Restoration Diary
(Click on any photo to see a larger version)

23rd May to 10th June

Plenty of activity since the last update but still some orange paint left!

In the last update Tony mentioned about the wheels being refurbished, these have now been done locally with amazing results. They were heavily corroded but luckily did not appear to be buckled or kerbed. From what I believe, the process involved using chemicals to strip the alloys, then a combination of welding and the use of tools to repair any damage and prepare for finishing. The outer face of the wheel has been diamond turned, giving a superb precision-looking appearance to the shiny alloy. The remainder of the wheel was powder coated in black. The only slight complications are that the center of the outer edge of the wheel was heavily corroded and pitted in places, whilst still completely safe to use, would not have given a good appearance had it been left as bare polished metal. This part was consequently also powder coated. And on 3 of the wheels the seats for the wheel nuts that were stuck to the alloy were unable to be removed, so were also powder coated. We now have to decide whether to paint them silver to match our st/st seats, paint our st/st seats black to match the powder coating OR, live with it as it is such a small detail item that probably no one except us will notice unless it is pointed out.

To compliment the wheels new tyres have been fitted, Fulda 195/70 14, which are V rated. These were just over £50 each, which I think is excellent value for a quality tyre. We were highly amused (and shocked) when the old tyres were removed to find they all had inner tubes, even the tyre marked tubeless! Our spare wheel has the said tubeless tyre on it, which has plenty of tread, and half a wheel nut seat stuck in it, but as it is only a get-you-home measure it is more than up to the job. We also have a set of shiny new set center caps (from a Datsun specialist) complete with new TVR logo center stickers. All in all, for what was a 25+-year-old set of wheels, they now look superb! - The only ritual being regular polishing in order to keep the near-mirror like finish.

We now have the wiring loom out. Where it congregates to go through a hole in the bulkhead, Tony installed two large two-piece connector blocks allowing us to remove the loom the easy way! This will also be handy if we ever need to lift the body again. The loom is now fixed to a large piece of MDF and we have begun checking it using multi-tester, schematic diagram and plenty of patience and dexterity! So far we have chosen a point, say a switch, on the diagram and then traced and checked all wires stemming from the switch. This seems to be a systematic way to check the loom, highlighting bits on the diagram as they are done. We will be renewing wires as necessary, and all connectors. Our switches have also seen better days, anyone know where we can them at a fair price, or even a complete set of identical switches, same size and specification? (So far we have been told they are from a Stag, Escort Mk1, Mini and MG, any more?!).

We have recently ordered new carpets. This involved removing all old carpets, labeling where they went then laying them out on the lawn. I was amazed how long it was, given a width of just over a yard. In the end we ordered 8 metres of carpet, and it’s only a small car too! We also have new underlay, some fireproof underlay and super-duper glue. The carpet was chosen from a selection of samples sent by Woollies, our one gave the best compromise of looks, quality, and flexibility! – In black, with deep red edge binding and heel mats. Our plan is to cut and size the carpet ourselves, and use the services of a local firm who have agreed to stitch the binding on for us.

On the body front, the only bits of lingering orange are the rear valence, and two doors and bonnet (where the paint appears to be thinner, thank goodness!). Sanding really is extremely tedious and I can fully appreciate why some people pay to get their bodywork professionally done. However, now we are mostly down to the gel coat, we can move on to the next stage, doing repairs to stress cracks, any damage, followed by priming, filling, and lots of wet & dry work. Then off for painting, definitely in red, but Tony is still yet to decide on exactly what shade.

Finally, on an oily note, the engine has now been cleaned up and is ready for reassembly,  new parts being fitted are cylinder rings, bearings, oil pump, John Wade cam, timing gear gasket set. Our recon heads that we got months ago also needed skimming. Count down has now begun for when it will be back in the car!! A new clutch has just arrived after an interesting chat with John Wade, £75 for 3-piece kit with 2-year guarantee. The opinion being that although the engine is powerful, it is torque that matters, and given the car is so light the wheels will spin long before the clutch complains.

We are at the stage when within a couple of months, engine should be back in with body on. There are no major parts left to purchase, just lots of ancillaries such as new lights, recondition the sunroof and so on.