Freddie has just finished the new corner panel.
Aluminium beading has now been fitted ready for painting.
Prior to Daves ownership of 854 the front wings had been shortened, these pics show that they are being lengthened again to the proper shape.
The off side wing has been extended to its original length.
Around the windscreen is now ready for painting.
The nearside wing has been extended.
The next few pics show the lower saloon seats have been retrimmed in original Barton moquette.
The seat backs have been recovered in leatherette.
The rear upper saloon seat has been re trimmed.
Note the contrast between the new and old moquette.
Updated on July 3rd 2012.
On the last two photos only people from the Ilkeston area will know its destination.
The nesr side front wing has been filled sanded down and received it first coat of primer.
The offside wing has been done same as the nearside.
Now that the sun is shining and the rain is finished the front panels have received a coat of gloss.
Note the panel behind the entrance door that has had its final coat of gloss and is ready to have the used ticket box fixed.
UPDATED ON JULY 23rd 2012.
The signwriter has been and wrote a period advert, when the bus has been moved I will be able to take a better picture.
The offside advert, again when the bus has been moved a better picture will be taken.
Another coat of gloss has been painted on the off side.
UPDATED ON JULY 24th 2012.
The above 3 photos show the front framework has been renewed ready to receive the front panel.
UPDATED 3rd AUGUST 2012.
The above three photos show that while we all where gallivanting at the Stoke-on Trent rally Freddie stayed behind and got the front panels fitted, but look at the front it looks like one of London Transports "Diddler" Trolley buses of the 1930s.
Updated on August 8th 2012.
The above three photos show the progress we have done since Wednesday the front panels are now ready to receive the light fittings the radiator and the final coats of paint, it looks as if the finishing line is in site.
Updated on August 10th 2012.
The drivers door was stripped down and was found to be in a poor corrosive state, and it was decided to rebuild it.
The new door os fitted.
The last four photos show the progress of the painting witch is now nearly finished.
Updated on August 23rd 2012.
The new drivers door has got its first coat of paint.
A fair amount of corrosion has been found on the passenger door
Note the corrosion on the bottom of the panel.
More rot
Watch out rot Freddys about!
Updated on August 25th 2012.
The above three photos show that the finish is in sight now that maroon paint has been applied to the wings.
The new passenger entrance door has bee fitted and undercoated.
First of the decals has been put on.
Updated on September 11th 2012.
These two pics show the drivers door area undercoated and glossed.
Front wheel area finished painting.
Sliding door area ready for glazing.
This shows the near side is just about finished only the bottom safety rail to fill under the panels.
The restoration is now at the stage of a jigsaw it only wants the last few bits fitting in. With a bit of luck it will be ready for its M.O.T. next week, and its first show will be at the end of season rally to be held at the Nottingham Heritage Transport Center at Ruddington on Sunday October 14th 2012.
Updated on September 27th 2012.
A few more bits of the jigsaw have been added but a few unforeseen little things still need doing and they will not be by-passed for the sake of putting it on the road, but we are still on track.
Note the reg number we still have not managed to locate 854 FNN
When the bus is on a showground we will show the original reg. number as shown here. Also note the lower rear oanels have been finished all the decals and light fittings are in place.
The signwriter has finished the last period advert.
The upper deck bulk head has been rebuilt and is now completed.
The last four pics show the lower panels decals are in place.
Thats the front number plate that will be seen when the bus is on the road.
And thats the number plate that will be seen when the bus is on a show ground.
Updated on September 28th 2012.
One of the little jobs that cropped up was the floor covering near the front on the top deck damp had got into it over the years so it has got to be rectified.
The interior fleet number is in place.
Dave has done some major engineering work he has fitted new screen washers!
Updated on September 29th 2012.
Like all projects there is always something that will hold things up and we have got two problems that require some putting right just when we thought we had finished we found a problem with the air valves, and that is taking some sorting out, and on top of that the radiator has sprung a leak, but other little jobs are being sorted.
Note the indicators have been fitted and the near side drivers mirror is in place
We where hopeful of getting the bus its M.O.T. this weekend but with those two probs we hope to take it for its test asap,so we have a very busy weekend.
Updated on October 5th 2012.
Updated on October 5th 2012.
At last I have finished painting 854, all the electrics have been done, the radiator leak hopefully cured, and the problem with the air supply overcome. The bus is now ready for its M.O.T. The only things left to do are refit two upper deck seats when they come back from the Trimmers and put the remaining decals on when they are done, and if all goes well the bus will be at Ruddington on Sunday, we are keeping our fingers crossed for that.
New fibre glass light fittings have been made.
The back lights work.
Note the safety guard rail has been painted and fitted.
More lights fitted.
All the lights are in............
........and they work!
End of Part Four.
Updated on October 11th 2012.
