Rapid progress

Weds.19.03.08. The additional work on the handbrake tunnel has begun. The joint has been reinforced as have the top and sides. To ensure greater strength the unit requires more layers of newspaper and PVA before it can be signed off. The final timber section lining the rear top edge of the interior of the car has been prepared, so combined with that of the dashboard, Richie can apply the stain to replicate the colour of the Motalita steering wheel. The bonnet catches have proved somewhat difficult to fit even though a template had been fabricated as a guideline. The contours of the bonnet in comparison with the flat engine panels have resulted in the thickness of the rubber washer being increased ‘two fold’ to accommodate the curve. Equally, the mesh on the underside of the bonnet has proved difficult to seat. Other trims on the scuttle top have had to be shaved so that all three edges come together agreeably.

But, the definitive list for Paddocks has not yet been finalised as Easter approaches I doubt whether I shall be able to travel to Chester before next Tuesday. 

Thurs.20.03.08. The handbrake shroud has had further reinforcement but still requires additional bulk to facilitate fine sanding for final shape. All the timber sections have been taken to Richie’s workshop for the stain to be applied.

The list for Paddocks has not yet been completed but there is a large autojumble together with a classic car show at Blackpool on Monday which I aim to attend. I hope to find many of the missing specialist parts that Paddocks cannot provide.

Fri.21.03.08. I have begun to reinforce the gearbox tunnel with paper and PVA and also strengthen the inner walls so that the sides can sit snugly against the original tunnel. Chris has dismantled the nose cone and grill to ensure a cleaner fit: he has also glued the bonnet mesh in place to complete the assembly of the two halves.

Mon.24.03.08. The low expectation of the Blackpool Classic Car Show was confirmed, characteristically by a poor turnout of, in particular, the trade stands. None of the larger companies were in attendance, the specialist stainless nut and bolt man that I went to see was not even there. There was, nevertheless, a motley but sufficient collection of stalls for me to pick up several items that I provisionally was purchasing from Europa or Paddocks. The two Lucas rear number plate lights for £12.95 each and the rear Lucas red reflectors for £22.00 were much cheaper. An aluminium extrusion for the boot top and a sheet of 2mm for the number plate backing plates was £2.00 and £4.00 respectively. A set of vintage ‘alli’ on black number plates, registration 8018 NE for £25.00, three tins of aerosol spray for £3.00, one metre of rubber strip for £2.50 were also bargains. But, perhaps the most successful purchase could be a revolutionary welding wire that is used just like solder, but actually welds very thin pieces of aluminium together. The technique of welding aluminium is notoriously difficult. Brockbank can achieve it but he is quite exceptional. It is of German origin, imported by a Swede but marketed in England retailing normally at £40.00 per metre, but the show price was £20.00. If it is as good as it seems it will offer a very different approach and dimension to my interest in creating metal sculptural pieces. The total price of all of the items was £102.45. Working on major suppliers prices there has been an approximate saving of £60.00 plus. Well worth the visit, even though I couldn’t purchase what I wanted, namely dome headed stainless steel nuts and bolts. Sometimes it is better to ‘think outside the box’ when visiting shows such as these.