Hopeful March

                                                   March 2011

Tues.01.03.11. The new springs have arrived from Rimmers, I have arranged for Derek Roscoe to fit them next week. The rear registration plate brackets have been taken to Catterall and Wood to be re-made.

I have moved on, in that it has been a long enough time for me to realise that I must complete the project, set my own targets be the only one that should be accountable as well as critical. It has been easy to look outside for blame, but no more.

Fri. 04.03.11. Chris of Catterall and Wood has fabricated the rear brackets for £20.00: with a little filing and cursing they were eventually fitted to the vehicle. Derek Roscoe can fit the new springs next Thursday but this may need to be re-scheduled since Tim Brown can now take the car on Sunday, a week in advance of the original date. Considering that his work commitments sound more punishing, it is more sensible to delay Derek for one week?

Mon.14.03.11. Tim has completed the new cockpit trim. It is not a million miles away from the original but the fabrication is much more professional: £350.00 better, I am not sure? He stripped the old trim then laid the old leather on the frame to provide a maquette for the fibreglass mould. The profile was covered with polythene then one layer of stripped glass applied followed by larger pieces of ‘fabric glass’. Once removed the mould could be tailored until the perfect pattern had been achieved. A layer of foam, followed by the original leather completed the total assembly. 

Silicone bonded the trim to the tub and upper dashboard to ensure a solid permanent fixture.

Derek will take the vehicle tomorrow to change the front springs, tighten a few nuts but also tune the one and half inch SU’s carburettors.

Thurs.16.03.11. I have collected the car from Derek who has fitted the new front ‘doli’ springs, fully extended. As I requested he has also ‘tightened all the accessible nuts and bolts under the car whilst on the ramp; a very important piece of work, particularly when many were loose causing the rear suspension in particular to have too much movement. 

Also Graham who occupies the last unit in the yard has electronically tuned the carburettors, dizzy etc but needs to know the exact ‘Cam’ tolerances to set up the engine properly. I need to contact GKN for that information but after the engine rebuild undertaken by Engine Tekniks I suspect that they have probably been reconfigured.

The extended springs seem to have raised the overall ride height slightly; the rear wheels appear not to be as ‘angled’ as before: the front now dips marginally. 

The ride feels better, slightly softer at the front, more decisive at the rear: but, many more miles need to be completed before the definitive is achieved. The cost of the work was £65 for Derek, £25 for Graham. This could be possibly the final large bill for the build? 

A Winter of discontent

Sat.26.02.11. The article has been passed on but with seemingly little appreciation; I have missed my window of opportunity if there ever was one in the first place. I am not too concerned about the mood swings but slightly baffled as to the reasons. The situation has reinforced my belief to complete the project my self; the programme of work as well as the scheduling, is in my hands.

His reluctance to maintain his involvement may be borne out of ‘clearing the garage’, ‘a line under the entire affair’, ‘his own personal path’, ‘change, crossroads’, or ‘something at present, totally different’. Does he feel ‘out of the loop’, ‘in the cold’, ignored, forgotten. I have endeavoured for this not to be the case, keeping a distance that I believe would have encouraged reflection but not exclusion. Whichever tactics I have employed they have not been successful since having stored the Burlington at Marylebone contact has been unpredictable often irrational, sometimes aggressive.

Enough is enough I must have the self belief to conclude the final chapter myself. I must also refrain from making this claim but simply ‘get on with it’.

Sun.27.02.11. The normal vibrant atmosphere in the Oak was absent today. Arriving halfway through the set of the ‘Lazy River Jazz band’ sober, the usual suspects, a gallon ahead, were experiencing a different world that I was just peering into. Chris had several opportunities to nod an appreciation of the article but none was forthcoming. A line has been drawn. The glorious days of the pub may also have finished? A time for change, or is it just the Winter weather numbing everyone’s appetite for fun? 

Double garage

Not being able to rid the conversation out of my head I pondered during the rest of the evening at a possible outcome of this latest unfounded outburst. My imagination overtaking any logic or ability to rid my thoughts of a dispassionate conclusion to this continuous, relentless ‘see saw’.

