Katy the Devon Moonraker, body repaires

September 2005, Katy's Body Repair's Just a few of the hundreds of photographs taken this summer as we started work, replacing the lower sections of Katy's body panels. Only the first and last pictures are in the right order. Most of the underside had been waxed, the centre belly pan was like new when I took the underseal off. We found that the one sill had been replaced in 1993 (The label was still in place inside the sill). The sliding door had had a major crash repair some time ago. We also replaced the out riggers and belly pans. Then we Por 15'ed and waxoiled everything before we sealed and painted her up.

Many of you will notice that we have only done from the "B" post around to the "B" post on the other side. Well this is only phase one. Phase two will include possibly replacing the doors as they are badly rotted at the bottom. Replacing the steps as they have rotted on the back of the box section. Repaint the rest and put right those imperfections that show up when you polish the paint work up (Too many to mention as this is the first time we have done this sort of thing ourselves).

Phase three will be removing the windows putting right any problems, (Like a leaking wind screen) painting and replacing all the rubbers, that should be fun for next year!

We had only finished the first phase of the work when we had a major fuel leak on the garage forecourt. I filled her up, went and paid. Only to see fuel running out of her like mad. About a pint on the floor before she stopped leaking. Turned out to be a breather pipe that had come off the tank! We then had to drop the engine to get to it and while that was out, we took the time to drop the gear box to replace all the bushes on the gear change rod. And to save us dropping the engine again we also replaced all the fuel filler pipes and fuel lines. Two days work for a small pipe coming off!

Oh! We also ended up buying an Eriba Puck caravan during the year. Great investment as it has a heater built in (winter camping) and the fridge holds 28 cans of beer!