tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28091469126778944962024-03-19T08:48:29.960+00:00The Thoughts of Chairman BillRandom MusingsChairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.comBlogger5083125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-43028213988716332024-03-19T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-19T05:36:01.941+00:00Dot Dash<p style="text-align: justify;">I'm getting a bit previous with myself, but I thought I'd have a go at renovating the GT6 dashboard well in advance of when I'm likely to install it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hunted high and low in the boxes of bits for the original dashboard, but all I found was a rather dilapidated right hand third - the dash is actually in 3 pieces. Renovating the piece that I do have and fabricating the other two sections from ply and veneer is an option, but some people do have a one-piece dashboard which, while more elegant looking, is a bit of a fiddle when having to perform maintenance on the wiring behind the dash.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I needed to make a template and scoured the Interweb for a one, but drew a blank. On that basis I could feasibly simply sell copies of my template, when finished, or even digitise it. I used the existing piece for the right hand section and traced it and then the rest onto a piece of cardboard by using a marker pen from behind the metal dash support you can see in the photo below.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoJ-59_RoS6h_oHnNKGYmNinqPAv_alq0nudCsHRRteqA-c0LitiIjWvdqrcYJUlH51IGMOmVLzBD4RrP9PU2WbIZWV3MbbJT4pOTP2XUo4M1C7MZNmpbjG3ulA5XOfqmifPA0ByW4ySmt-zxc51uDZsKy3RJSwAlu0_NoVktU70CuDqOXmLwrkrheLcg/s4000/20240317_171534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoJ-59_RoS6h_oHnNKGYmNinqPAv_alq0nudCsHRRteqA-c0LitiIjWvdqrcYJUlH51IGMOmVLzBD4RrP9PU2WbIZWV3MbbJT4pOTP2XUo4M1C7MZNmpbjG3ulA5XOfqmifPA0ByW4ySmt-zxc51uDZsKy3RJSwAlu0_NoVktU70CuDqOXmLwrkrheLcg/w400-h225/20240317_171534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Below you can see the template taking shape, along with the right-hand original piece.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmG4hb1ml6vRWS7cMcwuq84EaJlLV112u7qpqoWLcy4wuijlPAfEXhKQ4oL3BsZBR6nfDf0uq4ti840yCqmAAU6VQjDOKNbjLDetgxrGUsExsCd-6kKmUJiCjpVnfg8dysbSofhBM6FdClPHEucGiDltcpcHpCtUiYCIkIDwKXkRUAmHFZPbldXytxBAW/s4000/20240317_171551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmG4hb1ml6vRWS7cMcwuq84EaJlLV112u7qpqoWLcy4wuijlPAfEXhKQ4oL3BsZBR6nfDf0uq4ti840yCqmAAU6VQjDOKNbjLDetgxrGUsExsCd-6kKmUJiCjpVnfg8dysbSofhBM6FdClPHEucGiDltcpcHpCtUiYCIkIDwKXkRUAmHFZPbldXytxBAW/w400-h225/20240317_171551.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKtZDQGvFmBnhyGq0zOE9o41Y62x0W5Yne716ih9yOp__ZSe4PzDajbY1R6iBXf94n32v_H6PYjDKDdOIIWHKNwpFAYdE3YDB4Ys0YoFPRd8RQlKZ41pI89_ln-hGqBmU1v-FUBvjsyjM_a2Y3d383d4JMEyRXOJeCG3CcbDQcewqtOVuME7rouEmrCTq/s4000/20240317_172414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguKtZDQGvFmBnhyGq0zOE9o41Y62x0W5Yne716ih9yOp__ZSe4PzDajbY1R6iBXf94n32v_H6PYjDKDdOIIWHKNwpFAYdE3YDB4Ys0YoFPRd8RQlKZ41pI89_ln-hGqBmU1v-FUBvjsyjM_a2Y3d383d4JMEyRXOJeCG3CcbDQcewqtOVuME7rouEmrCTq/w400-h225/20240317_172414.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The intent is to make a single piece dash and decide, once I've made the basic shape from ply, whether to split it into three.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpmK1iEGhiQlbnU3N8mNKRpRyWYOy0ODbhsy7ntaIE6heD1F67NV62EN5MrrhpuF6dvbg-QwfM37JktSuhGV_7j5MWHjmxpvkwKzT0pKo_xDGiXDudDloa9H-oZiB_l2SjWIzlr2gvjKrbOIlNxal-JMHGPcOJtsnp45fChsR7c_Kw7ZrR3hFKlruU85m/s4000/20240317_180006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpmK1iEGhiQlbnU3N8mNKRpRyWYOy0ODbhsy7ntaIE6heD1F67NV62EN5MrrhpuF6dvbg-QwfM37JktSuhGV_7j5MWHjmxpvkwKzT0pKo_xDGiXDudDloa9H-oZiB_l2SjWIzlr2gvjKrbOIlNxal-JMHGPcOJtsnp45fChsR7c_Kw7ZrR3hFKlruU85m/w400-h225/20240317_180006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">This is how it should look in situ, although this one is missing a gauge hole on the left-hand section - probably because it's a Spitfire and not a GT6.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN-haP-1Qt9flGRIYW4ZSeFFfUTtgGK0O0Rz-F7SGo9nW01hob8wDx2x_LGfOMhxKUbuRvdzEby5hwkrob6GZdOzyBHUmulZKGkTxJOxNqPkw683R0842F89A7S78-0fUyq3eaenpGsw_26IGCkYJsP7AXCB-tcRPAarny2RgI8IGjfvtoO7A6XXoRi0n/s702/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20180325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="702" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQN-haP-1Qt9flGRIYW4ZSeFFfUTtgGK0O0Rz-F7SGo9nW01hob8wDx2x_LGfOMhxKUbuRvdzEby5hwkrob6GZdOzyBHUmulZKGkTxJOxNqPkw683R0842F89A7S78-0fUyq3eaenpGsw_26IGCkYJsP7AXCB-tcRPAarny2RgI8IGjfvtoO7A6XXoRi0n/w400-h149/Screenshot%202024-03-17%20180325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">And this is how the bits look when bought. You'll perhaps notice a slight difference on the steering column gap between mine and the original - I've swept it a bit more on the left of the hole, as I think it looks better and balances it more. As an aside, the GT6 has one of those steering columns that can impale the driver in a severe, front-end accident.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjgFNDlVScKCM43tNeiKS8M6V3lyRMkWp2J6QNILCzgfhyQ6Tt_iL3_VUg79ZumaYZ4WycpLvT3JL_xQAuwu1c6MGP0I3DbI-nW9fkmEwPEcGbm8N02VxYhcyLUsRrUd-K2ZUNrLG-GMvKisT-SFPcMEZExeLjSRy5jt0uQtFWtWrmfFXW3xRsJEhel_g/s692/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20063338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="692" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjgFNDlVScKCM43tNeiKS8M6V3lyRMkWp2J6QNILCzgfhyQ6Tt_iL3_VUg79ZumaYZ4WycpLvT3JL_xQAuwu1c6MGP0I3DbI-nW9fkmEwPEcGbm8N02VxYhcyLUsRrUd-K2ZUNrLG-GMvKisT-SFPcMEZExeLjSRy5jt0uQtFWtWrmfFXW3xRsJEhel_g/w400-h308/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20063338.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I bought a slab of 10mm ply from B&Q for £15 (enough for 3 dashboards), cut out the dashboard shape and fitted it with a clamp against the dash support metalwork. Not a bad fit for a first attempt.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8O4PlGyeRw3RoRtsdnylWzn-c5aGQrrvwpIGnfCKD3j9PcCHmw8rlnatagvbIUjJZhmEz-vf3bfxhDaWU8vcbkzQ1bq3U5BofLkBlJW-9kyXTcCvcTsxkPn5hLxVlMURGFveQzlAyOV3uh1eA6bocfjvza8wkjSVHm3Jj2sIw_Lpyr2uTb5UDWjqqHNE/s4000/20240318_143739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA8O4PlGyeRw3RoRtsdnylWzn-c5aGQrrvwpIGnfCKD3j9PcCHmw8rlnatagvbIUjJZhmEz-vf3bfxhDaWU8vcbkzQ1bq3U5BofLkBlJW-9kyXTcCvcTsxkPn5hLxVlMURGFveQzlAyOV3uh1eA6bocfjvza8wkjSVHm3Jj2sIw_Lpyr2uTb5UDWjqqHNE/w400-h225/20240318_143739.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I've also ordered a sheet of 60cm x 56cm burr walnut veneer on e-Bay for £46, which should give me enough to make 3 or 4 dashboards. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Given pre-made dashboards sell for £342, I could make a handsome profit if I sell a couple. Actually, I could be a bit more creative and put my lampshade making skills to use by covering the ply in some patterned cloth, covering it in several layers of clear resin and rubbing it back to a matt finish. Just think of the fun I could have with that - a tartan dashboard, perhaps...</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However - bugger me! I then received a message from e-Bay that someone had made me an offer on a central piece of a dash from a MkIV Spitfire they were selling for £36. Well, I couldn't turn that down and here's an image of it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGFaOktN0v5YMeAQ80xalBdsu45CZZAuySoAhFL97GMs3gyE0ikbsGAq80IzamuutnAtYXtWno3xamIb0OLLW4nOG_NQTUSgbmekNy7sQyhpWOn2f1ef1RSC5fMlSaMkV1Lbv6ag8LVYfXb07oxZj_j1b3K5xzAO-0Tg-qVtwsp79dAztMjZlarwHJ3la/s910/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20145442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="910" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGFaOktN0v5YMeAQ80xalBdsu45CZZAuySoAhFL97GMs3gyE0ikbsGAq80IzamuutnAtYXtWno3xamIb0OLLW4nOG_NQTUSgbmekNy7sQyhpWOn2f1ef1RSC5fMlSaMkV1Lbv6ag8LVYfXb07oxZj_j1b3K5xzAO-0Tg-qVtwsp79dAztMjZlarwHJ3la/w400-h245/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20145442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Grotty, but eminently repairable with new veneer and it has all the holes in the right place (the image was actually upside down). Having that and my own section makes the whole job easier, but I'll still proceed with making a single section dashboard from burr walnut, but use the two pieces I'll have to ensure the correct tolerances. The passenger section is a doddle.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having scrutinised various dashboards, I was confused as to how it is attached, but I learned that it's mainly held in place by the clamps on the back of the instruments, which hold it against the metal backing plate. A neat idea that removes the need for messy screws, although I may add a few knurled nuts that screw into the backing plate for effect.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I will continue, however, to make a single panel dash or two and sell them.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Talking of wood - No.1 Son bought me this for my birthday, which is on Friday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNDZLsNZHBZVQaBjlpbtzNM7zYfzGiukMkeFwiMwWZGGFYY8bz3JyET5uBp3_z1kCkpsSjtJ_OpQXwYM5LGosnKR7I6YpqftTb9JOKZ2EDHwHkaWZSJzet2M0l2H-YU5eBkizJwntvFEtE2L5ilX7OnbdMiwpsSBfYTeohISiuyrfofCi4ibezcAz4Qd4/s717/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20072409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="717" data-original-width="717" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNDZLsNZHBZVQaBjlpbtzNM7zYfzGiukMkeFwiMwWZGGFYY8bz3JyET5uBp3_z1kCkpsSjtJ_OpQXwYM5LGosnKR7I6YpqftTb9JOKZ2EDHwHkaWZSJzet2M0l2H-YU5eBkizJwntvFEtE2L5ilX7OnbdMiwpsSBfYTeohISiuyrfofCi4ibezcAz4Qd4/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-18%20072409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Nice of him.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-83753915494385727132024-03-18T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-18T06:23:17.238+00:00Bonnet Progress<p style="text-align: justify;"> Good progress made - the Clico temporary fasteners were a Godsend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3kcnwzdQr_Qd_t7lDUDONL-FJrgx1O8xCO9Tol0_3FnzTeQEfRa2kYo0JXPtvVA-z-eTSkTAUaVlYtrZu5cChM3mbOwG3herXzKUaKLd3iWeJhQUQYRPsn1OTcKSkZqGBzgTCGPQUKV3GHU-LweZ9dwpX9-HwJ8eDMeH48sHWLlWTKJ-MBVqHIsAZ0Y8/s4000/20240314_120236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3kcnwzdQr_Qd_t7lDUDONL-FJrgx1O8xCO9Tol0_3FnzTeQEfRa2kYo0JXPtvVA-z-eTSkTAUaVlYtrZu5cChM3mbOwG3herXzKUaKLd3iWeJhQUQYRPsn1OTcKSkZqGBzgTCGPQUKV3GHU-LweZ9dwpX9-HwJ8eDMeH48sHWLlWTKJ-MBVqHIsAZ0Y8/w400-h225/20240314_120236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I managed to weld up the splits where the headlamp part of the bonnet meets the top without any issues. I then ground it smooth with Rolec abraders on an air tool, applied filler and primed it, ensuring I used weld-through primer on flanges where welding needs to take place around the headlight cowls.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, during the process, the bonnet slipped and it received a small ding on the nearside as it fell against some machinery. Fortunately I could hammer it out and skim with filler - any blemish on the underside will be hidden by the mudguards, once fitted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEF-bEpVQpZEuthow9C_O10pb7jaDMVk4HWFFYYZo_XkZEb7iTdwINvXMqhAiRBl8-u_DwGIMpOet_vbwe2AmWWLZQWIrUj9Lm8E6sOEiKFM6K9cGPlo86_v_3oWeiO0zqPWcvFRg9IZzPuisjvwGok23GZC3itbbB2IzU1TA6OPaSjv1J33T7qHDOrhK/s4000/20240316_093922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEF-bEpVQpZEuthow9C_O10pb7jaDMVk4HWFFYYZo_XkZEb7iTdwINvXMqhAiRBl8-u_DwGIMpOet_vbwe2AmWWLZQWIrUj9Lm8E6sOEiKFM6K9cGPlo86_v_3oWeiO0zqPWcvFRg9IZzPuisjvwGok23GZC3itbbB2IzU1TA6OPaSjv1J33T7qHDOrhK/w400-h225/20240316_093922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The manner in which I previously dealt with the dents in the power bulge has given me me cause for concern. As I said in a previous post, I hammered them such that they became slightly concave indents and then skimmed these with filler; however, it's pretty obvious on the underside of the bonnet that there were dents. