Body Session 15: Nearside front bulkhead and entrance step
Nearside front bulk head steel section and entrance step
Today as the weather was favourable we decided to fit the new steel section which would be fixed within the nearside front bulkhead section of CRG163. The door of garage in which the vehicle is presently housed for restoration was opened so that natural sunlight could be used to support the work to be undertaken.
This new steel section is a very important part as many other body section attaches to it. This includes the vehicle’s front cowl and the left lower panels of the entrance door section as well as the front bulkhead.
This was very much a tricky section to get into place due to it’s very tight position and then making sure that all other connecting parts fitted perfectly.
Today’s process involved measuring, trying out, measuring again etc before final fixing. It also involved a methodical approach and stages of fixing each part to the steel section so that we could ensure perfect alignment.
Whilst recognising that the vehicle had suffered from front end impact and damage during Covid at the location it was stored at the time, it was also recognised that the vehicle must have also suffered front damage at some point during it’s operational life.
The vehicle’s entrance step restoration also began as a part of today’s work.
The new fabricated section is seen here on the right in comparison to the original section on the left.
Our day begins with careful measuring and then placing the new steel section roughly in position. It took a while to get the steel section into position.
Today a very dear friend called by to say hello. I’ve had the honour and privilege of being able to call Malcolm my friend for over thirty odd years. Within this period we worked together for fourteen years between September 1995 and September 2009. It was great to see you today Malcolm.
Before we begin on today’s work on CRG163 we carefully remove the vehicle’s fog lights for safe keeping. As many will recall, these fog lights were funded by my dear and late father. They are therefore very cherished.
CRG163’s front number plate will also need replacing or repaired as the number ‘1’ on the numberplate is broken in two. Research has already commenced into this, valuably assisted by John ‘Ffridd’. Diolch yn fawr / Thank you John. Does anyone have experience of ordering a similar number plate from a preferred company? If so, please do get in touch. Thank you.
A photograph of the steel section now fixed to the right side panels. These had to be elevated through a bottle jack to make sure they were perfectly aligned.
M8 bolts are now inserted to join various panels including the fixing points for the front cowl. A vertical wooden section will be added here next time, replacing the old wood that had deteriorated.
The front section of the new fabricated steel is now drilled which takes time.
The new fabricated steel section now in place with all other pieces and bodywork sections aligned before the front cowl of the vehicle is tried again in place.
The front cowl and lower body section under this now fits perfectly. Next time a new vertical section will be placed within the gap seen. The vehicle’s entrance step also begins its restoration today, to be progressed during the next session.
The search continues for other parts.
More details from the web link below. ⤵️⤵️
https://www.crosville.net/can-you-help