Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Just been down to the garage to check the size of a fender for someone who asked.

I am actually shocked.

Not that heavy, they are under 7kg or 15 lbs or a stone in mass


HOWEVER, I am shocked at their naked dimensions.

Approximately

56” or 1450mm long

26” or 650mm tall

8” or 200mm deep/thick.

So add a bit more for boxing up to protect from dents.

It makes sense why they get shipped as extra large or over sized parcels.

I know the rear bed sides attract a significant cost penalty too.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Funny how things move about.


Had a question on another website an hour ago as to the weight of the fenders.

So popped to the garage to measure and weigh them.

Chatting via PM and then Whatsapp it turns out I am getting messaged from Kuala Lumpur. And it was almost midnight there.

Keeping it simple......

Messages received.


Hi Grizz
M*** (•••••••) here.
Just saw your message.
I’m a pilot with XXX and go to USA most months . I reckon I could get the fenders back as luggage if no bigger than skis .

Told him sizes again.

Reply.

For example I’m in Phoenix 23-25 January then New Orleans 22-24 February

More chat and then ended with this.

I’ve asked the question on our work Facebook group
Will get back to you when I get answers.



Lets see where this goes.

Could be helpful

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Friends in high places!

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Certainly does help.

What amazes me is how complete strangers reach out to offer pretty unique help that they are able to offer.

Weather forecast still not playing ball.

Nice morning view today.

Pretty privileged I think to have these.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps1385bamp.jpg

Patiently waiting for the lowering stick.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshcoobwz9.jpg


Chilly outside.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

.


53p per litre for petrol.

Yup, Tulsa, Oklahoma today.

Thank you Andy.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbk9zan4u.jpg

Anyway, back in the UK, I saw this poor guy in a hospital.

Guess the wind can really hurt them.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psa3v02xoh.jpg

Message from Dennis earlier today, Happy Birthday, wish we could go here for lunch today.

We went there last year on the road trip and had lunch.

Turns out they give guests a free slice of pie for desert on their birthday.

Note the age of the shop.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3mlgo1bw.jpg

And for my Birthday, Sally did a slow cooked ham and various salads plus some prezzies.

T shirt from her son, and the rest from her.

Perfect for the kind of guy like me, who needs very little.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvfxt2m5s.jpg

Another number box ticked.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Side Update from St Louis, Missouri

Dennis has been quietly getting on with his NASCAR ‘66 C10 build.

Yesterday is was power steering pump bracket fabrication

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxf5mtyiy.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psyewa6jvq.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psaysbd7eq.jpg

Then brake bias setting

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshsxevagj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrrkvtcmr.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfrhwwnrv.jpg

And still to be fitted.

Gas pedal, cast by Andy Martin in Tulsa, Oklahoma for Dennis.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psug2wxjsx.jpg


More work to be done today by Dennis.

Current temperatures are well below the Zero degree mark.

Thankfully the workshop is heated.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Does Andy Martin make those pedals for anyone?

Rick

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Hi Rick,

Andy made those for us as gifts.

We go visit him just outside Tulsa.

Check the road trip here: http://forum.retro-rides.org/thread/...g-dennis-kelly

Andy’s thread on Garage Journal.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...d.php?t=334140

Not sure if he would do a commission casting, but you could message him and ask.





So Birthdays being what they are, Sally insisted she take me to lunch or dinner.

So we went in between.

I had a load of clothes and service manuals to drop off for Mind, one of the charities I support.

So we also took a walk through Rochester.

It was bloody freezing, as I only had a hoody and T shirt on, and the breeze was brisk.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps34o5akwi.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psh0g5yyja.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psiznzetxm.jpg

Rochester Cathedral

Twice.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswibgz7m2.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pszgl1vhti.jpg

Medway river from Rochester Castle.

Cold but beautiful

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxofs7eyi.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrniog2py.jpg

Note the angle of the lean in this building.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psipn2c3y6.jpg

Then down to Chatham for my late lunch of choice.

Turkish.

Mezze starters for two.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqwn0zqen.jpg

Followed by a pile of various meats on rice and also wheat.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshbl59m9l.jpg

Stuffed after all that, a coffee and chat, then headed home in the Galaxy via the gas station.

First time in years I have put 60 litres in a cars tank, except for the Chevy Blazer, which I used to keep topped up above 1/2 tank anyway.

