Seven - The magic number

 First thing to say is that as yet, none of the major bits are back from being refurbed or modified, so I haven't got the suspension on on done any of that exciting stuff yet. However, I have done a few more bits that were good to get out of the way. I modified, painted, and fitted the steering column: In the second picture there, I should probably add that yes, I did pretend to drive it and yes, I did make broom broom noises. There are two kinds of kit builders - those who admit to doing that and those who are lying. I finished fitting the fuel system at the back. I now have fuel lines running in conduit from the fuel pump to the filter and on forward, and then the return back to the tank plumbed in as well I have fitted and done the initial setup as recommended by MK on all the rose joints so the suspension can go on as soon as the uprights get here. I also cleaned and painted the gearbox in my home spray booth! Looks nice huh?! Well, yes and no. I am pretty sure I am going to ne...

 I may have outsourced some of the stuff I was not really enjoying. I have bitten the bullet and sent my manky uprights and axles off to be reconditioned by people paid to do so, with the added benefit that they will almost certainly do a better job than I would. That's relieved the stress levels hugely, and turned this project back into what I wanted, which was a cathartic exercise where I can make a bit of progress every time I go into the garage. Over the last couple of days I have installed the fuel tank, modified the fuel pump bracket and got all that installed. This has meant learning a few new skills. I have never riveted anything before for a start! The fuel tank straps bent and fitted and the fuel pump unit fully installed and ready to go. I now have a load of things I could do. I can't make big significant progress until some of the parts I have sent away start coming back, but I can do a few little preparatory bits and pieces - trim, paint and fit the top half of the...

While I said I enjoyed breaking the donor, I may have oversold that a bit. Pulling the engine out was deeply satisfying. Fighting with every. single. part of the donor since is somewhat less so. The car is from just before the turn of the century, so there is the best part of 22 years grime, corrosion, and just general gunk gumming everything up. The gearbox looks in great shape. It really just needs a good brush, a clean with some brake cleaner and then paint. Check. The engine looks OK. The previous owner assures me it runs fine and there is no reason not to believe him to be honest. Problem is he had already taken it apart a certain amount. That makes it a bit difficult to put back together but lets assume I can manage that with some guidance. The diff is fine. It's gone off for strengthening, but its in reasonable nick and its an LSD which is nice. The driveshafts, most of the ancilliaries and anything from the interior are fine. The uprights and hubs look like they are closer ...

 Originally, I wasn't going to be doing this, but circumstances dictated otherwise and certain things aside, I have quite enjoyed the process. The most satisfying moment And success!!!! Main bits all together Boxes of stuff More stuff Most of an engine.