Hi folks I'm back with another nail biting episode!

I have been accused of swinging the lead (thanks Jackie), but it’s not true, besides someone’s nicked my lead. Have you seen what its worth! Since my last instalment we have made some headway, it is about time!

I have purchased the final few parts required for the braking system and they are now all fitted to the car. This weekend I am going to fit the brake pads and with the help of a trainee mechanic bleed the system. If all goes to plan next weekend I intend refitting the engine. I am having to have exhaust collets made as the originals have rusted away. I have tried to purchase some but, they are only available with new down pipes, so the ones I’m having made will be split into two pieces as other bike manufacturers do.

The rear is coming along well, all the wood has been cut to size and the rear panel, sides, and headboard have been fitted. The floor has had grooves cut in it to give it tongue and groove effect. Now the pieces can be cut out for the under floor storage and for access to the fuel tank. The rear panel has been stained and the lights etc fitted. It’s looking good!

Another area where I have had some success is the dash board. I have sprayed the parts grey and also lacquered them and they look a treat, if I say so myself. I had trouble locating two chrome pieces that fit like bookends either side of the centre panel, but a trip to a Morris Minor breaker solved that problem. While I was there also purchased a used front bumper, as the one I had was just a painted item.

With my daughters 17th birthday looming and the fact she is at college training to be a mechanic I thought a “fixer upper” was in order. To this end I was offered a Mini. Knowing a few club members are also Mini owners I thought this might not be a bad move. On going to inspect the said vehicle it turned out to be a rather scruffy looking, non running Cooper, complete with tax and MOT.

So I went into all the spiel, “but it doesn’t run, you can't expect much for it” etc. He said “I paid £1100 eleven months ago”. So I replied, “but it ran then”.

In for a penny in for a pound “ I'll give you £300 cash here and now, I’ll put it on my trailer and go. Come on it will be out of your way today”. He grudgingly said “I still think its worth more but go on its yours”. What a result!

We got it home tested the ignition circuit replaced the relay and away she went, by Christ its noisy and quick. I think its been played with and a milder cam is required prior to driving lessons. From my point of view the cobra bucket seats needed to be removed and a new interior sourced. As it happens the cobras are now resident in Austintatious and another interior has been fitted in the mini. I have left the fittings for the bench seat in the Moggy in case I don't get on with the buckets.

Another project we are working on is a Grasshopper for my grandson’s Christmas present. We purchased it built up but bare. We have stripped it and spayed it grey and orange, looks very effective.

We have also played with several electric motors and chose a wiper motor as the most suitable. We have made the mounting plates, and have sourced a variable trigger from an industrial drill for the throttle. Rather than the brake system that’s supplied for the kit we’re going to use a cable operated disc brake from a Mini Moto.

Well that’s it for now I must get on, seasons greetings to you all and see you next year at the shows.

I will see you northerners in November and Richard if you are going, let me know as I have that lawn mower starter and engine if you still want it.

Ta Ta 4 now.