The restoration of RT8

So December is upon us and the last post of the year is here. At the beginning of the year RT8 was a 'single deck toast rack' and at the end not only a double deck but clearly a 2RT2, so all in all a good effort. The early part of this month has seen us tackle alot of the electrics, all the wiring is now in for the lighting, brakes lights and the charging system, so whilst not very visible it has clearly been an important stage.


As can be seen from the wiring now flooding into the cab, a chunk of the month was spent on running this through. The brakes were looked at as well at this time and the tyre and wheel refitted.


The next area tackled was the lower deck saloon where the coving and side panels have been fitted. Once again the original drawings are at odds with certain features such as the seat brackets and floor traps but these have all been negotiated around and are now in place pending rexine and painting in due course.


One interesting point note on the covings is the two and in some cases three small holes around the light fitting, at the '9 o'clock' and '3 o'clock' positions on this example, (no it isn't dirt) this is actually where the springs were fitted for the wartime blackout cowls.

So this is now what the lower deck looks like as it starts to take shape. The wheelarches have been removed and will undergo some further work before being refitted permanently.


And finally a view of the side now as it continues to become less skeletal. This of course is the last posting of 2008 and whilst progress may well be slow over the festive break we will continue to chip away at this project. It certainly looks like 2009 will be the year that RT8 returns to the capitals streets after some half a century away! On that note I will wish all of you who follow this or have just randomly popped by a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2009