Bit more work done today.

After a light sand i think I'll call it done.

Can finally see the end of the tunnel.

Been a bit slack on the updates.... have been making sone slight progress

Got some colour on the repaired areas. They really need some more filler work however as they are, they kinda match the rest of the car. Ill blend then in a bit more later.

The headlining had come apart at the seams. Pretty sure mice had got to the thread. Looked at a replacement from the uk as they are actually available, however replacement would mean removing the rear windows. Unfortunately, the seals are hard and brittle and no longer available. So I hung it down as much as I could and sewed it with a needle and thread. Not a fun job, however its much better now and in one piece.

Got some new tyres for the sedan, so put them on the wagon ready for the roadworthy.

Currently making one bonnet from three then its time to put it all together again and cross my fingers.

now you can say the car has a custom, hand stiched headliner!
Might need a windscreen in there too.
 
Our fingers are crossed for you.
 

Busy busy busy.

Wanted to have it all back together by the end of this weekend but unfortunately im about 4-5 days behind. A persistent cold hasn't helped things. 😞

Still to patch up a few bits of primer on the outside with colour and also the bonnet (its currently in high fill) however the outside/body is just about done.

I've fitted all new door and window rubbers and will put the chrome infill in later.

Had to replace 3 of the 4 window channels where the winder goes due to rust. Luckily I had spares from the doors I had, however it was a fidly time consuming job I wasn't expecting. Swapped out some sagging door hinges and currently battling the new door cards... The clip holes are totally wrong, size and placement, which given the cost, im not exactly pleased about.

Once that's does, I need to fit belts, check over all electrics and then hopefully its done.

Off to mechanics end of the week, maybe the following Monday depending on how many early mornings and late nights I have.

So close now.

This is 3 bonnets stitched together. I really should have got a pic from the back where all the work was.

Stripped ready for rust treatment and primer.

The not so fun gob of finding and putting everything back together again.

Just put a coat of clear over it and have a rat Escort

Rwc is booked in for next week!

That gives me 2 weeks before nationals. Yes im cutting it very fine

I still have a few things to do with electrics, checking all lights etc, etc.

Will hopefully put some klms on it before then and see what needs tweaking.

I might just make it. 🙏

It looks sick!!

Yeah, cut'n it fine, hope all goes well

Wow,

I've been head down in the garage and missed quite a bit here with other's projects. Definitely need to catch up.

In the mean time, I finished... sort of.

I had been driving it around for a few days, sorting out teething issues. Nothing really unexpected. Blocked fuel filter then carb from the fuel lines clearing themselves out. Stuck (new) thermostat. Handbrake adjustment etc etc.

Main one was the clutch.

The old one was suspect when installed it however the new one hadn't arrived in time, so crossed my fingers and went with it anyway. The friction point was unfortunately down near the floor, then after a bit of driving, starting to crunch on gear changes.

So i needed to make the call, change clutch in the car or out, and unfortunately that devision was made for me. iit soon developed an inconsistent metallic knocking sound, like a sticking valve....

Not good.

Tried adjusting valves etc, however it sounded awful, however strangely not consistent with every cycle. That pulled out valve train, and pulled out bottom end.

I worked out it was a broken tappet, which unfortunately is an engine out job. Therefore, cancelled the RWC, and its engine out time for a rebuild of sorts. Not my doing with the build, and not something I would have expected to change, however, in a way, glad it happened now and not mid way into a 10 hr drive.

I still have 2 weeks......

Glad you got the opportunity to shake it down, would have been real unfortunate for that to happen mid drive.