiled router bit to enable the enlargement and the bevel to be fashioned simultaneously as a single cut. The second, much more complicated, creates a shoulder at a depth of 6mm followed by an extra cut to form the desired rounded contour.

It does appear that Dave is only prepared to offer advice, tuition and his excellent tools, but since I have boasted before that I must control total ownership of this aspect of the project, I must then, step up to the ‘plate’ put my toes on the ‘ocky’ swing the bat, propel the arrows, sink or swim or just finish up tit’s up, belly down, pear shaped, paddle, creek, shit, dead in water. 

Paul Scholes

Fri.31.07.08. On Monday Colin made the final adjustments to the scuttle/dash board brackets by fabricating triangular segments located at both end sections. The steering column has been re-located by 8mm to the left and raised by a further 5mm from the original position. This has resulted in the dashboard I have been working on becoming obsolete: this outcome is becoming increasingly repetitive. The hole that had been cut to accommodate the column is now incorrectly located. Also, the scale of the console, when attached to the dash, seems now to be incongruous, it appears ‘over-large’ almost clumsy in comparison. For the past three days I have been in pursuit of a balance between the ‘new’ juxtaposed to the ‘retro’. More so, I have basically had enough of the ‘shifting goal posts’ usually instigated in my absence, and so whilst Chris is away this weekend on Roberts ‘stag do’ I shall sneak up to the garage, work on site to finish all the panels for the cockpit. The dash, console, handbrake cover, side panels, ‘the whole nine yards’; I shall attempt to re-discover the pre-summer minimalist design. Fuck ‘em.   

By Sunday I had completed all the basic construction of all of the panels. I have been able to visit Westmead to make minor alterations, which were later re-worked in my cellar. There has been a good deal of cutting, filling and sanding but the simplistic bare arrangement is a distinct improvement: this will be the ‘definitive’ design. As a seemingly unrelated coincidence whilst watching the football this weekend I began to admire the long career of Paul Scholes of Manchester United: the often-unsung midfield ‘ginga’ who possesses the combined football talents of Nobby Styles as well as Alan Ball. Paul Scholes, the worm gatherer, so called because during the world cup under Glen Hoddle, he preferred to quietly stroll aimlessly around the cultured grounds of the team hotel, with his head constantly bowed to the floor completely absorbed, steeped in his own reverent thoughts, instead of playing several rounds of golf, foolishly entrapped within the Gazzer posse ‘getting pissed’ and shagging countless groupies. He is the ultimate professional footballer; a very rare breed. He has stayed with one club all his playing career, he has had the same haircut for 15 years, he still lives in Manchester, is married to the same girl, shuns any sort of promotional and marketing shit, has sensibly stopped playing for an underachieving England side, does not have the usual silly nickname like Keano, Giggsy, Butty or Becks and he still wears black football boots. A simple lad who just gets on with the job: a little like my pompous self.

August is over and with only September to complete the car; given road trials and a visit from the DVLA, the timeframe is tight

New contacts and pig roast

Thurs.23.08.07. The steering column bracket routed under the scuttle, has been bolted then glassed, which now allows the dash and console to be positioned exactly. I have re-modelled the curve shaving the height of the console so that it will fit snugly. I have begun to confirm the ‘definitive’ configuration of the console, shaping the edges verifying the eventual image.I have contacted Premier Auto Trim speaking to Michael, who can re-cover the seats in leather for £400.00 within 3 weeks. I intend to visit the workshop on Tuesday to ‘vet’ the quality of his work.

Fri.24.08.07. I have spent most of the day shaping the console. The indentations have been filled with a mixture of PVA with MDF sawdust. This proves to be the ideal natural ‘filler’. It is always prudent to retain any of the sawdust that is created from previous modelling: this can be combined with PVA to create the perfect natural filler, the texture and colour accurately matching the piece that has been constructed. When sanded down the patched areas seamlessly blend into the required form to achieve a faultless finish. That is my tip for the day; I hope that you enjoyed. 

