Bodywork Session 5 - Day 2 - The passenger first step is removed

Today we remove the first passenger entrance step, the bright work across CRG163’s front and further woodwork around the passenger door.

We inspect CRG163’s front bumper.  Whilst CRG163’s rear bumper remains original, the vehicle’s original front bumper was replaced at some point with a fibreglass version during its operational life.  Studying old photographs of the vehicle has revealed front bumper changes circa 1982/1983 when CRG163 was ERG163 based at Crosville's Amlwch depot.  The front bumper change could be due to a front end collision? What is known unfortunately is the fact that the vehicle sustained a collision when parked at its previous parking location during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The bumper, nearside trafficator and fog light were damaged by an ‘unknown vehicle’.  The trafficator and fog light were replaced at considerable cost without need, as we emerged from the pandemic before it was moved to a home that respects its existence.  Does anyone know where can we find an original front bumper for CRG163?  Please do get in touch if you have any information - thank you.

CRG163’s rear bumper which is original.  A chrome section can be see shining through underneath the boot lid section.

CRG163’s front entrance step is seen as deteriorated wood is removed.

The underside of CRG163’s entrance step as deteriorated woodwork is removed.

CRG163’s aluminium plate that sits above the deteriorated wood is removed.

Deteriorated wood continues to be removed from CRG163’s entrance step following removal of the aluminium plate.

This was very much a Father and son moment as Gethin and I tackle the vehicle’s front brightwork side by side.  Gethin didn’t want his photo included on the website, hence this cropped image.

Having removed CRG163’s front brightwork above the front cowl, the colour cream and black come to view.  The cream colour is as original in 1970, demonstrating that the shade of Tilling cream was the lighter version used.

An interesting image of many colours.  Having removed CRG163’s front brightwork, the vehicle’s original cream and black livery is seen as well as a touch of NBC green underneath, representing CRG163’s period as ERG163 between 1979 and 1984.

The woodwork on the entrance step of CRG163 is now completely removed together with the aluminium plate above.

CRG163 today with front cowl and brightwork removed.

Looking down at what was CRG163’s front entrance step as we prepare for its rebuilding.

Gethin and I prepare CRG163’s entrance step aluminium plate as it is straightened in preparation for re-fitting.

CRG163’s entrance step aluminium plate, now prepared for re-fitting.

Sion in deep concentration as we have both been tacking the woodwork from the passenger step past the nearside window.