Refitted the large panel below the forward bulkhead window today. This included slipping the return flange under the existing panel adjacent to the door then straightening and replacing the beading. This looked as though it was going to be problematic but with a bit of care and taking my time it all went back together, Not quite in the same place though, of course, some holes were out by 1/16″ or more. I drilled and countersunk new holes for the panel fixing screws and was thankful for the time saved by having three power drills, using the Proxxon where I needed pilot holes for the screws.
I added another through bolt between the steps and the forward pillar to close up the gap with the new woodwork at the bottom of the pillar. This needs a piece of aluminium cladding shaping to finish it off, I may do that tomorrow.
Fitted the bulkhead window today. I found I was unable to use some of the existing holes for screwing to the frame because the holes had become enlarged so the heads on the screws were passing through. So I had to drill a few new ones.
Red oxided the large bulkhead window and will give the inner side a coat of grey tomorrow.
Painted the back of the aluminium cladding for the window corners with a thin coat of grey ready for fitting.
Grey semi gloss applied to the inside part of the bulkhead window frame today. Whilst this was curing I finished stripping paint from the panel to the left of the door, ready for fitting the forward lower panel (below the window). Applied a coat of waxoyl to the steel reinforcer that this panel covers, so as to avoid as much electrolytic corrosion as possible.
In the last hour of the day I started to strip the rearward lower panel of the entrance vestibule. This needed a few dents knocking out and will probably need further finishing. I need to have this ready for fitting before I can fit the rearmost window of the entrance vestibule.
Window frame after application of general purpose grey finish
Restoration diary of a 70-year old AEC single-deck bus and the trials, tribulations and adventures of our 1966 Bristol bus.