Mon 27.08.07. The bank holiday weekend has passed; the console has been finely shaped, fingers crossed it should pass muster. Colin has installed the steering column bearing in the left hand side of the bulkhead. He has also completed the fastening brackets for the dash. Due to the length of the steering rod it may be necessary to position another bearing close to ‘rack end’ to ensure increased stability plus greater sensitivity throughout the entire system.

Pigfest.

The Doc had arranged the first tasting of the murdered hogs in the form of a spit roast. The first criminal to be offered was, appropriately, Steve McQueen, the rebellious leader of the rampaging pack of porkers who in one single foray had totally destroyed Adele’s lawn. He was the runt of the litter but clearly was the smartest. Just like many small people, deceitfully sharp, unpredictably aggressive, thrusting, determined, yet infuriatingly, always successful. ‘Never trust a small, forty year old male in any situation’ is an adage that always rings true. Consider, for instance, Napoleon, Adolf, Edward G Robinson, Charlie Drake, Jimmy Clitheroe and Psycho Colin.

The roasting tray was constructed from a rusting oil drum, the mechanism being constructed from one seven foot length of scaffolding supported on either end by two metal bar stools. The charcoal was piled on to the floor directly beneath the skewered animal, lit rather leisurely at one o’clock, which was not the proposed stating time. The average cooking period is approximately 8 hours so the optimum target starting time was, in fact, 9pm. But, Paul and the Doc had spent the previous night consuming several bottles of Cointreau complemented by infinite cups of strong black coffee presumably planning the job, honing every detail with military precision. The delay meant that when guests arrived late in the afternoon the pig was far from ready. Typically, accusations were aimed towards the tardy chefs who by now were regularly turning their ‘home made’ contraption in a futile attempt to cheat time: the limbs limply swaying as the joints opened, the spinal core bending precariously with every little rotation. The ingredients were ideal for the gathering ‘man’ crowd. There was fire, wood, blood raw meat all ‘held together’ with sharpened stakes, a creaking weakened platform roughly bound by garden wire. It wasn’t long before Lowtie, Cockney Mick and Doctor Dave were rendering the original protagonists obsolete taking command of the rudderless, floundering shipwreck lowering the chard carcass onto the hot coals, thus defying the sensible, cautious ‘slow cook’ method.  The hot fat ignited on impact, smoke and flame filled the immediate space, the crowd fled to the comfort of the bar. Once it became safe to return, sadly, what remained was a blackened smouldering cinder, a million miles away from the promised succulent, juicy, tender, appetising chunks of pork. Slowly, one by one, excuses were made, rats slipped away, Elvis has left the building.          

Another tuttle

Mon.20.08.07. I have started the umpteenth dashboard design buying yet another piece of MDF drawing out the ‘definitive’, ultimate, authoritative, decisive, conclusively final proposed pattern. For the eventual representation there is still a strong possibility of using the timber provided by Alain Luzan. The wood is only 10mm in thickness but could be laminated at either end enabling the ‘batwing’ configuration being carved out, included in the whole piece. The timber has a naturally strong yellow/honey colour that could be enhanced by applying a light stain followed by several diluted layers of oils or beeswax. This could be a bold, winning statement promoting the colour theme of green and gold, or an expensive, fundamental ‘faut pas’, but I am prepared to take the risk.  The console is pretty much finalised with only the major decision of whether or not to integrate dashboard timber into the façade. However, this is fraught with danger: to use too much would be excessively ostentatious (in this situation ‘less’ may, in fact, be ‘more’). Additional ‘R and D’ is the order of the day.  

I have been in touch with Suzanne Riches who is Wigan’s ambassadress in Angers in the hope that some hospitality can be arranged on Tuesday 13^th. November. I have briefly explained the present itinerary of our trip as well as the suggestion that we can transport ‘in house brewed’ beer, organic pork, a selection of pies together with other local delicacies from the Oak as a gesture of goodwill, or perhaps, better still, ‘trade’ for their produce, wine, pate, and cheese. 

