Body Session 16: Work on CRG163’s entrance continues
Body Session 16: Work on CRG163’s entrance continues
The work in restoring CRG163’s front entrance continues. This includes body panels; finalising the front entrance step woodwork; removal of paint from the front bulkhead, driver’s outer cab door and panel to the right of the entrance step.
When CRG163 was restored between 2002 and 2004 the new paint used on the front bulkhead when entering the vehicle, the driver’s outer cab door and right side panel was darker than original and has been a bug bare ever since. Today the opportunity arose to undo all this, with the darker paint being removed carefully with a small blade in order not to damage the original underneath. It was great to see the original colour underneath once again. The original vinyl is in excellent condition. Now to find an exact paint match and texture to restore this properly.
We also prepare the pillars that sit behind the passenger entrance door rollers when in place which includes sanding, in preparation for painting before the rollers are put back in place.
Panels surrounding the entrance door, previously put in place, albeit temporarily are removed again so that woodwork can be finished and finely tuned before being fixed firmly in place. We end the session today by placing all panels back in place for final fitment before being fixed permanently in our next visit.
Sion’s meticulous approach in ensuring the highest standards continue. His precision and care taken with CRG163 is second to none. He is a very dear friend and an amazing carpenter and all-rounder. His talent is beyond words …….
Whilst on the floor next to CRG163’s front nearside wheel, what I see takes me back to a child when stepping off a Crosville ERG class vehicle (dual purpose Bristol RELL) outside the old Spar shop in Cae Fridd, Tanygrisiau with my Mum. I was only small at the time, but still remember seeing this big impressive grey wheel alongside. A memory that has always stayed with me.
The old darker paint used between 2002 and 2004 is carefully removed from the vehicle’s front bulkhead, outer driver cab door and right side entrance step panel.
Sion captures a photograph of me carefully removing the old darker paint with a small blade. A lot of time has been taken to undertake this but all well worth it.
An image of the entrance of CRG163 as the old darker paint from the front bulkhead is in the process of being carefully removed.
This image does little justice unfortunately to the large wooden piece that has been carefully crafted with absolute precision by Sion which has many different profiles on each side, fitting snuggly to the top left side of the passenger entrance door.
Sion has created masterpieces in wood on CRG163 so many times over but unfortunately will lie hidden. Thankfully this website documents Sion’s amazing work for all to see. Diolch yn fawr Sion am pob dim.
CRG163’s front bulkhead and outer driver cab door with the old darker paint removed. Already CRG163 looks much brighter.
Sion is seen carefully measuring and fitting the woodwork that sits behind the front piece of the step which is presently being put in place.
Sion undertakes tweaks to the newly installed woodwork to ensure that the section in front of the entrance step when installed fits perfectly and to the correct elevation. When Sion is in the zone it is a privilege to witness his amazing work.
Sion takes time to ensure that nearside front corner panels fit perfectly.
A smile is captured from Sion as various panels begin to fall into place. This is only possible due to Sion’s meticulous approach and precision.
The top nose section of the entrance step is placed in its place. This will be removed at a later date so that new floor vinyl can be installed.
A wider image of CRG163 as the front of the entrance step is now complete and side panels tested again.
An image of CRG163’s entrance. Some of the panels are only temporarily in place just to make sure that everything fits perfectly. Our next session will entail fitting these panels permanently in place.
Another image of CRG163’s entrance at the end of today’s session.
The final image of CRG163’s entrance this evening. Here’s looking forward to our next session!
The search continues for other parts.
More details from the web link below. ⤵️⤵️
https://www.crosville.net/can-you-help