This was a significant day, as for the first time we would have both our expert mechanics, Tim and Gary, on site at the same time allowing us to complete multiple mechanical jobs at either end of the bus. Your blogmaster ventured into Nottingham to meet Paul, and after assisting our leader with some domestic duties at his home (don't tell my mother), we paid yet another visit to every bloke's haven for tools and DIY bits, Wilko's. A tub of swarfega, an extension lead and a few more pounds lighter financially, we headed off in the direction of Watnall.
Tim and Gary had already arrived and were setting up when we turned up on site, at which point Paul revealed he had a surprise for us. After much messing about around the boot of 'starship Focus', he ventured out into the yard for all to see dressed, one can only describe, as a rejected member of the Ghostbusters in his new overalls! After his antics around the sparks in previous weeks which had led to Gary christening him 'Sparky' and 'Big Girl's blouse' we noted that Paul was prepared for every eventuality including safety goggles. After much abuse and ribbing about his new look (at our leader's expense; I mean, what kind of friendship would we all have if we were civilised to each other?!), we got stuck in with the tasks in hand.
I sat down (literally) to the easier task of the afternoon, and began applying copious amounts of paint stripper to the nearside rear wheels, currently off the bus while Tim did the work on the brakes. With a bit of elbow grease, and a few expletives under one's breath, several years of paint/road dirt/grime/other assorted crap was removed and we started to see the bare metal of the rims.
In the meantime, at the rear of the bus, Tim continued to make progress on the rear nearside brakes, occupying his time with trying to remove the two anchor pins on the brake shoes, which were being rather stubborn. At the front of the bus, Gary and our Ghostbuster reject continued to work to remove the rotten throttle supporting plate, and once they had finally managed to part it from the bus, we saw for the first time exactly how bad the problem was - there was more fresh air than plate 'supporting' the throttle! Gary took the rotten plate and after rummaging about in the back of his minibus, came back with some graph paper and a tape measure and proceeded to produce a scale drawing of how the new supporting plate would look.
Heading around the back of the bus again, Tim was struggling to remove the battered anchor pins, and after much persuasion managed to free one from the bus. We regrouped and discussed progress, and after a customary brew (Gary's minibus comes well equipped for every scenario, even a kettle), we cleaned up and parted company, with Paul and I paying a visit to the home of Mr Tony Challons to pick up some front brake shoes. In addition to these, we also came away with a key component for the alternator and some spare headlight bulbs that would come in most handy. Tony also looked at our scale drawing of the throttle supporting plate and took it away with him to give to a contact of his who could manufacture something to our requirements, something we were not expecting! Thanks once again to our mechanical experts Tim and Gary, and to Tony who is one of many people that has been most helpful in providing key parts to aid in 2599's restoration and helping us to have key components produced.
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