Classic car mechanic – When doves cry

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

This week’s recap of life at CCM is a little, well, late. I took some time out last week to go on my annual cycling trip with my chums and so workshop dispensing of rags has been a job that others have had to take on themselves. I am assured that everyone on the tech team has had the appropriate training and that the CCM rag-dispensing protocols were all followed to the letter.

You may think that dispensing the rags is an easy job. And…well, you’re right, technically speaking. But that’s not the whole job. What about all the watching I do? Who’s going to pick that up when I’m away? And who is taking my spot in the ‘asking stupid questions and not paying attention to the answers’?

Nobody, that’s who.

The place is on a tight rope and could literally fall at any second. Anyway, not to matter, I’m back from bothering the cycling boys to bothering the classics gang. Normality resumed. Sighs of relief all round. (The word ‘relief’ may be overstating things somewhat).

They’re back! The doves have made an appearance at the workshop for the second week on the run!

I have a sneaky suspicion that Dr Ray has yet again come to work with a pocket full of pumpkin seeds and his lucky ball of suet. Any wonder the place is turning into an aviary.

When I arrived in this week, I saw the dove perched on the Doctor’s outstretched finger pecking a said pumpkin seed from between the clenched teeth of our favourite Bristol super-tech.

‘What are on earth…..’ said I in a somewhat startled fashion.

With a completely deadpan look, the Doctor replied ‘Clive gets hungry around 11’….

Mmmmm… time to wander off in search of a biscuit. If Clive the dove gets elevenses, then so do I.

As you know, I like a flat blue, don’t we all…. But this Mk II Jag looks a millions bucks in this coat ‘n trim combo of Pewter grey (I think?) and red leather. Nothing short of sensational.

Where do you go if you need to stop? This 1964 Anglia Super coasted up to the workshop in a perfectly executed docking procedure. The problem? Needs brakes.

As usual, whatever your classic, we are here to tweak, fettle and love it back to full health. If you have a pet dove, we can also provide a selection of tasty snacks too. There are literally no excuses.

Round my way, the local vicar drives a Nissan Micra and rides a bicycle with a leather seat.

Round CCM way, the local preacher has very different ideas of transportation.

A German red cross VW camper van. I don’t know the back story but it’s a very strong look for the Rev

The teenage car modification scene is hotting up. Izzi’s Fiesta has been lowered and a body kit is being pondered by our junior technician. And when the Emma Radacanu of the classic mechanic world decides to do something, that something gets done. Watch this space as things develop.

‘leaking exhaust manifold’ said an anonymous tech (who had a small white feather behind his ear) whist holding up said manifold. ‘What shall we do with you?’ he asked no one in particular.

‘Put a plaster on it’? said I. Apparently not an appropriate answer. Even the dove raised its eyebrow.

(I suspect Young Chris' influence is present here in Eric's welding)

So, to wrap for this week I thought I would share a picture from my little cycling trip to Majorca. One thing few people know about me is that I have one of my chums follow me everywhere documenting important moments in my life. On our tour Moley (for it is he) spotted a nice opportunity in front of the cathedral in the main square. It has a stunning fountain which he had decided would make a good back drop. He then spent an hour and a half faffing around looking for a discarded cigarette butt to act as juxtaposition to the life-giving nature of natural water against the potential personal impact of products the tobacco industry. I was mildly hungover and just wanted a nice snap.

(when nature calls and the loo is simply too far away.......)

So on that note, that about wraps things up for this week. Will Izzi have lowered the Fiesta and fitted a loud exhaust? Will Clive the Dove overtake Gerald the parts washer in Dr Ray’s affection? Will we see a run of religious figures trumping the German camper? (If the Pope is reading this and the ‘mobeel’ needs a service, you know where we are… we’ll get extra doves if it helps with the atmosphere as well). Will Eric finally make me focus the blog more on the Classics and a little less on random nonsense? Only 4 more sleeps till the next one surfaces blinking into the sunlight of a new day .

So, from the CMM crew, Siobhan, Dr Ray, Shrimp-eye Justin, Young Chris, Izzi, Ingrid and Clive the dove, have a great day.

Olli

(Couldn't resist posting this lovely pic of our busy workshop. The XJ V12 coupe one of my all time favourites. Kent alloys, midnight blue paint. In my view this is absolutely William Lyons' crowing masterpiece)