The trim is ready

Fri.09.05.08. Michael has eventually returned my call to tell me that the remaining items of trim are ready for collection. He was in an unusually joyful mood making jokes about the warm weather that we have been recently experiencing, he also gaily commented on my exposed legs and tanned face. His 10,000 mile service on Jupiter must have done the trick. The sections of tunnel had been covered and stapled on the inside which had, thankfully, overcome the potential problem of the glue reacting with the PVA and paper cladding. They were neat, slightly padded with 6mm corresponding seams running upon the top edge. The door panels again had sufficient support from a sponge backing material showing a top and bottom horizontal border filled with vertical 40mm fluted bands. The handbrake shroud has been fixed to the tunnel but the gear stick cover remains loose and will be attached by the chrome decorative ring after the tunnel has been put in place. Around the scuttle top and cockpit sides a leather bound foam trim should finishes the interior neatly. Choosing the colours along with the materials for the upholstery had been fraught with the problems of contrast combined with balance. Until all of these components have been assembled in the car it is difficult to appreciate the degree to which the choices will be successful. Nevertheless, I am confident that they are compatible, they should positively contribute to a harmonious finished design. The cost of all of these items was £260.00 bringing a total cost for all of the leather interior trim to £760.00 which, considering the individual uniqueness of every piece doesn’t strike me as being expensive.

Unfortunately, and for the first time, Catterall and Wood have not produced work of outstanding quality, particularly at an exorbitant charge of £40.00. The stainless breather pipe has been spot welded and polished satisfactorily but the radiator filler extension has been crudely welded, it will need to be rubbed down to affect a seamless joint. In their defence I am sure that Alan or Chris had not realised that the unit would be visible on the car, as a result they have produced a functional rather than an ornamental piece. The section can be rescued by careful sanding: only then shall I offer the part for inspection. The last thing that I need is for the craftsmanship of Catterall and Wood to be compromised consequentially finding themselves joining the rest of the charlatans in the ‘fuck off’ bin. This weekend I intend to fashion this extension into something acceptable.

Strangely, the news of the day was not greeted with the excitement that I expected. Chris responded in a very matter of fact way, which at the time was quite puzzling; but recently his moods have been impossible to gauge, I am learning to expect anything. C’est la vie.