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.