13/3/2021

The long gap between the previous entry and this one is largely due to the time it has taken to complete  the rear number plate box that incorporates the single rear stop light and the combined tail light/number plate light.  The work comprised the following tasks:

  • stripping the chrome off the brass porthole light lens holders and then polishing the brass to a good shine
  • Drilling the steel box for the mounting screws
  • Making a new face plate to hold the portholes
  • Fitting new lampholders to the wooden batten that is screwed inside the box behind the face plate
  • Painting and wiring the batten
  • Making and fitting a reflector to the batten
  • Mounting the batten in box
  • Painting the box, cream on the outer side and blue on the inside
  • Forming the beading that surrounds the number plate box
  • Drilling and countersinking the screw holes in the beading

In order to wire the batten  I had to consider the wiring in the boot in general so devised the circuit and cable layout for all the rear lighting and the boot light.  I also drilled the large holes for the rear indicators in the waist rail either side of the number plate box.

Whilst waiting for paint to dry on the number plate box project, I stripped and primed the beading for the front destination box.  I also removed the rear reflectors from the old boot door skins and salvaged the actual  reflectors for reuse.  I removed the scratches from these on the polishing machine and then prepared and spray painted black two new frames for the glasses.

Today I was able to install the new number plate box  in the opening in the frame above the boot doors.  The beading and face plate need to be fitted and painted before the job is complete.