Galaxy like a drink more than my daily 1.5 Diesel,Ford Focus.

All in all, a perfect birthday for me.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Belated Happy Birthday! Beautiful weather and scenery. I guess the leaning house stopped its slow creep off the ledge when it bumped into the one across the walk? That will be a fun rescue for someone someday. How have you been feeling?

Dennis' truck... I know it's NASCAR-themed, but I didn't realize how serious he was until the latest pics that show the front brakes.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Hi John,

Thank you, birthday was good, understated in a way I prefer.

Rochester is a lovely City, also the background for many of Charles Dickens’s stories.
Oliver Twist plays out here too.

Regarding Dennis’ build.

It will be an 800 plus horsepower NASCAR truck, skinned in 1966 C10 skin.

It’s going to be a brute.



Quick pic from Dennis.

He fitted the gas pedal that Andy designed and cast for him.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pstdvfkcic.jpg

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

The basic chassis is a 2000 model NASCAR truck racing item.

However, Dennis is fitting all newer and much upgraded parts, right up to date.

Adam, his son built a model a few years ago as a Christmas gift, showing how the rear bed and wheel arches needed to be cut and moved forward, as the chassis is actually even shorter than a short Fleetside


The whole chassis is low, very low so loads of adaptations are done.

This is actually a real hot rod he is building with tons of custom fabrication

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psanebu4si.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxumwrzyk.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslk2c71pg.jpg



.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Right.......

Going to Bobs is a treat.

He is a dry old guy and wiley as a fox.

Got there and he was trying to fix a security light and PIR by trying to add a new PIR to the old light.

Of course he handed it to me immediately thinking that I could sort it.

Different items. So tried drawing a diagram and record of wiring. As one has three wires and the original has 4 wires.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psombbxysk.jpg

Ended up ordering new ones.

Then a walkabout in the yard. Cold out.

Somany things covered in bramble bushes.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psrmcvuues.jpg

1952 Commer Radio truck.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps9uzgyzen.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps5cqgp7yg.jpg

So barn one.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psuyxbq7vi.jpg

Russian

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psr8mnmzfm.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspc0gw9fe.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgpd9djzw.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pspmqauafm.jpg

Interior.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psodjapnil.jpg


More later.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Lots of treasures to keep you occupied!!

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Enough stuff for many lifetimes.

But like many hoarders, even getting one done is an achievement



Part two....

Same barn as the Russian and many others........

Read the details

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfgoh6af2.jpg

Tax disc was last renewed by Bob in 1970, NSU Quicky he used to get to work.

Still owns it and hates it as much as back then..... 50 years ago.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psd7t2jfz6.jpg

More random pics.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psupaaxwvz.jpg

Swage block...... a blacksmiths forming tool.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrvk6fqvu.jpg

PaulY needs this.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrao8de90.jpg

I wanted this.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psn7rrj5eo.jpg

And lastly, Massey Ferguson, known as Old Smokey....Bobs retirement gift.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmbmxztak.jpg

More from this treasure trove another day.

Rovers, Austins, Land Rovers, tractors, tractors, tractors, bicycles, machines....

Enough to keep most people happy a long time.


.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Some of you my have noticed that Dennis was obvious in his absence.....

Poor guy.

Had to go spend some extended time out in Cancun, Mexico at very sexy resort, being fed beer and good food 24/7

One pic only, of him and Debbie on the beach.

That was enough for me.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psywg7np3h.jpg



Galaxy worked today.

Sally bought a Cross trainer, not sure if a clothes horse was not a better idea.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgvalowzq.jpg


This week I had a couple of new rugs delivered, so cleaning up the existing ones before rolling them up, was important too.

Interesting his Sally has the timing just right.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psuriwxbin.jpg


Tree to prune back hard tomorrow and hopefully some welding as well.

Been a bit busy lately with various tasks.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Cue Guilty feelings.

Woodwork shed roof felt blown off by storm Ciara.

Was a poo weather weekend mostly.

Last few weeks have been significantly busy at day job, to the extent of making weekends flash by with yard or house work lists being ticked off here and at Sally’s place. No regrets though. Life goes on.

Busy on Saturday, but Sunday spent mostly indoors, catching up on telly and forums.

