Inner wing support brackets...

On each side of the turret are two inner wing support brackets which is the main course of the rusting around the turret, front and rear inner flitch panels and the inner wing. I'm waiting for a delivery a inner wing for another supplier (6-8 weeks) so I made up some new support brackets.

Using one I managed to get off – I cut out some templates from card. With my disc cutter I cut them out of 18 gauge. Then folded and spot welded the two sections together and a coat of zinc primer to finish.

These brackets will need plenty of protection when refitting to ensure no rusting again - well in my life time anyway!

2hrs

Inner flitch panel repair...

A box of goodies turned up last week - one Inner flitch repair panel and WKC2449P (repro) full Inner front wheel arch.

The Inner wing arch turned out to be a very poor fit panel - I've since found lots of talk about these panels on forums. After a couple of hours spent trying to fit it with damaging, I gave up.

I spoke to the supplier who's now given me a full refund - now need to find a better quality panel.

The rust area on the flitch panel needs repairing and as its visable within the engine bay I decided on a repair panel that I would butt weld in place rather than used as a patch.

I started by trimming down the panel to the rough area I wanted, then cutting out the rusty section and fitting the trimmed panel. Weld tacked it in place and with further tweaking and welding should look ok.

6hrs

A big thank you...

Ok guys, here it is - thank you for your advice and help with my project. Last week, whilst away skiing it became apparent my fellow "Black Nail Gang" (a unofficial sub-group of the Thames Valley - TR Register) members felt they hadn't been mentioned on this blog for all the advice they had given me, the discussions we've had and the loans of specialist equipment including the "descaled".

Dick (left below) thank you for you wisdom and (the many) years of knowledge.

Pete (right) thank you for all advise and tuition (welding) and loan of tools - (your top of my 100). Also, as past winner of 'TVG Mechanic of the year 2013' award - please don't forget to bring the trophy to our next meeting as it's mine for 2014!

I would like to thank my dad - David, Nick an old friend and comments received from followers of the blog - thank you.