Bodywork Session 3 - Day 4 - Highs and lows of bus preservation
Day four and final day of our third session on CRG163’s bodywork.
Today our aim was to start refitting panels, however due to a number of set backs, including issues with CRG163’s offside front wheel arch splash backs this was not achieved. We continue to progress as we resolve each issue.
Not only has CRG163’s offside front wheel arch splash backs been rectified but improved in making sure that water ingress to the wood behind holding the brightwork does not recur.
CRG163’s offside front panel is prepared, front air tank cleaned and painted, and the build back of the wood work around CRG163’s water inlet begins.
As I prepare the offside front wheel arch panel for retting, Sion noticed an issue with the rear flashback of the arch and then the front section.
Whilst sanding and preparing the wheel arch panel, Crosville’s dual purpose green colour appears when CRG163 was downgraded to ERG163 between 1979 and 1984.
Sion is seen inspecting CRG163’s offside front wheel arch splash back which has become loose.
In between wheel arch splash back resolution and water inlet section on CRG163, I clean and paint the vehicle’s front air tank under the driver’s cab.
Whilst it cannot be seen, CRG163’s offside front wheel arch splash backs (front and rear) are not only rectified but improved to prevent the future ingress of water
We move on to inspect how we will resolve the wood work around CRG163’s water inlet. This will be a tricky task as a new wooden frame will be needed, which will require meticulous measuring and cutting due to the number of angles required.
Here is a lower angle of the water inlet section on CRG163 with previous rotten woodwork completely removed.
Sion devises and creates a new wooden frame that will be positioned around CRG163’s water inlet. Sion however creates a chanel in the new frame, not previously provided to cater for any water that accidentally leaks when water is being added to the inlet section, and away from the vehicle’s frame.
Sion holding up the new wooden frame that will be placed around CRG163’s water inlet, held together by precisely positioned screws and Tiger glue.
Another angle of Sion’s new frame. His meticulous planning and precise cutting is second to none, a true craftsman.
A close up of the new wooden frame in position around CRG163’s water inlet section.
As Sion prepares with precision the new wooden frame that will be positioned around CRG163’s water inlet, I prepare and prime the section that sits around the inlet itself. This section is made up of a number of pieces that takes time to fit together. This image is all the pieces placed together to see how the new wooden frame sits within the jigsaw. We are glad to say that everything fits perfectly. Our next session will involve the fitment of these pieces and panels.