Tues.21.08.07. I have been on a spending spree buying many of the missing cables in addition to other various sundries. Paddocks have supplied, an accelerator, brake and choke cable, an angled speedo drive, a HT set, another set of plugs, an automatic gearbox wiring loom, a fan belt plus various clips and bolts for £65.43; less the discount for the return of the unused middle section of SS exhaust pipe. The Welsh MG Centre has ripped me off for ‘second hand’ petrol filler assembly at £34.08. John the paint has provided three folded mild steel sections to be fabricated into the dashboard retaining brackets for £6.00.   

Weds.22.08.07. I had spent most of the morning then into mid-afternoon cutting out the instrument apertures as well as shaping the console, only to find later, having been summoned to Westmead, to discover the horizontal attachment bracket had been re-modelled. As a result the dash and console at present, does not fit but requires altering accordingly or transformed completely. Colin has prepared a reinforcement piece that also doubles as the front location face for the lower plane of the dash, combined with the holding mechanism of the steering column; the piece runs the whole width of the scuttle floor. An upper section, that mirrors the lower, will be added later allowing the dash when in position to be supported on every edge of its parameter.

The other purpose of the journey to Standish was to collect the Mk2 seats from Terry the trimmer.  They need to be precisely located in the tub to assist the sighting of the steering column. Terry has had the seats for about 15 months but has not yet started the recovering. We are rapidly realising that he does not want the job; we have again wasted valuable time. Just as Danny, Terry has ignored phone calls and requests to begin the work. Even though it is late in the day, with very few other options, they are both swiftly edging toward the fuck off bin to join the fast growing band of unreliables, shysters, Billy liars and bull shit merchants.

Suzanne Riches has responded to my e’mail sounding quite enthusiastic about our visit to Angers. She has a meeting with the ‘twinning commissioners’ tomorrow when she will present our case. A rendezvous with wine growers, cheese makers and other local food producers can also be arranged along with accommodation for the night.                                                                                 

Carivorous porkers

Sat.18.08.07. Colin has had another full day securing the steering shaft bearing alongwith concluding the petite alterations to the front bumper brackets. His careful preparation from the previous day paying dividends in that all the ‘self made’ components could be fitted easily. They were later both welded then bolted to the broader chassis.  Meanwhile, Chris has bonded a 2mm steel plate, again ‘prepared earlier’, below the scuttle to act as a locating point for the dashboard but this significant piece of fabrication also creates extra reinforcement for that area of the car.                                                                                                           

Eviction. Breaking news at the Oak at the weekend has confirmed the imminent removal of pigs from ‘Southpork’. The local ‘Ramblers Society’ has written a barrage of letters, all addressed to David and Adele, expressing their fears regarding the proximity of the pigpen which coincidentally rests adjacent to their ‘right of way’: a path that, up until recently, had not been in use for many a long year: massively overgrown, virtually impossible to traverse. They have felt in mortal danger from the marauding, savage, wild creatures who rejoice in leaping out from behind the beech saplings snorting and grunting in a terrifyingly fiercesome manner. They are particularly concerned about the imminent threat to their precious children who could potentially suffer mutilation, losing the odd digit or worse still being dragged screaming and kicking into the dark tousled undergrowth voraciously consumed by a posse of carnivorous porkers. They continually voice their opinions about defending everyone’s basic right to walk the English landscape along established footpaths: through farmer’s front rooms, across newly sewn pasture, over virgin moor land, journeying beyond remote mountains and lakes, unhindered, unfettered but also without being violently attacked by man or beast. These crusty, interfering, erroneous warriors declare to have an obsession for ‘all things natural’, assert that ‘freedom’, liberty with uniformity is rooted at the core of their mission statement have conversely in their compassioned wisdom, ‘to a man’ signed the death warrant of ‘Rooter, Spot, Shackleton, Rose, Bloater and McQueen’. David and Adele have, justifiably, buckled under pressure; as a consequence the abattoir beckons tomorrow, young lives shall be prematurely terminated proving that the pen is as mighty as the electric lance of death. R.I.P. 

