Classic car mechanic’s weekly motoring – Daft question

‘In the corner of the workshop, Olli Ragbin sits watching events unfold before him’

Short and sweet this week as the sun is out and there is lots to do.

A quick update on the Jag restoration we’re doing. This is the car that Eric and I bought as a ‘small personal project’ which is turning into something a little bigger than anticipated, hence me lending a hand (under very heavy supervision), to keep costs in check.

Monday came and Duncan had me removing the pinstripes from all panels. At last, I get to wield a tool you plug in. Heat gun in hand I tried my best not to set fire to anything. Our new tech Keith was working with Duncan on one of the Minis and I think he was quietly impressed with my diligence and apparent skill as spanners were twirled. This quickly evaporated as Shrimp Eye Justin arrived and asked whether we’d been introduced yet. When I said we had, Justin quickly laid down the ground rules to Keith whilst jabbing his thumb in my general direction. ‘Don’t let him anywhere near customer cars’. It’s a harsh and sad message, but it’s for my own good.

I made one massive error this week. I’d driven home in the Audi which was in need of AdBlue, the diesel additive which reduces emissions. I’d bought a 5 litre jug of the stuff from the garage when I’d filled up. As I was about to tip the stuff into the AdBlue tank, a thought crossed my mind…’why isn’t it blue?’. Had I bought the wrong one?

At times like this you have 2 options;

1. Check the BSI label on the bottle and on the filler cap of the car to make sure they both align

2. Ring Eric, who’ll have you on speaker phone with the whole office listening and ask him ‘why isn’t my AdBlue blue?’….

I chose option 2. Justin was also in the office. Bugger……

Eric managed to contain his tittering and reassured me that my purchase was fine.

Why don’t they make it blue ferschrissake… I mean really, it’s all very confusing. Either that, or call it ‘AddClear’….. I can feel a letter coming on…

The workshop is packed at the moment with some lovely cars coming in and going out and we are now in the last stages of MOT sign-off so we can do the whole ‘soup to nuts’ service in-house.

So, as thunderstorms are predicted for Sunday, perhaps Saturday is our best chance to get out and about in this lovely weather.

Stay safe out there, whilst I try to work out how I’m going to sneak into the workshop without being noticed. Hopefully everyone won't be wearing blue...

Olli

The best looking Volvo ever made

The Conti Silver Spur. A do love a big saloon. This one looks like it's been crafted from a solid billet

Techs Roy and Keith in our new and very clean workshop. It's why they're smiling

Jim just finishing off the Diff. Not sure starting the BBQ under the car is a good idea mind...

The first gen GL1000 GoldWing. Beauty

This week literally everyone is smiling, Lewis beams from underneath the hood of the Bristol 407

The CCM dog. Rescued by Izzi from Transylvania (I think) and now barks at anyone who looks slightly dodgy.....

Eric places top 3 in yet another 'Call of Duty' tournament

The bonnet of the jag with preparation underway. Welding done - smooth over with filler and finish to get a perfectly flat surface ready for paint...