Progress has been made! The front panel is all welded up, etch primed, high build primed and the deformation panel has had a coat of Schultz before we go on holiday. We have some seam sealing to do, mostly along the bottom lip of the panel then another final coat of high build and we're sorted
Haven't done a deal on Major tonight as the paint is hardening whilst we have a break in the sun however, I did fit the brake warning light lens from the group buy I'm pleased with how it looks so far
Lots of progress made on the front panel, headlights in and working, indicators wired up and working as they should. Looking good! the wiring in the cab has been tidied up and any spare wires, either reconnected or removed. There where quite a few dead ends To Snottys delight, we fitted the aerial without snapping the fixings off - it actually works The wipers have been refitted as well as the washer jets. As I mentioned last week, we had issues with the headlights and the chrome headlight surrounds not fitting correctly and marking the paint. This had to be sorted. Its been a nice day in Derbyshire, I have changed my hours to finish Friday lunchtimes, so we had an afternoon sorting a few odds and ends out Headkight bowels repainted and lacquered Fresh air flaps fitted and the linkage set up Fly screen fitted Front grill refitted. Dashtop next followed by the windscreen
The paint was a fresh mix, it had only been sprayed yesterday whereas the front panel has been painted a few weeks now. We have found the paint has darkened slightly when its cured, hopefully the grill will do the same and blend in with the rest.
The front end is 99% finished, just need a front badge at some point and the headlight surrounds refitting. The windscreen is fitted, the seal settling nicely into place. Wipers refitted and lined up correctly. https://imgur.com/s47iqum Whilst I've been at work, my Dad got the old oil cooler removed to gain access to the battery tray for replacement: https://imgur.com/SujV9JY Only the PO cut a great big hole in the middle else it looks quite good. We'll put a new one in for peace of mind sake https://imgur.com/B95uxzp https://imgur.com/eLfoNxW
Got another step done this past few weeks, the left hand battery tray is now done & in place. No other issues found, thankfully, fairly easy repair Old tray surface rust evident on the mudguard and lower section of the rear quarter panel, red oxide and some black rustoleum & we're good to go! These genuine panels fit so easy, went in and lined up a doddle Just got to dress the welds up, seam seal the edges and we have another item to cross off!
Whilst the battery tray was being sorted, we also looked at cleaning the metalwork up on the cab floor and wheelarch panels, inside the bus. Overall, its looking good, will clean up and paint with little effort other than removing adhesive which stuck the cab mats down. On removing the passenger seat belt, we found a bubble behind the seat belt retaining nut, which turned into a rust bubble. Luckily its localised and is about 1" square, which we do believe was caused by water getting behind the reinforcing plate under the arch.
Virtually every bus I've had in has had that same rust bubble Mark , treat it now it'll be ok for another 20 years
Battery tray done, welds dresses and cleaned up, red oxided and seam sealed around the edges. Will finish it off properly when we paint the engine bay and stone chip the underneath! @Flakey I checked the drivers side seat belt mount and it has the same rust bubble starting to form..another area to sort
Copy away, if you need any specific images, ask as I have a lot from when our 73, Gusbus was rebuilt (photo bucket screwed the thread but I have the photos I’ll repost)!
Awesome, cheers dude I may have to take you up on that offer if I hit any snags or cut the wrong bit! Best of luck for the rest of the resto!