Richie's Mk1 Restoration

[RichardT10829]

Quick update, the carrier took it's first steps today... Many thanks to Shaun for his help and time ! A lil bit more adjusting to do but nowt major a couple of quick nip checks on the brakes before I turned left off the driveway...

http://youtu.be/O4ZXcxg_QSM

[chris vickery]

Richard, kudos to you on some excellent workmanship!
As I probably told you earlier when you first bought this carrier, I had driven past it many time wondering if it were for sale or even whether or not it was worth it to restore.
Your vision in restoring this carrier should be example to all the naysayers out there that all too often pass up worthy vehicles as scrap or too much work.
I suppose it is our being spoiled somewhat with vehicles that are usually a bit better to start with that guides us over here in Canada to turn our collective noses up in the face of such a challenge.
Excellent my friend, excellent. I trust you will enjoy it for a long time.

[RichardT10829]

Thanks Chris... I will hold onto it as long as my wife will allow :-)

For who ever buys Nigel wards carrier.... It can be done ! Ps I have rivet snaps for sale... Or can undertake the work (shameless sales input alert)

[chris vickery]

Richard, I have found that getting the wife and/or kids involved with the hobby certainly helps keep domestic peace.
My other half thinks my hobby is "cool" and really enjoys sharing the social aspect of vintage vehicle shows, swap meets etc. The key is to take care of the bills of home and life first and use whatever leftover cash to fund the toys.
Conversely, when the missus wants to go shopping, its a case of give and take; she wants shoes and a new handbag, I'll take some sheet steel, nuts and bolts or whatever.
Being in the hobby long enough one learns to jump on deals that have a potential to turn profit with a bit of sweat equity and legwork.
Sometimes buying up a job lot to gain a valuable piece pays dividends with the swap meet goodies you may end up with.
Keeping an ear to the ground and eyes open has paid off OK for me, knowing what guys are looking for and helping out other hobbyists at the same time, networking etc.
Real easy to explain the pile of new parts that cost you nothing after you collected scrap for months and turned it in at the scrappie for cash, it's like money you never had anyways.
I think the best deal I ever had was the $120 CMP truck that was turned into a $1500 parts truck...
And then there are the times you lose.....

[kevin powles]

Rich, That's a fantastic job, you and others have certainly put the hours in, looking forward to seeing it soon. It's great when you take a carrier out on the road, I have found their are two types of joe public, those who wave and most likely think it's a fine machine! and 'the others' who probably think you are some kind of nutter!.

Kevin.

[chris vickery]

I love the British jargon such as "nutter". Completely explains a lot of things, even on this side of the Pond including myself. (BTW, Sheffield heritage from Grandad.)

[Ben]

Well done Richie

Looking forward to the get together in a couple of weeks. I watched the videos of yours today, doesn't it feel great?

Ben