A trip to visit the parents today gave me a chance to have a closer look at the ‘B’.
The engine bay – not in too bad a condition. As you can see in the picture (below) the heater console is in a pretty bad state, but a wire brush and a few hours to kill should scrub most of that off. Hammerite black and some new clips, a new heater matrix, fan, motor and seal should also improve performance and overall good looks.
A closer look at the heater:
Can you see the nice shiny new master clutch cylinder? 
(top left)
This is all that’s left of the sound proofing within the bonnet. This needs to be cleaned and replaced.
The interior of the car, the dash in particular, is in pretty good condition. I havent cleaned the car at all, so everything here is as it was when delivered. The top of the gearstick is taped on with electrical tape – badly, with what I assume is the overdrive switch on top. As you can see, the radio was stripped previously, leaving the loose wires within the console. I really love the seat position, and the feel of the armrest and the positioning of the lever though. Very comfortable. The console needs a damn good clean, and colour restoration. I already have a brand new black leather gaitor for the gearstick (optimistic), which will go on at some point as a minor crowning glory for the interior.
The driver footwell. One thing about this car… there are lots of loose wires.. everywhere. I’m not 100% sure what those two flick-switches are (top right corner of the photograph). Any ideas?
Just behind the drivers seat, an example of more loose wiring, supposedly hidden underneath the carpet.
One of the first jobs to do is to remove the battery, charge it up and put it back in for testing the car, and as we check the electrics. Here is the battery box, lid removed. There are no retainer clips over the battery, which I thought was slightly worrying.
Last, but not least, the glovebox. Here is the famous kit kat wrapper. Also featured is a small block of post-it-notes, a bulb, a few old tax discs and a used tissue.
Although only a very brief look around the car, it was still quite exciting to start delving a little deeper. I’m very excited, and cant wait to actually start work.
No Comments on "A closer look"
Hey Matt – Nice pictures… I don’t have a clue what those switches are for… don’t have anything similar on mine. I like your steering wheel
R.
Nice one, I hope the boot is safe
D.
@Rick -
cheers mate. I have no idea either. My Dad seems to think they may have been for extra rally lamps on the front. It’s the only thing I can think of. I like the wheel too. Just can’t wait to drive the thing again”
@Darrell -
cheers. My faith in boots is eternally tested now. I never ever trust hinges anymore.