Vehicle progress page.
EJR129W. 4th May.
4.5.11
3529 now sports new lower windscreens.
the interior has been thoroughly cleaned out and work has been focused on preparing the bus to bring it up to MOT standard.
21.3.11
Fred and Mick have been busy fixing various leaks so now this is done 3529 now has working power steering again.
The engine bay has been cleaned primed and painted.
2 new windscreens have been fitted.21.2.11
Fred and Micky W were busy working on 3529 all day yesterday.
They have fixed the gear problems which turned out to be low flywheel oil. After being filled with fresh oil the bus does not slip any of its gears and drives very well.
3529 now sports new lower windscreens.
the interior has been thoroughly cleaned out and work has been focused on preparing the bus to bring it up to MOT standard.
21.3.11
Fred and Mick have been busy fixing various leaks so now this is done 3529 now has working power steering again.
The engine bay has been cleaned primed and painted.
2 new windscreens have been fitted.21.2.11
Fred and Micky W were busy working on 3529 all day yesterday.
They have fixed the gear problems which turned out to be low flywheel oil. After being filled with fresh oil the bus does not slip any of its gears and drives very well.
C656LFT. 2nd May.
2.5.11
656 was due to attend to the Metro Centre rally on the 1stof may but due to a throttle issue we had to withdraw the bus from the event and the plan is to source a replacement throttle valve asap.3.2.11
Lee and Keith paid a visit to PVS Barnsley and stripped some windows and seats backs from C631 and 639LFT to help with the restoration work on 656.
24.1.11
656 has developed a lazy throttle so work is starting to see what is causing the problem.
5.1.11
Wednesday seen Lee and Mark run 656 along to the local VOSA testing station at Sandy Lane where the bus past its class 5 mot with flying colours.
UVK290T. 3rd May.
3.5.11
290 is now fully roadworthy having flew through its MOT 2 weeks ago.
The next job on the "to do" list is to remove the gearbox and replace the crankshaft oil seals to cure an oil leak.
28.3.11
Keith has been very busy preparing 290 for its up and coming MOT.
290 now has front foglights pay as you enter sign, brand new "D" windows fitted, new slider window, fleet numbers fitted.
The body has been fully cleaned and polished and the wheels repainted.
24.1.11
Keith has removed the drivers side rear upper window ready to fit a slider in its place.
The window had been replaced with a plain unit at some time in its life.
Keith is on the hunt for a new set of fog lamps to fit back into the pods on the front panel.
290 is now fully roadworthy having flew through its MOT 2 weeks ago.
The next job on the "to do" list is to remove the gearbox and replace the crankshaft oil seals to cure an oil leak.
28.3.11
Keith has been very busy preparing 290 for its up and coming MOT.
290 now has front foglights pay as you enter sign, brand new "D" windows fitted, new slider window, fleet numbers fitted.
The body has been fully cleaned and polished and the wheels repainted.
24.1.11
Keith has removed the drivers side rear upper window ready to fit a slider in its place.
The window had been replaced with a plain unit at some time in its life.
Keith is on the hunt for a new set of fog lamps to fit back into the pods on the front panel.
OWC720M. Update 28th April.
28.4.11
We may have sourced a replacement windscreen surround and destination box so we hope to get these items fitted int he near future.
24.3.11
We have now located a brand new set of coffin style rear lights and most of the panels have been fabricated are ready to be fitted.
15.1.11
The driver side panel work is now almost complete.
Little work has been done recently due to the severe cold weather.
27.11.10
We now have the drivers side of the bus almost complete and panelled.
Work has been started on the passenger side and a fish tail exhaust pipe and original hinges for the rear side access panels have been located.
Still need to locate a windscreen surround so if anyone can help with this please do get in touch via our contact form or you can use the new group telephone number which you can find on our homepage.
6.11.10
Keith has been busy cleaning, preparing and painting the exposed panels on the RE and we now have several new outer panels fitted to the drivers side.
24.10.10
The entire offside of the Bristol has now been rubbed back and looks almost new.
Keith is busy undercoating the inner panel area and chassis in preparation for the coach builder to fit the new panels which hopefully will be done this coming week.