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">A better approach would have been to try to hammer the dents flat, instead of concave, but my panel beating skills are rudimentary, to say the least. What I really needed was some kind of former against which to beat the dents flat (or at least make them imperceptible), but I had nothing large enough and solid enough on which to place the bonnet and beat it upon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">On most cars it wouldn't be an issue, but the GT6 bonnet opens in the same manner as the E-Type, from back to front, meaning the underside is a very visible feature when it's open.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Next the front crossmember and headlight cowls were put into place with Clico fasteners. They are brilliant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2WkfJYN5VwEI-c4lLN09Od08cMoMR8aKuTKDYKtyOVM9-hSsg-C8MvmEWhhHBNQxXFBZrsVwCJ1e5Z1yOKyi0VDXIjul1yg0klwP6alsxgwN-16ZoSedbcGGhV6kEneji_m0qh20H5gLebYhFTGp7uA7H0yTTNqyhBXzfBO-mOLsUA-joT3R3ooU3MdP/s4000/20240316_121434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2WkfJYN5VwEI-c4lLN09Od08cMoMR8aKuTKDYKtyOVM9-hSsg-C8MvmEWhhHBNQxXFBZrsVwCJ1e5Z1yOKyi0VDXIjul1yg0klwP6alsxgwN-16ZoSedbcGGhV6kEneji_m0qh20H5gLebYhFTGp7uA7H0yTTNqyhBXzfBO-mOLsUA-joT3R3ooU3MdP/w400-h225/20240316_121434.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Then I offered up the offside the lower wing, which had the flanges stripped of paint and weld-though primer applied, first using clamps and replacing them with Clico fasteners once I was happy with the positioning, which was a bit of a nightmare - push in one bit in and another bulges out, forming a very visible lip. Assistance and some muscle from No.1 Son was invaluable.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaPP9AzOd_mkLBVI7eemBE8BUS9Mlx3zGlDvwM_W1Y5Z8XakRG0CYQKOAP0k8kH0JvYAAQlYdPINI1G20_htJ46Y9b7RmMM_RHHXngqHrgsPQQSeRtfZ85CFc2eKKlcBpKcarXt-5Q8RXP_FAEYPGdFtkKp0gdsiK54ZKSxxMH_G6UpPEydWaVB8bpZRP/s4000/20240316_144028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaPP9AzOd_mkLBVI7eemBE8BUS9Mlx3zGlDvwM_W1Y5Z8XakRG0CYQKOAP0k8kH0JvYAAQlYdPINI1G20_htJ46Y9b7RmMM_RHHXngqHrgsPQQSeRtfZ85CFc2eKKlcBpKcarXt-5Q8RXP_FAEYPGdFtkKp0gdsiK54ZKSxxMH_G6UpPEydWaVB8bpZRP/w360-h640/20240316_144028.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I then tackled the nearside lower wing panel, where I had to perform a slight bit of grinding on the headlamp cowl to stop it chafing and pushing the lower wing out more than it should.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszR1gWFH8VV1_tKbOWx_HHs-bKlwb9fTZOXGCsw5JS7p-s6er1jW2p0ID5g3oWC2-D4mrD9kzaWCHyUGKeRbI71wxp_YXGwV_i1w109LrkUZpEmrHxbl7OM_MLeAz9nz9IrZw_QBjK-u1cyzIePuA_AQBWVfqKlCj4IIsSRTw766LDf6FqcC3MBZjRgIx/s4000/20240316_151730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszR1gWFH8VV1_tKbOWx_HHs-bKlwb9fTZOXGCsw5JS7p-s6er1jW2p0ID5g3oWC2-D4mrD9kzaWCHyUGKeRbI71wxp_YXGwV_i1w109LrkUZpEmrHxbl7OM_MLeAz9nz9IrZw_QBjK-u1cyzIePuA_AQBWVfqKlCj4IIsSRTw766LDf6FqcC3MBZjRgIx/w400-h225/20240316_151730.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, I'm very happy with the positioning result - but the spot and plug welding had still to be completed to fix the whole caboodle solidly into permanent position, as well as hammering the rear of the lower wing panels over the reinforcing strip. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I made a start on spot welding the flanges between the upper bonnet and one lower wing panel - perfect access and I used a stool so I could wield the spot welder better - but it was awful. In some places I got perfect spot welds, but in the majority of locations I couldn't even get a spark, despite me using clamps either side of where I wanted to spot to ensure good contact.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At first I thought it might have been the layers of weld-through primer on the outside of the flanges where the spot welder contacts the panels that was causing too much insulation and so sanded that off, but still I couldn't get a current to pass through. I did a test on two pieces of clean, scrap metal with perfect results. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I tried drilling a tiny hole through the flanges and spot welding on those holes. That worked, but a little too well, burning through both flanges, but sealing around the hole. Not the best method as it eats up electrodes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRP839mngF2rs0gjig3UgzdnszZYU0IVvpgOclUaZcWcHhUMJDESlRIC6iS012svLWjoh1KGbzXUrR86mj7DJPJqdAFAxJ8Hn932iqDsIrSAB2cNRjNie25ufjPKNKoWlZUmTSiDHDwYgxQN9wBvFusqotKV3e_DDgSsXVCodUM04ctJt8EaFDF7xHDPg/s4000/20240317_100829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRP839mngF2rs0gjig3UgzdnszZYU0IVvpgOclUaZcWcHhUMJDESlRIC6iS012svLWjoh1KGbzXUrR86mj7DJPJqdAFAxJ8Hn932iqDsIrSAB2cNRjNie25ufjPKNKoWlZUmTSiDHDwYgxQN9wBvFusqotKV3e_DDgSsXVCodUM04ctJt8EaFDF7xHDPg/w360-h640/20240317_100829.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">A bloody mess!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It can only be the weld-through primer not acting as it should. I would perhaps better have left the primer off and using sealer after the welding, although the function of the weld-through primer is for the welding heat to cause the zinc in it to melt and form a protective barrier around the weld between the flanges.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I moved on to the cowl panels and the result changed immediately - perfect spots till I ran out of reach.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKgJzyby6Ne0rL_Z8E_-pE2OqQz8Ugp-FE0S3mZGIRpGtA4unLgpk97HiGy_YBQLWYOYUOXH1afleCSj6xndxQLKA-gN88g4sWz1DGpwSDXf36EaDATGRivHfTKcv8P0waTDkBljad_w5N_GEaHBo2ngSYDchZolsYqymcoQMCy5F218ZYCz-Fv1XtddI/s4000/20240317_100821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKgJzyby6Ne0rL_Z8E_-pE2OqQz8Ugp-FE0S3mZGIRpGtA4unLgpk97HiGy_YBQLWYOYUOXH1afleCSj6xndxQLKA-gN88g4sWz1DGpwSDXf36EaDATGRivHfTKcv8P0waTDkBljad_w5N_GEaHBo2ngSYDchZolsYqymcoQMCy5F218ZYCz-Fv1XtddI/w400-h225/20240317_100821.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, there is one big difference between the areas - the paint in the photo above has had a week or more to dry, meaning the zinc particles are closer together in the matrix, whereas I'd applied the weld-through primer to the flanges where I was having difficulty only the day before, leaving a lot of crap to dry off thoroughly and shrink. I enquired of the oracle (Google Gemini) and yes, it's advisable to allow the paint to dry thoroughly. It depends on the quality of the weld-through primer and, perhaps, sourcing from e-Bay was not the best idea.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I now want to introduce the concept of magic dust to you. As it happens, I was making some more electrodes for the spot welder, which involves cutting up copper rods into suitable lengths and putting a thread on one end. I was using a disc cutter to chop the rods and managed to make a quantity of what I now call magic dust - fine copper particles. I thought that if I could blow some magic dust into the flange gaps it might increase the conductivity across the flanges, especially as the copper particles were larger than the zinc particles in the weld-through primer. It worked for a few areas, but I didn't have enough and many of the gaps were too small to blow anything between the flanges. As a concept, however, it's quite neat.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I did, however, persist and got the majority of the spot welding done. All that remains is plug welding; however, I think I'll call on the assistance of my mate next weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2cbDWtFh3SeTE0m7UErxNrBJ8YxyyuXezIvxs-ZpY4cVtJAH5SbVtCvN9jFOX6nE1fSm4ovmL_kj9FTWazgenby8HqVvOVVOPGyLDcnw8txPZPdQmx8dZWPNAEUG63uXble_7oakBftiunX-FaydMHXcAitjw8CzeIS7wjEvw0Ur9m-tT6zr80U7GDBc/s4000/20240317_133310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2cbDWtFh3SeTE0m7UErxNrBJ8YxyyuXezIvxs-ZpY4cVtJAH5SbVtCvN9jFOX6nE1fSm4ovmL_kj9FTWazgenby8HqVvOVVOPGyLDcnw8txPZPdQmx8dZWPNAEUG63uXble_7oakBftiunX-FaydMHXcAitjw8CzeIS7wjEvw0Ur9m-tT6zr80U7GDBc/w225-h400/20240317_133310.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3yjUOJx8iw3dmUqmkexuRJrrZ8lxIpdYwvZiAw83EZs-QtpP5CQ3A6qz42DzWqq_8zAVDa-JDlCvSUHvYxm6b8srkvFvHpoNA7HzPo3NpL3z3APbfudIDcZGBLBtTEDCY7YqHtun5W-reJOojsm5Dv05PFVQ6xcNRvJ6nzgCrL307gsJ5hGnNxau-257/s4000/20240317_133449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3yjUOJx8iw3dmUqmkexuRJrrZ8lxIpdYwvZiAw83EZs-QtpP5CQ3A6qz42DzWqq_8zAVDa-JDlCvSUHvYxm6b8srkvFvHpoNA7HzPo3NpL3z3APbfudIDcZGBLBtTEDCY7YqHtun5W-reJOojsm5Dv05PFVQ6xcNRvJ6nzgCrL307gsJ5hGnNxau-257/w225-h400/20240317_133449.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Once solid, the mudguards can be welded into position and the various struts added. That will complete the upper bodywork and a rotisserie will have to be sourced to attack the underside.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loosened the engine mounting bolts over the weekend - they were almost solid with rust, but a liberal application of diesel for several hours released them. Not sure whether to remove the engine and gearbox as a complete unit, or just the engine. Both need removing at some stage, so engine and gearbox together seems to be the logical solution.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-43623475136198734722024-03-17T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-17T05:40:23.850+00:00Moving<p style="text-align: justify;">Call me old fashioned or call me stupid, but when the IFD claims that they're moving the civilian population away from Rafah before going in to assault Hamas, how the hell do they stop Hamas operatives not moving along with the civilians? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FQYL4hWlAOPm9jF6B9tlETKObIeKiSRN5McVYMwJ-Mvrx7j6oUk1s6mB7qZRbIEEHeu61wI-nO98ZWV3IFEXI7WT5N3m-TTfLQ3DLVEYyHYCzxBaOVDUL8Omn7-NArHkztVjuii3uy-GmPKF7CY0bbNQHfrlAFZyS27H2bw9CAFPsmutHgXZB1ZHBEDX/s852/Screenshot%202024-03-16%20111949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="852" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3FQYL4hWlAOPm9jF6B9tlETKObIeKiSRN5McVYMwJ-Mvrx7j6oUk1s6mB7qZRbIEEHeu61wI-nO98ZWV3IFEXI7WT5N3m-TTfLQ3DLVEYyHYCzxBaOVDUL8Omn7-NArHkztVjuii3uy-GmPKF7CY0bbNQHfrlAFZyS27H2bw9CAFPsmutHgXZB1ZHBEDX/w400-h253/Screenshot%202024-03-16%20111949.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Hamas don't look any different from the civilians, unless they're kitted out in battle fatigues and carrying arms, which can be easily ditched.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The current count, according to the Israeli government's claim on Hamas terrorists killed and Hamas' claim on the number of children killed, is one child killed for every Hamas terrorist killed.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-67126742437951642862024-03-16T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-16T06:09:37.350+00:00Hear the Birdie<p style="text-align: justify;">I've recently downloaded an App from Cornell University that identifies birdsong wherever you are.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9CZ101N8dPxfNwIGZCz1Z-r3c1dQVMYi4zywoscNsPtRLwfJOZrC_atqZlvnjXZI0NfHj3zpsWY5ZRItQ5N5Q-Cwz2AT_iodfxQxdnlcRwa1-0apCFgudTzKvdDiDZVauAjY_uEFj4IpcBTsP6wBVwfF_ZN_Yys8XxpVZ1BVkaG6tow3ubxIgmotVHIu/s1796/SmartSelect_20240228_070423_Merlin%20Bird%20ID.