December. I'd hardly touched the car at all this month. The weather's been so cold. I did however, manage to drop onto a second-hand re-packable exhaust. This wasn't on the list, but it was something I wanted. The original can is just too small and too loud really. After a long run (and without earplugs) it could get quite deafening!

January. I set to fitting the replacement exhaust. The supplied connecting pipe simply wouldn't line up properly. Nevermind, off to Wunoff which is fairly local to me, for some modification. The guys there made up a new pipe for me and I was back to getting it fitted. This exhaust is quite a bit larger than the original and needs (on the express advice from Wunoff) to be supported at both ends. I fabricated up some extra bracketry for the rear mounting and some for the front mounting. I know the rear bracket looks complicated, but I needed to do it like this to prevent the whole lot from twisting. So, job all done then? No. There seemed to be a bit of a rattle and I suspected the baffle. With a bit of fiddling about and another trip to Wunoff, it was all sorted. Not sure if it'll be quieter (surely it must be) but it sounds much more mellow. Not back on the road yet, but I'm sure it's going to be fine. I really cannot praise enough the guys at Wunoff. Their workmanship, friendliness and customer service is excellent. A top bunch of guys. Good cuppas too!

February. The last two months went by pretty quickly, so I needed to crack on. First up was the Valve Stem Oil Seals. I managed to borrow a Valve Spring Compressor. The type that does the job with the head on and in conjunction the 'Indian Rope Trick'. Never done it like this before, but I followed the advice as detailed on the Northwest Owners Website and it all went without a hitch.
I did the tappets and fitted a new spray bar too, whilst the Rocker Cover was off.

I fitted my replacement clutch cable OK, so now I've got a spare.

I also drained the coolant. The thermostat was OK, so just needed a new Temp Sender.

I didn't get around to the other jobs on the list, but they're not that important. Apart from of course, the oils, which I'll do once I've had a good run out in March.

So, spring is almost here! I've really missed driving the car while it's been on SORN, but the waiting's over and I'm looking forward to getting out and about again. There's a few trips in the pipeline already. Chocks away!