16.10.10.
The inner panel re work has been started by Keith. The protective paint has been removed from the nearside ready for fresh paint to be applied to ensure the bus will last for many more years.
We are currently trying to locate 2 original type Bristol RE rims as the 2 front rims have been changed at some point.
We have had some new outer panels made up ready to fit and so then we will be starting to refit the new outer panels as soon we have finished painting the inner panels.
30.9.10:
Alot of work has been done to 1812 since the last update.
The front end of the bus has been stripped out to repair some wood sections.
the entrire roof has been paint stripped back to bare metal ready for repaint.
the side panels are being removed and replaced with new items.
Thursday 29th April seen work begin on the Bristol RE.
After a good hosing down the bus now looks so much more presentable now.
The electrics have been sorted and now everything is working apart from the horn which will probably need replacing.
A brand new set of tyres are now on order.
The plan is to get the Bristol to an MOT able standard so next week will see the start of the heavy work with the brakes being overhauled firstly.
The engine needs a service and 2 lower outer panel doors need refitting once a set of original hinges have been sourced.
A window has been already sourced to replace a wooden panel which has been used to keep the bus water tight after the glass was broken a number of years ago so this should be getting fitted very soon.
We may have sourced a replacement windscreen surround and destination box so we hope to get these items fitted int he near future.
24.3.11
We have now located a brand new set of coffin style rear lights and most of the panels have been fabricated are ready to be fitted.
15.1.11
The driver side panel work is now almost complete.
Little work has been done recently due to the severe cold weather.
27.11.10
We now have the drivers side of the bus almost complete and panelled.
Work has been started on the passenger side and a fish tail exhaust pipe and original hinges for the rear side access panels have been located.
Still need to locate a windscreen surround so if anyone can help with this please do get in touch via our contact form or you can use the new group telephone number which you can find on our homepage.
6.11.10
Keith has been busy cleaning, preparing and painting the exposed panels on the RE and we now have several new outer panels fitted to the drivers side.
24.10.10
The entire offside of the Bristol has now been rubbed back and looks almost new.
Keith is busy undercoating the inner panel area and chassis in preparation for the coach builder to fit the new panels which hopefully will be done this coming week.
16.10.10.
The inner panel re work has been started by Keith. The protective paint has been removed from the nearside ready for fresh paint to be applied to ensure the bus will last for many more years.
We are currently trying to locate 2 original type Bristol RE rims as the 2 front rims have been changed at some point.
We have had some new outer panels made up ready to fit and so then we will be starting to refit the new outer panels as soon we have finished painting the inner panels.
30.9.10:
Alot of work has been done to 1812 since the last update.
The front end of the bus has been stripped out to repair some wood sections.
the entrire roof has been paint stripped back to bare metal ready for repaint.
the side panels are being removed and replaced with new items.
Thursday 29th April seen work begin on the Bristol RE.
After a good hosing down the bus now looks so much more presentable now.
The electrics have been sorted and now everything is working apart from the horn which will probably need replacing.
A brand new set of tyres are now on order.
The plan is to get the Bristol to an MOT able standard so next week will see the start of the heavy work with the brakes being overhauled firstly.
The engine needs a service and 2 lower outer panel doors need refitting once a set of original hinges have been sourced.
A window has been already sourced to replace a wooden panel which has been used to keep the bus water tight after the glass was broken a number of years ago so this should be getting fitted very soon.
AVK134V. Update 10th November.
10.11.10
Today seen Lee repair and finally refit the bonnet to the bus.
Most of the upper deck seating have been refitted and a full complement of original PTE seat backs have been sourced to go with them.
30.9.10:
134 is progressing well now we have our own warehouse to work in.
A new set of destination blinds have now been fitted,
the front panel has been removed and the front of the bus rubbed down and painted before refitting of the panel.
The front fog lights have also been trial fitted and tested.
The new wiring looms for the rear lighting has been fitted and working well.
30th of April seen Lee and Keith off to a Middlesbrough scrap metals yard to view ex Newcastle Atlantean AVK149V.
All of the upper deck seating has been removed along with several other parts for 134.
