With the roadworthiness test looming just a week away, the team dove into another action-packed stretch of work under sunny skies and signs of spring.
The week began with the fiddly task of fitting the seats and harnesses—especially tricky due to the crotch strap placement that required routing under the seats and protection against sharp edges. With some creative re-use of edge trim, the job got done.
Although not mandatory for the CT (French MOT), sponsor stickers started to appear on Purdey’s bodywork—because the rally spirit never sleeps!
Next up was the diff lock tunnel modification. With the roll cage blocking the normal heater control location, Chris and Helen got to work custom-fabricating a transmission tunnel cover using fiberglass matting and polyester resin—a technique Chris picked up from his boatbuilding days. Once cured and trimmed, it got a coat of paint and was mounted in place.
Meanwhile, it was time to grease the swivels, which required jacking the car and removing wheels to access the grease points. That, plus a snug fit of the new transmission cover, brought us one step closer to test readiness.
Back inside, the team began cutting into the custom dashboard to mount switchgear. With help from Fred the cat, the first holes were cut, switches inserted, and wiring began. The arrival of some colored pop rivets and a batch of UK plates (required for the CT) added some flair and compliance.
New warning lights were tested and installed—red for oil pressure, yellow for diff lock—and Chris kept up the wiring momentum, even while Helen took calls with Marcela to plan the final strategy. The team also tapped and installed the rear recovery point and swapped out damaged vents for brand new ones.
Marcela’s map light was added with a dashboard switch and clever ceiling mount for dark rally nights. Supplementary fuse panels were mounted under the dash, and a final round of seal fitting and ignition testing followed. All signs were positive—oil pressure light, voltage, and a solid fit for switches.
The bonnet safety catch spring arrived just in time, and final touches were added around doors and seals. All that remained was collecting the last few components—a switch housing, a relay, and some hardware—from a UK delivery.
With the second seat and its harnesses set to go in the next day, Purdey was nearly ready. Tuesday is the big day—the CT test that marks a major milestone in this build.
So, fingers crossed, everyone! The team is excited, exhausted, and full of hope. If you’re rooting for Purdey too, give this episode a big thumbs up—and don’t forget to hit subscribe if you haven’t already.
Thanks for joining the journey. Next week: test day!