Time for a armrest...

While working inside the car I remember about the armrest – since the restoration started I've been looking out of a replacement one. In fact mine isn't in a bad shape compared to ones I've seen.

The after market ones are awful - a plank with foam and vinyl stapled on.

My donor car was even worst shape, just like a banana. I removed mine and pull it apart and decide to have a go replacing the preformed top with ply, cover with a thin layer of foam and some black seat backing vinyl from the donor.

Started by cutting out the centre part and pinning and gluing straps along each edge for the bottom lip detail. Then using the bandsaw I cut out the rear hinge indent and sanded the front chamfer slope.

After playing with different options with the foam, I decided one layer of 5mm on top (thanks Pete) would give me the right shape and look.

The back plate was cleaned up and given a coated of black satin paint – using spray mount and contact adhesive I carefully wrapped the ply section cutting and folding the corner before holding in place with the backing plate.

I'm pleased with the result - it's one object I always look at viewing other 7s and I can now tick off my list.

3hrs

Front drivers floor panel...

In preparation of removing the sill I raised the car up on axle stands and ramps to a good working height. Removed some of the carpet and rear bulkhead trim.

The sound insulation pad on the floor panel was cracked around large plug - I started digging around to find under pad was rusty, after cleaning off all the insulation I found a small hole in the corner – looks like were the seam sealer was used now has surface rusted along the joints - well done Triumph!

The inner sill was cover with 37 years contact adhesive from the carpet so with some white spirit I spent about hour and half cleaning it back to white paint.

I cleaned out the seam sealer along the bottom of the inner sill joint which with the rusty floor panel I will treat the Hammerite Kurust before cutting out the section that needs repairing.

I also cut out some new plug plates including one for the spare wheel well.

6hrs

A Good Friday and Saturday...

Finally had a few days in the garage to get on... I had started patching the sills with ok results but felt I was chasing the rust along the sills so decided new would be better.

With a recent pre-show discount offer I bought both sides for £190 delivered. But before tackling these I needed to finish what I had started.

Last week with my two partners in welding crime saying bigger is better – while I was making a the tea they cut a large section of the front flitch section. Then showed me how to used the swagger, bending and tack welded in a complete replacement section - thanks Pete and Dick again!

Leaving me to get on I finished off the welding, I patched the turret and the chassis member - with some extra finishing required on the engine bay side, I'm getting there.

18hrs