Bodywork Session 4 - Day 1 - Wood work replaced and panels refitted

Day one of our fourth session in replacing CRG163’s woodwork and panel refitting.

Sion and I are off again on another session as we continue to replace CRG163’s deteriorated woodwork and refit panels.  Today was a more difficult session as we were having to replace wood under the driver’s window and below as thr panels had a slight bend.  Sion’s meticulous approach and carpentry was absolutely second to none.

The woodwork around CRG163’s water inlet was also in need of replacement.  Not only did Sion replace this section exactly but also undertook improvements to the original design by adding a section of wood that strengthened the water splash back but also provided a ‘run off’ for any spilt water outside the vehicle as opposed to down the inside of panels as before.

Sion creates a new lower wooden section for CRG163 for the panel under the driver’s window.  This has a slight bend due to the vehicle’s design.  As can be seen, Sion is very much on the case in designing a perfect complementary curve.

Sion tests out his curved design against the inside of the panel that sits under the driver’s window.

The new lower wooden section that will be fitted behind the driver side window lower panel.  Sion’s meticulous design, curve and care is absolutely beautiful.

A perfect fit of Sion’s curved design against the panel itself.

The new curved wooded section designed by Sion now in place.

New wooden section with meticulous curves to match CRG163’s body design are added underneath the driver’s cab window.

Chasing of bodywork screws around CRG163’s entrance express doors also begins in preparation.

The woodwork underneath CRG163’s water inlet is meticulously recreated from what remained of the previous woodwork.

Not only is the woodwork underneath and around CRG163’s water inlet is meticulously recreated, but Sion adds a new designed wooden piece that further strengthens this section beyond its original design.  This also elevates the metal splash back behind so that any spilt water flows outside the vehicle rather than down the wood work as previously.

The new woodwork below CRG163’s water inlet can be seen with the lower panel now refitted.

New wood work is added to CRG163’s offside in preperation for the refitting of the large wheel arch panel.

Late this evening CRG163’s offside front wheel panel is refitted.