1973 2.4E Restoration

[murph2309]

Well that's all coming together very nicely then isn't it....Nick looks lke he knows what he's doing, so I wouldn't worry too much about the lack of a Haynes or Wayne Dempsey manual lying around.

I'm sure it will be Ok

R

[Darren65]

Quick engine update - very, very nearly there…..







Cheers,

[Darren65]

Interior time!

Depending how things work out this will probably be completed prior to the engine fit and hopefully sometime very, very, very soon!

I've decided to use Canford Classics to do the re-trim, I've now seen a number of their cars, the quality of work is simply excellent and I was surprised how reasonable the estimate was.

Other than the original soundproofing I have no real interior to work with….



Fortunately I was able to find some excellent original seats that actually came from another 73 2.4E (thanks Philip ). Although sound and very useable Canford Classics will give these a full refurb and trim them in vinyl with Pepita inserts ….



The price of some of the parts I need is scary including these ludicrously expensive (but very nice) door pockets; the January Sales aren't what they used to be! ….



Overall the interior is going to look, and be, pretty much brand new - I even replaced the perfectly good dash pad so it would blend in

Some would understandably say it's over restored and although I'd partially agree I want this car to look as fresh as the day it left the showroom.

Now all I'm waiting is for Alan to give me a call on 07860 776578 and let me know when Canford Classics can start!

Cheers,

[MarkIII]

Hi Darren

i know exactly what you mean when you say some of the interior parts are pricey, door pockets for a complete set £300 a pop x 4..... think i will put up with the speakers in the pocvkets for a while longer.....

Looks like your car is coming along nicely, just in time for the spring.....

Mark

[left4dead]

Darren?

Why do I get the feeling you're withholding updates

[Darren65]

Me, hold back on an update!!!!

Nothing really to report at the moment Steve although plans are in place and updates should come thick and fast in the next 3/4 weeks.

Cheers

[Darren65]

Not much has been happening in recent weeks; I decided it would be best to have the interior fitted prior to the engine/gearbox and have been waiting for a slot when Canford Classics can take the car in.

Well that time has come …..



…but first to the workshop where it met a new friend…



…and a list of 'to do's' to be completed before the trip to Bournemouth….



Correct mirror in place (thanks to Nigel and James with instructions/template)…



Hinge bolts and correct washers fitted and painted…



We had left the protective film on the interior sound pads and had applied too much paint here (the wrong finish, Richards looks perfect) so decided to do this again…





…that's better….



I had saved some original dum dum that sealed a hole on the inner wing and have re-used this in the exact same spot.
BTW - wing bolts are to be painted although unfortunately I'm yet to track down the correct 'K' bolts…



Modern Koni stickers to be replaced with the old type, positioning taken from a photo of an original shock. Not sure if the stickers I have are correct (gold should be yellow?), if anyone knows when exact copies can be found I'd appreciate the info….



…and I've been waiting to re-attach this for a long time …



The car is off to Canford Classics tomorrow for a complete interior re-trim and a number of detail items and then will be transported to Redtek where the engine and gearbox are ready to be installed.

Slowly getting there although still quite a bit to do.

Cheers,

[murph2309]

That's looking really lovely Darren - and going to safe hands too.

How are you containing your excitement?

Like the picture of 'new friends' ...

[Darren65]

That's looking really lovely Darren - and going to safe hands too.

How are you containing your excitement?

Like the picture of 'new friends' ...

Very safe hands thanks….can't wait!

'New friend' will be gaining doors, wings, engine lid, bumpers and bonnet in the next day or so!

Looking forward to that too!

[MarkIII]

All coming together Darren, your cars looks stunning.

So, do you have a date in your head when the car will be completed, what are your plans for your first drive / weekend jaunt?

count me in....

[Darren65]

count me in....

If you've got yours back!

Cheers Mark I appreciate your comments,

I've started to dream of squashed flies on the windscreen, chipped paint and the odd scuffed wheel ….an April trip to Yorkshire sounds like a plan!

[Madrat]

Looking great Darren....I can't wait to see the next set of update pictures!

Cheers

Richard

[Darren65]

Thanks Richard although my update photos are nowhere near as spectacular as yours a the moment!

For some reason the sun always seems to be shining when I transport my car somewhere and today was no exception …



Seems like I'm on the home straight now - the car is on a round trip to Canford Classics for trim and detailing, on to Redtek for engine/gearbox install, then on to Centre of Gravity for suspension set up before coming 'home', hopefully the beginning of April.

A big thanks to Alan and Chris at Canford Classics, dealing with these guys is like talking to friends and fellow enthusiasts and their help and support with this project has been invaluable - along with a complete interior re-trim Alan is also kindly going through the whole car making sure every nut, bolt and detail is exactly as it should be….

Safe hands indeed!



Cheers,

[Darren65]

Everyone likes to receive a parcel…..



….especially when there's cool stuff inside…



A really neat, excellent quality, reproduction RS Air Bottle to match my original 85ltr plastic fuel tank and steel space saver.

The tool bag is also a decent reproduction which I'll fill with a correct tool set although I'm not going to get too excited about having original items at the moment……maybe something for later!

Now all I need is the correct car jack; anyone have one to sell?

Alan has promised that car will be ready to collect by the end of the month…can't wait to see it fully re-trimmed.

Cheers,

[Mitch]

Alan has promised that car will be ready to collect by the end of the month…can't wait to see it fully re-trimmed.

Great news! Not long now til that first drive. Got your seventies clobber ready?