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1796" data-original-width="904" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9CZ101N8dPxfNwIGZCz1Z-r3c1dQVMYi4zywoscNsPtRLwfJOZrC_atqZlvnjXZI0NfHj3zpsWY5ZRItQ5N5Q-Cwz2AT_iodfxQxdnlcRwa1-0apCFgudTzKvdDiDZVauAjY_uEFj4IpcBTsP6wBVwfF_ZN_Yys8XxpVZ1BVkaG6tow3ubxIgmotVHIu/w322-h640/SmartSelect_20240228_070423_Merlin%20Bird%20ID.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It analyses the sounds from various birds in your environment, listing the ones it finds and highlighting them when they cut in, so you can learn to identify them yourself.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Pretty cool. It's called Merlin. Highly recommended for walkers.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-64230653742079662292024-03-15T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-15T05:50:30.146+00:00Argon<p style="text-align: justify;"> I don't really need to say anything.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnw7adHtpLgYDrJcggkC278umRzjbNhTsWezoj-_wnCfp5DyOqM-dAiTFUjz7DztOEdTUTC2Il_0vPC7-4xRomwuBMhuAYDsKBoDUHri5FXHBXGXfhBU_NgP4VXa_gRogJVRtcv176DWirdqg4QgyH4cGcT1IyRiNsmIHd4YGPxUiyRk73O3ygtklSN6U/s4000/20240314_164341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnw7adHtpLgYDrJcggkC278umRzjbNhTsWezoj-_wnCfp5DyOqM-dAiTFUjz7DztOEdTUTC2Il_0vPC7-4xRomwuBMhuAYDsKBoDUHri5FXHBXGXfhBU_NgP4VXa_gRogJVRtcv176DWirdqg4QgyH4cGcT1IyRiNsmIHd4YGPxUiyRk73O3ygtklSN6U/w360-h640/20240314_164341.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">95% argon and 5% CO2. Can't wait to get stuck into some welding without getting my clothing burned from spatter.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-72386362893338334812024-03-14T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-14T06:09:57.508+00:00Cheese Discovery<p style="text-align: justify;"> I've made an accidental cheese discovery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of months ago I had to get a blood test because of low iron levels. As a consequence of this I was also diagnosed with high cholesterol, which was likely due to my excessive consumption of cheese as part of the keto diet.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, I'd already bought a couple of Lidl, Milbona camemberts, which I left in the fridge for a lot longer than normal. I opened one of them yesterday and was delighted at what the time interval had produced.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HfSk_nBPZlyJtHFIhTwEsHhSQC6dDUAvsWQpZDwewN-4U4ySiBMFSmASJej-gEODg52_d0ZL_v7UgqB0rA4jfPSq3S-C_Jl6knJUbK4kgzjo0nHIz1clq9nyXZQkGnZ1VOdC4IKVqnTXuT3m7KaEFZbtH7RJJ_RVI9Mk0rOWAeZzkvjw-k-MCLMvamIJ/s4000/20240309_154953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HfSk_nBPZlyJtHFIhTwEsHhSQC6dDUAvsWQpZDwewN-4U4ySiBMFSmASJej-gEODg52_d0ZL_v7UgqB0rA4jfPSq3S-C_Jl6knJUbK4kgzjo0nHIz1clq9nyXZQkGnZ1VOdC4IKVqnTXuT3m7KaEFZbtH7RJJ_RVI9Mk0rOWAeZzkvjw-k-MCLMvamIJ/w400-h225/20240309_154953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Camembert is usually somewhat bland, having to be spiced up by injecting it with garlic and herbs before grilling it in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 100 degrees C. However, the cheese had dried out and taken on a darker colour, becoming almost cheddary in consistency. The taste, however, was explosive. Far more depth that usual and with an unexpected bite - and the smell was heavenly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just to ensure it wasn't a freak accident, I opened the 2nd cheese round (after I'd scoffed the first one) and the result was the same.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm going to buy several camamberts and store then at the back of the fridge for a couple of months.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-13647304286119420352024-03-13T05:30:00.002+00:002024-03-13T06:20:51.008+00:00GT6 Interim Update<p style="text-align: justify;">The GT6 bonnet is now almost completely stripped of paint, Jenolited, with all the dents and dings hammered out and any remaining dimples filled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrLcGT21HUA17eVsf7X-qvsOj2QMKcxg3lI1eywQKpfmIs4-NaLgdnc1vP3LxwcCH2_SVKvFg13YrtgjGmLNYpK05J0s3dtQi-AIkh9ut1pFlYj609qswIBXFg17tk-thuPxo0uNQFZiuOrpLvsSjl61myEDF7nLXA5yNYFVYfF6wQdlHLkBnIzCs5V7b/s4000/20240306_172938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrLcGT21HUA17eVsf7X-qvsOj2QMKcxg3lI1eywQKpfmIs4-NaLgdnc1vP3LxwcCH2_SVKvFg13YrtgjGmLNYpK05J0s3dtQi-AIkh9ut1pFlYj609qswIBXFg17tk-thuPxo0uNQFZiuOrpLvsSjl61myEDF7nLXA5yNYFVYfF6wQdlHLkBnIzCs5V7b/w400-h225/20240306_172938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bBkNT7_qvpppY6p1Lu86_jzWaB8St_mUKtM83OruB-JfoAvpAt0M8GV_DiUnr30lEIOl8tW-eCu0kSNVRrrK_ZwvCqmwD9NjVnReb0xgjz_DYIenbZwJx16SpjYArkB89Q9DXFS5dB17ujvsULVQVnkE0dOAakmFiecD-Hfp_8lo4fhlk18N0fgOnXuJ/s4000/20240310_151805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bBkNT7_qvpppY6p1Lu86_jzWaB8St_mUKtM83OruB-JfoAvpAt0M8GV_DiUnr30lEIOl8tW-eCu0kSNVRrrK_ZwvCqmwD9NjVnReb0xgjz_DYIenbZwJx16SpjYArkB89Q9DXFS5dB17ujvsULVQVnkE0dOAakmFiecD-Hfp_8lo4fhlk18N0fgOnXuJ/w400-h225/20240310_151805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Any remaining paint in corner crevices that can't be reached with the knotted wire brush will have to be tackled with the sandblaster - an operation I'm not looking forward to, given it's predilection for blockages.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I trial fitted one of the lower wing repair sections - a perfect fit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKeAgWmydVSWnb1H94fh_fvfdhH4VicAGLyiksj-F_Kqk3eYFYWs5J-4vCtCDD4BRyZ0v5T1GMAj6anyYEk9N485sdBIkc0K9ExNwjiscZX97zL2pheqRBQMPCZC-Kdo6xp4WQpQh7naeQSdPei7yt7zaDiqKCQ76oPlVlxA4oXxEQ0BeDX6A984prvAE/s4000/20240310_111947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKeAgWmydVSWnb1H94fh_fvfdhH4VicAGLyiksj-F_Kqk3eYFYWs5J-4vCtCDD4BRyZ0v5T1GMAj6anyYEk9N485sdBIkc0K9ExNwjiscZX97zL2pheqRBQMPCZC-Kdo6xp4WQpQh7naeQSdPei7yt7zaDiqKCQ76oPlVlxA4oXxEQ0BeDX6A984prvAE/w360-h640/20240310_111947.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once the sandblasting has been done it's merely a case of fitting the jigsaw together within pretty exacting tolerances. I'm glad I bought those 1/8th inch Clico fasteners and have bought another 10.</div><p style="text-align: justify;">I have some delicate welding to perform on some tiny splits in the front corners of the bonnet and so, rather than wait for the 3/8ths BSP to 1/4 BSP reducer to arrive from China, I had a search in my air tool box and fortuitously found a suitable barbed connector, the threaded end of which fitted the MIG welder. All that was required was to remove the double ear clip from the 3/8ths connector and ram in the 1/4 inch one, which fitted the male connection on the welder.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now I've never used double ear clips before, so had to look at a YouTube video. You have a choice of buying a special tool, or not. I chose the 'or not' method and just ground off one ear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IRVtgAQU9s41eiiCaqqQvFlvEJQrXghyphenhyphenVXmJrMSz7ZnumGxdCeGBnSQMvg4eM-Efi7LsLM8HR_cBBiK1u36G6ofdywVjeeOYDMrsCM3aKU4U2VU6qJ3TfbtSGHO29R6o1Nh1AyOyH5fUYuD8Ov3YAGESXtvdh4h3USEiOVUoAdlrFcp5Y90VKeI2diXZ/s4000/20240311_153555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IRVtgAQU9s41eiiCaqqQvFlvEJQrXghyphenhyphenVXmJrMSz7ZnumGxdCeGBnSQMvg4eM-Efi7LsLM8HR_cBBiK1u36G6ofdywVjeeOYDMrsCM3aKU4U2VU6qJ3TfbtSGHO29R6o1Nh1AyOyH5fUYuD8Ov3YAGESXtvdh4h3USEiOVUoAdlrFcp5Y90VKeI2diXZ/w400-h225/20240311_153555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG42O1eUL_ICyAozXpYwVg1WibaCdWn_Yb1wxF-y5HDCWYVigLrUWWm5cnFdy6iNe8DkK0cnD-ki0TYnrk626DDph3S5ZFZD78zOMAyueVKDFw_racXFqU5Mecn4z15IytctFOSL6_UfLDisWNWc7BY9lXWC6Cjtp3ujsqp3y5esVTz0uM1C1F_zMK_kb/s4000/20240311_154523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG42O1eUL_ICyAozXpYwVg1WibaCdWn_Yb1wxF-y5HDCWYVigLrUWWm5cnFdy6iNe8DkK0cnD-ki0TYnrk626DDph3S5ZFZD78zOMAyueVKDFw_racXFqU5Mecn4z15IytctFOSL6_UfLDisWNWc7BY9lXWC6Cjtp3ujsqp3y5esVTz0uM1C1F_zMK_kb/w400-h225/20240311_154523.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Still, it's a tool I don't have and these clips are quite useful for gas and watertight connections on hoses - especially in car fuel and cooling systems, which will have to be addressed sometime in the future.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now the gas pressure from the argon bottle isn't that high, so merely warming the hose, slipping the barbed end into the pliable plastic and treating the male thread on the MIG with PTFE tape worked a treat without the need for double eared clips, but if I run into trouble I'll simply use an ordinary jubilee clip. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The gas came out of the business end of the welder when the trigger was pressed, so did a little a little trial welding on a piece of scrap metal with an argon/CO2 shield at varying pressures - I couldn't believe the difference! Hardly any spatter at all. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm led to believe that these disposable argon/CO2 bottles don't last that long, and it didn't - about a minute and no more (I had it set at 20L per minute, which might have been too high), but it's more a proof of concept and, on the basis of how it helps, I'll get a large cylinder of shielding gas; however, I went to our local SGS distributor and discovered that a 3ft bottle of argon (5% CO2), with a regulator, will set me back £268, £105 of which is the deposit on the cylinder. I need to think about this and work out the best way of cutting down the cost. Might just pay a mate for using some of his gas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have my eyes on a set of louvres for the lower section, which would add a touch of class.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtYigg0-G30Aq7BWzQ9-Enslr3pVjjB7y_H7-WLG04l4hcEfSR9g1FSO7dYkFuDTUFjX32VT900ZS2wKdDApMI8HgxtC1D9eSkmIZnoNQtCMokyQfbJTyJh_9LXrUi6EzXqQLSOCiYs2zmmDQMgtcJuZcljJI8X2qbsTeoqcT5raN16LhtZkKhxLMZ7P6/s2080/SmartSelect_20231206_183439_Samsung%20Internet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2080" data-original-width="893" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtYigg0-G30Aq7BWzQ9-Enslr3pVjjB7y_H7-WLG04l4hcEfSR9g1FSO7dYkFuDTUFjX32VT900ZS2wKdDApMI8HgxtC1D9eSkmIZnoNQtCMokyQfbJTyJh_9LXrUi6EzXqQLSOCiYs2zmmDQMgtcJuZcljJI8X2qbsTeoqcT5raN16LhtZkKhxLMZ7P6/w274-h640/SmartSelect_20231206_183439_Samsung%20Internet.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: left;" /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Not 100% decided, but at that price it's worth buying them and seeing what they look like at different angles. They need to be vertical in orientation and raked back at the bottom.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-57955494338016451612024-03-12T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-12T05:54:24.942+00:00Car Models<p style="text-align: justify;">Cars seem to have a preponderance of three letter names, like GTX, VR6, GTE, etc. I wondered whether there's any psychology at play.