Observatory's Restoration 60s Ambassador Viscount D919

[Observatory]

More alignment correcting: 

• placed a 3 inch long strip of this 4mm Tas. oak under the back cladding (just below the wrap around); to get the cladding to kink to the left (looking from rear). It worked
  

[Observatory]

Router fun continues:

• Trusty horseshoe file in action. 
  
• Test fit for window frame. 
  

  

[Observatory]

Making the guard corners out of some 24mm thick hardwood scraps.   

• using the guard cladding as a template
• used an angle grinder with flap wheel to get the concave.
  
  

 

[dayno]

Well I must say I'm impressed with the reno observatory. I shall be keeping an eye on this thread for more hints and tips. Good work mate. It's very inspiring for my part Reno on my 65 Caravelle.

[Observatory]

Thanks dayno....  I'm just having a go (and making plenty of mistakes along the way).  Learnt a lot so far and ain't out of the woods yet. 

Cheers,
Pete

[Observatory]

Prep. and more prep... cleaning up the corner moulds.. 

• before and after
• EDIT 2/1/15 ..and prepped corner moulds and window trims
  

 

[Observatory]

Found these coins when removing the sink..  Decimalisation occurred on 14th Feb. 1966 yet still circulated at the value of 5cents after this date.  Therefore not a definitive date indicator but some indication none the less. 

• more prep. pulling lots of staples
  

[Observatory]

A couple of coats of Antique White USA low sheen interior and pretty close to getting the window trims in. 

• used Sika fine surface filler for the panel seams
  

 

[mibosa]

Hi Pete, did you apply the paint with roller, spray gun or some other method? Any primer, or was your paint designed for both? Regards, Bob

[Observatory]

Hey Bob, 

• Cut in with a 1 inch brush
  
• Rolled with a 75mm 10mm Nap roller no primer - yes paint designed for both (light sand with 240 grit in between coats)
  

I originally started painting with an exterior paint (for durability) but stuffed up with the colour pigment and got biege

Cheers,

Pete

[mibosa]

Okay Pete, thanks for that info. At the rate your are progressing I look forward to seeing your van in Adelaide in February, asking a few questions and getting a few ideas!!! Regards, Bob.

[Observatory]

• Window trims screwed in with good outer facings for new wrap arounds. 
  
• Exterior walls now have a clear coat - 1 litre of varnish.  (thanks Gordon I'll have to write you another cheque )
  

   

[Observatory]

Prepping and painting...

[cobber]

Pete, can you slow down a bit mate ?  you're making me feel old   

You seem to get more work done in a day than I do in a week, she's looking good though 

Cobber.

[DC3Td]

Gday Pete.Judging by how it looks up to now you might have to change the name to Conservatory. gordon

[Observatory]

Thanks Gordon, thanks Cobber I'm trying to go slower - I went slow screwing in the slot head screws which take time  

• Screwed in the splashback over the sink and the metal track for the sliding stove cover.  
• Used 4 scrap ply pieces to screw the metal track into + finished nailing in the sink from outside with 20mm flat head nails; used the old wall panels as templates to find the nailing points. 
  

[Observatory]

• Reinstating the clearance lights... EDIT: 4/5/15 also added dedicated earths from the front, side marker lamps - back to the junction plug under the bench seat.  Reason for this: the added damp course over the Z-rails - will stop the original earth traveling through the side cladding and up to the front, side marker lamps. 
  
• Diagram I did back in August '14
  

[akeepsake]

Love a good bit of wiring ! What a great Restoration you are achieving Pete. No shortcuts here ! Keep up the good work it's a credit to you!
Cheers Andrew

[Observatory]

Thanks Andrew will do.  Rear lights now working. 

• rear shelf laminate and trim in.
  

 

[DC3Td]

Gday Pete.Always good to have a rear shelf to rest the beer on.Another way of useing as a spirit level too. gordon

[Observatory]

Cheers Gordon.  Your idea is certain to be implemented.  Is there anything beer cannot do?
And in the words of Homer J. Simpson: "to alcohol! The cause of - and solution to - all of life's problems"

Pete

DC lighting reinstated. 

• Let there be light
  

 

[Observatory]

240 volt cabling reinstated (thanks to German Chris for checking and signing off)

• 3 times GPO + 3 times lights
  

• All 240 volt replaced with new 25 Amp cable
  

 

[Observatory]

Cladding repairs - filling some (jaffa sized) holes left by electrolysis with chassis. 

• Polyester resin over fibreglass mat (applied on the inner side of cladding)
• Light sand with 120 grit (outer side )
  

 

[Observatory]

Polystyrene insulation; courteously donated by me good mate at the tip. 

• 1st cladding panel done.
• Hot knife for cutting (cuts like butter).
• Black plastic damp course stapled over the Z rail to prevent future electrolysis. (writing another cheque - this one's for Rattles )
  

 
 

[Observatory]

Clearance lights:

• Junction box to replace the old solder and lecky tape job 
• Sealed (the box tucks neatly inside the drawbar)