With a whole pile of 2CV and Caterham parts under the tree waiting for me, I just want to get cracking and fit them now!

I now have all the parts I want for the Caterham (for now anyway) to make it a lean mean fun machine, so after my exam I'll be popping the diff out of the car and giving it to Phil at R&R to work his magic in the New Year. While he's working on that, I'll be fitting the Apollo tank and I have new seals and a temperature sender for that purpose. It's always hairy drilling holes in the chassis but I'll manage! At a later date I'll find an ON-OFF-ON switch so I can wire in the temperature sender to see oil and water temperature on the dash. A nifty but fiddly job!

I also intend to document the process so I can put it on my How To page, which has been woefully neglected this year...

Parts gathering for the 2CV is also well underway. I have some new seat covers, so will be recovering them once I source some good, firm foam to go under them, and new rear lights to replace the gaffer-taped-up ones I currently have. They have lasted well, being 32 years old in a few months. I also got myself new bushes for the gear change mechanism - this will, I'm sure, improve the gear change no end!

Next up, wheels. I've started making enquiries about the body work too, so it makes sense to acquire the parts bit by bit and get them all painted at the same time. New rear wings work out cheaper for GRP versions, so a good weight saving and one less thing to rust too.

I am also faced with a choice - do I stick with the lowered stance and fix the castor angle (and thus the heavier steering), or return it to standard ground clearance? I prefer the look of lowered 2CVs, but they aren't as good at off road work! Tough call.

Next update will hopefully contain news of donuts, better oiling and fancy new seats.