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosjhQVTS3lWMoFE8lvCUETMo5gLTRATZqtq5p8fsr8p864z_q_lSuJWERMWUawdMDZF6_mKCX_t4UCf4LUtYykXZi6MWeSpYnKeIMt9fDNcNlgpYmimyU7J81XZ0Tlg9OWEHjJM5lEvVn1vGegJazMcocnIxIB06YZxt2DuEchebY2k_PscMk7oVVg32H/s4000/20240311_083844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosjhQVTS3lWMoFE8lvCUETMo5gLTRATZqtq5p8fsr8p864z_q_lSuJWERMWUawdMDZF6_mKCX_t4UCf4LUtYykXZi6MWeSpYnKeIMt9fDNcNlgpYmimyU7J81XZ0Tlg9OWEHjJM5lEvVn1vGegJazMcocnIxIB06YZxt2DuEchebY2k_PscMk7oVVg32H/w400-h225/20240311_083844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The three letter suffixes have to be memorable and punchy. Three letters are easier to remember and pronounce than longer names. This makes them catchy and leaves a stronger impression on potential buyers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAJceXL0R_xn12NdAkuVsynA9hYb_b9gL3vHvVzodcHaVbwweShAuf1BpO_NOM_4Fkumy6v4moZrhk3WDpjOHNHS6lX_snie_ZKwuZkEFZ3yv7SOme2XOZi__X4cQy0WkLNOn1oKnxjtRy5_GRo9LAjQRwLOcqIxyk10i9jroa28zRqscaJTeBkQggtMe/s4000/20240311_083928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAJceXL0R_xn12NdAkuVsynA9hYb_b9gL3vHvVzodcHaVbwweShAuf1BpO_NOM_4Fkumy6v4moZrhk3WDpjOHNHS6lX_snie_ZKwuZkEFZ3yv7SOme2XOZi__X4cQy0WkLNOn1oKnxjtRy5_GRo9LAjQRwLOcqIxyk10i9jroa28zRqscaJTeBkQggtMe/w400-h225/20240311_083928.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes, these suffixes hint at the car's features. For example, GTI might suggest "Grand Touring Injection" (though not always the case). This can pique the interest of car enthusiasts who understand the codes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk6HZS6MtXSb7dfloLyvic5pTnKxkMUYzePHGibFTh9UGi6HuOXSz4-S-Hj8JLMOuNUco2zE23yO8rBnr7wdN728ZYUu6O0Ij2Um79yh5v0pRw7d2fkwnn6zB-sD65aXd801gmX1nUXeKfYFR9U41kHt57dGcjdLCFoYgzGYI9eDRu-lJMNgztqdERBIL/s4000/20240311_083936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGk6HZS6MtXSb7dfloLyvic5pTnKxkMUYzePHGibFTh9UGi6HuOXSz4-S-Hj8JLMOuNUco2zE23yO8rBnr7wdN728ZYUu6O0Ij2Um79yh5v0pRw7d2fkwnn6zB-sD65aXd801gmX1nUXeKfYFR9U41kHt57dGcjdLCFoYgzGYI9eDRu-lJMNgztqdERBIL/w400-h225/20240311_083936.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Over time, these suffixes can become associated with a specific brand's performance or image. For instance, BMW's M-series badge signifies high-performance variants, building a brand identity around those three letters.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The most popular ones are SRT, STI and AMG. To appeal to the Boy Racer male, I suppose a good choice for a car would be the AMG STI Big Tits.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-85641002227090364472024-03-11T05:00:00.001+00:002024-03-11T05:29:54.501+00:00Woke RNLI<p style="text-align: justify;">Last night, Countryfile had a programme that was heavily slanted toward the RNLI. I fully expect those anti-woke warriors who never donate to the RNLI and would never, in a month of Sundays, volunteer to man a lifeboat anyway, to launch an attack on this respected institution. They probably don't pay their TV licence fee either and swear they never watch the BBC, yet they do watch it enough to be able to complain about Countryfile.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuFN210sdAfsFw15bHEcakW0o0UgC6tXMhr8j7Vhw9y59xGzh02hnVP93C0Y0qy2v8xdlM5PhuqUuzIo5czDi6NkOxXtT97HqmFPZ8A5rVmGQyp6VAKIfIYduyxcvk9BxT83LFiR7t3ae8DvEmiLUKV_sobuzQYcfJ7-BFVMdBDPmsQue__FgSqLLAfJk/s1158/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20191224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1158" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuFN210sdAfsFw15bHEcakW0o0UgC6tXMhr8j7Vhw9y59xGzh02hnVP93C0Y0qy2v8xdlM5PhuqUuzIo5czDi6NkOxXtT97HqmFPZ8A5rVmGQyp6VAKIfIYduyxcvk9BxT83LFiR7t3ae8DvEmiLUKV_sobuzQYcfJ7-BFVMdBDPmsQue__FgSqLLAfJk/w400-h210/Screenshot%202024-03-10%20191224.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I personally have no problem with the likes of that pitiful excuse for a human, Nigel Farage, not donating, nor volunteering as a lifeboat crew member. That's his prerogative. I do, as an ex mariner, object to him attacking the RNLI as part of his crusade against refugees.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">There again, sn appeal was launched to buy a lifeboat and call it the 'Flying Farage'. To date <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/buy-a-new-rnli-hovercraft-called-the-flying-farage" target="_blank">it has raised £230k</a>. He's the best advert there is for donations so perhaps, perversely, he should be encourage in his attacks.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-73413110601147899912024-03-10T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-10T06:14:29.882+00:00Bankrupt Councils<p style="text-align: justify;">Public services in the UK were generally better funded in the past, so what's happened?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ7NAFRujqonW2euA9I2ClmUq88ncpdfBBh_hLMF3ANDVGvR2kcCIb237o06r-y9D6en1TFekxwgqpz5Yb4nbNCLyMLFxoFcV1DiWfARzwP9M2M0cR3XsftDFWmcgwoJjglTkeKi-po2i8GNC2qax0_dW5_2AE3F0O7nQcSg5DHejDdQ1uQ2FPdOCZnL_/s907/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20183749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="907" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ7NAFRujqonW2euA9I2ClmUq88ncpdfBBh_hLMF3ANDVGvR2kcCIb237o06r-y9D6en1TFekxwgqpz5Yb4nbNCLyMLFxoFcV1DiWfARzwP9M2M0cR3XsftDFWmcgwoJjglTkeKi-po2i8GNC2qax0_dW5_2AE3F0O7nQcSg5DHejDdQ1uQ2FPdOCZnL_/w400-h265/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20183749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Technically, UK councils don't go bankrupt. They issue a Section 114 notice, indicating they cannot meet their spending commitments for the year. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This situation has arisen due to a combination of factors: </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>Reduced central government funding: Since 2010, funding for local authorities has seen significant cuts. This amounts to a decrease of around 30% in real terms. </li><li>Increasing demand for services: Costs like adult and children's social care have grown, putting further strain on budgets. </li><li>Investment risks: Some councils have attempted to generate revenue through risky investments, which haven't always paid off, further exacerbating financial difficulties. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">These combined factors have created a situation where some councils cannot balance their budgets, leading to the issuance of Section 114 notices. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, the government considers tax reductions from which the wealthy will be the major beneficiaries.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-28029172293278560082024-03-09T04:00:00.000+00:002024-03-09T04:14:45.202+00:00Grade 1 Listed<p style="text-align: justify;">If a building was erected in the 1700s, it would almost automatically be listed as Grade I or, at the very least, grade II.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, when it comes to our canals no such listing is facilitated and many have been allowed to become silted up with locks having fallen into disrepair.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Oo3fnrRSDPAGZ8KyqJprqiEBDVvMY-ti-aL4jYAxIc-hKIRqkXxGshk5uic5poJ5dhW06oiCr1BW0YCsqy3oWkweA2anpgArQpYlvN7o73zAuoMv9rw6sZrm0IXk_Y5e3VkKVnVxdruHzqqNRUh9EkAo9lAUFLpro2u1lEq4PAfo7d6eB4oyMK0d59p/s965/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20185332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="965" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89Oo3fnrRSDPAGZ8KyqJprqiEBDVvMY-ti-aL4jYAxIc-hKIRqkXxGshk5uic5poJ5dhW06oiCr1BW0YCsqy3oWkweA2anpgArQpYlvN7o73zAuoMv9rw6sZrm0IXk_Y5e3VkKVnVxdruHzqqNRUh9EkAo9lAUFLpro2u1lEq4PAfo7d6eB4oyMK0d59p/w400-h221/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20185332.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">A section of a canal near Stroud, called the Missing Mile and part of the Stroudwater Canal, is being renovated; however, a totally new section is having to be created to go under the M5. This will be the first bit of new canal since 1905. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-7116098576350494872024-03-08T04:30:00.000+00:002024-03-08T04:49:14.597+00:00Cat Names<p style="text-align: justify;">Hay and I enjoy inventing names for cats we may own in the future, coming up with names like Quedgeley, Dursley and Stanton.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I have mentioned many times, our house is a refuge for the local cats who seem to love our underfloor heating. You merely have to open a door and any one of 3 neighbours' cats will slip past your legs to gain entrance, staying long enough to determine whether there's any food in out cat's bowl before leaving. Sometimes, if undetected, one may occasionally stay the night, much to the consternation of our Kitty.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm76hwVXuVbSa3hyphenhyphenyGZihpWiZUTseAbwH4npgX0X3gwGXychLyQFZwqzgZKOhyphenhyphenMXDUKDNp8Qie3VXItpDORkJJquMRsWVrxHbHh8fygyOCxKRLDXZ3YKuj8aS1B2SX9H3AOAuIpHdnyBclmZkZl_PvanUh-3xRdstfdW-277EGogEanUn-IPCxzsTAUrg/s661/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20145922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="661" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdm76hwVXuVbSa3hyphenhyphenyGZihpWiZUTseAbwH4npgX0X3gwGXychLyQFZwqzgZKOhyphenhyphenMXDUKDNp8Qie3VXItpDORkJJquMRsWVrxHbHh8fygyOCxKRLDXZ3YKuj8aS1B2SX9H3AOAuIpHdnyBclmZkZl_PvanUh-3xRdstfdW-277EGogEanUn-IPCxzsTAUrg/w400-h229/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20145922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">One cat who regularly gains entrance is Jimmy, a facsimile of our cat, but much more friendly and uber-confident. He's quite old, has a bit of a mangled tail and is missing a canine tooth. We call him Jumbsy, as he's huge, but we've decided to rename him Lorenzo the Magnificent.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS-bY2n0mJi8Cd0pARcC0T9xOt48lDFtNZ2nAAq2VXQC9Jcu8mf0yJ1W1cJtwSU_nb-J1mKUMMdEbLywJUVK_f9nd9dz5caN-2-Y__P5BYrd00E22G5MM3T-eyxltg3XMN-RtzwMxRxoyCroaWyycU0C3l1xbY805HIdbCHUaI7e_v5IyVfUpXyQjk7AN/s1028/SmartSelect_20240224_152717_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="876" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS-bY2n0mJi8Cd0pARcC0T9xOt48lDFtNZ2nAAq2VXQC9Jcu8mf0yJ1W1cJtwSU_nb-J1mKUMMdEbLywJUVK_f9nd9dz5caN-2-Y__P5BYrd00E22G5MM3T-eyxltg3XMN-RtzwMxRxoyCroaWyycU0C3l1xbY805HIdbCHUaI7e_v5IyVfUpXyQjk7AN/w341-h400/SmartSelect_20240224_152717_Gallery.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-80670945294778088952024-03-07T05:00:00.001+00:002024-03-07T05:24:02.993+00:00Budget<p style="text-align: justify;">The Conservatives has salted the earth for Labour through offering tax cuts when public services are decimated. It would also be a problem for the Conservatives if they won the next GE, but they know they're doomed and are focussing on the next but one election and trying to ensure there's only one Labour term.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE4OH4ZZwzqTVR51nyE00zOuNKNFVX4XSBnDaVlb_w6HfUYnQbOo1d3phyphenhyphenbARkpplbz8SDaDqGMf6DlseKd0E3aYcepyOgg3PxTmoRnBCFr3c_S_5Z1ZZhynVAHppIrqW_j8kEfFmD-NWTLtNU0SWeWTRgKXzsTb6Tn5t0tvHCmokcZ07TyXdzrrlYvWx/s716/Screenshot%202024-03-06%20180507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="716" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDE4OH4ZZwzqTVR51nyE00zOuNKNFVX4XSBnDaVlb_w6HfUYnQbOo1d3phyphenhyphenbARkpplbz8SDaDqGMf6DlseKd0E3aYcepyOgg3PxTmoRnBCFr3c_S_5Z1ZZhynVAHppIrqW_j8kEfFmD-NWTLtNU0SWeWTRgKXzsTb6Tn5t0tvHCmokcZ07TyXdzrrlYvWx/w400-h219/Screenshot%202024-03-06%20180507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It's not about what's best for the country, but what can get them into power down the line. Canny, but shows them for what they are. They say cost savings would reduce the pressure on public services, but Tory cost savings translate to complete closure of services that are much needed by those with the least.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, the Labour Party seem reluctant to say it would borrow to get public services back on their feet, and I don't know why they're shying away from this.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The average person in the street doesn't give a fig about debt to GDP ratio, or that it's pushing 100%. At the end of WWII the ratio was in excess of 250% (and we didn't finish paying for WWII till 2006), yet the government of the day didn't shy away from taxing or borrowing:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>The National Health Service (NHS): Launched in 1948, the NHS aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare, free at the point of delivery, to all UK residents. This represented a major shift towards a universal healthcare system, building upon earlier initiatives like the National Health Insurance Act of 1911. </li><li>The nationalization of key industries: Several industries, including coal, steel, railways, electricity, and gas, were nationalized between 1945 and 1951. This was motivated by a desire to rebuild the economy in the aftermath of the war and address social inequalities. </li><li>Expansion of social security: Existing social security programs like unemployment benefits were expanded, and new ones like family allowances were introduced. This aimed to create a safety net for citizens facing hardship.
