As if I don’t have too much to do...?

[Lodein]

Good news

Lodein

[scoobyh123]

Nice to see the wee beastie up and running Henrik!

[Manalishi]

Finally done, made a new rear light panel. Centre is brake light and the outer is combined tail and indicator. Came out pretty ok looking not to unsimilar to those used back in the days.

[scoobyh123]

Looking good there Henrik! As you say, reminiscent of what was used originally so doesn't look out of place.

[Lodein]

Good job

Lodein

[Manalishi]

Thanks guys. Really a project too far now...

I'm looking at rebuilding the front headlamps too as the bracket holding them was way to unstable making the lamps wallow. Pics to come!

[Manalishi]

Wobbly headlights solved by a 20x20mm steel tube running behind the radiator. The old sidelights will be working as indicators.

[scoobyh123]

Great stuff Henrik!

[Manalishi]

So What Am I showing here. Well it’s the progress and finished result of my Austin 7 special. And I think I need to explain.

The headlight shells are Ruby originals but the glass is actually incorrect. But no one really can tell. Normally the Ruby came with sidelights and so did the one I have, but they were a mismatched pair, so when restoring that one these were Left overs as We invested in a better pair.

Now, after a gently restoration they are added in this constellation as indicators. My headlamps have got reflectors with incorporated sidelights so a perfect option.

For many years my headlamps have been wobbly and the indicators were China plastic stuff and this makes it all very much more correct. And the heavy steel bar makes everything bullet proof!

New pics up and one older to compare below.
The new positioning of the headlamps is also better and more correct, so happy days!

[scoobyh123]

Excellent work Henrik!

[Lodein]

Good job, congratulations

Lodein

[Manalishi]

Thanks!
Merci!

[Manalishi]

So, what’s cooking in the garage..?

My very very pleasant trip to Beaulieu market gave me the opportunity to buy a second hand chrome/nickel plated cowl for my Austin. And the last few days/week I’ve been fitting it. The result is excellent. The 90year old cowl is not perfect as it has a few dents and kisses but to be honest it’s really really good!

The cowl is actually from a Box saloon Austin seven so not the typical Ulster cowl as this is taller. However as my car is specially made, the cowl is mounted lower than usual so the overall profile of the car is still very low.



The old cowl was stripped from the chrome, down to the bare brass. To have it welded and re chromed would be very pricy indeed, plus it would be wrong with a perfect cowl for an old beat up car - according to me.



The old cowl wasnt bad, and When polished it looked like C3PO but still, that’s not What it should be like.





After some fiddling it all came together.











I’ve also swapped tyres with my other Austin. These are more correct and smaller in section and a lot lighter so the car is performing a lot better now.

This vehicle is the most joyful thing. Every where you go, people smile and wave. These cars bring more Peace to the world!

[scoobyh123]

Very nice Henrik! I've had a bit of a fiddle with nickel plating, made my own solution etc and plated a few small things. Its not bright nickel but would probably polish up quite nicely to a satin finish. Maybe an idea for your old rad surround?

[Manalishi]

Actually Dave it seems I’m selling it to someone in need of one. I had the original plan of just strapping it on the Wall but I was contacted by a guy in the UK in need of one, so a better tribute to send it back to where it came from.