"Le Belgique" ST build.

[BILLY BEAN]

How much later???? Millenia?

Don't talk about quality: remember I have seen your plastering. Or was it your welding? Hard to tell the difference.

Now my mini rant about PCGB is done, and I was bored, do you want me to start on people who used to be in the building trade?

[stretch]

The shell is finished... Travelled to see the finished shell with the Black paint applied to the sill and the rear engine lid area.

I am very happy to see the end of this phase which has been pretty pain free. To be honest, i think i have tested the patience of my painter to the limit. Nick Kyte my painter at Retro Refinishers in Cannock has been a pleasure to work with and has met all my expectations during this phase of the project. The price i paid was exactly what we agreed at the start of the project. You only have to look around his workshop to see the calibre of cars he gets asked to paint. Thanks Nick.

A few pictures prior to collection.

[911hillclimber]

This is a nice car, refreshing, and that painter is quite close to me, but have committed to a 'non-Porsche specialist' close to me for my cranky of 911 73T.
You still have lots to do and report on!

[BILLY BEAN]

I have seen Dave's car up close. The rich colour and paint finish is most beautiful. The current crop of pictures do not do it justice. I used Nick Kyte for a bare metal paint on my 911 "S". On to the next phase Dave. Well done......so far.

[72911E]

Looks great Dave. Well done mate.

U just need to book the air bnb @ Garrys to finish it.

[MarkIII]

She'll looks great Dave, you must be well chuffed. How's the Engine coming along?

[stretch]

Thanks chaps.

Engine build is imminent as all machining and parts are ready for assembly. I visited the engine builder recently who was preparing all my mag parts for cleaning and chromate.

I think the assembly will happen fairly quickly over the next few months as i have a tent going up in Garry's garden....

I am really looking forward to the next few months.

Dave

[BILLY BEAN]

Dave, has gone on holiday to brush up on his French. This short break will enable him to recover from all the nervous energy he has used lately.......Not on the car but on his kitchen installation. Which Mrs Stretch says will be OK if it ever gets finished.

[stretch]

The painted shell has made the journey South ready for the enjoyable part of any re-build. The plan is to take my time and try to enjoy the process as much as i can.



As part of the DDK barter economy, the shell was transported to "Garry at Gatwick" from Classic FX for some assistance with the assembly. First job tackled was getting the loom into the shell. Fortunately the loom was in fantastic condition and was in "as new condition " once i had cleaned it up with a little panel wipe.













With the loom back in it's factory position is was time to get all the remaining parts in through the tunnel area.










Refurbished pedal box was also fitted.








Next job was to build up the refurbished front suspension on the bench. Had a bit of a battle with the Elephant racing rubber in the A-arms , but we got them seated eventually.












We are being spoiled here as we can lower the car down and bolt up the complete unit in one go. Very slick and very satisfying.











Very happy with the progress so far and thoroughly enjoying the journey. Another two or three days and it should be a rolling shell.


That will be the first time that has happened in over 35 years...!

Dave

[Lightweight_911]

Great progress Dave - it really is the best part of the build.

[Mike]

Arches look great!

[inaglasshouse]

Keep posting the pics Dave. Lucky you, a non-butchered loom!
Car looks great.

[BILLY BEAN]

Dave,
Thirty five years since your car was back rolling. I realise it is a leisurely restoration but did not think it had taken so long. Great progress in the last few weeks.

[stretch]

Thanks chaps. Kirk, i stopped rushing around five years ago. Little and often.

[Darren65]

Looks glorious, my new fav DDK car

What shock inserts are you using Dave?