</li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Reducing NI does nothing for the vast cohort of pensioners who still work, as they don't pay NI; however, they're a prime cohort the Tories rely on for votes.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-31801500552553012892024-03-06T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-06T05:44:57.546+00:00Recipe<p style="text-align: justify;">I accidentally created a rather nice recipe while experimenting with the air-fryer. I loved what I made so much that I felt compelled to share it, especially with those, like me, who love fennel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr3yKNulOpSm_65uc9ck9f3F5EqinD4p-EnbZ-8m6dlY021Z2338kEu7WnHh4_EJuyOBAZ_ESdrFS6P1jsUPtR8zQCAIljywiB7xnkkUB8WmtjJ6SB5WvgUWAGgXIeeczXali375GJ2p8_tXgineHGTXkUMzxrYCUHMiNVaycUosLxWHYj_SxO9ntEtoS/s1402/Screenshot%202024-02-15%20184325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1402" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr3yKNulOpSm_65uc9ck9f3F5EqinD4p-EnbZ-8m6dlY021Z2338kEu7WnHh4_EJuyOBAZ_ESdrFS6P1jsUPtR8zQCAIljywiB7xnkkUB8WmtjJ6SB5WvgUWAGgXIeeczXali375GJ2p8_tXgineHGTXkUMzxrYCUHMiNVaycUosLxWHYj_SxO9ntEtoS/w400-h163/Screenshot%202024-02-15%20184325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Ingredients:</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>Slab of Lidl belly pork.</li><li>Large onion.</li><li>A half bulb of fennel.</li><li>Lidl pure apple juice.</li><li>Salt & pepper.</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">Get a deep tray with will fit the air-fryer or, in the case of those with a chip drawer, use the drawer without the insert that keeps items from touching the base.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Arrange layers of sliced onion and fennel, laying the pork belly on top. Fennel can be quite tough, so you can use a potato peeler to slice the fennel thinly so it cooks well. Half a bulb will suffice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fill to half way up the pork with the pure apple juice (from the chilled shelves in Lidl) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Do not, under any circumstances, submerge the pork skin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cook at 140 degrees for at least 3 hours - 4 hours if you have the time. Occasionally push the onion and fennel under the apple juice to stop it drying out. If the fennel dries out it will go very tough. Add more apple juice during cooking if it starts to disappear.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Brush the skin of the belly pork with oil (and add more salt, if you want). Turn up the temperature to 200 degrees for 20 minutes to half an hour - or as long as it takes to crisp the skin of the belly pork, again ensuring the onion and fennel doesn't catch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You will end up with a delicious apple and fennel tasting gravy/soup at the bottom of the pan and moist pork belly with a crispy skin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">enjoy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-64671671502807111852024-03-05T05:00:00.001+00:002024-03-05T05:32:45.716+00:00Got My Skates on<p style="text-align: justify;"> The skates for the GT6 arrived yesterday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMQGrqdgKWt6HPjk7i3wOhmgLGTOF6UP8DY9_GzJyD4ERfR30NL4gpdRRUUVMoCGLarH27oyYQp4zcRFY1-o8X4_-YKWAVWBwdKZSX065UCYvAWXzv2gTQ_ZLbF6okFtOMynOGfVaAL7L2tD6rfAtYcMjIXrjx4gN5l12aZE1Y422uU0AvBH5LcfP5nhu/s4000/20240304_131343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMQGrqdgKWt6HPjk7i3wOhmgLGTOF6UP8DY9_GzJyD4ERfR30NL4gpdRRUUVMoCGLarH27oyYQp4zcRFY1-o8X4_-YKWAVWBwdKZSX065UCYvAWXzv2gTQ_ZLbF6okFtOMynOGfVaAL7L2tD6rfAtYcMjIXrjx4gN5l12aZE1Y422uU0AvBH5LcfP5nhu/w400-h225/20240304_131343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3j3ESTW9gD6308Tvan58HfO4291izNuprwmplM4omT0uMagr7a88G33bwm7ZqRJdMP0Pkux-vRaiS6EhPkzN1wf_OGyFY3zL-hsUf9TUFJkRwE7QHG5KuSTRTRG30ASwnIVLQibR91C9Xvhf0EGxTIyR8itCHjzUBpVQE7m50iISmaqZPQlxO4b56j3i/s4000/20240304_140937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3j3ESTW9gD6308Tvan58HfO4291izNuprwmplM4omT0uMagr7a88G33bwm7ZqRJdMP0Pkux-vRaiS6EhPkzN1wf_OGyFY3zL-hsUf9TUFJkRwE7QHG5KuSTRTRG30ASwnIVLQibR91C9Xvhf0EGxTIyR8itCHjzUBpVQE7m50iISmaqZPQlxO4b56j3i/w400-h225/20240304_140937.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Moving the car is simplicity itself now. If I move some of the junk at the sides, then there's plenty of room to work on the chassis and tub side-by-side, or I can trolley the chassis athwartships at the front, leaving me even more space at the rear for the tub on a rotrisserie.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Also finished stripping the top of the bonnet and gave it a coating of Jenolite to treat the tiny rust spots.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKdeX9htUjEwTZhBC3zvBiNC54K19cRDkSEYLyKfya45FzFGCYvUu_lJZTDsZ7XPa9ic7Dbo809qgOOlzz7FPuMwAaDRyGqVPSDQQyS52-K8R48YquMyI5Ek9F-3uW7sy6xVeLSUV4IlujYRfjFNiMNNV3DVrYZ4N88YvA7J4WIi9nhbEP_ko45fCWOdT/s4000/20240304_101833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKdeX9htUjEwTZhBC3zvBiNC54K19cRDkSEYLyKfya45FzFGCYvUu_lJZTDsZ7XPa9ic7Dbo809qgOOlzz7FPuMwAaDRyGqVPSDQQyS52-K8R48YquMyI5Ek9F-3uW7sy6xVeLSUV4IlujYRfjFNiMNNV3DVrYZ4N88YvA7J4WIi9nhbEP_ko45fCWOdT/w400-h225/20240304_101833.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Just half of the underside left to strip - probably a couple of days work, then the dent removal work.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-37916693597170716912024-03-04T05:30:00.000+00:002024-03-04T05:56:33.868+00:00Rust in Peace<p style="text-align: justify;">I think I may have hit on the problems I'm having with my spot welding not creating an electrical circuit in certain areas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">After wire brushing with a rotary wheel, any remaining areas of rust are coated in Jenolite, which is essentially phosphoric acid. This chemical reaction creates iron phosphate, which is inert and forms a protective layer that is less prone to rust - the reason I use it.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to Google Bard, which is my go-to reference (except for political questions, where it becomes a bit reticent and ChatGPT is more forthcoming), iron phosphate exhibits a type of electrical conductivity called polaronic conduction. This means that while it does conduct electricity to some extent, it's not very efficient. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLwlg5xQ_6XNVLGS2q8NSaGVnkMdIv6-CX491OPzKzFbIsichDfmYEWf9waqJtQWQS5-6H_sNSXYhW3KM6gAo86Gwm48Rx6Zp4mYG0V-vaJExPTEJpcdxgfH4Ek7KAchZUPM3phhs17TSvy2YVsUjY45EKcrHfj7JZOrK3SRbVSea3A95RM0HtJKlVrwj/s1262/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20095627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1262" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLwlg5xQ_6XNVLGS2q8NSaGVnkMdIv6-CX491OPzKzFbIsichDfmYEWf9waqJtQWQS5-6H_sNSXYhW3KM6gAo86Gwm48Rx6Zp4mYG0V-vaJExPTEJpcdxgfH4Ek7KAchZUPM3phhs17TSvy2YVsUjY45EKcrHfj7JZOrK3SRbVSea3A95RM0HtJKlVrwj/w400-h253/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20095627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Iron phosphate (FePO₄) is generally considered an insulator in its pure form.
However, impurities and specific conditions can influence its conductivity.
In particular, iron phosphate can exhibit polaronic conduction, where electrons move through the material by "hopping" between different iron ions that exist in different oxidation states (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺).
This type of conduction is less efficient than the free flow of electrons in metals, making iron phosphate a poor conductor compared to metals. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The conductivity of iron phosphate can vary depending on factors like:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Crystal structure: Different forms (polymorphs) of iron phosphate can have different electrical properties. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Doping: Adding impurities (dopants) can modify the electronic structure and influence conductivity. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">Temperature: Conductivity often increases with temperature in materials that exhibit polaronic conduction. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Therefore, while iron phosphate isn't a great conductor in its pure form, it's not entirely non-conductive, and specific modifications can influence its electrical properties. Spot welding in the cold can't help.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Or, am I overthinking this?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Finally got the last bit of lower front wings off the bonnet on Friday, and what a faff that was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLxSFMv2yrXHPCkGw2JOHLIazvPrQChxyNXEaECiF4nXXTHahJ-MGQlJyfss4eRt01eGBvA_wP_n2-lQvSq0ZPMpenVkIchX_Mtj2GnsYC5NeZ3YBChEWAc418yj168Xx7oLDL7PMmS7qSI6Jx2frc_y4Z7YvQ8hFS4mFnvou_ZD3EQ1T0YN3RPjtM4ow/s4000/20240301_071242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLxSFMv2yrXHPCkGw2JOHLIazvPrQChxyNXEaECiF4nXXTHahJ-MGQlJyfss4eRt01eGBvA_wP_n2-lQvSq0ZPMpenVkIchX_Mtj2GnsYC5NeZ3YBChEWAc418yj168Xx7oLDL7PMmS7qSI6Jx2frc_y4Z7YvQ8hFS4mFnvou_ZD3EQ1T0YN3RPjtM4ow/w225-h400/20240301_071242.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviAgxCHEAzMM5vRbfwLICXSxSPVGih7UxHEM0yfz8TfGh9JLOXL2bWx07UBhvsE2t0ts5wXrSQhFVoCET7XSWdgiZIuhK7jmT3eTu08EdlGB3V0XhOu6zkaom6rt_SKWw0uL3gdJ51tpQ-ofox42Q7EPX069Zgac2bqZTP-TV1Eg0Gc63ILO4G9hYX-yp/s4000/20240301_085836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviAgxCHEAzMM5vRbfwLICXSxSPVGih7UxHEM0yfz8TfGh9JLOXL2bWx07UBhvsE2t0ts5wXrSQhFVoCET7XSWdgiZIuhK7jmT3eTu08EdlGB3V0XhOu6zkaom6rt_SKWw0uL3gdJ51tpQ-ofox42Q7EPX069Zgac2bqZTP-TV1Eg0Gc63ILO4G9hYX-yp/w225-h400/20240301_085836.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wo9LyPHG23RlFnQKO9Dpt71F9J-7Pn10Uo3Wc9FZVhzioSF-qsu61B81A_yxfXZGRhrNR4kFSgMfqlUlwUtRZ4H9s1vo395zkdYzUjCFuoBS36f5TWJd-22BilR8AuiDwbitRUW3qDzRMuXZ50Pyip0yhofl1I8vI8NlPhlQlxYPQ6-DWKiuth15Kq0o/s4000/20240301_094927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Wo9LyPHG23RlFnQKO9Dpt71F9J-7Pn10Uo3Wc9FZVhzioSF-qsu61B81A_yxfXZGRhrNR4kFSgMfqlUlwUtRZ4H9s1vo395zkdYzUjCFuoBS36f5TWJd-22BilR8AuiDwbitRUW3qDzRMuXZ50Pyip0yhofl1I8vI8NlPhlQlxYPQ6-DWKiuth15Kq0o/w400-h225/20240301_094927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The issue was having to retain the rear stiffener bracket around which the rear of the new panel is crimped when fitted. The first side took me about an hour, whereas the other side was much quicker, as I'd learned from taking off the first side. The repair panel is now clear to be inserted. