1985 Austin Maestro 1.3 Base (B662 DVX)

[G51 NAV]

Just been in contact with them myself. We'll see what they say.
How appropriate that they are based in Ledbury…

[Richard H]

They look great. Did you supply him with original plates and stickers or did he have those on file?

I took photos of the original items, including close ups of the dealer script and BSAU number on the plate, and measurements of the dealer script and the rear screen sticker. They are virtually indistinguishable from the originals so I'm very happy.

[digital efi]

Excellent quality and price.

Incorrect-to-period number plates are a pet hate of mine: not only post-2001 font being used on pre-2001 cars, but also black/silver being used on early 'Seventies cars (the vast majority of which left the showroom wearing reflective plates). I do appreciate that pre-2001 style have been very difficult to obtain in recent years unless you are happy to pay over £50 for a pair of the raised plastic letter plates (which were always a rarity on 'Eighties cars, anyway)

[Russ]

They look great. Did you supply him with original plates and stickers or did he have those on file?

[Richard H]

Thanks for the kind words chaps, much appreciated

I've just invested in a Disklok for it as well, I'd hate for some little b*****d to have it away after doing all this work on it!

Agreed Andy, fair play for spending time and money on a low spec model.
Extra brownie points for originality.
Wow absolutely loving those plates! - I too will be contacting them i think!

[G51 NAV]

I was recommended a company called DMB Graphics, who produce reproduction dealer sets for older cars, mainly Ford but apparently they will make anything to order if you supply some decent photographs and measurements of the original items.

Here's what the fellow at DMB knocked up for me:



All looked good, and these came through the post today!









I find them hard to fault really. Total cost including postage was about £37.50 I think. By the way, I have no connection with this company but I'm very pleased with the results. I hate seeing old cars with naff modern plates, they look horrible.

http://www.dmb.uk.com/cat/122/dealer-sets

That's fantastic. Think I'll contact them. I want a new rear number-plate for my Maestro Turbo, but like you, I don't want anything modern, it has to be absolutely smack-on original, including the dealer ID.

[Richard H]

Thanks chaps! The lower spec models interest me more as they are the cars I remember from my childhood. I originally bought this car because it was the same model and age as the first car I ever rode in, my parents gold, B reg Maestro 1.3L, on the way back from the hospital in 1991. Having owned it before, I knew it was basically sound and well worth saving.

The delamination on the front numberplate had got worse since I sold it, also the original dealer sticker in the back window had faded badly and the tax disc holder would no longer stay in. I was recommended a company called DMB Graphics, who produce reproduction dealer sets for older cars, mainly Ford but apparently they will make anything to order if you supply some decent photographs and measurements of the original items.

Here's what the fellow at DMB knocked up for me:



All looked good, and these came through the post today!









I find them hard to fault really. Total cost including postage was about £37.50 I think. By the way, I have no connection with this company but I'm very pleased with the results. I hate seeing old cars with naff modern plates, they look horrible.

http://www.dmb.uk.com/cat/122/dealer-sets

[H48HPE]

definitely a good job done!

it's good to see people spending time on these lower spec cars, we all like to see them, but not that many want to spend the time / money....

Andy

[Simon]

I can see them - what a nice car too - great job so far!

[BIGDAVE]

what happened to the pixs aas they have disapeared on my pc

[The Express Valeter]

Looks a little gem, at least he has a nice bed for the winter!! Well saved.

[Richard H]

Repainted bumper fitted:



Headlights back in and connected up:



And lastly the repaired grille refitted. I'm pleased to say it now lines up with the front panel properly, as it never has done in the three years I've known the car. I also managed to knock out the worst of the dented valance.







I'm quite pleased with the way the paintwork came out considering it was done in a cold lockup in October with aerosol cans. It certainly smartens it up a lot.

[Richard H]

Well after quite a lot of hard work the Maestro is looking a lot better now. I started by giving the car a really good clean, inside and out, followed by a clay bar on the roof and bonnet to get rid of the tree sap and other mess. It still needs a coat of polish, but the surface is nice and smooth now, much better.





Unfortunately I then poked a crusty bit on one of the front wings. I'm in fairly urgent need of a replacement pair now if anyone can help?



It became clear the car had been involved in a minor bump at the front end, in addition to the bent front panel the grille was also broken and had been stuck back together with masking tape. My housemate repaired the grille for me, while I pulled out the front panel to the correct curvature.



I also sanded down the unsightly surface rust on the front valance and bumper. Eventually I'd like to replace the bumpers as they have deep rust pitting, but they'll do for the moment.



I then stripped down the front end ready for paint.





Headlight mounting area was pretty sound.



Primer:



Top coat:

[G51 NAV]

Looks great, can't be many early ones left like that.