Vigilante

Fri.17.08.07. The day did not begin too well with Kevin of Fastline Motors, Preston, phoning to tell me that my Motorcycle parts bound for France had arrived, but at a cost. Sure enough he was correct. I stared down at the counter where a cardboard head gasket a rubber rocker box cover joint plus 16 of the tiniest valve stem seals emerged through the fog of the plastic wrapping. I picked the package up to find that it also was particularly light having little substance. The total bill was £167.42 an obscene inexplicable figure for basic components fashioned from the simplest of materials. Honda are taking the piss. The clear comparison here is the relatively inexpensive Triumph parts: I recall a complete engine gasket set being £18.00, piston rings, main bearings, valve seals all a matter of pennies. The range of quality, original stainless steel products from Morgan a mere pittance, the seasoned timber for the dashboard (2 pieces) from Alain Luzan for £13.00, Borg and Beck clutch assembly £59.00, an electronic distributor from H+H Ignition Solutions £116.00. The list is endless, so how Honda can arrive at this absurd figure is beyond belief.
My day continued to nose dive when I was summoned to accompany Dick to return to Preston, the scene of the recent mugging, to pick up a basket case C180 Merc that functions only in 1st. gear. I had to suffer Dick’s pontifications about all manner of issues from, his facile remedy for the evident global warming threat, lunatic brainwashed terrorists, the ‘out of control’ feral gangs of youths who roam our lawless streets, the toothless, worthless tax collecting police, the limp, cosseted, cowardly, blindingly corrupt modern British politician and the perennial question of how best to market clockwork wanking monkeys as well as argumentative parrots. Dick’s remedial decree to societies ‘troubles’ was straightforward, outstandingly uncomplicated. “It’s simple; every city, town and village forms a vigilante group comprising of dutiful tax paying locals. In their own community they identify wayward hooded kids, suspicious, furtive ‘ner do wells’, anti-social Monday club spongers. They firstly, give them an initial warning but later when necessary, subject them to a right good battering before moving them on. Thus bypassing ineffectual, dumb plod that whimpers every time a ‘skanky’ gets a slap or turns a blind eye when old ladies are mugged! Secondly, instead of being forced to sit behind their desk listening to their fuckin’ i’pod, we inoculate our loyal ‘Tommy’s’, by injecting large doses of angry, psycho juice so that they can function properly, namely, to randomly dispose of anyone linked to every clandestine group who’s name begins with ‘El’, ‘Al’ or ‘BN’, in addition to ‘nuking’ every country east of France!” Thankfully Preston is only 25 miles away, so I effortlessly descended into my black vacuous space pressing the switch off button.
But, even the end of the day had a sting in the tail. The crippled Merc had to be dispatched to Slicks for some serious mechanical surgery where Dick and Kath immediately began exchanging expletives in a ‘fuckfest’ that would have been envied in Sam’s bar. I left them staring gormlessly under the bonnet of an Audi A4, “it’s the fuckin’ thermostat” “it’s fuckin’ not dickhead, there’s water pissing out of the bell fuckin’ housing” “well, twat face, where’s the fuckin’ black shitty smoke fuckin’ comin’ from, bollock brain”.   I escaped for a welcomed toot around the workshop. On the roof of Porche 911 was a plastic bag containing 2 rubber rocker box cover gaskets. I unwisely asked Mike the mechanic how much they actually cost. Searching through the wodge of invoices he came up with a figure. Unfuckinbelievable, I had just paid £48 quid for one puny gasket, Mike had two for a friggin’ Porche 911 at ‘£11.45’. I rapidly rejoined Dick and Kath for the ‘fuckfest’.

