Mat's BX Blog

[mat_fenwick]

OK, I've earmarked it for you

Been busy plumbing and cutting the bottoms off doors tonight (to go over the newly raised concrete floor). No photos as doors aren't difficult to visualise...

[mds141]

"doors aren't difficult to visualise"..

Unless you're a Bedouin tribesman.

[mat_fenwick]

I dunno, they may dream about doors!

[Vanny]

I dunno, they may dream about doors!

or electric sheep!

[Des Smith]

"doors aren't difficult to visualise"..

Unless you're a Bedouin tribesman.

They dream about defective tent flaps and the draught you get when the camel hair weave unravels. I speak with authority on this matter!

[mat_fenwick]

Neatly linking from flaps, I've being doing some weldy weldy tonight on the red BX. I was incredibly nervous before starting - not sure why but perhaps the value of the panel had something to do with it!



Then painted front and back:





Then welded in my access panel (I did weld it all the way around, but the photo is a work in progress!)



Once the paint has dried tomorrow I'll be able to seal all the seams thoroughly, and give it a skim of filler on the outside. There is a little bit of distortion (a mm or two), but nothing standing proud when I put a straight-edge across the panel.

[citsncycles]

Nice job there - glad mine hasn't done that!

[mat_fenwick]

I'd never put any extra underbody protection in that area, so although the rest of the shell is pretty good, this area suffered. Difficult to do with the extra tank in there but I will spray some wax around while the neck is out.

Tonight I sealed the seams, skimmed over the outside of the panel with good old P38, and then gave it a light guide coat to see how bad it looked!



I coated all the fresh metal with Sikaflex to give added stone chip protection.



Still a few low spots but making some progress at least. The MOT is booked for next Tuesday...

In other news, I've put most of the trim back on the van and it's looking almost smart!

[mds141]

Just noticed the van's reg plate number. Shame it's not Lana's van.

[Mickey taker]

Oh it is Mark it is,
as is the focus, the bx, the motor bikes, the house and the bank account

[mds141]

Oh it is Mark it is,
as is the focus, the bx, the motor bikes, the house and the bank account

Been there done that. Fortunately the engagement only lasted four weeks. Phew!!

[citsncycles]

I've had several people say to me over the years I've gotthe right idea being single - my response has always been maybe, but after a hard day at work who can help with housework, cooking, or even just being company. Mind you, when my Dad said it to me one day...

[mat_fenwick]

I think the chances of Lana laying any claim to a BX are slim to none! And to be fair she offered to go halves on the alternator for the Focus the other day. Plus she puts up with me, so can't grumble...

I'm almost ready to put the filler neck back on, so had to remove the rust on the locking flange. Started off like this:



...and here's what it looks like now after a coat of Deox gel:



It hasn't got into the pits as much as I'd like, so will have to give it another coat. There is a liquid form you can buy for immersing small parts like this into, so would hope that does a better job.

[mds141]

Just stick it in some malt vinegar overnight Mat.

[MULLEY]

You need an ultrasonic cleaner