Latest News
Sunday 31st January 2010Happy
new year to all of our web site visitors, past , present and future.
We don't have much to report at the
moment due to the winter weather and extreme cold within the workshop.
Much of the mechanical work is currently on HOLD until we can raise
enough finance to pay for the much needed new parts for the rear axle
assembly.
Rik has moved to his new abode near
Chorley and will only be making working visits as and when he can
in the future.
Saturday 13 March 2010
Finally back in the workshop to continue the rebuild of 172, after a
prolonged and enforced lay off due to one of the coldest winters since
our childhood, March 13th has seen our first working visit for 2010.
Other than the regular ‘security’ visits we have not been able to continue the restoration with the mercury in the
thermometer never really creeping above the 1 or 2 degree line.
Thankfully, this weekend was considerably warmer and we needed no
encouragement to get this season off to a good start.
One of the last jobs at the end of 2009 was the preparation of the
panelling for the interior of the entrance door, this being the mounting
of the formica onto hardboard and cutting to shape (carefully as the formica is extremely
brittle). Having replaced all the ‘captives’ in the framework (which the
lock & handles fit into) we steadily began attaching the panels to the
frame and reinstated the lock mechanism, the finished result being most
pleasing and will look even better when the previously purchased door
rubbers are attached.
Rik fitting the final
bit to the door
Completed door- note old formica
Steve's attention has now turned to the
emergency exit door and it has already seen rotten section's of its frame
replaced and is now ready for the steel work which forms the lip for the
new single skin outer panel to be fitted. (Not looking forward to that)!
Away from the workshop, Steve has finished the refurbishment of the rear
brake assemblies and what a stunning job he has done too. Absolutely all
components have been stripped down, cleaned, repaired, replaced where
necessary and re-assembled and now await returning to the workshop prior
to refitting. The brakes have been relined, refurbished cams fitted and
seals replaced. The only outstanding items required are 2 back plates.
To coin a modern day phrase – ‘nice one geezer!’
Other components acquired over the winter have been a complete rear leaf
spring, a new spring hanger bracket, 6 new shackle pins and bushes, 2
new brake drums and a number of useful spares such as a new starter
motor, power steering pump, footbrake valve and clutch slave cylinder.
Many thanks to Phil, Sam and Stuart for their help obtaining these
items. Also purchased recently has been the second roll of seat moquette
from Quantock Motors – (a big thankyou to Steve Morris for providing
this), and a brand new front name glass & frame turned up on ebay
(BARGIN!!).
We still need to procure a second leaf spring before the back axle can
be put back but currently the piggy bank is a little empty so we will
have to busy ourselves with some of the other outstanding jobs.
Project Diary November 2009
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