Steering wheeeeeeeel

 

Test fit with the original bushing

Some polished and painted parts for the doors

The assembled steering wheel. I like the way it turned out. Not perfect, but way better than I anticipated.

L471

 A little painting and assembly. The handbrake and turnsignal are still left to do, but the rest looks stuning. I especially like the steering lock, it was fun to finally finish it.

A quick morning fix before the painting.

Test fit right before the base coat.

During assembly

The finished piece

From the front. It turns like a dream, the key is a temporary one, made by a locksmith since the original one has been lost ages ago by the previous owner

Slow weekend

 

Small steps forward

 I did not have much time in the last weeks so the progress is small but at least not zero. Hood is getting together fine, I mounted the lock and handle together with the trim and crest. I also started to put on the sealings. 

Some progress on the assembly

Since the weather has turned to spring/summer I also allocated some time to spend in the garrage. I started to assembling the bug and had some small progress on the dashboard. It is uplifting to see how beautiful it get together, it again confirmed that the color selection went very well, the mango and chorome are the perfect match! 

I also put on some sealing and door locks but missed to take pictures. Next bit step is the new brak system and the refurbinishing/assembling of the stearing mechanism. I try to speed up with it a bit and put it back to road this year. 

The bug has a coat

 

The interior is painted!

    So this moment finally has came. Hard to belive that we are reached this phase after a so lengthy and painfull journey! The interior, trunk and engine bay are painted along with some small parts (dashboard grills, tail light housing, radio plate off, etc.). I could not resist to put together the snowflakes immediately, they look stunning in their shiny new coat and with nos Hella lenses together with rechromed rings and brand new bearings! 

    Next is the rest of the body, the car is going to be delivered soon to the painting chamber where it will get the final twicking and preparation and of course the finishing coats as well. It won't be a show and shine car for sure, the body work would not let us to get to that level, probably it won't win any prize or praise, but fuck it, let it be usable and fun even with its many issues and ugly details. 

    Once the paintjob will have been done we would deliver the pan to a shop to get a refurbinished break system (it got old and drain during the long stand by period) as well as the periodically accurate chromed pedals, painted gearshifter and handbreak.