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At last! I am making progress with Bertie's restoration. Thanks to fellow MGCC members, Mike Parker and Dave Kato, the power train is back in and the windscreen is finally installed. Initially I did not appreciate that installing the windscreen on the MGB Roadster is a two man operation. The design is identical to the MG Midget and I had replaced Bridget's several times, but I wasted a whole week trying to install Bertie's before several experienced people informed me that I would need help. With both of these tasks completed I can now get on installing the dash, connecting all the electrical items and installing the new interior. I can also start hanging all of the engine components back on the motor, such as the original HS4 carburettors, oil filter and electronic distributor. I have decided to replace the Weber carburettors with the HS4's because I may need the facility to change the fuel mix 'on the run' and that cannot be done...

I know that in the previous post I said that I would start Berties' rebuild from the back and work forward. However, the following morning I changed my mind and just tinkered! It is not therefore surprising that in the past two months little progress can be reported. I have had considerable difficulty, in the winter climate, to engage any enthusiasm. That said, I have completed most of the pipework, installed and removed the fuel pump twice and taken the decision to upgrade the braking ability of the car with the introduction of a 'Servo'. The pedal box has been painted as has the heater and the pedal box has been installed. New housing has been sourced and fitted for the two 12volt batteries, and they have been wired in parallel with the isolator switch fitted in the rear compartment. There have been several interruptions to the work schedule that were not within my control. A short health hiccup took out one...

Surprise, surprise, very little was achieved over the Christmas or New Year period. I have now though started Bertie's rebuild. Starting with the new wiring harness and the various brake and fuel pipes, I realised that I had forgotten the proper routing from rear to front! I then realised that, although when removing everything I was certain that I would remember the location where things go, I have forgotten. I soon discovered that the Haynes workshop manual, although generally very good, does not show every detail so I had to resort to the internet. I then found that there are photographs and videos of almost everything required when restoring a MGB, thankfully. So with the harness loosely in place the steering column was next. I decided to work from the rear of the car towards the front. So all of the rear lights were installed and connected to the wiring loom. This will be followed, this week, with the doors and interior items, excluding any...

Just arrived from the Paint Shop. Plenty to do over Christmas!...

Work has been steadily progressing on Bertie's restoration, but the plan has changed. I reached the point where the number of panels needing to be repaired or replaced, due to rust, was no longer the best solution. Bertie is to have a complete new shell! The old body shell has been sent to have those panels that are still sound removed and re-used, and the new body, made by British Motor Heritage, has arrived. The seams of the new body have been sealed, in line with recomendations, and several holes have been drilled for accessories to be attached. Now the bodyshell has gone to the paintshop and I am busy cleaning the engine and gearbox, replacing the clutch and restoring everthing else currently laying in a heap on the garage floor.  ...