Dashboard detail

Sat.21.04.07. Chris has finished the assembly of the engine panels to the tub. He is glad to see the back of the tete dust but it is also wonderful to see the sweeping lines of the completed central body tub. The wooden interior gear stick console sections have been cut and constructed.

The dashboard has been altered to now sport ‘swept up’ ends, the final cavity to house the period timepiece has also been cut.

The pigs have arrived but quickly escaped through the electric fence. Having chased them around the woods for half an hour they were in due course, unceremoniously banged up in Southpork. Billy Green is running a book in the Oak to see how long it will be before they are rustled by the ‘Lower Ince Bandits’.  

Fri.27.04.07. This has been a slow week. I travelled down in Cornwall for three days meeting Neil and Janet Harris; but also delivering some mattresses for ‘Brad’ (it seems that bridges have been built, much water has passed underneath, I’m being sucked in again; but that’s another story). But, even so, the work on the car has continued. Chris has started to polish the stainless steel brackets for the tilting windscreen. The steel is of such high quality that the end product looks brand new, ‘out of the box fresh’. The newly modelled cockpit panels are acceptable but need raised mouldings around the edges to be finished off properly. The base of the scuttle has been cut back by 5cms to accommodate the dashboard (but, alas, the corners need to be softened as the support bar is clearly visible on both edges).

 More importantly, however, the pigs have survived the first week. They appear to have doubled in size, extremely content in their perfect surroundings. Fingers crossed they will endure yet another week in paradise.  

The month has exposed the tardy attitude that we have inevitably slid into. We shall finish the project but with more of a whimper than a big bang. 

Southpork

Thurs.19.04.07. The support bar under the scuttle has been re-located above to assist the new design of the dashboard. The assembly of the engine panels has also been concluded, extremely satisfactorily. The plywood boot lining has also been constructed; using the scoring method to achieve the curve proved to be successful. The ugliness of the scored top although hidden can be covered by applying a paper/PVA layer both for strength and appearance                   

When genuine progress is accomplished there is very little to report. Pourquoir?  

Fri.20.04.07. It has been a fruitful day particularly on the R and D front. With a small amount of coaxing the boot liner fits flawlessly. The door to the boot space will be hinged using a piano style mechanism which when lowered could double as a small table. Patterns have been made for all of the internal panels; some of these will be fashioned in MDF, plywood for the flexible units to be later covered in either carpet or leather? The support bar for scuttle will be positioned to support the dashboard at an appropriate angle. The facing bottom edge of the scuttle will be cut back so that the ends of the dash can gently sweep up giving the appearance of graceful subtlety. Creating this ‘swept up’ effect has been the major problem with the design of the dash. 

Experimenting with different materials and methods in an attempt to disguise the clumsy, bulky nature of the previous dash with the intention to imitate the 70^th anniversary ‘Morganesque’ style has been a constant quandary for the past month. Re-locating the support bar followed by the removal of 5cms. from the floor of the scuttle has immediately solved this dilemma. The corners of the dash can be gently turned up displaying a sexier more delicate image.

As a planning session the day has been enormously productive. The benefit of the work achieved today will prove profitable over the next few weeks. Why have we not approached other aspects of the build in such a way?

The ‘pigfest’ continues to occupy the minds and souls of the Roy Castle corner. The imminent arrival of the wieners is the current topic of conversation. 

In fact Kenny and the Doc returned from Southpork have reinforced the security fence before installing the first lot of bedding for the inmates. Enjoying a Barbeque washed down with three bottles of sauvignon also made their task much easier. Only Knocker dared to change the banter by recounting how Andy Lewis had sent images of himself masturbating to all of his local girlfriends requesting a shag for the night. Unfortunately, Lou had ‘surfed his net’ unfortunately discovering his message. She responded by breaking off their relationship. I can’t understand why? 

Panels, box and Pigs

Weds.18.04.07. Both engine panels have been secured to the central tub, they have been packed with filler compound and are extremely substantial. Chris has not welcomed the return of the dreaded tete dust but his skill has been rewarded by the continuous sweeping line that has been formed, the practicality of a now totally sturdy unyielding structure is the ‘real’ bonus. 

The patterns for the engine bay panels have been re-cut accommodating the bell housing, the new location of the master cylinders, battery cubicle and steering shaft. These will later be fabricated by Catterall and Woods of Chorley. To ensure complete accuracy they will be laser cut using 2mm density aluminium. The entire body of the car now has taken on yet another emerging look’. ‘Completeness’ once disguised, has become immediately apparent.   