There is a face off, who’s contributed more to the project etc...

“All you did was scribble away all day in between buggering off to France, whilst I was choking on tete dust. I provided the experience, knowledge and skills, plus all the proper contacts!”

“So you claim that I did not help in any way with the build?”

“Oh you did that alright, but everything you made was shite that I had to re-do over and over again, the only serviceable bits were made by your mates!”

“What about the design of the interior?”

“You took your fuckin’ time with that as well. Anyway, it finished up just like Colin’s first design, after all your ‘so called’ work!”

“That’s right, God Colin who built up the engine that lasted a magnificent two minutes before it seized along with the £400 head where, incidentally, the cam followers had been re-assembled in the wrong order after ‘someone’ had ‘fiddled’ around with them!”

“That’s because you were too tight to have the block blasted clean in the first place. As for the head someone had to sort it out after it had been thrown together by those conmen in the south. Anyway, you’re just being picky now; it’s was a good thing that I was there or else you would have made a complete balls of everything with your come day, go day approach. Now that it runs you can’t even be arsed to drive the fucking thing!”

“The weather has been against it really; every time it has been dry I’ve been out!”

“You have only completed 1000K over the last year; in the past when I could drive, I could have done that in a day, you lazy bastard!”

”I am not the one who has taken 4 years to assemble a kitchen, in fact I’ve built a fuckin’ house in 2 years, in a foreign fuckin’ land. I didn’t just walk down a flight of stairs to the work place; I had to drive 900 miles before I could open the door!”

“I’ve done that kitchen all by myself not with the help of tradesmen. I even re-plastered the ceiling because the job had been botched by a so called professional. Besides all that, you’ve not appreciated anything that I’ve done, not once have you said thank you!”

“Not true, I have always thanked you for spending my money even twice on many occasions. The number of times I have bought simple parts such as nuts and bolts only for you to lose them in that shithole order of a garage!”

“You could have always taken the car away and finished it yourself!”

“I would have done if I had a double garage!”

“Oh the truth is coming out now, so you only put up with me for 5 years because I have a double garage!!”

“Correct!”

Hissy fit

Fri.25.02.11. I couldn’t wait to tell Chris the great news about the interest shown by ‘Complete Kit Car’, the possibility of a double feature ‘bigged up’ by Ian Stent, once the car had been finished; but there was a less than enthusiastic response. In fact he was more concerned with whether or not buying a new set of springs was wise given that the present ones worked perfectly well enough. Having the trim above the dash sorted out by Tim didn’t float his boat either or the important ‘push’ to finish. I am becoming increasingly concerned as to how Chris interprets the final days of the project.

The order for the springs has finally been dispatched to Rimmers. The ‘doli’ springs are 10.5 free length with an ID of 2.65. Although only £15 each with Vat and delivery they come in at £48 .00. But, importantly as reinforced by Max they should be perfect for the job.

However, later down at the Oak what I had assumed earlier in the day was indifference, may possibly have been anger. Chris arrived into the pub with Doctor Dave, they both seemed as if they had already had a drink or two: after half an hour or so he approached both Jo and I requesting the promised photocopy of the article from CKC.  Having had quite a busy afternoon I had been unable to fulfil this request. 

Typically, he irrupted into the, by now, usual tirade of “I have spent the last five years of my life building this fucking car for you and you can’t be bothered to ..etc...etc”

I must admit I am increasingly pissed off with this unwarranted reaction. Last week bursting with ‘bon amie’ itching to finish the vehicle showing off, proud and eager, today a red faced pussy in a hissy fit. I must tread my own path: end of. 

