Following a hectic morning chasing around after further “lost” parts I finally got the remaining spring hanger bushes. I spent the afternoon fitting them, painting the front part of the chassis, wheels, bumper and hubs then greasing the front springs and kingpins. Assembly complete apart from the wheels which are left off until the brakes are bled. Like new, lubbly jubbly.

This Friday Tina and Glenn took pity on a poor old soul and came down for a few days to help put the Beast back in its cage. Spares ordered well in advance failed to arrived, (actually delivered to the wrong address) but we got them eventually. Glenn worked like a man possessed and managed to get the spring hanger bushes done and the new brakes assembled, just leaving odds and sods for me to tidy. So by the time the MOT gets done I shall be ready for the of in Sept (when the garden requires very...

At 61 I do not feel old, however whilst trying to repair the beast for MOT it has become obvious I am, no strength left, memory abysmal and tired out. Having tried several of my existing jacks to lift the van I have resorted to buying a new 12 ton jack which was supposed to make life easier. However in order to repalace spring hangers the weight has to be lifted off the wheels so supporting with axle stands on the chassis is necessary, so now I find the axle stands won't take the weight and start...