Fresh rubber

Becky had to have new front tyres so it was off to a local independent tyre fitter. (I've used them before when Becky had a puncture) The cost was only £24 per tyre which included a valve and balancing. Cheaper than the "fast fit" places. The first thing I noticed that the steering was a LOT lighter and hopefully, I shouldn't need anything else just yet. I've been given some more Castrol GTX which should see me through the next oil change.

Back ot Baby Blue

Work on Baby Blue has resumed. First I gave the rebuilt steering column another clean. I then removed the parcel shelf. I disconnected the steering column wiring plugs, loosened the adjusting bracket, removed the bottom pin, loosened the top end of the steering coupling but the column still wouldn't come out so I've decided to leave it for now. The whole car needs a good clean which is a job for my pressure washer when I finally get it up and running!

Let there be light!

As I mentioned earlier one of the courtesy light switches on Becky was playing up and another wasn't working at all. I got hold of a replacement switch, fitted it removed the one that was plating up, cleaned up the connection and success! The interior light comes on when all four doors are opened. Aside from getting a set of jump leads I don't need to do anything with Becky.

Back to Baby Blue

The bushes for her steering rack and the bulkhead bush for the steering column arrived from Rimmer Bros today. I can't see them being fitted just yet but I've now got everything I need to swap my steering rack and steering column and then I'll be able to start Baby Blue with the key! Next on the shopping list will be some sheet steel. A guy who comes in the pub on Sundays who works "on the busses" says he can get me some so I might be able to get Baby Blue's bodywork done without any more expense.

More filler removed

I resumed my attack on the front end of the Toledo. I'd bought an angle grinder but I realized that it was overkill on bodyfiller so it was back to the wirebrush on my drill and a claw hammer. It is amazing what you can cover up with filler. It looks like I'll have to replace both front wings but I can probably patch up the front panel. Once I've stripped down the front end I'll get a better idea of the extent of the rust.

I've finally resumed work on the Toledo. I've made a start on cutting out all the filler and rust (plenty of it!) using the wirebrush attachment on my drill. Maybe I should invest in an angle grinder to speed things up a bit.
Becky's had a new set of wiper blades. I had a bit of trouble fitting one of them but I succeeded in the end and the wipers work a lot better now. 

Did a bit of spending...

I've just ordered a few parts for Baby Blue. Rimmer Bros are offering 20% off this month so I've ordered new poly rack bushes and the steering column bulkhead bush. I've just had a quick look at Baby Blue and it looks like the parcel shelf has to come out when I get round to fitting the rebuilt sterring column. I was given a couple of small pieces of steel sheeting and it looks like I've got enough to plate the inner wings and the sill.

I've added to my Triumph collection. I was given this model Acclaim as a belated Christmas persent from somebody who comes in the pub. He's a big Mini enthusiast and one of ht e model Minis he bought had the Acclaim included so he gave it to me and is in excellent condition. (but it doesn't have the box) It now takes pride of place on top of my monitor. 

Done at last

I've got my service done. Got an oil filter from my trusty local motor factor yesterday and did the oil and filter change so now my service is completed. Hopefully, Becky will just keep right on going as she's been doing.

Not quite what I'd planned

I'm all set to do my service. When I looked at what I thought was the oil filter box it turned out that there was a dizzy cap inside so the oil and filter change will have to wait until I can get to my trusty local motor factor and get an oil filter. I carried on and fitted the air filter and spark plugs. I road tested Becky and performance has improved. Once that Castrol GTX is in then she'll be running great!

Some more work to do

At last! Something to do on Becky. I've noticed that the courtesy light switch on the drivers' door is playing up. Probably a bad earth. As I'll be servicing her I can sort it out then. Talking of which, I went to my local Halfords today and bought a new set of spark plugs (Champion's double copper core ones) and 5 litres of Castrol GTX so I'm now set to do the service that I planned on. I was going to do it tomorrow night before the meeting but I've decided to bring it forward to tonight so I'll be off up to Anita's to get the job done as soon as I've finished writing this.

I was thinking about breaking the Toledo but after protests on the Club Triumph and Triumph Dolomite Club forums I've followed my heart and I hope to restore this car. I shall be replacing panels where necessary so this will be an opportunity to learn my welding skills. I reckon that the bulk of the work will be the bodywork so I'll be stripping the front end down first and see how much metal is actually left! I thought that I might have to replace both front wings but I reckon that the drivers' side wing can be left untouched.

I'm bidding for a steering column bush on eBay for Baby Blue. There's also some alloy steering rack mounts which I'd like to get then I'll never need to buy rack bushes again. I had a look at Baby Blue's steering rack today and I reckon that the only problem will be getting the rack out once I've removed the bolts. Time to consult Haynes on this one. I've dug out my rebuilt steering column in readiness for this job. I'll give the plastic shrouds a clean as well.