Double feature

Weds.23.02.11. Posed by Ian Stent, there has been more question marks regarding my motives to ‘promote’ the Burlington at Stoneleigh. Do you want to market the car? Just to ‘show off’ the build quality? Are you targeting mainly inside or outside the kit car world? They are all relevant questions that I have already personally answered, but being questioned for the first time by a person within the industry has meant a serious review of the master plan. Constructing my reply modestly I included the following responses, ‘oh it’s the simple build that evolved into the monster’ ‘the design decisions running parallel to the engineering considerations’ ‘the good, bad and very ugly characters encountered on the way’ or, simply ‘a very unique vehicle as well as an extremely compelling story’.

                                                                                                            

Thurs.24.02.11. Astonishingly, Ian suggests that when the car is completely finished he may want to produce a double feature describing in detail the rebirth of a ‘very unique’ vehicle.

So much so that I have since contacted Tim Brown of ‘Gabbat and Brown’ to have the dashboard trim finished properly, Bob of Robsport to quote for new ‘Doli’ springs for the front suspension: the call to Bob came after a conversation with Max of Totally Triumph and John of Paddocks, neither of which could supply the parts but offered the name of ‘Robsport’ as well as the ubiquitous Rimmer Brothers. Listening to Max brought back some history from the past: his forthright opinions, masked with apparent sympathy for the useless amateur again punctuated with his customary edge ‘If you don’t know what you are doing you shouldn’t be doin’ it!  

I need to promote the project!

 

                                            January 2011/ February 2011

Mon.03.01.11. I have contacted ‘Complete Kit Car’ magazine, principally Ian Stent, the editor, amongst other people in an effort to increase the profile of the ‘story’. Remarkably, he has returned my mail indicating that he will spend a few days reading my blog to see if it would be of any interest to the magazine.

Sun.16.01.11. I have had several outings in the vehicle to stump up the miles but the weather and the reluctance of Chris to become involved has restricted any serious tweaks. But, after each trip there were marked improvements as the engine loosens up, suspension settles; plus I am driving the vehicle increasingly confidently, definitely assured, more proficiently.

I have left for France today having not had a reply form ‘Complete Kit Car’. Not that I expected much but nevertheless I have mailed Ian giving my schedule but more importantly, my difficulty in picking up electronic ‘mail’ unless I visit my local cyber cafe.  

Sun.20.02.11. There has been no response from the ‘mag’. I must endeavour via my blogs to generate much more interest: but how?

Tues.22.02.11. As an opener, there was nothing to lose ‘mailing’ Ian Stent of CKC in the hope that he has in fact read my blog. Within minutes a reply came through to the effect that there was a small feature ‘in the club section’ of this month’s mag outlining ‘The resurrection’ of a Burlington. Excitedly, I immediately purchased a copy to discover that on page 39 of the March 2011edition there was a half page spread about the car. I equally and rapidly returned my thanks with a further request as to how I could spread the gospel further afield. Perhaps a visit to Stoneleigh Kit car show in May? 

Slow but positive progress

                                                    November 2010

Thurs.18.11.10. Alan has fitted four new tyres to my pristine 15 inch Minilite wheels. Road race tyres ‘Avon 175/65R Zt5’. The cost is a little unknown at this moment in time since I have bartered the tyres for ‘wine’.

                                                    December 2010

Thurs.09.12.10. I have returned from France to an extremely cold spell. Chris had phoned earlier in the week to ask if I had actually added anti-freeze into the radiator, considering the extreme zero temperatures that had engulfed the UK for the past three weeks. I had, before leaving, covered the Burlington with a variety of ‘sheets’ etc. but nothing really of real substance: I obviously, could not also remember whether or not I had carried out the simple procedure? The previous winter the vehicle had been stored in ‘Slick’s’ temperature controlled garage; so no problem there.

Fri.10.12.10. Today has been the first opportunity to visit the garage at Marylebone. Gemma had arrived the following evening so Sam and I trawled up complete with 500mls of anti-freeze. Luckily or thankfully, the core plugs were still intact and showed no signs of leaking water? There was also no ice was in the radiator. The car sparked up after a few turns, with no sinister grumbles so after glugging in the ‘mix’ I wrapped the engine in fleece blankets covering the front and rear with the old original hood and the ‘ex’ tonneau. Fingers crossed everything is ok?