So yesterday I managed some garden time before the weather turned and Storm Ciara (winds forecast for 85 mph)
This plum tree needed about 10 foot or 3 meters off its top, plus the top of the last few years’ pruning to be cut back.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8gltegm7.jpg

So I started from Mickeys side

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1dcuf6l5.jpg

Then brought the ladder over to my side after cutting the power cord of the hedge trimmer used to cut back anything up to 20mm thick.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psx3fggsat.jpg

Not happy up a ladder at all, my back is knackered and I am a big lump to be perched up on top of a ladder in a tree.

Sally took pics in secret.

Sally came over in the afternoon after spending time with her friends.

Typical of her style, she just changed into some garden clothes and started to cut up the branches when she came back, I had not realised that she was these till I got down to move the ladder.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psx8f4suox.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0dzmgy5g.jpg

Job halfway done.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psyine0gfc.jpg

Branches still to be cut up into 30cm lengths to ensure maximum capacity and fit in the wheels bin.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psju5ujvxi.jpg

Today has been nice, indoors, not even a trip out for food, due to weather and also the fact trees have been thrown across trees.

Mate @CraigRK sent this pic missed his wife’s car up their road, and of course screwed up their afternoon.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psusawiuwo.jpg


Best part of the day I guess was that growing up, we always associated pancakes with bad weather and rain.....

So that was the highlight.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psu23gxevj.jpg

Flipping pancakes, Sally thinks I am a good tosser.


Later.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Well done. I hate extension ladders, don't even own one. Probably never will at this point, it seems the ground gets harder every year. Was the roof damage bad?

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

I hate ladders too. Trust me.

Halfway through clearing up as I only have one wheelie bin.

Roof damage limited it seems to one sheet of roof felt.



Nicola sent me some pics of Harley as a kitten.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgbqhwovq.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0pwzcchk.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psetwxoi6r.jpg

My favourite

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbkuaisvh.jpg

And moments later she pooped in the pot.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pserzrbjhk.jpg

.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Three months into Galaxy ownership it continues to do lots of little and bigger, dirty jobs.

Friday was of course Valentine’s Day.

Got home from work to find the recycling bags and wheelie bin was put away......

Nice girl, Sally, I thought.

Got indoors and saw this in the lounge.

Nice girl, Sally, I thought.

Took a pic and sent her a thank you, she would be over later.

Her reply?//

A cropped pic, showing the keys on top of the chocolates

My lodger moved out after two weeks notice.........

That would be it then.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psszdipibb.jpg

Sally got a card, chocolate and four packs of muesli bars for work, oh, and I cooked dinner.

I got a card, and a cross stitched piece of embroidery.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3yf99bgx.jpg

This weekend was kind of significant, but Storm Dennis kept it wet and windy of course.

We met on the 16th February last year when she visited me on my driveway where I was cutting up pallets.

She brought cookies.

Working as a carer in the community her hair tied back etc, this was not a glamorous life, but she has turned out to be a real gem.

With Bear, her then dog.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psqpgmobmz.jpg

So Saturday I started to cut up more of the branches from the plum tree, till the wheelie bin was full, and the rain came in hard.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvjggai99.jpg


I also unpacked a bicycle from the trailer a mate gave me last year.
I bought it in about 1998 as an insurance replacement.

It does need a new home though.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pse2681hkl.jpg

Random smile, sent by a friend in South Africa.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psfoca2txw.jpg

Back to the Galaxy.

I had not yet fitted the rear view mirrors I bought from @Mercdan yet, as dismantling the door in cold weather seemed a guaranteed recipe for snapped clips and plastics.
But last weekends storm managed to break off the passenger side mirror from its household silicone based perch.

So on Saturday morning early, I cleaned it all, and refitted it using a massive blob of said bathroom sealant and dictate to keep it in position while drying

Possibly the worst bodge repair of my life, but it held on a 10 mile trip yesterday and ultimately will get removed and thrown away when fitting the replacement unit.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psukt3nvuy.jpg

Randomly seen in Catford.

One up on graffiti

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psega404w1.jpg

Storm Dennis really battered us Saturday and Sunday with a lot of surface water about.

But at least we got a nice sunrise.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2y95grx8.jpg


Sunday was a wet day mostly.

But I got one payback job done.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Amazing how time flies.

