IN OUR GARAGES
http://www.completekitcar.co.uk September 2019 87P
rogress! Shortly after my last update, I was able to
collate all quotes needed relating to my Stoneleigh
incident: windscreen quote, windscreen tting
quote, replacement wiper arm, paintwork repair and
bonnet repair. ese were sent o to my insurer with
supporting photographs... and then I heard nothing for two
weeks. Finally, there was a simple call from their engineer to
con rm some details and a cheque was issued to cover it all,
less my excess of course.
e windscreen is now ordered, but I’m looking at a 10 to
12-week lead time which rules out the show season for 2019. e
bonnet was already with Westgate Composites for Andy to quote,
so he was given the green light to start repairs – just one week later
and these were complete. Wow!
With time on my hands waiting for the windscreen, I can focus
on the small repair needed for the wing, and also new bonnet locks.
So, I have made a brave decision. I was a little concerned about
only repainting the damaged areas – the risk of non-matching
paint, and also some other scratches from removing the broken
screen – which I would always notice. e car has worn well
generally since its restoration, but the shell was in a poor state and
needed a lot of repair. A few areas have blistered or cracked where
signi cant works took place. ese were on a longer-term list for
attention, but I feel the current situation brings this forward a little.
After a discussion with the paintshop due to do the repairs, we
have agreed that it isn’t too much more work to repaint the whole
car, providing I strip down as before. So I am in the process ofstripping the car fully for paint. is gives me the opportunity to
x any damage I nd and change locks and ttings ahead of fresh
paint. Ahead of tting new Aerocatches to the repaired bonnet, I
decided to trial these ttings on my engine lid to replace the basic
locks in place.
e brief to myself was simple – avoid cutting any new holes in
the lid or surrounding areas. I was able to t the new locks over
the previous hole position, but didn’t have a below striker plate to
t the lock pin to – so out with the breglass again. A retaining
piece was made for each corner attaching via the existing bolt
holes for the louvre lock pins and the engine lid stays. Adjusting
the lock pins took a little time, but the use of some chamfer wedge
washers helped a lot. With these successfully tted I decided to t
another set to retain the louvres – they look more in keeping with
the car than the rally style pins and it means all locks will match.
Less fabrication was needed here, though I have relocated the pins
slightly to create less stress on the bodywork.
While I was happy with the recently tted headlight covers, the
nuts and bolts used are hard to access, so while the front bumper is
o I may convert to rivnuts.
ere’s lots to do, but it feels good to have a plan. In one evening,
I have already managed to remove both lower side panels and
the front bumper (still nding more broken glass in the process).
is at least shows the time spent with captive xings and decent
stainless bolts was worth it. My only challenge is where to put all
the bits as I strip it down – space is tight, and I am trying to keep it
out of the house!JAMES
HORSLEY
Projects:
Nova
This month:
New catches for
the Nova’s front and
rear panelsPrevious lock not the prettiest... Lid cut with fi ne jigsaw blade.Strike panel needed for new locks.
Brackets made up in fi breglass....and relied on simple twist catch.Left-hand bracket trial fi tted prior
to being painted.Aerocatch will cover the old hole.Right-hand bracket fi tted up. No new
fi xing holes needed.Aerocatches also fi tted at the back. Body panels being removed for repaint starting to take up more space again!Engine lid latch fi tted. As a bonus,
it can also be locked.Taper washers set pins at correct angle.REPAIRS ARE GO!
With the nod from the insurance company,
James can make a start on getting the Nova back together...
086 Our Cars.indd 87 01/08/2019 12:49 pm