Sun.12.12.10. It has been a bright but cold day. I took the opportunity to run the car locally to swish the anti-freeze around the engine block. Again I could not detect anything too untoward so returning to Marylebone I again wrapped her up knowing that the following week promised even colder weather.  

The new wheels and tyres remain in the dining room. I suspect that they will only be ‘offered up’ next Spring?

Self determination

                                                     September 2010

Weds.22.09.10. Since my return from France I have reviewed the list of ‘work to be done’. A visit to Derek, subsequent discussion has reinforced my determination to complete as much of the work myself as possible. The crankcase oil leak, at the moment is not a crippling fault and as such can wait; but there are other minor problems, mainly a thorough investigation of ‘all’ of the seals plus a re-tightening plus checking of the major nuts and bolts.

The vehicle still runs very well so tampering with the shims as well as the tracking could be counter-productive.

Derek has volunteered his ramp during his ‘slack’ periods; this kind offer will enable easy access to the underneath of the vehicle where many of these problems have been exposed. Also the imminent ‘1000 klms service’ should be trouble free. The rest of the tasks can be completed at the Marylebone lock up.

I hope that Chris would want to be involved but if he is unavailable when the ramp is ‘free’ so be it.  

Thurs.30.09.10. During the afternoon I was able to take advantage of Derek’s offer using his ramp to complete a simple ‘service’, principally ‘drop’ the oil and change the filter. There still remains the irritating oil leaks from the lower crankcase cover, differential and possibly the oil cooler, but unless these problems develop in a more sinister fashion they will remain untouched. The Burlington has now completed 1040 relatively trouble free kilometres.

I shall leave for France Monday 04.10.10 to return around the 5^th of November. I suspect that 001 will not be totally finished until the Spring of 2011, in an odd sort of way marking the 30^th anniversary of the Beaujolais run could prove to be more appropriate than the original over optimistic target of 25 years. C’est la vie. 

  

Another tantrum

                                                           Aug. 2010

 

Tues.03.08.10. Returning from Manchester having had a clean bill of health regarding my ‘gums’, thanks to Nina, my dental oral hygienist, followed by a inexpensive tasty lunch at ‘Croma’, then a few ‘gills’ in some of the more character ‘pubs’ we arrived at the Oak at 6.30. But, pleasant discourse with Lowtie, Doctor Dave, Old Bill and Rembrandt was abruptly spoiled by a ridiculous outburst by Chris. Jo had casually mentioned that instead of running around aimlessly clocking up the kilometres in the Burlington, we had better things to do: in any circumstance this was a throwaway line not having any real importance, but Chris took exception to the statement typically entering into a familiar tirade of verbal abuse forcefully delivered in my direction. “If you can’t be bothered, neither can I, you can stick your car up your arse, I have done with it!” Well, so have I, above all with your vacuous, childish threats. This is the last time that I shall tolerate unfounded, unnecessary criticism, explosive tantrums and your uncontrollable, fragile temper.

There are a number of unfinished tasks that must be completed before the vehicle becomes exceptional: Chris has always maintained that he needs closure, finish the task, to witness the car’s nadir. Should an apology be forthcoming this can happen, if not then no matter the difficulties I shall finish the job myself. I can no longer accept this irrational behaviour, this lack of respect, these unjustified accusations.     

Always paddle your own canoe

Fri.06.08.10. The tantrum has been forgotten, it did not happen. A very brief farewell chat in the Oak last night was polite featuring the ‘other’ famous Wigan artist Theodore Major, the crisis has past. Nevertheless, after a visit to Derek’s to check the oil level in the gearbox a programme of work shall be drawn up: one that I shall pursue myself, any other help will be welcome but I shall assume to take the lead role from now on.

·         An inspection aperture needs to be drilled approximately 40mm in diameter flush with the passenger side bulkhead 3 inches above the floor pan. This will enable the gearbox to be drained and refilled. The access will be covered with a plastic plug.