The boot lining has proved a little difficult to construct but the provisional cardboard maquette has slotted in pretty well, considering this has been the first fitting. The curved top will be tackled tomorrow but there are several solutions to the problem, all of which are respectable compromises. But the major decision today has been to abandon the dashboard design entirely for a radical option. Fuck me!

Much earlier in the project the realisation of having spent several weeks planning, designing and manufacturing these various dashboard blueprints, only to have them rejected entirely, would have propelled me into my vacuous black hole, bottom lip protruding, stamping my feet. But, I must now be either utterly immune to criticism or I have developed a greater understanding of ‘Design and Build’. The present dash models are no longer relevant because it is proposed by Chris to remove the original strengthening bar from beneath scuttle to re-locate internally above. This would allow the main dash panel to be supported by the bar but would also, more importantly, eliminate the 6cms below the dash that has proved to be difficult to mask, without displaying a clumsy, bulky arrangement. It is another bold amendment and another fundamental lesson. “Never be afraid to undo previous mistakes”. The amount of time and effort that has been given to this particular assignment is miniscule compared with the bigger picture; to alter thus committing to a superior finite design must be the primary consideration. The knowledge gained from the original concept will not be wasted but the eventual outcome will become sufficient, satisfactory recompense. 

Nonetheless, it didn’t prevent me from having a shed full of ale later in the Oak. The ‘Landlord’ proudly announced that the pigs should arrive to “Southpork” on Saturday morning. There will be 3 Saddlebacks and 3 cross Wild Boar/ Saddleback, all six week old wieners. David quietly read ‘The Wigan Observer’, Chris decided that it was an evening of ‘listening’, Doctor Dave seemed strangely sober and today I saw a bin man driving his truck wearing a pair of fuckin’ ‘Ray bans’. What’s all that about?   

Savoy

Mon.16.04.07. The timber has been purchased from Savoy Timbers for the inner lining of the boot space, later to be taken to Richie’s workshop for cutting and sanding. Just as the boot box was assembled loosely the same will apply to the lining. The severity of the curve, that mirrors that of the inner wing profile, has caused problems, in that, even 3mm plywood does not take kindly to being ‘bent’ to such an extent. One solution to this problem would be to score the outer skin with a Stanley knife to assist the necessary curvature? The dashboard continues to progress. Using the drawings as aids the finer details are much easier to document as a consequence the wooden alternatives were easier to modify.

Chris has been assembling the engine side panels to the central tub. Being always conscious of the need to fix these panels rigidly, a multitude of screws, nuts and bolts have been studded along the joint. 

The seam, at one point, resembled the spinal track of Frankenstein’s monster but with liberal applications of filler these wounds rapidly disappeared, skilfully blended into the leading edge of the tub to now appear as one complete unit. The front edge of the panels has been firmly supported by the radiator mounting brackets plus an adjustable metal brace that spans the nose cone. All these fastening points have created a solid rigid base. The aluminium cladding of the engine compartment also provides an extra resource establishing the inflexibility, and stability of the total construction of the tub, scuttle, engine panels, nose cone and bonnet.  

Side panels

Thurs.12.04.07. Chris has stripped the car down to the tub and rear wings; the purpose is to finalise the fixing of the engine side panels. Ultimately the panels will become integrated into the tub permanently, secured by four bolts to the scuttle sides, by custom-built brackets and an adjustable tension bar at the front of the engine bay. It was also necessary to amend the original brake pipe brackets to contain the freshly designed engine panels. Unfortunately, the recent dry build had exposed an obstruction to the Goodrich braided hose connectors resulting in changes to the brackets. As soon as the panels are secured the tub will be lifted off the chassis for the definitive corrections. 

The cavity for the boot box will be redefined; the inspection hatch for the rear spring clarified and any essential cuts to the tub shall be enlarged. Once these conclusive alterations are completed the tub will be returned to the chassis for the definitive, ultimate and momentous time.

Earlier in the day having drawn out the sections of the boot box I took them to Richie who cut out the panels ready for assembly. I propose assembling the box temporarily

in preparation for finite adjustments. I also made cardboard templates of the inner rear wings and remaining boot space. The entire area will be clad using a combination of MDF and plywood, soundproofed with matting to produce a sympathetic, well constructed, usable space.

