'Barney' restoration

[G51 NAV]

It's back!!

It's back as of 8 o'clock tonight. Sorry for the poor pics, was loosing a bit of daylight by then, even here on the west coast:







I'll give it a full detail this weekend, and report back with final pics.

There is no polish or wax on it at the moment, as I specifically asked then not to. I have my own choice of products which I like and don't want to have to start my work by removing their products first. All they did was run a hose off it to rinse off the dust from sitting on the workshop.

[Austin-Rover]

Stunning! It looks so good in those pictures, I can't wait to see it after a 'detailing' session!

[E_T_V]

Unless it has been baked in an oven then don't apply anything other than a hand glaze that is suitable for new paintwork as the paint may still be drying/curing.

[G51 NAV]

It has, Dan All the paint is oven-baked.

[Maria]

*DROOL*

Looks STUNNING, John!

[SimonR]

Holy Mary Mother of God.

That's one smart-looking Maestro.

[Ed]

John, your car is an inspiration to us all and I really hope that your restoration will inspire others to restore their Austins to this high standard. It has certainly given me something to think about. Well done that man.

[Guest]

Speechless

[G51 NAV]

Thanks for all your kind comments. There's a few minor tidying bits left for me to do, mainly because I'm a right picky b*stard lol. Biggest problem atm is that I can no longer get the bonnet up, though the release lever does 'spring' it a bit. Will have to investigate further

[philippope]

That looks really good - well done John!

[G51 NAV]

Doh!

Anyone know where I can get an n/s triangle for behind the quarterlight? Dopey bodyshop didn't put the grommet thing in the hole, and having taken the car out for its first proper death-drive (of about 5 miles) I find it's come back without one I've nicked one from the VP and stuck it on with NMN, so now I need one for the VP.

[Austin-Rover]

The Club holds a huge stock of 'Triangles' which came from the Ledbury haul.

[G51 NAV]

Fantastic, what do I have to do to get one?

[Beaker]

Join the club!

[G51 NAV]

Today (ok, yesterday, technically), I gave him his first detail.

Out came the Karcher and the NXT Tech Wash, which I drizzled over the car using the Karcher's drizzle setting. I let it soak for a while then blasted everything off with the Karcher on its pressure setting.

I dried the car by patting it dry with a Terry towel. After that, all the paint and wheels got a coat of NXT Tech Wax and all the black rubber, tyres and trim got a coat of Meg's Hot Shine Tire Dressing. Inside, the very tasteful brown dash and vinyl trim was dressed with Meg's Natural Shine Vinyl and Rubber Protectant. The seats and carpets were scrubbed-up with 1001 Carpet Cleaner and a stiff brush.

There was just time to whip round with Ultimate Quick Detailer before having to rush to take the finished shots as the sun was starting to set.

I'll let the pictures do the talking:



















That's him ready for another 23 years

Thanks for reading!!