Start of the winter jobs!

Sorry it's been a while since my last update. After buying a nice set of studded winter tyres there hasn't been any snow! It's almost spring like outside. As it was so mild I decided to start the winter jobs otherwise there would be a risk of not getting things finished. Decided to redo the console as I now have an AFR gauge, clock and fuel pressure gauge to add. To save a space I'll remove the heater control and have it constantly on (it never gets too hot!). 

The old and the new design.

I started off with stainless steel for the old console, but very difficult to cut and bend. Aluminium is much easier. 

Everything cut out ready for a sheet of 4mm foam. I used about 8mm for the last one and it didn't look so good where it was pinched around the screw holes.

A tin of spray photo glue worked well to keep the foam to the aluminium. On the top of that some black fake leather.

  The gauges sit quite tightly in their respective holes so no brackets needed behind.

Just waiting now for the clock and rev counter to come from Prosportgauges. The overall shape of the console hasn't changed so I can re-use the side panels.

Needed to remove the windscreen and scuttle to start moving the ECU. 

Difficult to get to when the scuttle's in place. Need to find a solution that doesn't interfere with the windscreen wiper motor.

It's also a bugger to take the scuttle off because of all the connectors to the five dashboard switches so I'm adding a long cable and a single connector to disconnect them all in one go.

A little bit of rust around the front track rods and also under the drivers seat. Pained stripper on, remove the bad paint and will re-spray. 

I don't think the bolt holes for the seat was sealed well enough so water crept in.

To do list:

• I bought a Caterham spare wheel bracket kit (too expensive!), no instructions included but hopefully I can mount it without having to move the number plate or light.
• Battery trickle charger socket. Nice to plug the car in when it's not being used for long periods without taking the bonnet off.

Sometimes it's a little difficult to find the time or motivation but I try and do something on the car every day, whether it's just a five minutes job or a few hours. Just to keep me going  in the right direction. Spring is only round the corner!

Hopefully see you in a little while!