First job of the week was to correctly orientate the silencer so the tail pipe would clear the underneath of the rear axle. Having done this, I trimmed the outlet pipe so I could affix an elbow to it so the tailpipe would exit the silencer at the correct angle. The next job was to measure the required lengths of pipe and order it, along with a 60 degree elbow which should point the tailpipe at the correct exit position. I still need to make support brackets for the silencer and the rest of the exhaust, but whilst I awaiting delivery of the parts I turned my attention to removing the last of the autolube pipes, a filthy, horrible job as grease had accumulated on the outside of the pipes. The end of the final one was inaccessible, so I just cut it as close as I could. Maybe I can get to it later, when the bus is over a pit. Having finished that job, I removed the NS rear shock absorber (the repaired one) with a view to resetting the lever arm position. This job was ultimately unsuccessful, so everything was reinstated as it was, except for taking the opportunity to properly paint the NS shock absorber link. The last job of the week was to start creating the two sections of the exhaust tailpipe by welding the joints for the two bends and two straight sections. I ground these welds back to check their integrity and there are a few spots that need re-welding, which will be the first job next week.
14/6/26
A slow start to the week, creating a template for the silence to pipe gasket, then cleaning and oiling the threads for the offside front wheel and sorting out a best set of nuts. I also ordered the nuts, bolts and U-clamps needed for the exhaust system. Next, I greased the front spring forward pivots, then I set about rewelding a small split in the O/S front back plate. A dab of paint finished the job and tidied up the appearance of both front brake backplates. Work then returned to the exhaust and I made a gasket for the silence/downpipe joint, this time successfully (second attempt). I then investigated the silencer mounting, attempting to move it from the odd angle at which it currently is, however I couldn’t shift the bolt through the chassis, so I bent the silencer hanger to fit. I also fitted the silencer, though it is clear that I will need to rotate the whole exhaust system to create a route for the tail pipe to exit under the emergency door.
7/6/26
Started the week by rubbing down, priming and painting the front brake drums with two coats of black enamel. Next, I derusted and sprayed the silencer with silver VHT paint. Whilst both paint jobs were drying, I cut the vacuum pipes to size for the two front servos and installed them. Final jobs of the week were refitting the two greasers for the front brake cams and installing the radiator bottom hose.