Tag Archives: number plate box

13/3/2021

The long gap between the previous entry and this one is largely due to the time it has taken to complete  the rear number plate box that incorporates the single rear stop light and the combined tail light/number plate light.  The work comprised the following tasks:

  • stripping the chrome off the brass porthole light lens holders and then polishing the brass to a good shine
  • Drilling the steel box for the mounting screws
  • Making a new face plate to hold the portholes
  • Fitting new lampholders to the wooden batten that is screwed inside the box behind the face plate
  • Painting and wiring the batten
  • Making and fitting a reflector to the batten
  • Mounting the batten in box
  • Painting the box, cream on the outer side and blue on the inside
  • Forming the beading that surrounds the number plate box
  • Drilling and countersinking the screw holes in the beading

In order to wire the batten  I had to consider the wiring in the boot in general so devised the circuit and cable layout for all the rear lighting and the boot light.  I also drilled the large holes for the rear indicators in the waist rail either side of the number plate box.

Whilst waiting for paint to dry on the number plate box project, I stripped and primed the beading for the front destination box.  I also removed the rear reflectors from the old boot door skins and salvaged the actual  reflectors for reuse.  I removed the scratches from these on the polishing machine and then prepared and spray painted black two new frames for the glasses.

Today I was able to install the new number plate box  in the opening in the frame above the boot doors.  The beading and face plate need to be fitted and painted before the job is complete.

 

23/5/2020

I spent the last two days trimming and trial fitting the replacement horizontal timber under the rear window.  Late yesterday I finally had it in position, including the new left upright for the registration number box opening.  Today I finished screwing and gluing it all together and some profile sanding.  All that remains on this part of the job is some cosmetic finishing inside the bus, although that is all mostly hidden by the back seat.

The next job is to reseal the rear window and install the sill timber between the glass and the new horizontal.

16/5/2020

Yesterday was spent manufacturing the three pieces of timber that make up the left-hand end of the surround for the registration number box, an intricate job.  The vertical part of this supports the horizontal frame rail under the rear window and the last remnants of this were removed at the end of yesterday.

Today I attempted to make the piece that supports the window glass from the interior.  I made the first attempt out the last piece of ash from Footes Lane but was unable to successfully cut this to the correct size.  The second attempt I made out of Iroko and is looking better but not yet complete.  As usual there is some variation in the dimensions along the length of the original piece which makes it difficult to make an accurate replacement.