During March & April, I pressed on with my list. The trouble was, it seemed to be getting longer!

This is what was left to do:
 • Dash
 • Clocks - Fit Brighter Bulbs
 • Exhaust - Repack Silencer
 • Lock Suspension Joints
 • Coolant - Renew & Check Thermostat
 • Oil Change
 • Tappets
 • ICE
 • Fit Surrey Top

Dash
With the Dash still out of the car, I turned to the Capri Clocks. For starters, the illumination wasn't very bright. After a bit of searching on eBay, I managed to get hold of some brighter bulbs. Just the job. The revamp of the Capri Clocks was finished off. Much neater I think - and I was back on the road!

Exhaust - Repack Silencer
The Robin Hood Silencer is a noisy little thing, so I considered a Bike Can. First though, I thought I'd have a go at re-packing it. I cut a letter-box hole in the underside of the silencer and pulled out the original wadding. There were gaps in the wadding and generally, it didn't seem to be very well packed at all. Maybe it shifts about during use? Anyway, I re-packed it with some fresh material, not being sure on how tight it should be and sealed it all up again with a piece of stainless and rivnuts. It seems quieter than before, well for the time being anyway!

Lock Suspension Joints
For this, I drilled down through the studs at an angle starting just above the nut. I did it this way so that if I ever replaced the nut, I wouldn't have to drill a fresh hole in the studs and weaken them further. Finally a split pin to secure. I'm pretty sure they'll be OK now.

Service Items
The coolant was drained off and a fresh thermostat fitted. Oil changed and Tappets checked.

ICE
Getting near to the end of the list now. I embarked upon fitting some In-Car Entertainment. This comprised of an Amp and a couple of speakers. Sounds fantastic, but pretty futile I'm afraid above 60mph. Ho hum, it keeps me company at the Shows :-)

Talking of which, I attended the Stoneleigh Show in May. Camped overnight and the weather just about held during the days. As usual, a good time was had by all.






Surrey Top
I'd acquired a Surrey Top some time ago (Thanks Peter!) and had forgotten all about it. After starting on a bit of a clear-out in the garage, it turned up, so I decided to fit it. Didn't take too long. I utilised the same fixings on the top of the windscreen, got some rod for the back and the job was done. It all looks and functions quite well.



Numerous other Bits 'n Bobs done over the last few months. Too many to mention and a couple still to do but they can wait for a while.

The Sierra 3-Speed Heater Fan and improved ducting works well and was worthwhile doing.

The new suspension is a dramatic transformation. The car feels much more stable now and soaks up bumps that previously were quite a jolt.

I can't believe it's one year on since SVA & DVLA. The car is settling in really nicely, although you can never say it's finished.

Most importantly, still racking up the miles. Nearly 7,000 now towards the end of May and still enjoying every minute. Summer's here!