Colin had reported for work at 9.am sharp. He had recovered from his ‘bad back’ and was ready to finish several of the tasks he had started the previous month. The robust steel bar, purchased earlier from ‘B and Q’, would, somehow, to be fashioned into the rear chassis bumper brackets. Throughout the day Colin cut, shaped, hammered, filed and ground sections from this plain simple 6mm bar into two precision made unique artefacts. Married to the Morgan brackets they integrated perfectly to support the chromed rear bumper. Welded to the silencer exhaust bobbin and chassis sub frame they have produced the ideal engineering ‘triangular configuration’ for maximum strength and rigidity. The front bumper was attached to a much more straightforward section of fabricated 2mm mild steel plate. A threaded bar welded to the chassis, incorporated within front plate, was bolted to the bumper bracket to complete the assembly. The complex angles, exact measurements, problematical constructional techniques combined with the expertise necessary to form these multifaceted exclusive pieces are yet another minor, yet infinitely important element making the car distinctive, possibly matchless. This has not been such a bad day after all. 

stuttering arseholes

Weds.15.08.07. Needless to say Colin failed to turn up sighting his bad back as the cause. Chris managed some of the fabrication before the blade in his jig saw packed up. I had filled my day labouring over the console which is held together with glue, pins, screws and clamps. There is still a great deal of repetitive toil before it resembles what is intended. The task has become ‘labour’ because of the unremitting ‘déjà vu’ that I am constantly experiencing. I have unquestionably trod this path before unfortunately I feel quite discouraged. 

Thurs.16.08.07. I have continued to work simultaneously on both units. I have laminated the underpart of the dash using MDF trimming the edge with half-round beading, gluing and clamping as the assembly progresses. Lastly, each will be shaped then sanded to take the final top layer of leather. The curved ends of the dash have been formed by using soaked, ‘bendy’ MDF screwed to a contoured frame; the cuts on the back being filled with a mixture of PVA and sawdust to maintain the curve. Once dried the framework can be removed, the spaces behind them ‘packed’ and the batwing ends joined to the main part of the dash. Potentially, there will be a problem when the ‘proper’ dash is cut to replicate these curved ends. To achieve this effect it maybe necessary to reproduce this shape from a carved, solid piece of wood or, another solution would be to completely cover the entire dash with a veneer.

Typically, there has been a downside to the day: ‘no show Colin’, Chris has not worked on the car because of the broken jigsaw blade, Danny the Painter is still hiding on Mars, discouragingly Gordon, the alternative painter, has declined the offer of jumping into his boots.  

Determination or wind

Mon.13.08.07. As I suspected the configuration of dash and console failed to accomplish total approval, my efforts being immediately carved up until Colin’s model bizarrely emerged from the remnants of scrap cardboard, MDF and tape. After three hours of locking horns a solution gradually emerged. By gentle persuasion, stubbornness or, more likely, simply ignoring every hint, wheedled argument, disguised proposition, implied suggestion my design became inexplicably suitable: we, therefore, had returned full circle to my primary intended proposals. With a touch more rounding off, softening, sympathetic tweaking we shall realize an agreeable, compatible, organic, potentially, sexy image. This indeed will be ‘le coeur de la voiture’. This incident reminded me so much of my daughter’s dog, ‘Tommy’. Always a sociable friendly individual he will gallop towards any other like minded critter to exchange enthusiastic tail wags, nose-arse sniffs, except when a larger aggressive beast attempts to dominate. Tommy handles this situation by pretending that the loud mouthed bully does not exist, he becomes selectively dumb and blind to trot on his merry way completely ignoring the intrusive unwanted demands: what an intuitive smart animal.

If nothing else I have become personally protective, quietly determined about the direction of this element of the vehicle. I have confidence in my ability to ‘design and make’ an exciting, professional interior compatibly embracing all the other stimulating ingredients of the vehicle. The ultimate finished product will possess genuine suitability with honest integrity because I ‘understand’ the car; it is not just another ‘job’.  

