Fri.07.09.07. The construction of the door side panels is complete, along with the other interior sections, I reluctantly trudged up to Westmead for another suit fitting. The workshop was empty so, unhindered, I began to position the parts marking the areas that would need some alteration. I found that the upper reinforced edge of the door panels could be extended to the lower edge of the dash therefore effecting a natural conclusion for this piece of trim; the long sweeping curve taking the eye to the outside ends of the board. The simplistic under trim has also been a successful amendment; slimmer, less fussy it should complement the form of the dash perfectly. The gearbox shroud as well as the prop shaft tunnel cover has undergone the finishing touches to underline what is developing into a purposeful functional attractive ‘retro’ cockpit.
Whilst I was still delighting in my artistic woodcraft expertise I was disturbed by Chris entering the garage munching on the remains of his lunch. I anticipated the usual criticism but he, unpredictably, approved of the layout. “I’ll tell you what, Ni, Richies made another fine job of these panels, you can’t beat proper craftsmanship.” I awkwardly yet illicitly agreed, informing Chris that Richie had spent many hours making sure that everything was of an acceptably high standard. There were some minor faults nothing that Chris could not surreptitiously rectify, so as not to upset Richie keeping him warm, involved still on the case. Even better news was revealed when I noticed that all the lights, indicators and reflectors had been positioned on the wings, the access holes had been drilled ready for assembly. Both Colin and Chris had also had a meeting this morning to discuss the proposed steering column change which has now, mercifully, been decided against. The argument being that the exact position had been calculated to accommodate the comfort of the driver, his operation of pedals, the gear shift as well as instrument vision. But the most exciting part of their discussions concerned ‘when and how’ to lift the central tub off the car so that the chassis can be checked for peripheral damage, the boot box plus the clutch slave cylinder access can be properly re-worked. The relevance of lifting the tub ensures that the project, happily, is back on track. This operation ensures that once the body has been returned permanently, fixed to the rolling chassis there will be no more dry builds, no more major revisions, no more three forward two back and no more wasted time.
I returned home enthusiastically immediately beginning to cut, drill and fashion the ‘definitive’ dash. What a difference a day makes. (artist unknown).
On Sunday we have arranged a meeting, for all interested parties at the Oak with the revised travel plan for the Beaujolais run. Wine tasting at 3.00pm followed by, when everybody is pissed, the itinerary.
BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU TRIP 12TH. TO 17TH. NOVEMBER 2007
· Depart the Royal Oak at 9am Monday 12.11.07.
· Return ferry crossing Dover Calais 3pm arrival by 5pm. Approx cost £50.00
· Travel to Honfleur (Northern French Coast) to stay locally at the hotel
Mercure on the old harbour with fresh caught seafood on the menu.
Cost £60.00.
· Tues. 13.11.07 drive South West to Angers for a reception sampling typical
Loire Atlantique food and wine produce. Hospitality and free lodgings.
· Weds.14.11.07. Move across country to Beaujeu to enjoy the celebrations of
‘Semantelles’ staying at Le Mont Brouilly in Quincie-en-Beaujolais having
a Gourmet meal in the evening at the hotel restaurant. There is a firework
display and procession at midnight in Beaujeu for any interested parties. I
have copies of the menu and the room facilities. Cost £80.00.
· Thurs.15.11.07. One hour away is Buxy where in the afternoon we can attend
another reception and taste local wine in the co-operative cave. We shall stay
In the ‘le Relais du Montagny’, but in the evening have another gourmet
Meal in the Michelin star restaurant ‘Aux Vines Annees’. Cost £70.00.
· Fri.16.11.07. Depart for the Northern coast to arrive in Cambrai to stay at
‘Le Mouton Blanc’. Fresh Normandy dairy and beef produce to enjoy in
the hotel’s 19th. century restaurant. Cost £60.00.
· Sat.17.011.07. We catch the Calais Dover ferry in the morning to arrive back
in Wigan early evening. Final reception at the Oak. Details to be announced.
All the costs have been based upon two people sharing. The prices are per couple. To experience the full package, which includes rooms and all breakfast and evening meals, but excludes lunches, spending money and fuel the approximate cost is……………………..£320.00
It is always possible to offset these costs by returning to the UK with legitimate contraband either to consume oneself or fence locally.
The afternoon went well with the Doc providing cheeses, salmon plus an assortment of European sausages. The three white Burgundies were gratefully consumed along with a Muscadet sur lie and a peculiarly poor Sancerre. The numbers for the trip have been firmed up, the travel arrangements approved. The group now consists of 12 people: namely, Jo and I, the Doc and Alan, Kenny and Norma, Paul and friend, Sheffield Dave and Julie Young and lastly Dave and Julie Green plus two friends.
We just need the car to be ready to complete the whole picture.
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