Just thought I'd introduce myself as new to here. We've got a '73 Bay "Hatty" that we've had for the past 15 years or so, but unfortunately been off the road for the last 7 after failing MOT. She's been taking up residence at a friend's garage who's been slowly working on the bodywork in his spare time, and finally delivered it back to us a few weeks ago resplendent in her new paint. Ended up replacing nearly every panel and doing substantially rebuilding to tailgate and front doors. Total cost so far £1k in panels, and £4.5k in welding and paint. Now the hard work begins! Already replaced the entire braking system, and started on rewiring. Is currently a completely empty shell, Also needs the engine looking at and new fuel tank. Aiming to get her back on ther road for next summer and can't wait. Have fond memories of holidays in her, particularly winter in Scotland including a very memorable one in temps as low as -18c! Engine and gearbox are a bit of a mish mash. Originally a 1600 manual, but now 2L auto. Has an early auto box, T25 shifter, and CU engine, but with earlier oval port heads, and using tinware and ancillaries from an 1800 (AP?) engine. Probably the 4th or 5th engine in our ownership! As we live on a narrowboat in Solihull/Warwick area and the van and most of my tools are at parents in Somerset, working tine on the van is limited. Still, managed to completely refit our boat working the other way - living in Somerset and travelling to Leicester. We now have a 2 year old daughter so that will slow work down though! Need to find all the bits we removed 7 years ago and see what's reusable. Inevitably bits will have gone missing in that time so will be looking for replacements as and when - expect a wanted list at some point! Tom
Looks fantastic with all the new panels and paint. That's my plan for next year. Inside looks very similar to mine at the moment except I've got the front seats back in.
Not many people admit to that (although your bit is quite nice to be fair) Welcome along from Dorset, I remember the days mine used to look like that
Oi there’s nought wrong with Bridgwater. If you keep your eyes closed and drive quickly through it. I was brought up in one of the less unfortunate areas, where the police stingers was invented and it wasn’t invented by the police just refined by them.
Plus the positive side was of living in Bridgwater is that there’s no need for expensive holidays. Everyone seems to speak a foreign language, even the locals so it feels like being on holiday every time I walk into town.
Thanks for the welcome and encouragement. Green and white are the original colours. Lots of work ahead, next down on Monday when I hope to carry on with the wiring. Van is in Taunton area, although wife comes from Bridgwater and we lived there for a while. Couldn't wait to move out though if I'm honest The annoying neighbour we had who would play music at full volume after I had finished a night shift might have had something to do with it though Non of that here on the boat - just the gentle lapping of water to send me to sleep after working nights