Tues.14.08.07. After all my boasting I now have to put my money where my mouth is, construct the ‘best dashboard and console in the world’. I have bought the timber, I have the patterns, all that remains is to cut and make the units precisely producing a more than ‘acceptable’ complete article. Having cut two left hand console sides by mistake, I had to visit Savoy Timbers, yet again, to buy replacement timber. Maybe, I am a tosser after all.

Meanwhile, Chris has been preparing the groundwork for the expected arrival tomorrow of Colin. He intends to fabricate the bumper chassis brackets and also conclude the assembly of the exhaust system. Earlier in the day I had purchased two sets of axle stands to raise the chassis and tub from the floor. They should facilitate the access to all operational areas. Abex Power Components have provided a bearing arrangement that will be fitted to the bulkhead providing an angled rigid exit for the steering rod. An additional ‘Hardy Spicer’ located 30cms from the bearing will also offer supplementary secure movement to the steering rack.

Without becoming over excited, I have felt that the labour of today has given a legitimate lift to the project. We have been treading water for some time but by the end of the day Chris does seem to have regained his enthusiasm talking in his familiar animated manner about ‘out doing’ Colin. “I’ll tell you what; if Brockie doesn’t pitch up tomorrow I’ll make these friggin’ brackets myself; that’ll show him!” It is a sure indication that when Chris rediscovers his competitive rivalry with Colin the sun shines brighter, the halcyon days are returning. Fingers crossed.     

Wine tasting

Sun.12.08.07. Being slightly ‘anal’ I have retained most of the ‘moc ups’ of previous patterns of the dash together with the rest of the interior parts. The very first model for the console combined unwanted, battered cardboard crudely fashioned fixed together with PVA, masking tape, brown paper, vinegar and sugar. This contraption has been slowly decomposing in my damp cellar, most of which cannot be re-cycled. After several minutes of study I realised that many of the other panels could be rescued to be reinvented later within the present proposals. Snip, snap, click, clack, bish, bosh, et viola, in all its’ shabby glory has evolved the ‘Mk6.’ console. I appreciate that a fundamental, essential and formative stage in the design process requires working with simple, cheap materials, so having to revert back to this level has felt something of a retrograde pointless task to which I thought I would never need revisit. The work is finished: the dash covered with brown card to simulate wood, the console presently consists of patched rotting cardboard, duck tape, PVA and paper. This shall remain so until approved by the masters.

At 3pm we had scheduled a wine tasting session down at the Oak with all the potential members interested in the Beaujolais trip. I had taken 3 bottles of red that I had brought back from the cave at Buxy. The 4.20 euros cote Bourgoyne, the 6.40 euros Cote Chalonaisse and 9.20 euros Premier Cru Givry were offered as typical samples from the region. All of which were gently consumed with the aid of a rustic, cross parmigano/goats cheese brought back from Santorini by the Preacher. The afternoon became quite successful as other interested parties were keen to join the run. The committed group members now consist of Jo and myself, the Doc and Alan, Dave and Julie Green + two friends, Kenny and Norma + two friends: other possible members include Cockney Mick wiv ‘er indoors, Kerry plus new fit boyfriend, Katie and Simon. 

The Sunday darts match concluded with Lowtie and Chris orchestrating the usual mayhem, Doctor Dave, of all people, ‘guiding’ the winning arrow with a double 10. It was only later that I discovered that Dave, in a past life, had represented Wigan at darts, pool and ‘dom’s; asserting himself as the ideal ‘unknown ringer’. After ten consecutive defeats the chalice known as the Cheatham cup has returned victoriously to team Chris. This might be the fillip he needs to finish the car? Stranger things have happened.      