The rear lighting electrics which has been a issue since the bus was acquired in November 09 has seen some progress. The old looms have been removed from the bus and brand new original Leyland looms have sourced and will be fitted soon.
A new tail pipe has been fitted, with the wipers and washers having some attention and are now working correctly.
SCN250S. Update 3rd May.
3.5.11
250 is now fully roadworthy and attended the annual Metro Centre centre rally on the 1st of May.
23.3.11
Mick Burn had 250 along to South Tyneside council for MOT where it passed with flying colours.
18.12.10
The foot brake valve has been repaired after it was found to have an air leak and we have now noticed a bracket needing replacing on 1 of the rear leaf springs.
19.10.10
Mick has fitted exhaust gaskets to the manifold and now has 1 smooth running Atlantean.
Next job on the to do list tappet settings.
14.10.10
Mick has been busy sorting out the exhaust this week as it had corroded and snapped when we drove the bus into the new shed earlier this month.
This has now been rectified so we are expecting the bus to obtain a class 5 MOT in the near future.
30.9.10
250 has now been moved into the warehouse alongside the other vehicles where the exhaust has been removed and is awaiting a new one to be fitted.
Once this is done it is hoped the bus will able to achieve a MOT certificate.
8.6.10
250 now has her fleet names and legal applied.
The rear bonnet pods have been repaired and primed ready for a top coat.
We have acquired a brand new set of rear coffin style light units to fit once panted.
250 has been under restoration for almost a year now.
Work has been carried out a steady rate and the transformation is now hitting a critical stage with final layers of paint being applied.
250 has been in preservation for several years as "Roadcar 750" but after being acquired in May 09 the bus is being returned to its original Tyne and Wear Transport yellow and white livery.
It is hoped 250 will be ready for MOT very soon.
250 is nearing its final touches to the paintwork now. The rear corner pods are needing a little work to make them good then they will be painted and brand new light units fitted.
250 is now fully roadworthy and attended the annual Metro Centre centre rally on the 1st of May.
23.3.11
Mick Burn had 250 along to South Tyneside council for MOT where it passed with flying colours.
18.12.10
The foot brake valve has been repaired after it was found to have an air leak and we have now noticed a bracket needing replacing on 1 of the rear leaf springs.
19.10.10
Mick has fitted exhaust gaskets to the manifold and now has 1 smooth running Atlantean.
Next job on the to do list tappet settings.
14.10.10
Mick has been busy sorting out the exhaust this week as it had corroded and snapped when we drove the bus into the new shed earlier this month.
This has now been rectified so we are expecting the bus to obtain a class 5 MOT in the near future.
30.9.10
250 has now been moved into the warehouse alongside the other vehicles where the exhaust has been removed and is awaiting a new one to be fitted.
Once this is done it is hoped the bus will able to achieve a MOT certificate.
8.6.10
250 now has her fleet names and legal applied.
The rear bonnet pods have been repaired and primed ready for a top coat.
We have acquired a brand new set of rear coffin style light units to fit once panted.
250 has been under restoration for almost a year now.
Work has been carried out a steady rate and the transformation is now hitting a critical stage with final layers of paint being applied.
250 has been in preservation for several years as "Roadcar 750" but after being acquired in May 09 the bus is being returned to its original Tyne and Wear Transport yellow and white livery.
It is hoped 250 will be ready for MOT very soon.
250 is nearing its final touches to the paintwork now. The rear corner pods are needing a little work to make them good then they will be painted and brand new light units fitted.
GBB516K. Update 26th April.
26.4.11
Work is continuing to find the source of the fuel issue that has dogged 680 since we brought her back from Blackpool a year ago.
The bus was due in for test last week but due to another fuel problem the bus broke down and had to be recovered back to base.27.11.10
Work is still continuing with the preparation of the bodywork to paint the bus.
Mick has fitted a new fuel pump but found it to be faulty so the original unit has been reinstated for now.
10.11.10
Ex Northern coach painter, Mick McCalla has been back to the shed this morning to continue the prep work on 680 on Fred s behalf.