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I received the Argon/CO2 gas and the Clico fasteners on Saturday but, as expected, I need all manner of connectors, which are on order. The Clico fasteners will be particularly invaluable, as the repair panel needs some force to be applied to it to get the correct curve from fore to aft. Ordinary welding clamps wouldn't really do a good job of lining up the panel, whereas Clicos will be perfect.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the meantime I will continue to remove all the layers of paint, take the whole thing back to bare metal and fix any slight dents. It's a hideous job - the white layer of paint under the yellow has been trowelled on in a thick layer and the red primer sticks like nuclear glue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLblOBNRuV0II3kp1GU_Xg-qD-ELvVOR8YkLtcyrdYw-ht0dZToeUPiYU5uS7RG8SQu60Iw2Nqw3PIU78jnecu-yGazNty6bRAAuhmhERPU-q1TCBu7xn2hE2xs741egGKEtJbrAxO_mJYOk6jvBvHSp0IqNN3n51oZsyRHhAYzK8khkf2PvF8kz_xqyI-/s4000/20240301_145625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLblOBNRuV0II3kp1GU_Xg-qD-ELvVOR8YkLtcyrdYw-ht0dZToeUPiYU5uS7RG8SQu60Iw2Nqw3PIU78jnecu-yGazNty6bRAAuhmhERPU-q1TCBu7xn2hE2xs741egGKEtJbrAxO_mJYOk6jvBvHSp0IqNN3n51oZsyRHhAYzK8khkf2PvF8kz_xqyI-/w400-h225/20240301_145625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZl8cF0PinGSsg8OJ7IVXhNKab3OANrgTgXwmdJzBpwo1V20UOLHLz6t6Bbe_LPX3YJaJGdHW6zm_8YbF8wSfrhS9K4YCyiyd-XydvwVg3ZzUGYDDIDlYILQi6_swYHqD-9rWPaRtTcw0H8ka90HlFsFwP2ZTQTVeb9y4RAxBSRNV1OBGEuP6mnZoe10L/s4000/20240303_123343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZl8cF0PinGSsg8OJ7IVXhNKab3OANrgTgXwmdJzBpwo1V20UOLHLz6t6Bbe_LPX3YJaJGdHW6zm_8YbF8wSfrhS9K4YCyiyd-XydvwVg3ZzUGYDDIDlYILQi6_swYHqD-9rWPaRtTcw0H8ka90HlFsFwP2ZTQTVeb9y4RAxBSRNV1OBGEuP6mnZoe10L/w400-h225/20240303_123343.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm starting to suspect, from the thickness of the layer of white paint, that it's actually a thick layer pf primer that was applied to the original green paint before covering it in yellow top coat.<br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It's the single, largest panel and has to be stripped topside and underside. A mammoth task which will take 3 or 4 days to do properly. I also uncovered some quite large dents at the front edge of the bonnet from shunts, which will require hammering out before refilling and smoothing with filler.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-31819230624924871672024-03-03T08:00:00.009+00:002024-03-03T08:00:00.138+00:00Neolithic Espresso Cup<p style="text-align: justify;">Simon, an unreconstructed Saxon and wannabe Beaker Person, is a keen recreator of neolithic pottery. He's also our friend. He devotes some of his spare time from managing things to a Stonehenge neolithic experience. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After having seen some of his handy work, I asked him whether he could create me a neolithic espresso cup, and he obliged.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUo0r-QLmuX4QaO-7HdSphXS-QRI9lzUckxL9rB3Xe7WO1QpTfkxIXmlDrkNp0mEMuMfy2Ifbv4Hpr0luN1z76y8UtzXdsskQn2RocwVqMWlCk_PzBjNCxJf_Qy9qnkmTIpoPioHcSTxDX_uU_ozC1lriog7Kml5LF3FGIGvfiuwKwaGm9QxoTmEMxz-X/s4000/20240302_185919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUo0r-QLmuX4QaO-7HdSphXS-QRI9lzUckxL9rB3Xe7WO1QpTfkxIXmlDrkNp0mEMuMfy2Ifbv4Hpr0luN1z76y8UtzXdsskQn2RocwVqMWlCk_PzBjNCxJf_Qy9qnkmTIpoPioHcSTxDX_uU_ozC1lriog7Kml5LF3FGIGvfiuwKwaGm9QxoTmEMxz-X/w400-h225/20240302_185919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He made two, but admitted that the first one (on the right) was not very good, as the clay contained specks of calcium, which are apt to explode, split the cup and blind you with shards of baked clay.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUTLLpSZ1vzIII8VeT6R6GhmRtEDcu6ZofE6OYUnTKXqz292baBzsDqTmlkVdZhcRDJi0TfWzvNNu7XNWnpzZSYOT-YVpp6jX8TSmeDDfnE5c2TQm4dPsVYAE8BqYxSM9S9yNZwAsDxzILXL-UX1BUFczmZoM5ftZXLNJPSVdSVPVK7OXAvh7VAdWuCo1/s4000/20240302_190012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUTLLpSZ1vzIII8VeT6R6GhmRtEDcu6ZofE6OYUnTKXqz292baBzsDqTmlkVdZhcRDJi0TfWzvNNu7XNWnpzZSYOT-YVpp6jX8TSmeDDfnE5c2TQm4dPsVYAE8BqYxSM9S9yNZwAsDxzILXL-UX1BUFczmZoM5ftZXLNJPSVdSVPVK7OXAvh7VAdWuCo1/w400-h225/20240302_190012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The 2nd, however, was much more successful, It's just the right size and even has dimples for the fingers. It does, however, require a glaze to prevent the neolithic coffee (probably some hideous stuff made from roasted acorns) from seeping in. Neolithic coffee drinkers probably didn't have glaze, so I'm not being authentic when adding Italian Blend to it. I will get some glaze from Hay's sister and fire it in her kiln.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-59447891293241069992024-03-02T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-02T06:10:58.139+00:00Tools, Tools, Tools<p style="text-align: justify;">Before welding the bonnet together, I've invested in some additional tools.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Firstly some Clico fasteners, which are removable pop-rivets that will temporarily hold panels together that are to be welded (cost, £36). The pliers both insert the clamps and removes them. There are 9 pop-rivet types and a couple of G clamps.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-XUzqTo223vEAqYW-kV-Q_YfybFmiCceEPFsnY4iV7Nx-7Uyo5zvFDfhCyQrwTwmqjPgPchp6ibN7vr219a-caHn3eJjvMYZ11XugP97k8Re_HMY41z9jtbqhiyOkziUhc-1qlTrqB2O_iS4DQC-wmF0S3etlQ4bm85C0fAWZ6rL7Rb7rHiSvW-uQJS0/s541/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="541" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-XUzqTo223vEAqYW-kV-Q_YfybFmiCceEPFsnY4iV7Nx-7Uyo5zvFDfhCyQrwTwmqjPgPchp6ibN7vr219a-caHn3eJjvMYZ11XugP97k8Re_HMY41z9jtbqhiyOkziUhc-1qlTrqB2O_iS4DQC-wmF0S3etlQ4bm85C0fAWZ6rL7Rb7rHiSvW-uQJS0/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Much better than the various welding clamps I have, as they don't get in the way of the spot welder as much and you can get them into small spaces.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then I ordered a disposable bottle of Argon/CO2 gas for the MIG welder (cost, £49). Just relying on the flux core of the welding wire is a nightmare, what with all the splatter. Gas shielding should eliminate that and provide more control (and fewer burn marks on my clothing and welding mask).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vz3x10oEy5DRu6_Zd3s0sGz0KK3GiOHRtlEqz-mtkoR3TNduDQ_l1fjpBwwfByOUpojJ85Njlp2N_FzYc6TudiE5kA8IpB6XMqGAeZyMovwjx-POvigBJjF0qHa53H_gqz9-tshE9FYdw-_eo9JUgZrTmDNkijHtlE84SDC5d2xg7BXdvzzclvLeiOqO/s782/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vz3x10oEy5DRu6_Zd3s0sGz0KK3GiOHRtlEqz-mtkoR3TNduDQ_l1fjpBwwfByOUpojJ85Njlp2N_FzYc6TudiE5kA8IpB6XMqGAeZyMovwjx-POvigBJjF0qHa53H_gqz9-tshE9FYdw-_eo9JUgZrTmDNkijHtlE84SDC5d2xg7BXdvzzclvLeiOqO/s320/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075643.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">My only problem is the connection to the MIG welder, which is 1/4 inch BSP (or the metric equivalent). Any gas tails you buy in the UK are 3/8ths BSP, requiring an adaptor. Connectors are the bane of my life. Why can't everyone use metric?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, although nothing to do with the bonnet, I bought a set of 4 dollies to enable me to move the GT6 chassis around the garage with ease, giving me the ability to push the chassis to one side after I remove the tub.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYymdj7gllMKzzC5MBfC2VEWxTqB0F-32zyH-wp5s_eC7Y2O7EOZ7RDKhoHB0rWxFk1bPu8LOxp-JWcE_e34fZnlew6lB5BubpYf08t00iKMZ2p-FEakHC9r9jD8aRLinqGXPjTlTq-BPdCsk0-FsMXE5SqQJGN4MYrTjr5uXBHMIqEB_SrRQeiHCrdBx5/s510/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="510" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYymdj7gllMKzzC5MBfC2VEWxTqB0F-32zyH-wp5s_eC7Y2O7EOZ7RDKhoHB0rWxFk1bPu8LOxp-JWcE_e34fZnlew6lB5BubpYf08t00iKMZ2p-FEakHC9r9jD8aRLinqGXPjTlTq-BPdCsk0-FsMXE5SqQJGN4MYrTjr5uXBHMIqEB_SrRQeiHCrdBx5/w400-h303/Screenshot%202024-03-01%20075017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Each wheel goes on a castored trolly. Cost, £120 for 4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I simply don't have enough drive space to wheel the chassis out of the garage and leave it there under a tarp while I work on the underside of the tub, as the chassis would block my father-in-law's garage - I need to be able to have the chassis and tub in the garage, side by side, with the tub on a rotisserie.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I did find a rotisserie on Facebook Market, but after the first exchange, where the seller said he was away for the weekend, I've not been able to raise him. So the search for a cheap rotisserie continues.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-37176416737446257062024-03-01T06:00:00.000+00:002024-03-01T06:48:24.877+00:00Mob Rule<p style="text-align: justify;">Rishi Sunak maintains the UK is being run by Mob Rule.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8KJdc0FTvfyXgKlvUXRjPtlkiKdNvy6IUgxRmy0bhC2crXcP1VIY4T7UAr7PzK2HVMNMlS_VolUpQDdQQQ_0Kxn6djOPUmsjZL72f2J_UgkHuGizhYLzNn7UNMLCEnOBRY5WnNihaB6whd8w4E85CxvLtWlD1P7l2NDP2ecJDcfM-LVIOTTSU9XBatAS/s742/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20084331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="742" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8KJdc0FTvfyXgKlvUXRjPtlkiKdNvy6IUgxRmy0bhC2crXcP1VIY4T7UAr7PzK2HVMNMlS_VolUpQDdQQQ_0Kxn6djOPUmsjZL72f2J_UgkHuGizhYLzNn7UNMLCEnOBRY5WnNihaB6whd8w4E85CxvLtWlD1P7l2NDP2ecJDcfM-LVIOTTSU9XBatAS/w400-h230/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20084331.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, he's the one running the country and I've heard it said that the current government is somewhat akin to The Mob, but I think it's more Shower Rule.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't know where he gains this opinion from. There are more arrest, proportionally, at the Glastonbury Festival than at protest marches - should Galsto be banned? And there are arrests - there will always be a small minority who ruin it for everyone at a protest.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some government apparatchik was opining that the Gaza protesters have had their say and enough is enough. How long did the Suffragettes keep protesting? Greenham Common? The argument can be safely made that the Netanyahu government, on the basis of 30,000 deaths, has had its say and enough is enough.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having no solutions to the UK's parlous state, the Tories are setting up their stall with Culture Wars, the definition of a woman, the criminalisation of immigrants, authoritarian anti-protest legislation and Islamophobia - oh, and Jeremy Corbyn, who is no longer a member of the Labour Party anyway.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dire, isn't it? Desperate!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some minister was doing the radio news rounds the other day and would not say the word Islamophobia in respect of 30p Lee Anderthal's attack on Sadiq Khan and suspension from the Party, even when pressed 9 times on LBC. Thinking about it, he couldn't, else the next question would be; "So why hasn't Suella Braverman had the whip withdrawn?" </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It seems the Tories have calculated that keeping the GBN knuckle draggers on side, all of whom are far right, could bring in more votes than losing the Muslim vote, which is probably split between left of centre and right of centre. The Tories are fighting for the souls of racists, Islamophobes and those who demand unrestricted free speech while wanting to deny it to others, who are gradually drifting to Reform. They don't seem to realise that this drift is slowly cleansing the Party of its more toxic elements and, if facilitated by dropping the populism, while doing short term damage (although not as much damage as battling Reform), would render them more electable in another 5 years time. As it stands, they're anti-civilization.