May have mentioned it before.

Got an email two weeks ago that I needed to order a new company car.

In 2016 I managed to get permission to downgrade to a smaller, cheaper tax class car. But also one that the seats drop down. VS the BMW and Mercedes Benz of my job rank that cannot do that as both are sedans.

Since then, they have brought in the estate of the lower level car.

And I got permission again to downgrade (it now releases just over £1200.00 per year in Benefit in kind tax vs the car I qualify for)

But before just ordering one blindly, I really would like to see and inspect one, especially the rear load area.

My local dealer does not have one, and tbh do not seem interested in helping as it will be a fleet purchase of no value to them.


So I contacted the Lease Company (who have been incredibly unhelpful along with our transport department, “only doing their job”)



I got this email reply regarding my query about viewing a car.



WHAT THE ACTUAL F@£€????????


Good Afternoon

Yes I am well thank you – Hope you are as well.

In regards to being able to view the vehicle if your local Dealership doesn’t have an Estate for you to view, you can visit their website and build your own vehicle which will allow you to select the specific spec and view the vehicle.

Alternatively if you google the vehicle description this will bring the vehicle up.

Kind Regards

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Mate Andy Martin has been getting back to life after losing his wife last year.

This includes long road trips.

Last leg of this trip to get back to Tulsa, included a stop over at mate Dennis Jones’ place.

First pic was the guys sitting on Dennis’ tailgate bench outside the shop, chatting.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psstcskyf3.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psu1k5irdj.jpg

Andy inside the shop, helping Dennis with some stuff.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrr5hl7tj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pseudeswg6.jpg

Of course, running out of air could prove tricky.

Outside Dennis’ Shell gas station.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjrjjaqhk.jpg


Long distance call?

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psof9ivwrd.jpg

At these prices, Andy was quick to take the opportunity for cheap gas.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvnvuwed4.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psks8uqovw.jpg


Couple of pics today from Dennis.

His 1966 NASCAR Chevy truck is coming together fast.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psthjun7a6.jpg


Pure Porn !!!


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4zzxeeuw.jpg


So by now Andy is back home on the farm, safely.


Weekend over too.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

There's a friendly dog there somewhere.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Always.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

I cannot remember what I shared and who is up to date with the Blazer after I sold it the day before heading out to America last year.

It got picked up, along with a Camaro on a transporter and got taken to Herefordshire

From there both cars went in for a bit of a make over.

Body and paint.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psyfwso5fl.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscul79knm.jpg


Note all the old colours coming through.

Hugger orange, original blue and the white plus primer.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pscul79knm.jpg

A few days later the change was notable.


.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Andy has the telltale marks in the pic with the air hose. Looking forward to seeing the Blazer "after" shots.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Tally (Talladega Raceway) encouraging me to be more thankful.

First time I met Dennis and his family.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pslysr4l3v.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psmtyn2qhx.jpg

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

A few days later........

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psywxjxcpp.jpg

Suddenly different.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Dennis sent an update on getting the cab back on the truck.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4budelrr.jpg

Seats in.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdkuoic1y.jpg

Outside the shop today.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvvd7uwmj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5wc639ru.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbknlv1mz.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psffeil386.jpg


Looking forward to the rest of the evolution.


.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Once out the paint shop, the next step was to hide the Blazer in plain sight.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslgkfdfg1.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pswjknn3l2.jpg

This would be followed by lights and further details being added.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6ca7qvks.jpg

I really like this shot.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps184l9hws.jpg

At this point I was travelling around the USA with Craig, Dennis and Adam on the 2019 road trip.

After Dennis and Adam flew out from Tulsa, we carried on and eventually made it back to St Louis.

One of our touch points had to be Going back to Hannibal to go see our friend the 100 year old shop keeper.
Sadly, she had fallen during the preceding year and broken a hip, then sold her shop, and we missed out on her.

On the way back we stopped at a local Walmart to look for a small Chevy truck for Craig..........


Suddenly he called me on WhatsApp, I was in a different part of the shop, so went to where he was in the toy section.


Look at what he found.


$20.00


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pssfmvbire.jpg


Chuffed a heck !!!




So.......




The Blazer ended up in a new series of Netflix


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2teyq1l1.jpg


And of course it’s spawned Lego models.