·         The question of the ‘shims’ on the front suspension, namely the differential of 2 to 3 or 3 to 4 etc.... needs to be investigated via Max of totally Triumph.

·         The steering rack should be centralised making the tracking balanced.

·         The block accentuating the rear suspension needs to be reduced to 12mm raising the suspension to a more comfortable height.

·         The oil leak from the crankcase bearing needs to be addressed. The cover removed, the cover loosely fitted, then re-tightened.

·         The paintwork should now be restored with ‘T’ cut followed by a final polish.

·         The new wheels need tyres. The size will be determined by matching the road height of the original Michelin ZX.

·         The present engine oil and filter should be replaced after 1000 klms: the timing and other levels checked.

·         The overall balance of the vehicle should now be completed.

Derek's garage

Fri.30.07.10. By 9.30 the Burlington was outside Derek’s garage, Miry lane, Wigan. After studying the problem it was decided that the easiest access was from above. Firstly, the gearbox tunnel was removed exposing the lever mechanism. The support bracket needed to be detached allowing extra space in which to extract the four bolts holding the prop shaft to the gearbox phalange. As expected the locking nut was  slack: it requiring several sharp turns from a ‘windy gun’. The take up was approximately 2mm: not disastrous at this stage but this was a problem that would only worsen. ‘Auto gearboxes’ of Preston had overlooked this procedure; potentially this could have caused irreparable damage to the box: unfortunately yet another example of sloppy craftsmanship. So, what’s new!

The procedure had taken only a matter of 2 hours costing £20.00 plus a box of Chardonnay: money well spent. As the rain closed in I was unable to ‘wizz’ the car up the M6 to test the box, that journey will have to wait until tomorrow.

Second MOT: loose gear stick

                                                         July 2010

Thurs.29.07.10. This is the first opportunity I have had to take the Burlington to Slick’s for its second MOT. There have only been 856 klms since the first ‘ticket’. Danny did the business and by 4.00pm I drove away with a fresh certificate. Pat was surprisingly ‘smily’, maybe someone had just given her a good talking to between the legs?

Returning to Westmead Chris wanted to tackle the problem of the ‘difficult’ reverse gear that had been present since I picked the car up from Tim Brown. The split washer had come adrift somehow, but after a little ‘manoeuvring’ it was eased back into place which then enabled the re-assembly of the spring loaded mechanism. This had also been the source of the problem with the overdrive. The linkage had become loose, as a result the forward bracket was not engaging the plunger which in turn engaged the electrical switch that allowed the mechanism to function. 

But, more importantly, whilst correcting this problem Chris noticed a much more sinister problem with the prop shaft. It was visibly loose on the phalange that connects the shaft to the box. This could have disastrous consequences: if the locking nut became totally adrift the damage to the box and ‘diff’ could be enormous. Hopefully the ¾ inch locking nut just needs to be tightened. The four nuts attaching the prop to the phalange need to be firstly removed exposing the nut which when tightened should solve the problem. Fingers crossed. 

This could be a little job for Derek Roscoe, who was incidentally one of the original members of the first build

Rick and Geoff

  

Tues.08.06.10. I finally managed to pin down Rick who had previously promised to arrange a meeting with his ‘upholstery’ colleague Geoff who can ‘fix’ the dodgy upper element of the dashboard. It is known as the ‘crash pad’ in the trade, which I initially did find disconcerting. Nevertheless I have an appointment this afternoon to discuss the problem. Rick has owned a derelict mill south of Preston for the past ten years where has operated his own diverse business, but also sublets many of the other units, one of which to Geoff

The rain was intermittent during the afternoon which made the journey to Preston slightly hazardous but eventually we arrived. If nothing else that emerged from this trip one thing is for certain ‘the Burlington does not handle the rain adequately’. Even with goggles the smallest amount of precipitation creates problems principally regarding vision. The original Dunlop ZX tyres were also unable to cope with the ‘greasy’ road conditions. 