Sat.14.04.07. I have constructed the boot box but only fastened the sides together temporalily. I have started four dashboard designs and begun to cut out the patterns for the lining for the boot space. Chris has continued to work on the engine panel assembly. 

Progress?

Weds.11.04.07. Better news on the building front. Chris has been studiously calculating the position of the rear lights, indicators and reflectors. The exact position of the units on the wings has several determining factors. Namely, their location has an influence upon the height of the bumper, the fixing of the spare wheel, luggage rack, the accessibility of the fuel cap and the obvious considerations of illumination. The combination of all of these factors has also an aesthetic impact upon the rear appearance of the car and for that reason alone, a considered, deliberate approach is fundamental. 

I have decided to use photographic images from other proven vehicles as an aid for the design of the dashboard and console. By plotting out the various alternatives I propose to develop the most appropriate for the car. 

I intend to produce at least three initial blueprints, all quite different in form using a diversity of materials and colour codes. The first will utilize the traditional materials of walnut and leather: another will principally utilize aluminium as a base and the final design will incorporate the retro styling of the ‘70’ year anniversary Morgan vehicles that incorporates the body colour within the actual dashboard. I have, also a trip to France during the next month where I have a piece of South American hardwood given to me by ‘Don Mikey’. He alleges that the exotic South American timber is at least 200 years old; it certainly is well seasoned having wonderfully rich black swirls hidden within the naturally sumptuous grain. I have an idea that would involve Monsieur Alain Luzan, the local and well-respected carpenter, to have the slab of wood planed, prepared then cut to the required size of the dash and console. French timber crafted by a notable artisan sounds pretty perfect for the Burlington to add yet another twist to the tale. This idea may tip the balance in favour of wood as the chosen material. 

Inevitably any conversation in the Oak eventually gravitates to ‘cars’ when just the ‘blokes’ gather in the Roy Castle corner. And sure enough it was the turn of cockney Mick to wax lyrical about his particular favourite machine; his M540i. “It’s fackin’ faast as fack, 192 mph wiv 450 bhp, I’ve ‘ad the limiter taken out an’ ‘ad it rechipped, it’s a beast, it’s a right evil cant” (why don’t people from the south of England swear like the rest of us, it’s not difficult? They insist upon saying ‘cant’ instead of cunt and ‘fackin’ ‘ell’ rather than fuckin’ hell). Mick commenced, “Let me tell you a story about some young cant who wanted to buy the car. He said to me, can I drive? I said, can you fack! So I took ‘im, just poodling along, foa a ride up to the motorway. To which he said, what’s all the fuss about? Then I nudged her into second an’ by the time we ‘ad reached the end of the slip road we were touchin’ 90 fackin’miles a fackin’ hour. You should ‘ave seen the cants face, it was snow white an’ glued to the back seat. I took ‘im up the motorway at 170, I’m sure ‘ee was going to piss ‘imself; when I slowed dawn I arsked ‘im if ‘ee still wanted to buy the car an’ ‘ee said, do I fuck. I knew the cant would be shit scared, I noo ‘ee was just a fackin’ tyre kicker, but I didn’t want to sell the car anyway so I told ‘im to fack off an’ not waste my time”.     

Windscreen actually functions

Burlington Diary April 2007

Weds.04.04.07. The windscreen fits and moves perfectly; it certainly appears that all the hard work last summer has paid off. The new brackets securely uphold the rigidity, facilitating the smooth operation of the tilting mechanism. In combination with the dashboard position and general cockpit arrangement, the actual gear stick length from the selector to the position on the central console has been calculated. The distance of the steering column to the dashboard in relation to the travel of the seat along with the position the gearshift have also been measured then carefully noted. The location of the aero screen swivel brackets has also been considered. They are to be hidden under the rubber mounting of the main screen enabling them to be removed when not required.

I have continued to work on the dash design, which might, as Hampson suggests after a recent visit, would be better in alli. 

Over the Easter weekend I have worked on the dash and cockpit proposals but on Monday Jo and I found time to enjoy the Oak. Food was the primary attraction with Cockney Mick providing fresh Jersey Royals, asparagus together with Iceberg lettuce from his mate, Dodgy Don in Essex. Only the day before the corner had enjoyed live lobster, raw scallops and oysters; this was a much more of a grazing menu with additional side dishes of creamy sweet crayfish, pickled garlic, plump green Provence olives, cherry toms ‘off the vine’, pork in sherry and blueberry pie, finally, another stir fry using the last of the Chris’s crap beef.

We must get back to working on the car.