Picking up where we left off.
May and June 2018
The somewhat attractively styled dash was not offered in body colour, but in a dark metallic grey of sorts - since this was in good original paint we decided to leave it as is, to atleast preserve some of the original finishes. While I understand it may look at bit out of place, I really like it this way.
A new wiring loom was made and ready to fit.
With the body finally painted it was time to start fitting the trim. Trim clips pretty close to the original were sourced.
July 2018
The petrol tank, like the rest of the car, was full of rust. It was cut open to aid restoration.
All the door hardware was coated and ready to fit.
August 2018
The wheels too were still in original cream paint, and a custom shade was matched using this as reference.
The wheels were carefully stripped down, primed and painted.
New radial tyres were fitted, with cross plys no longer being an option sadly. How I would have loved to see the car with thin whitewalls.
Modern master cylinder units were adapted to take the original brake and clutch fluid reservoirs, so everything looks stock under the bonnet.
The newly painted fuel tank was fitted, with a new float.
As more fittings started to come together, the finish line finally seems in sight.
The steering wheel was in good shape but covered in fine cracks, so was refinished in original black.
April 2019
While I had hoped to retain the original upholstery, it was too far gone to save. Using the original as reference, the seats were reupholstered in as close a match as possible. Whoever said there's just one shade of black is mistaken!
Door panels also redone to match. Fastening screws with collars just like the original were added.
A new headliner was installed, and black door channels were fitted. The original white ones were too far gone to reuse, and there is no alternative for now.
I guess the original carpets would have just been moulded rubber matting, not sure. This was the most practical alternative.
The interior finally completed
Window scrapers were adapted from what was available, and most of the fittings were now completed.
The car in good company