28/4/2024

Removed the grab handle from the corner of the cab by the route number winders then continued stripping paint from under the canopy, a back breaking, stomach-stretching task.  Started to polish the handle but it is very pitted, however after a lot of sanding it came up very well and I’m pleased with it.  I also removed the main label from the spare switchbox cover and cleaned it up.  It is yellower than the original but the lettering is intact.  I removed the trapdoor from the canopy ceiling as it really didn’t want to close, and started to strip the paint from it.  Seems in better condition than I thought but I removed a couple of mm from one edge to make sure it fits well as it was refusing to close when I took it off.  The steel strips from around the edges looked rough but turned out to be saveable, which will save some time and material.  The brass hinge was the likely culprit for not closing properly as it was binding and bent, so I straightened it as best I could and worked it back and forth with wd40 to free it up, then silicone lubricant.  I also removed the cylinder head lifting ring from the overhead beam, stripped it and gave it a coat of red oxide.   Last job of the week was to paint the grey parts of the trapdoor and its metalwork.