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrzyehvs0.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5mamqt3f.jpg



And that concludes the evolution of “Not a Project”



Much fun for not a lot of cash.



Hope you guys liked it.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Been massively busy with day job stuff.

Had to write up three account plans for three hospitals, trust me, neither fun nor a quick job, and still bolloxxx.

One of the Intensive care units I work in and use the seminar room, has their data projector fixed to the roof
So it means getting on a chair to power it up, or using a 500mm piece of rolled up cardboard someone created.
So I volunteered to make a poking stick.
Used a piece of oak from an old hammock and turned a phallic tooking knob on the end to fit the power button.
Delivered on Monday and got a thank you email on Tuesday, as it worked perfectly.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstrivoywj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshb08zn8t.jpg


Remember Dennis’ NASCAR based 66 Chevy C10 he is building.

Old photo of what it looked like before he got his hands on it.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7jigaxpb.jpg


On Sunday Sally and I went for a walk, just to get out the house as the last few weeks, the weather has been wet wet wet.

Saw these guys up at the pond on the farm.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psr8d1ok4u.jpg

Not impressed with me taking pics though
.
https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psorlqlgel.jpg

Daffodils and Tulips are happy though, popping up along every roadside and garden you see,

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1i9kaxzd.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5jpxawwm.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps0vplqkfm.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psq0nxqf53.jpg


Hopefully spring will be here soon enough.

Winter was wet but mild in the South.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

COVID-19

Day 3

So on Sunday at 2.30 an email came down from corporate head office

Withdraw from all customer contact and face to face meetings.

Work from home.

I knew then what it meant, and it is unfolding exactly like that.

Tasks, work, meetings, training, all online and web based.

Sadly no time to go play in the shop, garden etc.

So life will go on, just differently.

Once mass hysteria abates.

In the mean time, spring is springing.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps4ubdzbjr.jpg


Over the weekend Kerry, @Disasterbus offered me this awesome tool.

I grew up on gas welding and could never justify buying a setup as an adult.
This will be one of those tools that are used rarely but becomes a lifesaver when you do need it.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psu6m5aric.jpg

Hoping to see @PaulY later on after work too.

Life goes on.

Just without toilet paper.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

I can now proudly contribute some body work advice.


My new lodger bought a Diahatsu Sirion for the price of some COVID-19 bog roll.

All four doors and pretty much every panel is damaged.

But its silly low mileage but he just wanted a disposable motorway mile muncher.

So when he moved in, this was the passenger door accident repair.

Big strip of door missing outright.

Old repairs showing their age.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psisfjzvf2.jpg

Cleaned up

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...pshdqadpxu.jpg

Bathroom silicone to just add bulk and stabilise the hole.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3uapiglf.jpg

Followed by layers of black Ducktape.

Then “tidied up” with silver Ducktape over the black

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...ps3g0ju5kw.jpg


Should be good for many more miles now.


Bodge it and Scarper.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Random Covid-19 update.

Last two weeks have been hectic.

Working from home 100% sucks.

Non stop training, video conferences etc.

Being observed from afar........ not impressed with the video spying tbh.

The previous week we had a web conference of 300 people.

Mostly we are between 15-35 at a time.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pso4hvikcg.jpg

Deceptive weather last week, with a distinct chill and a few days of frost early morning.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvf8abcd3.jpg


One of the things I needed to get my head around being in lockdown is that I am not getting the exercise I am used to daily.

So I now try to find 2 miles a day of random field/farm walking.

Using the Map my Walk app, it gives all sorts of info including a complete elevation tracker, showing any hills etc.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pso3n5xdah.jpg

I have been able to see very different views around where I live.

Like this church, now a home, with its own graveyard, seen from the rear walking through the horse paddock.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psz3knxbqk.jpg

Farmers work solo, cows continue to need feeding, so we can have steak on our plates.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psxvonu2cp.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1ctltqyy.jpg

Thames river and South end Essex over to the left of the pic.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdak8zmve.jpg

Good news from Dennis in St Louis who lost Mollie his one dog last year, as unnamed new boy soon to join their family.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshp0f9mlp.jpg



In the spirit of good neighbourliness my doorbell rang Friday afternoon, and I found a present from Mickey and Wendy next door.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psp8qhberh.jpg

Who said only the old needed care?

