• Update, three days solid work over the BHW and it's probably 80% rebuilt.

    The good stuff
    The paint finish and colour are stunning. More metallic than i was expecting but true to the original.
    Bodywork is arrow straight with no signs of previous damage or repairs.
    Luke and team made a good start on the rebuild, significantly reducing the amount my of work for my dad and I to do.
    It's been trailered safely back to my dad's. Whilst unloading many people stopped to look and ask about it (are you a Scandinavian detective?...). Quite surreal but nice to have such a positive reaction.
    The whole process has been great. An amazing guy to work with and massively accommodating. He let us use his workshop for 2 days over the weekend whilst he cracked on with his recently written off race car!

    The less good stuff.
    I'm caveating all of the following with a drawing a line policy Luke had to employ to get this on budget. The lesson learned here is that we should have reengaged to discuss extending the budget to get things perfect. That's on me as i pushed on budget and didn't think hard enough about the implications. What's clear is a lot more work was needed than originally thought and the team have been very generous with their time.

    Being picky there's two very small areas that need a little attention in the blended in areas. Not visible from outside but i'd like them sorted.
    The rear number plate area on the tailgate uses a vinyl overlay. Whatever has been applied has a few issues that needs sorting.
    There's a not insignificant area in the engine bay that doesn't have colour on it, just sealed primer. Lower down and not obvious when you open the bonnet but knowing it's there will probably bother me.
    Whilst the concept of refitting patina'd trim has worked well in some areas, the scruffy rear bumper really detracts from the overall look. I may have a short term solution involving rattle cans but i'm fairly certain the car will go back to Luke next year to have the bodykit and bumpers painted in original finish.
    On the latter the bodykit will definitely take a few attempts to get right. Visions of arrow straight alignment and perfect gaps are out the window and the priority will be to hang it on securely with a view to coming back to each panel at a later date.
    Rebuilding the car is a quick reminder that it's over 30 years old now. A few headaches with brittle wiring and plugs breaking caused hours of delay and it's obvious some of this will need sorting in the not too distant future. Not fun but at least i'm learning stuff.
    There are a few areas on the underside that will need attention in the future. In hindsight a bit crazy to still have these to think about but they should be fine for a year or two. Again, Luke will sort if the car is still with me in the future.

    So still lots to do and think about. I'm a little dejected at the realisation it won't be back with me anytime soon but it'll be worth taking my time with this and getting it right. Overall very happy but equally knackered. Nice touch is by the time the car is done Luke wants it back for a second polish once the paint has settled.

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