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Must be the Deep State...... I wonder what the Islamist extremists who control Mayor Khan think about the No.159 bus to Streatham High Street - should it be cut, or not? They're definitely behind ULEZ.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Johnson's majority was caused by a number of factors - Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn being the prime movers. Brexit is done and has been proven a disaster and Corbyn is no longer a factor. The Benny Hill of politics wouldn't stand another chance.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I don't know so much about impending assisted dying legislation in certain parts of the country for individuals, but there needs to be assisted dying for political parties that are in deep pain and distress on the way to oblivion. They need putting out of their misery.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-67132124764935503092024-02-29T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-29T05:42:47.273+00:00Bonnet Issues<p style="text-align: justify;">As I wrote a few days ago, I removed the paint from the areas of joints on the new bonnet stiffener and headlamp cowls, coated them in weld-through primer and connected them with temporary pop rivets.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, when it came to spot welding the lot into a composite structure, I was unable to get an electrical connection across the primer.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I had to take the whole lot apart again, take the lot back to bare metal and start again with the spot welding, which went perfectly. Can't imagine what the issue was with the primer, as I could see the flecks of zinc in the coating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7KjpDUVVWlqosVVs28thguNgQDY9ONiVd1tw_9WSWrC9x02j2FBft07EwfQqI2xcmI8rEJH3-Ef9_3Vnu5nuFGPASky-zVK365h3CQuxCyT59Vu1JwqEMp43I3m1E42A5D-fa0bqnfg-zbRj4dPKlRcBC1BTqMN9OuBpKXaSUTW9omxe_TwTOyNn0oGP/s4000/20240228_171441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7KjpDUVVWlqosVVs28thguNgQDY9ONiVd1tw_9WSWrC9x02j2FBft07EwfQqI2xcmI8rEJH3-Ef9_3Vnu5nuFGPASky-zVK365h3CQuxCyT59Vu1JwqEMp43I3m1E42A5D-fa0bqnfg-zbRj4dPKlRcBC1BTqMN9OuBpKXaSUTW9omxe_TwTOyNn0oGP/w400-h225/20240228_171441.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With no primer inside the joints, I'm going to have to carefully seal all the points of potential water ingress with Tiger Seal before primering (again) and painting the topcoat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaHxRgP8VeljkQ4O60b9lK-VqVEoRWe2I1L8inPK74pfsC2DUuG2079unRKe8_w9AlqmXDNrIdp34AzraSi7l4Twx5bvifF-KlXaSnHZpy-pD8f0eZd_7BbbOgBC1QanxoVWmhE89XcxlaVQcov4pK9yD06BcGm2HdGd5FP__qj3Bwx2IzE8IZCc7n2E9/s4000/20240228_171433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaHxRgP8VeljkQ4O60b9lK-VqVEoRWe2I1L8inPK74pfsC2DUuG2079unRKe8_w9AlqmXDNrIdp34AzraSi7l4Twx5bvifF-KlXaSnHZpy-pD8f0eZd_7BbbOgBC1QanxoVWmhE89XcxlaVQcov4pK9yD06BcGm2HdGd5FP__qj3Bwx2IzE8IZCc7n2E9/w400-h225/20240228_171433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I was desperate to install the composite assembly into the bonnet, but there's no getting around the fact that the paint needs to be removed from the underside first as, with the various bits in position, access to parts of the bonnet underside will be difficult, if not impossible. It's not as if I can paint over what's already there, as the finish if hideous. A couple of days hard graft with the knotted wire brush wheel.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-55222673723134183572024-02-28T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-28T05:44:00.956+00:00Pinning Down Mouseman<p style="text-align: justify;">Last Friday we visited Malmesbury Abbey and I discovered something I never knew - it contains the tomb of King Athelstan, the first king of all England.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1j0o75R8769-8nBTdPQRlSRwmVv_gfdgURZZQuiDop7LUZkxYOhE5KtAkSz8fAXv_u347vQCcqCX5FU4WVF3-TWWxH_pyrABN86xVqL57MRlAr0tfZHnD4hq21aQA6lt4vLfm0xvJY30-_uGxei7jQ9xrR94-_M9rmaMJkpoCCx_0fx06hrJUJNLGIbZ/s4000/20240223_120258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1j0o75R8769-8nBTdPQRlSRwmVv_gfdgURZZQuiDop7LUZkxYOhE5KtAkSz8fAXv_u347vQCcqCX5FU4WVF3-TWWxH_pyrABN86xVqL57MRlAr0tfZHnD4hq21aQA6lt4vLfm0xvJY30-_uGxei7jQ9xrR94-_M9rmaMJkpoCCx_0fx06hrJUJNLGIbZ/w400-h225/20240223_120258.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Malmesbury Abbey, the home of William of Malmesbury, a 12th century historian considered by many to be the best since Bede, was dissolved by Henry VIII, who sold it off to one of his mates for a few bob, as he was short of cash at the time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, in the gift shop we spotted some wooden mice for a tenner, which I thought I could use to decorate something.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnHCnB40NC2wRC1nCuM9i1D08u0WP5Dsp69rtzezsDVo3fNJNb7Ydsmjy8aQempww0iCfk3kbTwNW1nU9gGBSGsCFxhk6QUez_QNMNhb-MGNb5u6C_R1DAmyEACSf1Sz31xjv62WgGBuM_84R9rCdKohMYPNwxr47skqcF9zJ2ai6tgXhcyxxlPOIPeGn/s4000/20240226_072311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnHCnB40NC2wRC1nCuM9i1D08u0WP5Dsp69rtzezsDVo3fNJNb7Ydsmjy8aQempww0iCfk3kbTwNW1nU9gGBSGsCFxhk6QUez_QNMNhb-MGNb5u6C_R1DAmyEACSf1Sz31xjv62WgGBuM_84R9rCdKohMYPNwxr47skqcF9zJ2ai6tgXhcyxxlPOIPeGn/w400-h225/20240226_072311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It was photographing them on the ash slab table I made that gave me the idea of emulating Robert (Mouseman) Thompson, a Yorkshire furniture maker (now dead) who incorporated a mouse into all his furniture. I first learned about Mouseman from a Yorkshire friend of mine (now also dead - had a heart attack and couldn't get to the phone, which could have saved him) who owned a Mouseman table for which he'd paid a small fortune. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_KScgJzIZ_lTjj2ST1FPr__ssa8dfnVRYmLarm4vdl8924ABT7Op-rF9KOB-yqksFnkcdOBkKpMRqAWUe-EFjbdFdw79iIJTx58cPyzlrGLCgnnv8Jbma1jpyJNBXwPg_vYyCSVQaTLZXzhDmHa_MVlBIo3ZgYWpQgMcuVcpdff9FuJlJ8MY6XT5oFd-/s651/Screenshot%202024-02-26%20072602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="651" data-original-width="637" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_KScgJzIZ_lTjj2ST1FPr__ssa8dfnVRYmLarm4vdl8924ABT7Op-rF9KOB-yqksFnkcdOBkKpMRqAWUe-EFjbdFdw79iIJTx58cPyzlrGLCgnnv8Jbma1jpyJNBXwPg_vYyCSVQaTLZXzhDmHa_MVlBIo3ZgYWpQgMcuVcpdff9FuJlJ8MY6XT5oFd-/w391-h400/Screenshot%202024-02-26%20072602.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">You can see one on the leg of the Robert Thompson table above. Now I can't carve a mouse into the legs of the ash slab table, but I can put these mice on the legs with glue; however, to ensure they're not knocked off, I wanted to pin them in place with steel pins - but what on earth could I use as the pins?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">As it happens, I was doing some work on the GT6 bonnet and decided to pin the headlamp cowls and bonnet stiffener together with pop rivets, just to get the positioning right before exposing the metal at the joins and spot wenling the whole caboodle together before offering the complete sections up to the bonnet top.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRWotMfJ-QqgCRj6FNSoQbUTlpZgOZDq90Aq1zq4npa1HdhMAETPM-cb7aMPe_GQF6R5Hd004gAv09W-uGfcZs7EVmpUTyq2AohsMR5SdHju4vJzZusDxXn5miLNjwzmw05qecDBI8TO3j9Nr1c677wP8tbq2ugVL5BzFxgyYZ5tbk0rE6b1RXr_qixUl/s4000/20240226_160230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuRWotMfJ-QqgCRj6FNSoQbUTlpZgOZDq90Aq1zq4npa1HdhMAETPM-cb7aMPe_GQF6R5Hd004gAv09W-uGfcZs7EVmpUTyq2AohsMR5SdHju4vJzZusDxXn5miLNjwzmw05qecDBI8TO3j9Nr1c677wP8tbq2ugVL5BzFxgyYZ5tbk0rE6b1RXr_qixUl/w400-h225/20240226_160230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Bingo! The waste pop rivet mandrels were perfect for what I wanted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge18vSBHWY81Z8bLH2kuNyzB2oyyYLLtO0tZ_UvTvBMIXZmbOtN0NPeI_MOMw07WNIki9S2WT_3Io9h99ec98pgQ7rthRipF_VOnpXqtM2hcOwmvidwC7wjrnJnE6WoyoybYiuzYR9kuESExWmnMFXArXdJ6xWEMIA_dVeIWrqDztaIRoiHoPqGEdMd7E5/s4000/20240226_160237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge18vSBHWY81Z8bLH2kuNyzB2oyyYLLtO0tZ_UvTvBMIXZmbOtN0NPeI_MOMw07WNIki9S2WT_3Io9h99ec98pgQ7rthRipF_VOnpXqtM2hcOwmvidwC7wjrnJnE6WoyoybYiuzYR9kuESExWmnMFXArXdJ6xWEMIA_dVeIWrqDztaIRoiHoPqGEdMd7E5/w400-h225/20240226_160237.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Two pins per mouse. I drilled the mice, secured a couple of pins into them and then drilled corresponding holes into the table leg, glueing them on for a permanent fix. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoOyRmsoevA1FVvjaMA09SlbNE8CUHDeSzp0UPqaCmI4r09md_7AXLQsSx39P5_tYpmHiYEk2QEV_ik56PLFHr58RlFaskiw2jc2VrKYcdKR0MOxJSEzDYydbQ3SJJWWrRLWhTCuJfb8WxgWPCzQsmZSY35GeWfvZbR3TSbTNcZARnz-5WtKvhisllBhr/s4000/20240227_083513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoOyRmsoevA1FVvjaMA09SlbNE8CUHDeSzp0UPqaCmI4r09md_7AXLQsSx39P5_tYpmHiYEk2QEV_ik56PLFHr58RlFaskiw2jc2VrKYcdKR0MOxJSEzDYydbQ3SJJWWrRLWhTCuJfb8WxgWPCzQsmZSY35GeWfvZbR3TSbTNcZARnz-5WtKvhisllBhr/w400-h225/20240227_083513.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDxFdsALhDqD1nm907b4fZYL3RV1vhvzj_3gmhns0QsMbM6rHy-QkZK2725rcNdQg4wb-9q3lhpKHi6BMkmThuszsBS6UGkvFLn9r44DOVt3nqHSzRoD8Ttpl8oNQQoGyI9MCvwcmY4n_q6Hk4EsFVo-heoRFWbms76RE20C0XjrEasRf0ME5XjYYfY4M/s4000/20240227_084927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDxFdsALhDqD1nm907b4fZYL3RV1vhvzj_3gmhns0QsMbM6rHy-QkZK2725rcNdQg4wb-9q3lhpKHi6BMkmThuszsBS6UGkvFLn9r44DOVt3nqHSzRoD8Ttpl8oNQQoGyI9MCvwcmY4n_q6Hk4EsFVo-heoRFWbms76RE20C0XjrEasRf0ME5XjYYfY4M/w360-h640/20240227_084927.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Nothing will knock them off now. Nice little feature.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-70469311756164346462024-02-27T05:30:00.000+00:002024-02-27T05:45:05.280+00:00Arlington Row<p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of weeks ago Hay and I went to some of the Cotswold villages and towns to scout a holiday destination for Hay's dad and his partner.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">On the way there we went past Arlington Row in Bibury, a famous row of weavers' cottages that adorn many a chocolate box and is always infested by tourists snapping their cameras (especially Chinese tourists).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WxMlQoZT5e8tklgjCHxzhCL5K-bb-M1u3IgKF1HmgvlkYsEi8jQkM6ldsx-aa8d0m1V8XlCLQeGTa2Mr6TvmHlwv9mGZzCGcMYz_aDgNVv_FAqvavG6YvvWFloDbVPSoflQpxD7bE2Ubeov-LL9FVSK50oAKk3w3gHsrgnpmkQnvUzL1yHFe0SC3-6JY/s1286/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20065324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="1286" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WxMlQoZT5e8tklgjCHxzhCL5K-bb-M1u3IgKF1HmgvlkYsEi8jQkM6ldsx-aa8d0m1V8XlCLQeGTa2Mr6TvmHlwv9mGZzCGcMYz_aDgNVv_FAqvavG6YvvWFloDbVPSoflQpxD7bE2Ubeov-LL9FVSK50oAKk3w3gHsrgnpmkQnvUzL1yHFe0SC3-6JY/w400-h240/Screenshot%202024-01-28%20065324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Hay asked me how old they were, so I looked it up on Wikipedia, where it mentioned that Arlington Row appears on the inside cover of every British passport.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">When I got home I looked at my passport, but rather than an image of Arlington Row, I saw an image of nautical paraphernalia.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7blfftJaqpP6TK_SkrYLoRBgAtJ8A4pgUiezLVq7U5HOONPG7WkNePgbK1jfWHRirkhVob1cJ2f2RvW8vQiD0RxMlOlZjOQCxUh5NhcinUdMA-Mfe72zYX3dZroN8A-_ELWtiPQMGePuGOm_Wt42hAr8QNJEe8rXLlYSmewz8dDAm7hRlV3QE5Cmnt_cH/s4000/20240128_064715.