However, Geoff seemed to know his stuff; he is quite prepared to attempt to ‘fix’ the trim but he is not totally happy with the procedure. He, correctly, prefers to create a mould using 400mm plastic pipe, this is then softened by applying heat, once the profile has been formed the ‘maquette’ is covered then bound with leather. Unfortunately this is a much more lengthy process than the one proposed, which involves a little bit of bish bosh bashing of the existing rubber pipe, a slight shaving with a Stanley knife plus liberal sploshes of ‘Araldite’. I just hope that this is a very cheap but sufficient remedy: but experience tells me that it won’t be. The job should be finished by late Thursday afternoon; fingers crossed.

The other major achievement today is that I have designed a ‘blog’ in the hope of generating an interest in the written aspect of the project. E’mails have been sent, threads within the net established, so far 8 blogs posted, ‘Luc Matter’ a Dutch publicist has been informed (who incidentally, appears to be genuinely interested), Amazon Ltd are advertising on my site: with a little luck the promotion may prove to be beneficial in many ways.

Thurs.10.06.10. The ‘crash pad’ trim has been ‘fettled’ by Geoff: it has not been the best job in the world but most adequate for the moment. He has also re-covered my motor cycle seat: a much better result. The entire work cost, a remarkably cheap, £45.00, so no complaints there. Unfortunately, Chris has not been touch all week, as I leave for London and then France on Friday the snag list will not be completed until I return on the 20^th. July.  

Re-word again!

                                                     June 2010

Tues.01.06.10. The definitive plan remains on hold because Chris needs to re-install his WC, (there goes that fuckin’ re word again) but nevertheless the work on the paintwork has commenced at my lock up in Marylebone. Using first of all the compound G3 the rear of the vehicle has been the starting point. When all the panels have been completed a relatively new product ‘Tempo’ originating from Poland can repeat the process, hopefully returning a glass like finish.

Meanwhile the syndicate horse owners have returned in triumph from Redcar. As suspected they did push the boat out consuming huge quantities of champagne: there was, however, no firm declaration of how much they had actually won. Somewhat typically many of the members of the Roy Castle corner remained extremely quiet, offering scant congratulations: perhaps a tad jealous?

Thurs.03.06.10. Chris phoned very early this morning to cancel any potential work on the vehicle as he was still re-installing his WC: but he did mention that he had found the missing aero screen bolts as well as the cushioned pads. They had fallen behind some stored timber: predictably no apology followed. Later in the Oak I learned from Lewis that only last week, I had been blamed for the loss, my character blackened yet again characteristically and most vigorously by Chris; so no change there.

The paintwork is ‘flattening off’ gradually. It will be necessary to apply at least two coats of G3 then followed by the ‘Tempo’: hopefully a glass like surface should emerge. 

  

Photo shoot

Tues.26.05.10. Early this morning Alfred Derbyshire has provided the exact 4mm countersunk slot headed bolts, Graham at Life’s has offered the four cushioned pads as well as the correct retaining screws. Funny old world.

Fri.28.05.10. Today I have collected the newly glazed windscreen from Reg Caldwell for £58.75. So far I seem to have got away with the deception: but we shall see. I suspect Jo knows the truth because it was she that answered the call from Reg informing me that the unit was ‘ready’ for pickup

Later in the afternoon I re-created an original photo shoot outside my parent’s house that was first taken in 1989. The vehicle is parked in the road outside the house: Gemma sits on the wall accompanied with my folks who stand near the gate post. For an additional ‘update’ Gemma was then joined by her immediate family Paul, her husband, Sam the first born and Alex the new born.

Mon.31.05.10. Cockney Mick had been in a strange secretive mood throughout Sunday afternoon incoherently rambling on about speculative rumour, unsubstantiated accusation liberally sprinkled with doses of baseless innuendo concerning his financial state. 

Thankfully spending a great deal of time in France his demise has pretty much washed over me; but, in his absence, this evening the sad details of his situation had been scrutinised by CSI’s best, Lowtie and Chris, plus the gloating Captain Salty. His business seems have gone tits up due in the main to the global economic turn down which has caused mayhem in the ‘building’ trade. The 500 SL Merc has gone, both cafes have been repossessed, the ownership of his house appears doomed, ‘friends’ have evaporated, the little work he has helps to pay off some small debts as well as keeping the wolves from the door.

