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.