The latest week of Project Purdey has been a mix of small victories and frustrating challenges. The electrical gremlins are still causing trouble, and the team is convinced that a missing control box is the root of the issue. That crucial part is expected to arrive on Thursday, but in the meantime, progress continues on other key elements.
Small Wins Amid Big Challenges
With the electrical mystery on hold, attention turned to reassembling key components. The radiator installation hit a roadblock when a broken connection at the bottom was discovered, meaning a new radiator is now on order. While waiting, the team found satisfaction in small but impactful wins, such as restoring the headlight surrounds with an affordable product that brought them back to their original deep black finish.
Another critical task was installing the fuel filler assembly—a tight squeeze that required a heat treatment to ensure a snug fit. Meanwhile, in preparation for French registration, the team worked on reversing the fog and reverse lights, a modification made easier thanks to Land Rover’s straightforward wiring design (at least on earlier models!).
The team also tackled wiring through the chassis, using rods to guide cables through tight spaces. Additionally, a visit to a local metal shop secured aluminum sheets for the seat box cover, setting up another major milestone in the build process.
Unexpected Upcycling: Vacuum Cleaner Hose to the Rescue!
In a surprising twist, a vacuum cleaner hose turned out to be the perfect fit for the windscreen demister vents. With the correct tubing unavailable locally, the team repurposed this unexpected part to ensure proper ventilation—proving that sometimes the best solutions come from thinking outside the box!
The seat box storage compartment was another area of focus, with precise cutouts made to allow access while ensuring the structural integrity of the setup. Drilling, rounding off edges, and reinforcing with aluminum ensured that the section would be both functional and durable.
A Frustrating Waiting Game
Despite making progress in multiple areas, the ongoing electrical issue remains the biggest roadblock. With Santana Trophy approaching fast, doubts have crept in about whether everything can be finished in time. However, the team remains determined:
Next week brings a crucial delivery of parts, and hopefully, the missing control box will bring an end to the electrical struggle. Until then, the focus remains on getting as much done as possible.
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