Bodywork Session 4 - Day 2 - Since 1971 we are again four!

Day two of our fourth session with CRG163 as we continue our major restoration of the vehicle’s entire body wood work and refitting of panels.

We are also returning CRG163 to its original look of cream and black with four lighting apertures on both sides of the vehicle that will read CROSVILLE   EXPRESS   COACH   SERVICES.

Whilst we have found six of the vehicle’s original apertures (three on each side) that have remained hidden for the past fifty five years from double paneling, but assumed removed, we are having to fabricate two new panels for the remaining lighting apertures.

Today was a game changer and a very exciting day as new panels have been fabricated to the right measurements and include new lighting apertures to the original dimensions were returned, sanded, prepared and then fitted to CRG163.

Today was the first time since 1971 that four such panels and apertures have been seen side by side together on CRG163.

The new nearside panel above CRG163’s wheel arch is sanded and prepared for fitting.  This is a very exciting day!

CRG163’s offside front is seen with the new panel on the floor, ready for installation.

The first new panel with the original lighting aperture dimensions is fitted to CRG163 today above the refitted wheel arch panel from last night’s late finish.

Another angle of the new panel fitted with the original lighting aperture dimensions from 1971.

Me standing next to the new front panel in place.  My grateful thanks to Eifion Jones (Bryn Golau) for his fantastic fabrication and to Sion for the surprise this morning!

Sion standing next to the new panel.  Such an important day and game changer.

What a photograph!  Now we are four!  The new nearside front panel with original lighting aperture dimensions is installed.  This is the first time that we have seen four such panels and apertures side by side on CRG163 since 1971.  

CRG163 in 1970 in its original cream and black livery and four illuminated waist panels.

Another photo of CRG163’s nearside four lighting panels with the external passenger door switch in place.

A closer image of CRG163’s external passenger door switch, precisely placed.

We now move on to the panels and entrance step around CRG163’s main doors.

CRG163’s left passenger entrance door is removed with the right door to follow tomorrow.