[TR] Chroming and Other Resto-Disasters

[cole.jw at comcast.net]

 I have been mostly quiet on the list recently, but it doesn't mean nothing is happening. I last reported in when I got my 1972 TR6 back from the paint shop. 

 I have been reinstalling parts and waiting for my bumpers. I pick them up from the plating shop on Friday. Two months and $1,165 for all sections of the rear bumper, the front bumper and license plate light cover. It's supposed to be a show-quality plating job. I'll know tomorrow.

 The whole process has been plagued with problems that should not be. Seat padding and convertible top back-ordered, but no one bothered to tell me. They just didn't show up. I had to call for that little tidbit.

 I was forced to use some of my old rubber seals, even though I bought new ones from Victoria British. It seems that every rubber part I get from them is too short. Even the replacement passenger's side crash pad was 2" too short, leaving a gap. Judging by the labels on the bags, they should have called it Victoria Taiwanese. Oh well. That's part of what makes a restoration a challenge, huh?

 After all of this fun, I sure hope the bumpers look good. I am still on track to have this TR6 on the road for summer. Maybe with old seat upholstery and no top, but on the road, nonetheless.

Jerry