Steak n kidney pie and veggies, drowned in gravy.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psz15tfivl.jpg


So life is still good,


We need to continue to be sensible and ensure we do as much as possible to slow this virus down, and protect all our service industries, drivers, cleaners, healthcare, food, friends.

Be safe out there.



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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

[quote author="@ritchie" source="/post/2580427/thread" timestamp="1585239905"]This just got a couple seconds of fame in the latest Donut vid.

https://youtu.be/TkKayJqPRO8[/quote]


Seems my old 1963 Transit has just broken cover on another YouTube type channel.

I do not watch or follow the Donut videos, but may take a look as he reminds me a bit of Steve Irwin the nature guy with his energy and crazy excitement.

Me driving it near home years ago possibly as part of a video made for its sale advertisement.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psi9z9bab4.png

Crappy screen grab off the video.

Funny how these little things make us grin.



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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Continuing this rambling random photo diatribe....

Dennis sent pics over the weekend of his floor in the workshop.

Wet....... as it does every year when temperatures change, what would you call this, other than a PITA.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps1olkycnr.jpg

Part of the roll cage out again, while he makes the seats fit the cab.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pstfe6skkh.jpg

Cab off, cab on, cab off......

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psoptvs6hr.jpg

Chassis with one of the exhausts hanging out under tha chassis.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdudsqcqj.jpg

Friday I also ended up feeling really out of sorts, including getting the chills in a big way.

So I made a fire, that was not a bad idea.

Except nobody/cat to share it with.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshq6ku071.jpg



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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

In other random news.


Over in Oklahoma, Andy is self isolating with Hershey the dog, and catching up on a load of chores and tasks.

He has been making a load of castings, working on the alchemy that makes his Alu-bronze pieces.

As you can see, a lot of incomplete, and weirdly, they continue to be my favourites

Can you see the difference in the two pics?



http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psgeau1l7t.jpg


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...psstfb24jl.jpg



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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

I had a Highlights subscription when I was a kid, there was always a "Spot the differences" page w/2 pics. Obviously I didn't learn anything.

Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Hi mate,

One of the plaques are buffed, well, wire brushed.



Another walk

And the church converted to a home from a different angle.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslnweprqq.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps89r4ng4e.jpg

Getting there.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psg65jslcu.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psi3mekp1h.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psk1ylj0ov.jpg

Not bad for a quick hours lunchtime walk.

Charlie finishing off another field.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslgwlb1pu.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psodckvunr.jpg

Then back to more online training, meetings about meetings and whatever else


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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Long overdue carving.

This COVID 19 pandemic has allowed me to take a bit of time to create a Tiki Racer garden ornament.

Inspired by Mr Tiki, nd a toy I bought t a boot fair years go.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psvluymsk0.jpg

So I went down to my -lie of blocks.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8katvjr0.jpg

Pulled a special one out/

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psalxjaqut.jpg

Basic design

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbyv8nmlu.jpg

Excess cut away.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9iozuyau.jpg

Of course cutting this part between the wheels will be interesting

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbozl872m.jpg

Baby steps.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskhohvjjd.jpg

Seat cut out.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pslxxtkh9i.jpg

Quick prototype Tiki driver from an off cut.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmcmxzfxe.jpg

Shaped.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pssax1kenu.jpg

And in place.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...ps2npyjxcc.jpg

At this point I come inside.

Tomorrow the hard part starts, carving and defining the wheels, recessing the drivers cab and seat.

Plus getting the front and rear curves just right.

Later.




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Re: GRIZZ’s ‘79 - 2WD BLAZER Challenge over in London, England. “~It’s not a Project
 

Part 2

Cutting the block to get the wheels standing out.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pshx1xo5vq.jpg

Bit chilly on the drive early morning

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...pskyhajwbb.jpg

Filleted.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psbda3pnix.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psi1vhujsj.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psmwt4yibt.jpg

Carefully trimming away bit by bit.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psgbtbtdww.jpg

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psdysym6e6.jpg

Plan was to make the race number a 19 but the 9 is hard to do with the material so 7 it is.

https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psszjrgtro.jpg


Lots of time spent fine tuning and getting it just right today.


Done


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psrejk48hl.jpg


https://i294.photobucket.com/albums/...psjafbeftp.jpg


Quite happy with how it all come out.


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