The Fleet blog and Mollie's restoration at Chevronics.

[electrokid]

Looking good! I couldn't help noticing your steel wheels have been powder-coated. I was cleaning mine last week and was quite disappointed that there was rust spotting through the coating.

I had one wheel powder coated and I wasn't happy with the result: the coating didn't get right into the join between the inner and outer so I grabbed the remaining 4 after shot blasting and spray painted them on a slowly rotating jig before low baking.

Those grey ones seem to have turned out very well though - in fact I think the whole project is going brilliantly - well done Andy - and Rob of course

[Thread Bear]

This is what turns the corner to classic status. Cars that have been restored, probably over market value, because someone wants to keep it so. Great motivation for others wavering, and to set a standard. That standard gets seen and the model is no lo9nger a banger but something to cherish. My BX might have some low milers amongst them but they do not look as clean, and I bought the TZD to use (have not done so yet - 4 years and counting). The others to rescue as there is the merit in them to look like this car is going too. Great effort.

[Mothman]

A few more piccies of Mollie.
Even found a sticker for the LHM tank.

[mat_fenwick]

We need a like button on here!

[mds141]

Like.

[Mothman]

Mollie's engine had now been painted and soon will be fitted. She is having a MK 2 engine as her original one would not go and we dont know why so it was decided to change it rather than fully recondition it which would have been a very expensive job.
You may remember the gold BXs in the Bet Fred adverts on the TV last year? Well, the engine came from one of the 2 vehicles used and was bought on ebay for 100 pounds. It had 59 K on it so fingers crossed it will be ok. Toes crossed it will start!!

[Tinkley]

If it turns over, your halfway there Andy!. Good luck with it, I'm sure she will turn out extremely well and give you many miles of pleasure. As long as the cooling system is properly clean, maybe change a few old seals along with cam belt and water pump it should be as good as any 3-5 year old unit or better. That unit is only just run in!.

Vege will still recon the units at least I know they would last year (just not exchange), and I can recommend them having had an exchange unit from them in the past.

[Tim Leech]

I cant remember the last time I heard of major engine failure on a XUD? even at intergalactic miles, yes headgaskets go as do cambelts but I would class those as "wear and tear" items.

[Mothman]

Diesel pumps play up Tim and i reccon that was the main problem. Removing it and having it reconditioned was also going to be more expensive than this MK 2 engine which came from a reliable source. Also, what if the original engine smoked or used oil? Be a shame to have to take it out once fitted. Ime also sure the MK 2 engine turns over, dont think Rob would have even considered fitting it otherwise. All bits that can be sorted will be done.

[Mothman]

Mollie's engine has now been all prepped and is ready to fit. Hope the blighter starts!!

[Mothman]

Engine now in and spare wheel all hung up.

[Mothman]

Lots of good news this week. Had an offer on the house last night which i accepted this morning. Looks like i might be on my way to Cornwall soon, especially as the place ive been looking at hasnt sold!!
The other bit of good news is that Mollie was started up yesterday, albeit briefly.

[Paul296]

Good stuff Andy The car's looking amazing - we really do need a 'like' button on here.

[Kitch]

Speaking as a fellow garage owner/runner/man in the trade who by stereotype should be slagging any work off not done by his fair hand......credit where it's due, that's a fantastic resto.

Mind you, it's pretty obviously the engine's only been dusted with a silver spray can

Love the attention to detail though, shows real pride in the work. Speaking as someone who bills, estimates and deals with customers, I'd hate to think what you've spent on that! I only hope you get sufficient enjoyment out of it, but I'm sure you will. Probably the best BX resto I've seen to date.

edit: It's also made my resto of the GT look ridiculously overdue, but in fairness I'm doing it myself and I have three little kids/wife who wants me home/lots of other cars ongoing etc etc. It's given me a kick up the arse though, especially as it looks so similar to the GT.

[Kitch]

Looking good! I couldn't help noticing your steel wheels have been powder-coated. I was cleaning mine last week and was quite disappointed that there was rust spotting through the coating.

I had one wheel powder coated and I wasn't happy with the result: the coating didn't get right into the join between the inner and outer so I grabbed the remaining 4 after shot blasting and spray painted them on a slowly rotating jig before low baking.

The local wheel specialists also have this issue. They use a special sealant they can get in a variety of colours and actually go round making a smooth bead when that happens. I was looking to get the Rallye's white steel wheels done and he brought up this very issue.

If you have rust coming through, it sounds like they've bit a bit skinflint with the thickness of the coating to me.