ENGINEERING ENDEAVOURS
LEYLAND FLEETLINE 6757 (SDA757S)
It has been a while since I last wrote a report about my Fleetline, but I will do my best to cover all the work that has taken place in the meantime.
During February 2003 work continued around the rear wheelarch chassis areas. This included Peter Murphy replacing the complete offside chassis flitch. All the steel structure has been removed around the wheelarches and replaced due to corrosion, as have the wheelarch panels. New plywood flooring was acquired, which I cut and fitted, helped by Kevin Hill. Then new Treadmaster floor covering was fitted, being renewed completely around the rear seating area. The interior has been repainted where necessary, including all the seat frames and cab area. Both upper and lower deck floors have been cleaned several times and then waxed for extra protection. All the original red seating trim has been located and fitted. Prior to fitting, all the seats were cleaned and polished; some required minor repairs.
All road wheels have been removed; the wheelarches have been cleaned, protected and then painted. Whilst the wheels were removed they also had rust removal treatment, following which they were repainted into original black.
During the winter I carried out some electrical work. First of all the rear indicators required rewiring. Also the rear multiplug sockets that supply power to the rear lights were far past their best and required total replacement. The engine has received a full service, which included an oil change and all new filters. The fan drive shaft was also replaced prior to a road test in readiness for a steam clean of the underside.
During February 2004, 6757 travelled to Inkberrow to visit Dudley’s Coaches for a steam clean and returned somewhat lighter, leaving a large amount of 1970s, 1980s and 1990s road dirt on the forecourt! A return to Wythall followed by a pit inspection and the underside was ready for painting. Some areas were rust treated before the underside and engine areas received a coat of silver chassis paint.
The fibreglass engine bonnet had begun to show signs of age and a replacement was traced and fitted. All of the main body windows were fitted with new rubber section acquired from East Lancs (off the shelf!). Allied Rubber, based in Smethwick, produced the white locking strip, which was fitted in May 2004.
In March 2004, 6757 moved into the paint shop in order for Kevin Hill to carry out the full repaint into WMPTE livery. Prior to this, over the past two and half years with assistance from a number of people I have almost repanelled all the outer body panels and the underbody has been coated with protection. All the body pillars below the lower deck windows were replaced prior to refitting panels. The remaining original panels were paint-stripped, as were the window pans. The emergency door was also repaired as required, due to a small amount of corrosion.
New Herzim moulding with light blue insert was found and fitted. Most of the WMPTE transfers were remade in a non-varnish fix variation whilst the vehicle was being painted. A coat of grey body primer was applied, followed by two undercoats, then a further two topcoats of paint. The transfers and logos were applied before the final varnish coat.
6757 was outshopped fully internally and externally restored in time for the Two Museums Day at the end of May 2004. An original set of 1970s Coventry WMPTE blinds is yet to be located, so a set of Acocks Green blinds has been fitted at this time.
Following this, the vehicle was inspected by John Townshend to establish what work was now required for an annual test. Work to the front and rear brakes has been identified, along with both nearside and offside kingpins, which are worn. These parts have since been found via Andy Hale at the WM Bus Preservation Society in Bewdley. Work for the test is currently ongoing, so watch this space!
LEYLAND FLEETLINE 6311 (KON311P)
In April 2004, 6311 was due for its annual test, and minor work was required following inspection. The batteries have been replaced, while the rear offside tyres were recut by Alex Potts. An air leak was identified in the windscreen wipers. This was rectified, following the replacement of a pipe fitting. Two small oil leaks were identified on the engine; these have also been cured. The rear end of the underside was also cleaned and repainted silver prior to submitting for test.
On 10 April 2004, 6311 attended Pathfinder Masons for a Class VI Test, which resulted in success. The vehicle examiner commented on the high standard of maintenance and appearance of the vehicle. Lovely vehicles these BaMMOT Fleetlines!
Since its test, 6311 has attended both Chasewater and Aston Manor open days during the months of June and July 2004. An overhaul of the fuel system is planned during August 2004 ready for use on August Bank Holiday at the Museum’s Big Operating Day.
LEYLAND ATLANTEAN 1790 (JKW790W)
During March 2004, 1790 was submitted for an annual test, which resulted in success. Prior to this an electrical fault on reverse gear required months (!) of attention. An engine oil change was also carried out following replacement of an oil pipe. Minor repairs were needed to the hinge in the nearside engine bustle. (Good idea spring bustles, until the hinge drops off!)
Following its test, 1790 was used on the car park shuttle service on the Two Museums Day, during which one of the low air pressure switches gave up and needed immediate replacement. (No worries – got one in stock!) It is planned to use 1790 at the end of August during the Big Operating Day, before a trip to Sheffield in September for the rally at Meadowhall.
James Munro
LEYLAND LEOPARD 5212 (5212HA)
Scraping off the flaking paintwork has continued with a lot of effort expended on the curved roof panels where around four different advertisements had been painted over each other. All the bodywork has now been sanded down flat except for the very centre of the roof panels, which are to be dealt with very shortly. Grey primer is to be applied to the entire roof (and a few other bare metal patches) during the next two weeks or so.
Bob Williamson
Chapel Lane, Wythall, Worcs B47 6JX
Tel : 01564 826471 e-mail us
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