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7blfftJaqpP6TK_SkrYLoRBgAtJ8A4pgUiezLVq7U5HOONPG7WkNePgbK1jfWHRirkhVob1cJ2f2RvW8vQiD0RxMlOlZjOQCxUh5NhcinUdMA-Mfe72zYX3dZroN8A-_ELWtiPQMGePuGOm_Wt42hAr8QNJEe8rXLlYSmewz8dDAm7hRlV3QE5Cmnt_cH/s320/20240128_064715.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Intrigued, I looked through my old passports, but couldn't find Arlington Row. However, I found No.2 Son's old passport that expired in 2016 and was issued in 2011 - and there is was in all its bucolic splendour!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHGQU7gV_UOCwwwnDD5GY7yOoWanLd9iJTivJ5YCW6c7bV4Os6MXe02ncbk1SziZ-7EWjc5H_h0uTFCuKp-ef8-wkC5jGXf5aoSmsJW9BdA8eX_rs6wU96tDMbkXw0qu7X8Gbjiv7jzbMadBbWJ2TUt6J_E7L6C-vQELsJH1HM_cIMV0PYgfl7ztcrzAQ/s4000/20240128_064600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2252" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHGQU7gV_UOCwwwnDD5GY7yOoWanLd9iJTivJ5YCW6c7bV4Os6MXe02ncbk1SziZ-7EWjc5H_h0uTFCuKp-ef8-wkC5jGXf5aoSmsJW9BdA8eX_rs6wU96tDMbkXw0qu7X8Gbjiv7jzbMadBbWJ2TUt6J_E7L6C-vQELsJH1HM_cIMV0PYgfl7ztcrzAQ/s320/20240128_064600.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">There was obviously a period when it was used, but no more, to be replaced with images that recall Britain's (no longer existing) maritime greatness. Brexit benefit.....</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also found Arlington Row in Hay's expired passport that was issued in 2003.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-58659083979026733662024-02-26T06:00:00.000+00:002024-02-26T06:46:36.794+00:00Labour Will Bankrupt the Country<p style="text-align: justify;">I'm seeing a constant refrain in the right wing press and on Twitter that a Labour administration will bankrupt the country.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt2bjRXRcopMxXIXHdSkx7RIEzMSKao1URCjEsp1JAyLKu-ogq1cf6ZA7jMGfEDIVwtr25eYrEM5yYSD2wzCIeqnU7heVg21OTvOa8UVviKZjXvXVw6y5Od9rgs1OotWRLwesapTsjspAQ1R82Pw-fKIuSaFkXf0xvqrBNIBV_L0p6p0FxTTNOau1fXGD/s590/debt-662052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="590" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSt2bjRXRcopMxXIXHdSkx7RIEzMSKao1URCjEsp1JAyLKu-ogq1cf6ZA7jMGfEDIVwtr25eYrEM5yYSD2wzCIeqnU7heVg21OTvOa8UVviKZjXvXVw6y5Od9rgs1OotWRLwesapTsjspAQ1R82Pw-fKIuSaFkXf0xvqrBNIBV_L0p6p0FxTTNOau1fXGD/w400-h238/debt-662052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">While comparing government finances to a credit card is common, it's misleading and here's why: </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>Income & Expenses: Governments have different income sources and spending priorities than individuals. </li><li>Debt: Governments have lower borrowing costs and spread debt across generations (we've only recently finished paying compensation to slave owners for the emancipation of slaves). </li><li>Goals: Governments aim for societal well-being, not just individual finances. </li><li>Extra tools: Governments can print money (QE) and use spending to stimulate the economy. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Overall, government finances are more complex and require a different analysis than personal finances. A household budget analogy might be more fitting, but still not adequate. Countries may have financial crises, but they don't go bankrupt.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, while not technically "bankrupt", several countries in history have experienced severe financial crises with devastating consequences: </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li>Weimar Germany (1920s): Hyperinflation following WWI crippled the economy. </li><li>Argentina (multiple instances): Repeated defaults on sovereign debt and economic instability. </li><li>Greece (2010s): Debt crisis led to austerity measures and social unrest. </li><li>Venezuela (present): Hyperinflation, currency devaluation, and widespread shortages. </li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">These situations highlight the significant economic and social repercussions that countries can face due to unsustainable debt and financial mismanagement. While not a direct equivalent to individual bankruptcy, it's crucial to understand the complexities and consequences of national financial crises. Britain is not in the same league as these countries though.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the above reason, I simply can't understand why Labour has ditched its £28bn Green Investment Plan. In terms of government finances, £28bn is relatively small at roughly 3.4% of government spending, with considerable upsides including meeting climate targets, job creation and industrial competitiveness benefits, environmental protection and social benefits.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Could it me more to do with the false trope of Labour possibly bankrupting Britain hitting home with the swing voters and Starmer heading off any line of attack? I truly hope so and that there will be a reaffirmation of the policy once Labour gain power. If not, then they're not worthy of the Labour legacy and have also swung to the neoliberal end of the spectrum.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-69205068171551450192024-02-25T06:00:00.000+00:002024-02-25T06:01:51.183+00:00Tit for Tat<div style="text-align: justify;">Bereft of any plans to rescue the country from the mess they've created, the Conservatives are, in desperation, opportunistically using a strategy of capitalising on the anti-Semitism accusations that plagued Labour under Corbyn. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They have come down firmly on the side of Israel's Netanyahu and are colluding with him in attempting to portray any criticism of the ethnic cleansing taking place in Gaza as anti-Semitic - an ethnic cleansing which, by the way, has been going on in fits and starts since 1948 with each successive land grab and the moving in of Israeli settlers. It's a last ditch effort to smear Labour with an old trope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGAKIfhW7k7vcmbl6W_6FlTjuHwLxbefMfLakFDXYbMje6eZZZcfmysBt62HIW_epZgTr0Tr-OBUa9o7hZnlHpejYqIFeYN_EPmAIYylyhzxE2BJ7M0zTS_erao_rpQCaVNUnt5YUaOdU9XpwHX4tAQM5o5ce7afproT0ro04WlH98pVqFtxBdxChyphenhyphensdt/s1017/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20074309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1017" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGAKIfhW7k7vcmbl6W_6FlTjuHwLxbefMfLakFDXYbMje6eZZZcfmysBt62HIW_epZgTr0Tr-OBUa9o7hZnlHpejYqIFeYN_EPmAIYylyhzxE2BJ7M0zTS_erao_rpQCaVNUnt5YUaOdU9XpwHX4tAQM5o5ce7afproT0ro04WlH98pVqFtxBdxChyphenhyphensdt/w400-h221/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20074309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Labour, rather than responding with the fact that criticism of Netanyahu's government is not anti-Semitism, has responded by highlighting the rampant Islamophobia the Conservatives have had to adopt as a direct result of their desire to portray Labour as anti-Semitic. We end up with an unedifying slanging match, rather than campaigning on policies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have seen two parties arguing about the precise wording of a ceasefire statement that neither side in the conflict will take a blind bit of notice of until ready, while countless thousands of civilians and children die on a daily basis. Also a Scottish Nationalist Party that's thrown its toys out of the pram because it didn't have its day in the limelight during a useless debate that achieves nothing and pushes for another debate while already having been offered one.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunak bigs up a recent humanitarian drop to Gaza, while simultaneously providing Netanyahu's murderous regime with the very weapons it uses to kill said civilians and children in Gaza. Although not in the top 3 countries exporting arms to Israel, the UK exports military technology comprising components for F-35 fighter jets, helicopters, drones, grenades, bombs, armoured vehicles and tanks, small arms and ammunition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2809146912677894496.post-75128665675823451782024-02-24T06:00:00.000+00:002024-02-24T06:00:00.126+00:00Stainless<p style="text-align: justify;">Not me that's stainless - it's the black, rear wing finisher I bought by mistake.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNKryPnJWfr7aME6tRzhqQPAFaAiQQ-NzJ5Uz6GucFgAoxqcqF4ZC-U6Mk14Un2_3idBAgBeaUt-tny-pOKLUoUdO8RaX1fn0npUx4tvAq2OCtsdNeuXgEbhnJDFw1HhPUBgkPNszAHRJbiMk7RI1Vyqng1YqsgwIFH0Fd28lSC6UyeUu5WnNDjIYMjEN/s4000/20240223_150608.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNKryPnJWfr7aME6tRzhqQPAFaAiQQ-NzJ5Uz6GucFgAoxqcqF4ZC-U6Mk14Un2_3idBAgBeaUt-tny-pOKLUoUdO8RaX1fn0npUx4tvAq2OCtsdNeuXgEbhnJDFw1HhPUBgkPNszAHRJbiMk7RI1Vyqng1YqsgwIFH0Fd28lSC6UyeUu5WnNDjIYMjEN/w400-h225/20240223_150608.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlUU7put3LUjAKG792NaT2MDKDEebqyI6bq_uFl-i4b-dLv6Ah0wQYbdews17eoMOUJsM_Q7tE5FUd6hl0bSWrzlbOQ-iteTQ3QV5YWcIL7z-owRECAbJ4IESYAfCN6S-HKVTOPJVi6MV_cH8Zxj6pmlpjJArZmtNxIcBkMrHU8TCjN_GeRkrTOC1aBvx/s4000/20240223_150625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlUU7put3LUjAKG792NaT2MDKDEebqyI6bq_uFl-i4b-dLv6Ah0wQYbdews17eoMOUJsM_Q7tE5FUd6hl0bSWrzlbOQ-iteTQ3QV5YWcIL7z-owRECAbJ4IESYAfCN6S-HKVTOPJVi6MV_cH8Zxj6pmlpjJArZmtNxIcBkMrHU8TCjN_GeRkrTOC1aBvx/w400-h225/20240223_150625.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The photos above are both of them on the car, although they can't be stuck into place until after it has been painted in the final coat of Opalescent Golden Sand. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Using liberal applications of paint stripper I removed the hard-as-nails black paint that was on the recently purchased finisher (I couldn't abrade it off else I'd destroy the shiny finish) and discovered that it is indeed made of stainless steel.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">A couple of days in the open didn't produce any rust marks and I also did the magnet test. Mild steel is magnetic, whereas stainless steel, depending on the quality, isn't. Both mild and stainless steel are alloys that contain iron as a major component. Iron is naturally ferromagnetic; however, in stainless steel other compounds are added, such as nickel, which can render it less magnetic (or magnetically confused) by locking the crystals in an autenstitic structure. Adding 16-35% nickel suppresses magnetic phases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">In my last GT6 post I mentioned that the rear finishers are made from chromed steel, not stainless (much as I searched, I couldn't find any stainless ones). I thought I might be able to fashion some stainless rear finishers from a couple of stainless wing finishers, but they interlock into each other and so it's not possible with my limited metalworking skills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvCEM5NkrjtiBMB64MYIzCHQocAYzunjMg_kj7umZbtMZpx_3Bsg4ke3AKssKpZWKIxfGtR6h4kxrG6sLC2wtahZZSt4OWff0sVNvY5vxIMMuw5C2C1D8FMsrs3WIsoIgmMd_tOe5lVS01A3MkJAmhG8POhhRoYWMxqpLoTgd3pxvFXB7b0ftTLAUyFDS/s402/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20054417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="402" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvCEM5NkrjtiBMB64MYIzCHQocAYzunjMg_kj7umZbtMZpx_3Bsg4ke3AKssKpZWKIxfGtR6h4kxrG6sLC2wtahZZSt4OWff0sVNvY5vxIMMuw5C2C1D8FMsrs3WIsoIgmMd_tOe5lVS01A3MkJAmhG8POhhRoYWMxqpLoTgd3pxvFXB7b0ftTLAUyFDS/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-24%20054417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I'll just have to make do with chrome.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Chairman Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02104786653126767184noreply@blogger.com0