Body advancement

Weds.03.10.07. Several other finer layers of filler have been applied to the ‘box’ carefully sanded to achieve a flatter ‘pit free’ surface. After another fruitful ‘in situ’ fitting at Westmead, to double check the relevant measurements, the framed collar was then glued, screwed and filled to complete the robust assembly.

To my astonishment, Chris, over the past three days, had lifted the body tub off the chassis. He had used a combination jacks, crowbars as well as raw muscle to raise the tub by 30cms. subsequently wedging a pair of tyres and wheels to suspend the cab above the rear section of the chassis. He has since been able to refine all the difficult access points that had to be widened and tidied, namely the gear box slave cylinder portal, bootbox space and rear spring cavity. The rear locating bracket, designed by both Chris and Colin, is a mini engineering masterpiece. This single bracket accomplishes three common objectives by securing, the tub to the chassis, the rear exhaust silencer and the rear bumper assembly. Any ‘three point, triangular’ configuration has always been the sturdiest most effective method in any form of construction. This bracket exemplifies that notion.

Excitedly, Chris explained all of the modifications he had achieved since the tub had been raised. “I’m really into it now, why didn’t we perform like this before, we must get it painted, I can’t wait!”  Together with the ‘wonder bracket’, he was most proud of the joint that he had fashioned between the tub and the engine side panels. This has proved, not only, to be seamless but also tremendously strong. Consequently, the fear of cracking if moved no longer seems to be a consideration. To have the body tub painted without being bolted to the chassis is now a viable option.  The favoured procedure is sensible: easily transported in a transit van, rather than a trailer initially delivered then, when finished, comfortably collected from Nigel at Penk Autos. So much so, I later contacted Nigel who can begin the work next week.     

Today has been significant. For the first time, for a long time, I am optimistic that the project may really be concluded before November.