The first assault came from Salty who claimed ‘never ever’ to have trusted him, graciously adding that he owed David £6000 for ‘back rent’, next was Lowtie who chipped in with information that Doctor Dave had stumped up £7000 to keep him afloat, Chris mentioned that if he had squeezed money out of Mad John Jimmy the Axe would affect retribution, Andy Lewis had to change the locks of ‘Bensons’ informing the staff that tomorrow they didn’t have a job, past wages of £2500 would not be paid, finally, Rembrandt who had painted both café establishments without payment, concluded that he knew that Mick hadn’t a pot to piss in; he is completely on his arse, gasping for air, belly up. The knives had been sharpened his fate had been sealed. When he does return from his ‘work’ in Cambridge his reception could be frosty. From harmless braggart he has morphed into cunning, sly fox, reaping as he has sown: but as I have found out from experience, there is always another side to the story.

The conversation did eventually move onto the remarkably good news that ‘Dubarra Reef’, the syndicate pub racehorse had won his first race, romping home in the 2.30 at Redcar at 100 to 30. The Doc along with Kerry, Katie Glover, Ash, Platty and old Bill had travelled up this morning to cheer on the nag. They planned to remain there for the night in a local hotel ‘wining and dining’. With this result I feel sure that at least two tins of chunks could be cracked open.

Chris and I have made another definitive plan finish the car.

Aero screen bolts

 

Mon.25.05.10. Chris claims that I have misplaced the retaining screws along with the vital pads that cushion the feet of the screens against the scuttle top. The size of the screws is critical since they ‘enter’ the secured female via a three threaded ‘captive’ nut. If an ill fitting screw is used the thread could quite easily stripped thus making them invalid. The task of replacing them is daunting; their position under the scuttle combined with the application of ‘glass’ is formidable- “Don’t worry if you strip the nuts by using the wrong thread it won’t be me re-fitting them again, so just watch out!” was the response from Chris, the person who removed the screens in the first place to later, but inevitably, lose the fuckin’ screws. “You had better buy some more as well as the pads. 

The only place that you will locate the ‘stuff’ is Brabbin and Rudd for the screws; but for fucks sake ‘buy’ the correct size. ‘Classic Car mag’ will provide the supplier for the pads; not ‘Life’s Motors’ as you claim, they never fitted aero screens to any Morgan!” In a futile attempt to remind Chris that the aero screens were in fact purchased at ‘Life’s’ so it is feasible that they may stock the pads, unfortunately fell upon deaf ears. “Don’t even bother, trust me, they were never fitted to any Morgan even the early three wheel models!” I have wisely learned not to question, disagree, debate or argue, but realising that there would be the journey to Southport to acquire the screws from Alfred Derbyshire an additional visit, just around the corner, to see John and Graham, even if they hadn’t the pads in stock, it would be a real pleasure wallowing around their wonderfully equipped showroom, as well as exchanging stories concerning the progress of the build.

I had foolishly expected that the days of accusation, criticism sustained by incessant reproach prompted by blind, stubborn self defence belonged to a ‘past life’, but of course the ‘fat lady’ continues to sing. Mind you, to be fair he didn’t break the glass in the tilting screen, which at the moment is being re-glazed on the ‘QT’ by Reg Caldwell. Swings and roundabouts, I suppose.    

Tilting screen

                                                                    May 2010

Thurs.20.05.10. Prior to my last visit to France I had ordered the ‘Minilite’ wheels from Russell 4x5.5x15 inch plus centres and studs at a cost of £493.00. Whilst in the ‘Intermarche’ supermarket in Montchanin he called to say that the goods were ready for dispatch. Upon my return I initiated the transaction: the wheels have arrived today at Westmead, Chris is quietly excited since the purchase of these components would always signal a possible conclusion to the project. Last night in the Oak we formulated the final definitive programme, or at least made a ‘stab’ at it.

