Welcome back to Project Purdey! Week 11 has been a whirlwind of bodywork repairs, frustrating dilemmas, and unexpected discoveries. While progress is never as straightforward as we’d hope, each challenge is a step closer to transforming Purdey into a rally-ready icon. Let’s dive in.
Winging It (For Real)
The focus this week was on Purdey’s wings—and they’ve seen better days. The passenger-side wing was especially challenging, sporting a deep crease and a dented front panel. Despite Chris’s valiant first attempt at hammering out the damage, it’s still uncertain whether this panel can be salvaged or if we’ll need a replacement.
Do the team embrace the imperfections as “battle scars” or opt for a pristine, repaired look? It’s a tricky call, especially since matching new panels with existing ones isn’t always seamless. For now, the jury is out.
Off to Paint
One of the week’s highlights was loading Purdey’s parts—including the freshly stripped door tops—into Priscilla (our trusty Disco 2) for their journey to the paint shop. Transporting these pieces without damaging them was a nerve-wracking challenge, but we managed to get them there safely. With the bonnet, rear door, and one wing ready for paint, Purdey is inching closer to looking complete.
The Roof Revisited
After last week’s fiasco with Purdey’s roof, we approached the refitting process with a more methodical mindset. Thanks to Jonathan’s guidance, we followed a “formula” to align and secure the roof properly. The key takeaway? Bolt placement is critical, and patience is your best friend when it comes to aligning Land Rover bodywork.
Now, with the roof snugly in place, Purdey is finally starting to look like a proper car. It’s a surreal transformation after months of staring at a bare chassis.
Dilemmas on Rock Sliders
Towards the end of the week, attention shifted to the rock sliders. The set we picked for Purdey is much larger than those on Priscilla, sparking a debate about whether they’re the right fit for a classic rally aesthetic. While they’re undoubtedly sturdy and practical, their size feels a bit modern and bulky. For now, the decision is on hold until the rest of the bodywork is assembled.
The Journey to Onam
A midweek road trip to Onam saw us collecting a long-awaited windscreen from Landy Point. The team there has been instrumental in sourcing parts for Purdey since our rally adventures began in 2018. It was great to visit them in person, catch up on Land Rover news, and bring back the glass needed to complete Purdey’s cabin.
Small Steps, Big Progress
While the week ended with lingering questions about the wings and rock sliders, there’s no denying the progress. The addition of the roof and the anticipation of freshly painted panels have transformed Purdey from a work-in-progress into something resembling the rally-ready vehicle we envision.