More cracks appear

Fri.02.05.08. The ‘Moroso’ extension radiator cap has been taken to Catterall and Wood to be cut and welded to the original ‘Stanpart’ thermostat housing. This will enable the water system of the car to be accessed at the highest point for filling, as such should ensure that the volume of liquid remains at its optimum. The oil cooler has also been fitted with the aid of a new aluminium bracket. The hose connection still fouls the filter mechanism so there needs to be a further modification to the brass angled bracket to create sufficient space for the complete unit.

A visit to Nigel the painter has finally revealed a price for the job. The total for all of his work will be £500.00. A first payment will be made on the 6^th. of May of £250.00 and the second amount after the car has been buffed. Chris has required an aerosol of paint to blow in the minor damage that has been caused during the final build. The paint can also be used to finish the underside of the nosecone and the front and rear edges of the bonnet.

Tues.06.05.08. I have made the interim payment to Nigel Penk for the painting of the car (£250.00). But, there has been better news from Aspull because Michael has promised the completion of the panels and tunnel by Thursday.

I failed to contact Catterall and Wood regarding whether or not they could produce a stainless steel circular plate, which will form the base on the boot for the location of spare wheel. Subsequently, later in the Oak, this had ‘brewed’ into a festering source of annoyance to Chris who, uncharacteristically, instead of being mildly frustrated, went ballistic when he discovered that I had not made the call. Being pulled in all directions recently, attempting on the one hand to complete his kitchen but at the same time spending the morning on the car has probably been the source of his mood. He felt that I had let him down by not completing this simple ‘five minute’ task. It didn’t help matters when both Lewis and Knocker found his tantrum to be an opportune, unmissable source of amusement with every goading comment fuelling his disposition. He was becoming increasing flustered but still continued to direct his anger at myself, since on the surface, I was the cause of his irritability, the villain of the piece, the boil on the arse. With a feeling of innocence, upon leaving the pub, I felt troubled. His sudden, abrupt anger was obviously due to the consequences of his daily schedule; mainly, that he is being perpetually harassed by Marion to finish the kitchen, Mike Hilton of ‘warning light’ fame, has stitched him up with yet another cripple of a car, certain auto traders still owe him a bucket load of money, ‘Slick’ has let him down over the prolonged repair of a vehicle, consequently, being unable to accept these factors I had become the whipping boy for the day. I awaited a phone call at 9.30pm for an additional tirade, which thankfully did not materialise: because, I too am equally pissed off for being responsible for ‘everything being wrong on Planet Ball’. I’m tired of being  endlessly grateful for his input and his fucking garage, his endless criticism, irrationality along side his tireless misguided search for perfection. At this particular moment I feel that just one more accusation will be enough.