Beaujolais changes

 

Sat.11.08.07. Isabelle Brouchard has returned an e’mail with details of a local Hotel that can accommodate the Beaujolais party. I have confirmed 7 rooms at “Le Mont Brouilly” with Madame Bouchacourt for the evening of 14.11.07. The hotel is situated in the village of Quincie-en-Beaujolais lying 7km from Beaujeu where the venue for the ‘Sarmentelles’ dinner will take place. Isabelle is also sending me an application form for the celebration evening she recommends that I must contact Nathalie at the office of the Marie to book our places. On Sunday I have organised with Doc to sample the wines that I have brought back from Montagny: I shall introduce the revised schedule then.

                                                                                        CHANGES TO THE BEAUJOLAIS RUN

·      The crossing on the overnight boat remains the same on Monday

    12.11.07.

·      The first night 13.11.07 will now be spent in Angers at present,

    negotiations are underway with the ambassadress to see what

    might be available on our arrival.

·      On Wednesday 14.11.07. we are staying at “Le Mont Brouilly” in

     Quincie-en-beaujolais, 69 euros for twin en suite with mountain   

     Views, 8 euro breakfast. This venue is 7 km from Beaujeu where

     the celebration dinner ‘Sarmentelles’ will take place in the town 

     Hall, the ‘Marie’.

·      Thursday afternoon 15.1107. we shall visit the co-operative cave at

     Buxy to sample the wines of the region. In the evening we can

    enjoy a gourmet meal at ‘Le grands vignes’ in the village. The

    menu starts around 20 euros. We shall stay at the Logis in the

    village, 45 to 60 euros per night.

·      On Friday 16.11.07 we shall travel north to stay at Cambrais in

     Picardie.

·      Saturday 17.11.07.We shall catch a mid morning ferry, drive to

   Wigan and arrive home at approximately 6pm.

Interior design

Fri.10.08.07. I have completed the basic structure of the dash as well as the console. To create the curve of the section that integrates the dash with the gearbox cover I have laminated two pieces of bendy MDF together. Secured on a cradle that replicates the exact curve the two pieces were glued, screwed and clamped. After the glue had set the section was freed leaving the curve intact, perfectly formed. The dash has been covered with brown Daler board to simulate the wood effect, the decals attached to imitate the instrumentation. The lower facet of the dash which will eventually be covered in leather fitting directly under the wooden segment; this portion will also contain the identification symbols for the switches which are located above. The side panels of the gearbox and prop shaft cover have been reduced in height to lower their profile. They will be re-made when their precise outline has been established.

All of this work together with the bumper brackets was taken to Westmead for the third ‘suit’ fitting. After the brackets had been identified as front and rear, left or right they were attached to the bumpers and offered up to the chassis: they fit perfectly. The complexity of the planes within the bracket would have been impossible to shape and fabricate by Colin. So, although expensive, they have been a wise purchase from Life’s Motors. They are incredibly strong, faithful in design, yet unexpectedly they are also ‘fit for purpose’.

Unlike my second ‘suit’ fitting which didn’t adhere to Colin’s ‘70s super car concept I could clearly sense an air of doubt. Chris tried his level best to somehow subvert my retro perception chipping away at the proposed elements until all that remained was an interior that resembled a 1976 Lamborghini cockpit complete with oodles of cheap bling, wide collared open necked shirt, orange flairs, velvet jacket, stacked heels, black Afro wig. I did suggest that I felt this image belonged in another car in another epoch not the Burlington to which the response was “Well, it’s your car; you have what you want, just as long as it is what I want as well!” I think not.

During April and May I had spent the best part of a month exploring, representing and constructing the interior, I was, perhaps, a fraction away from finalising the genuine heart of the car. I return from the summer to find that all this work has been undone, it has been replaced by an incongruous, brash, inferior, vulgar image that has probably been a ‘constant’ in every car that Colin or Chris has ever worked on: a bland, typecast, unoriginal, predictable notion that has no place in my vehicle. I shall conclude my model this weekend; present it on Monday that will be an end to it. A line shall be drawn; it shall be ticked off, boxed off, crossed off, so that we can move on.