"A genuine car"

Tues.11.03.08. The components have arrived from Europa and Demon Tweeks but as usual some of the consignment has been greeted with not the best approval. The air filters in particular have suffered from the most severe criticism. They are very poorly constructed, the renewable internal filters are in fact made from foam, and they also were not supplied with gaskets or ram pipes. These inferior products would render the advantages gained from the present performance modifications completely obsolete. The adage of ‘cheap cannot be good’ returns to remind us yet again: they will be exchanged for the ‘K and N’ equivalent, a far superior, proven unit.

The stainless steel braided hose, non adhesive loom tape, right angled oil pressure bracket have all past inspection. But, the star prize goes to the mid hose radiator filler unit; produced and manufactured in the US, fashioned from quality polished aluminium, shiny and gleaming, fitting perfectly to the thermostat housing. There is a possibility that both components can be joined seamlessly by a method of spun alloy; this task being assigned to Chris at Catterall and Wood.

Colin Brockbank, a face that had not been seen on the project for four months, had spent most of the morning casting his keen eye over the workmanship of Chris combined with the progress that had been achieved in his absence. Typically, he recommended certain changes that would improve several sections of the build. The seat runner feet could be cut then lowered by at least 6cms to align the top of the seats with rear quarter. The new position would also improve the access to the controls also improve, aesthetically, the side elevation of the vehicle. The central bearing on the steering rod could be relocated internally to increase the surface contact, therefore facilitating the smoother operation of the mechanism.

The front and rear wings together with the nosecone, unfortunately, have not had the same care as the body tub but could be rescued by a thorough rubbing down. Colin, incontrovertibly, also advises that the dashboard as with the rear boot trim should be stained ‘dark walnut’. The undisputed classic combination of walnut, sage leather and deep green paintwork is timeless; categorically this combination must not be ‘messed with’. This should, thankfully, close the debate about this issue. On a much more positive note, Colin did admire the overall image of the vehicle. “This really is going to be a genuine car,” he duly commented. 

I meanwhile, have been mastering the art of welding, which I am finding bloody difficult.