27.12.16 "Lesson on Social Media"

As it is far too cold to start the respray of Austin our itchy fingers have been at work on the social media side of this business.  We never knew that there were so many outlets to get the photographic messages out there to the world.  Thanks to a canny 22 year old (Instagram Wildgazelles) we are now linked in to instagram as well as Facebook and Twitter and have been told that anyone who is anyone is seated on this platform and it WILL enhance our business and 'net' us more interest.  As you can seen from our photos we are definitely thinking outside of the box and trying out new ideas to display who we are and what we do. Yet another skill is taking shape and our newfound knowledge will also influence the website which is also taking shape but not yet live.

13.12.2016 "Austin's makeover continues"

We are desperate to start seeing Austin look more like a cream knight than a green god and couldn't resist trying out some amatuer spraying on his interior.  As previously mentioned patience is not on our list of attributes.  Austin's bare metal floor (with daylight in  areas) has been replaced with a flock carpet and his dash...well... is looking rather dashing despite only one coat and covered in masking tape to protect the various dials and knobs.  We have yet to decide on a colour for his shell but something like dove grey or pearl beige will suit him just fine.  His engine is also seeing some improvement and Mike (not the mechanic) is avidly learning about radiator systems, dynamos and such like.  Anything we can do to keep costs low is a must with this restoration project.

11.12.2016 "The cosmetic surgery is in full swing"

After a couple of weekend's off (it is nearing Christmas after all), we have spent today in our compact garage and have decided to focus on any areas of Austin we can bring immediate improvement to.  Patience is not one of our strong points and we have tired of the constance sanding and filling to an area that only appears marginally different despite the hours of effort.

Austin's bumper is an original feature and any vintage/antique enthusiast will always tell you to keep as much of this as possible to enhance the value as well as the overall appeal albeit a house you are renovating or a van!  Mike has sanding off the rust and the poor quality silver paint work and low-and-behold (it is almost Christmas and I do believe we have witnessed a miracle)... the shine underneath is remarkable.  We have yet to sand off the metal to create a more softened shell and will finish this off with some metal polishing paste (and a good buff).  We are so pleased with the result which has probably saved us in excess of £200 for re-chroming we had to share this with you.

28.11.16 "Sarah's Bling-Fest has begun!"

During the past week Mike has enjoyed getting to grips with the biggest, noisiest and most destructive power tools acceptable for a delicate metal body whilst Sarah has used the more subtle approach to improve Austin's self esteem with a much needed makeover (no sexism or gender stereotyping intended!).  His cabin has had 48 years of dirt and cobwebs cleaned away, a task that wouldn't have been misplaced in the 'I'm a Celeb..Get Me Outta Here' show.  The fun for Sarah has begun with the door cards being upcycled using faux leather (with sparkle) and ribbon beading (more sparkle). The original rivets have been sprayed antique silver and reused.  The cream-sparkle theme will be featured in many other ways within the cabin and when this is complete we will post further pictures to highlight Austin's interior facelift.

27.11.16 More mass destruction on poor Austin's armour

As the saying goes 'you can't make an omelette without breaking a few eggs'..which we certainly discovered as we have pulled little Austin to bits over the past few days.  We have only been his official owners for a week and already he has had his back doors ripped out (no pun intended) and all chrome fixtures taken away.  He is looking in a sorry state but the good news is he is officially RUST FREE.  Hours of careful sanding and filling has left Austin's suit of armour as smooth as silk.  We are really looking forward to rebuilding Austin and itching to give his amour a unique colour which will make him stand out from the Austin crowd.  His green facade is the next thing on our list to be transformed so watch this space...

20.11.16 "How to 'fill' a rainy Sunday afternoon"

Today is a typical British Autumn (cold, wet, windy) but that cannot stop us getting to work on Austin's bodywork.  Using the tutorials on Youtube for guidance we have sanded, filled, sanded, re-filled, sanded and primed and are already beginning to see an improvement.  Gaping holes in Austin's roof have been replaced with a solid exterior, making his lid watertight.  Not bad for a novice restorer. His chrome is starting to improve and the shine that once adorned his eyes is starting to return.

19.11.2016 "The Homecoming"

We were like children at Christmas today...sat looking out of the kitchen window in anticipation of our new arrival.  Austin arrived quite undignified on the back of a pick-up truck but it would have been too much to ask of him to drive over 150 miles after being cooped up in a barn since 1999.  Austin was safely driven into the garage and has already been admired by a handful of neighbours.  Now the hard work begins...

5.11.16 "Love at first sight"

5.11.16

We have been to meet Austin and we have decided he is the car for us.  He has many original features but he also has many holes and bits missing.  His chrome has seen better days and he needs more than a make-over.  He is getting delivered to our seaside home in Scarborough in 2 weeks time.  We have a list of tools and materials to buy and are frantically watching 'How-To' clips so we can learn how to sand, fill, paint and polish Austin before he is ready for his fully operating bar to be installed.