It seemed logical to the novice to start by removing the body panels and I chose to begin with the near side front wing since, as the more observant of you will know, (photo last page) it was lying across the back seat.
Close examination of this wing revealed that P6 panels are bolted on which was a great relief. All the bolts responsible for appending panels to the base unit came undone remarkably easily so pretty soon I was on to the doors.
Now, in the welcome absence of such frivolity as electric windows or central locking, P6 doors are also attached in the most simple manner. They were easily shed, though unexpectedly heavy. Still, toes heal I suppose! Similarly bonnet and boot came off and in no time I was ready for the roof. Or to be more precise the stainless steel trim which needs much drilling out of rivets (no problem really) and a gentle touch peeling off the longer bits. Anyone know where I can get a good non curly set of trim?
The roof was a problem only in that after removing dozens of screws the ones I missed still held tight. Soon solved though and as soon as the roof and headlining were off and the car looked about as bad as it ever will, in walked my wife who you will recall was as yet unaware of the great adventure. I now get the sort of pitying looks normally reserved for the intellectually challenged.
Seats, carpet and underlay - no problem and what about those front and rear screens? What a doddle! If they go back as easily as they came out then it‘s a great system.
Only two minor problems now cloud the horizon. Firstly the pile of bits removed is now larger than the original car and has relegated the Stag to the great outdoors and, secondly, preliminary attempts to apply leather food to seat squabs perched on the kitchen table met implacable opposition, so back to the garage!
Oh well! At least the base unit lives up to Tony‘s original glowing estimate. It will need some welding but as he will be doing it I‘m looking forward to that quite bravely.
Spirits are rising and confidence is high, and we all know what that brings don‘t we?
Next time, a very old lesson relearned the hard way. ”If all else fails read the instructions .... and if that fails READ THEM AGAIN"