The bus is now halfway through being paint stripped and rubbed down ready for paint.
24.10.010
Mick McCalla have been busy painting stripping Freds bus and has almost completely removed the lower deck paint and undercoat.
30.9.10
The gearbox has been removed from the bus to sort out a leaking a flywheel.
We have managed to sort this and the gearbox is now back in the bus and the leak now a distant problem.
We have fitted 2 stainless steel fuel tanks to the bus in the hope this will cure the fuel contamination which was becoming a major issue with the engine stalling every time it was driven!
24.6.10
The fuel tanks from 680 are unrepairable. 1 of them was found to leaking and the other is internally corroded.
9.6.10
The fuel tanks are currently being removed from the bus as we suspect there to be foreign bodies in them.
When Fred road tested the bus last week it drove fine and did over 10 miles then suddenly cut out and would not restart.
9.5.10
Fred and Linda were hard at work again on 680 with the undercoating of of the new panels completed today.
680 is near ready to be MOT'd now.
Click "HERE" to view the restoration photos of 680's progress.
MVK538R. Update 24th October.
538 is for now being laid until we complete the repair work to our new shed and at the same trying to prepare several other vehicles for next season.
5.6.10
Today we have removed the ceiling panel, window and lower skirt panel to assess how much work will be involved with refitting the centre door to 538.
We found the wiring harness and air supply to still be in place.
The original frame work and floor are also still intact so its just a case of sourcing a pair of doors complete with poles and mechanicals.
The rear chassis and bulkhead are beginning to be transformed from a rusty oil mess to nice shiny steel again and is becoming every nearer to the stage of applying undercoat already. Hopefully next week should the rear end in undercoat then we can remake the rear panels and get them fitted in preparation of the power-pack arriving.
3.6.10
Work has been continuing on the rear bulkhead of 538 today.
The sub frame, bonnet hinges and other assorted parts are ready for shot blasting.
The next plan is to remove some of the area where the centre door used to be to inspect it for any remaining parts so we can assess what will be needed to refit the door in due course.
1.6.10
Today has some more progress being made to the rear end of the bus.
The rear lower window and outer panels have been removed to inspect the frame behind.
All is well and it just requires a clean, primed and painted before new panels are cut and fitted.
Photos have been added to the gallery as usual so click on the photo to the left to open the photo gallery!
28.5.10
Work has started on 538 today.
We have removed the rear sub frame and power washed the oil and grime off it in preparation for sand blasting and painting.
We have located 2 rear bonnet pods and these have been temporarily fitted (Mainly due to lack of space!)
We have also managed to locate a brand new set of brake drums, shoes and full exhaust system and we hope to secure these very soon.
5.6.10
Today we have removed the ceiling panel, window and lower skirt panel to assess how much work will be involved with refitting the centre door to 538.
We found the wiring harness and air supply to still be in place.
The original frame work and floor are also still intact so its just a case of sourcing a pair of doors complete with poles and mechanicals.
The rear chassis and bulkhead are beginning to be transformed from a rusty oil mess to nice shiny steel again and is becoming every nearer to the stage of applying undercoat already. Hopefully next week should the rear end in undercoat then we can remake the rear panels and get them fitted in preparation of the power-pack arriving.
3.6.10
Work has been continuing on the rear bulkhead of 538 today.
The sub frame, bonnet hinges and other assorted parts are ready for shot blasting.
The next plan is to remove some of the area where the centre door used to be to inspect it for any remaining parts so we can assess what will be needed to refit the door in due course.
1.6.10
Today has some more progress being made to the rear end of the bus.
The rear lower window and outer panels have been removed to inspect the frame behind.
All is well and it just requires a clean, primed and painted before new panels are cut and fitted.
Photos have been added to the gallery as usual so click on the photo to the left to open the photo gallery!
28.5.10
Work has started on 538 today.
We have removed the rear sub frame and power washed the oil and grime off it in preparation for sand blasting and painting.
We have located 2 rear bonnet pods and these have been temporarily fitted (Mainly due to lack of space!)
We have also managed to locate a brand new set of brake drums, shoes and full exhaust system and we hope to secure these very soon.
