Minilites and crash pad

As requested I made a visit to Gabbit and Brown to discuss with Tim the actual specification of the tonneau cover as well as the re-structuring of the cockpit trim. Thankfully he can rescue the existing trim. He has been able to re-cut the hose to eliminate the fierce ‘kink’ on the corner. He proposes to further shave the profile enabling the rubber to sit properly on the dash. The leather will be adhered to the underside of the scuttle to be then wrapped around the hose. This should ensure that the trim will remain firm under the stress of the constant removal of the tonneau. The cover itself will be fashioned from dark green vinyl, the outer panels will be treble skinned to offer greater rigidity, the reinforced zips will bind the unit together. 

Tim estimates the cost to be £370.00 for the tonneau plus an additional cost of £120.00 for the cockpit surround. Hopefully, the work will be completed when I return from France on the 18.03.10. ‘touch wood’ this guy has been a breath of fresh air compared with the lugubrious Mad Michael. The script continues, the pattern set in stone; we only seem to discover the good guys when it is too late.  

Fri.19.03.10. I have contacted Tim regarding the tonneau, typically he has not started the job. He promises to finish the work in two weeks time. Arse and Pierhead immediately spring to mind.

Mon.22.03.10. At last it appears appropriate to investigate the availability of the ‘Minilite’ wheels. Midland Wheels have offered a tasty price of £69.50 for a 15x 5.5 ‘replica’ unit including nuts as well as caps. They also can fit a suitable tyre of 195 45 15 for a total price of an additional £40.00; bringing in the total of £440.00. The alternative approach has been offered by Russell of KN/Minilite the only true manufacturers of the original 1960’s wheel. Russ claims to be the sole producer of the ‘proper’ product, “All the other fakes are made in the far east, fabricated from inferior material”. If I had a ‘pound’ for the number of occasions that I heard that statement I would indeed be a rich man. The identical specification component is somewhat more expensive at £102.00 + VAT making £123.00 for each wheel. If the provenance is as sound as described ‘Minilite’ must have a deal. Perhaps tomorrow having had a ‘chip’ at the price I shall place the order.