Also, Lowtie accompanied by Doctor Dave had been fishing during the afternoon at Kirkby Steven: the proof of which lay in a dishevelled blue chiller bag which contained a brace of ‘wild brown trout’, one of the fish being quite an impressive three and a half pounds.

Sat.22.05.10. I have been racking up the miles during this glorious 28 degree weather, so much so that I decided that the folding screen should be tested, folded down so that I could enjoy the fresh air. Pulling in to the car park at the bottom of Gathurst I concluded that, since I had a cache of tools in the boot I should perform the simple operation of ‘tilting’ the screen by the roadside. All the precautions of slackening the retaining nuts, not to force but gently turn the screen, carefully engaging the mechanism were all considered but nonetheless I succeeded in cracking the fucking thing splintering shards of glass across the bonnet. Feeling just like the ultimate ‘arsehole’ I removed the shattered unit intending to return home to desperately search out the aero screens thus replacing the full screen for a more appropriate alternative. Typically I could not find the retaining screws which would enable their assembly: the vehicle has since been shut away from prying eyes.

There will be no confession; I shall merely take the screen back to Reg Caldwell who will fit new glass. End of, no one else need know.  

The tonneau has been made.

Tues.13.04.10. Tim has informed me that the work has been completed, but not everything. He has not been able to tidy the seats as the work would require removing the leather, the abysmally poor padding as well as the rotting webbing if the job is to be finished properly: another stark reminder regarding craftsmanship, Michael from Mars is not just a robotic alien but a crap trimmer as well. The dashboard trim is another larger scale project than first imagined. The removal of the entire dashboard followed by a ‘mould’ of the scuttle top which would then enable a ‘former’ to be fabricated so that a precise leather bound surround can be made: yet another small task leading to a mini venture in itself. Bollocks.

It was around midday when I was able to collect the car. Despite the unfinished work the tonneau has turned out to be superb. The colour is a genuine match to the paintwork but also compliments the leather upholstery. The treble zip linking the reinforced door sides has proved a very successful concept. The fit, at the moment, is extremely tight but it should relax creating a ‘memory’ after a natural sunlight has affected the material. The side screens will remain firmly closed until this climatic phenomenon has occurred. It is possible to climb into the cockpit but must not be relied upon for continuous operation.

The sun has been shining so it was quite a pleasure visiting Chris Catterall in Chorley to show off the vehicle. The narrow twisting lanes of Mawdesley, Heskin, Euxton and Astley Bridge proved an enjoyable challenge: no signs of overheating, tight comfortable gear changes along with measured handling were constant reminders of how suited to the French roads the Burlington will be. Along with ‘Rick’ a new employee, who coincidentally may possibly become a vital contact, were impressed with quality of craftsmanship evident within the build. Other casual visitors to the workshop also commented positively by asking all the right questions of provenance, hours spent, money spent, professional assistance? But when I attempted to leave I could not engage reverse gear: perhaps Tim was correct, ‘there is a problem with the box’, I fuckin’ hope not. I may wiz the vehicle to tried and trusted Derek tomorrow for a quick look? 

Down at the Oak having informed Chris that I had collected the car I suspected he was he was a tad miffed at not being included in the loop, but I must state that I really do not know how much inclusion he genuinely wants: is he ‘in or out’ or just content to observe from a distance? Presently the project is moving forward, miles must be endured to reveal faults, a generous clean and polish undertaken, a snag list of cosmetic blemishes assembled, a programme of notable dates calculated, formulated then targeted: the vehicle needs to be totally finished. 

Most interestingly, Philip Santus surprisingly cornered my attention by complimenting the wine he had sampled the previous week, the very same that he had openly and publicly condemned. Apparently Katie had forked out seven quid for a ‘Buxy’ Chardonnay for a Sunday lunch at Satly Towers, ‘it was thin and not very good, I much prefer yours, have you any left?’