Hi folks,
Here it is Christmas Day and my van is still a long way off being completed, the joys of restoring a classic I guess.
The amount of rust discovered once the paint was removed extended the process somewhat, however it is a good thing that it was found and surgically removed and replaced wth new steel. Bruce's 42 years experience in panel and paint has resulted in repairs that I didn't think possible. Especially the roof repair. It is so good to finally see all the body repairs completed.

Externally the van is now at the stage of its first undercoat rubdown, then undercoat will be applied again and rubbed down again before colour is applied. Then interior is yet to be rubbed down at all prior to application of undercoat, this is a job I have volunteered to do. Maybe that was a mistake.

The firewall, engine bay and exposed chassis will be sprayed gloss black first, then internally with solid Papaya, externally with two pac Papaya and lastly the black rust inhibitor underneath the van.

That will see Bruce's work completed and then it is off to Steve's for the roof lining, carpet and seats to be installed.

In the mean time I need to identify someone in Cairns to apply my Stickthis stripes. Any suggestions anyone?

Once that has been completed I will finally be able to take my new toy home, all be it on the back of a tow truck because I will then need to focus on the mechanicals prior to roadworthy and registration.

I reckon at this stage my baby should be registered and on the road before Easter, or more likely the end of the financial year. Speaking of financials my advice to anyone taking on a restoration for the very first time would be, that regardless of how good you think you are at estimating/guessing what the final product will cost, you won't even be close.

To those people who bag others for the prices they ask for restored vehicles, have a go at undertaking a restoration yourself and then you can watch you bank account rapidly dwindle as well.

At the end of this little adventure, I so look forward to being able to wander down to my shed and just sit in my new baby and make silly from "vroom vroom" sounds while I double clutch down through the gears.

Merry Christmas to one and all.