Traveller Reborn - Part II
Our MkI traveller returned from the paint shop, sadly too late to
make it to mini in the park. Strategy has changed now though, which
is to restore it to concourse condition rather than simply as a
renovation job. This means preparing all the components with far
more care and attention - a much more time consuming task.
It has been painted in an Old English White (its original colour),
which has a more softer creamy colour. This standard colour lends
to the classic heritage of the vehicle. The front subframe has been
sandblasted and painted, and is ready to attach.
Chippy has painstakingly repaired all the body work, with great
attention to detail. All the window edges where the runners used
to hold water and which often rusted away have been meticulously
replaced.
The interior had all been brush painted in Dulux gloss! The floor
of the boot is all original, and was the "best bit" of the car.
Because it is being restored for concourse, the inside of the car
has now been painted to the same quality as the exterior. Such care
has been expended to the footwell as well, where the pedals
have been recently prepared and fitted.
We have also had the inside of the engine bay fully resprayed
after it had all been caringly reconstructed. In here will go the
original fully rebuilt 850cc engine and gearbox (reviewed next time), brake
fluid reservoirs, clutch, dynamo, radiator, carburrettor etc. All
of these parts will be carefully cleaned and where necessary
painted or chromed or even replaced with new ones.
In the rear, the rear seat area and footwells have been painted.
This is where the panels had been bolted together, all of which
had to be removed and new floor panels put in. Careful reconstruction
of the handbrake holder and floor spur were required too.
Probably the worst area to fix was at on the rear valance and
door step. The rot had really got hold here, and much of it had to
be repaired, particularly around the fuel tank mounting.
The underside and inside the new wheel arches have also been painted
to the same quality as the bodywork - no expense spared! Because it
is being concourse prepared, attention to detail is crucial.
Anne is understandably very protective of her vehicle. These
photos were brought to you under threat of death! Simply taking
the covers off is a dangerous undertaking, leading to some bollocking
as I hadn't folded them properly!
