bellett.net

Sanding the boards, ready for oiling.
I filled the faults with clear epoxy first. The boards are back out to be sealed all round.
Step by step.
Matt.

Looks brand new. Great work.

Thanks Neil.
Had a fine day with no wind, so whipped the tray back off and put some primer on that bare metal. Then back on it went, ready for the boards to go back in.
Got some extra paid work this week, which is good, but time consuming!

Ah well, still a few weeks to go.
Matt.

So looking forward to see her down the track!!

Josh

Finally got those boards all oiled up and fixed in place. Joy! Lights all sorted and everything works, even the original reversing light! Just had to solder the wires back on to the switch in the gearbox. And there is more cause for celebration.

Fiddly jobs to do now, like fit up some inertia reel seatbelts. Just not comfortable without them.
And stuff like replace door seals, get fuel guage working, etc.
Happy day.
Matt.

And registered already.
Good to go for nationals then? We will have matching trays (if I get my Wasp back together)

Yes mate, everything works and he drives well. Good spot on the plate, I was pretty excited. Just fiddly stuff now, and things I don't really have to do like the loading board. I don't have time to fix the dents and put colour on there, but theres always next year for full completion.
I'm just keen to get him out and about with his mates. Just a couple of weeks now, get into those fix ups, we need Wasps!
Matt.

Fantastic job Matt, looks amazing.
Would have loved to be there to see it in person.

Josh

Matt.....that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Great job.
Mark

Thanks Mark, its been mostly fun!
Had my first shakedown run on Wednesday, to a mates place 5km away. Oil ran freely from the rear gearbox seal. Coolant ran almost as freely from the Waterpump bearing. So I rang my local Autopro. He said he could have a waterpump next morning, and he did! I thought I would have to match up a gearbox seal, but he had a listing and had one on the shelf! Handy having that 2R Corona motor and box in there at the minute.

Got home yesterday to find Dave (dave NQ) and Joe visiting on their way to Griceys. This morning they helped me fit the seal and find some proper tailshaft bolts to replace the daggy whitworth ones that came out.
Got the old waterpump off this arvo, and the newie will go on in the morning.
A few new tyres on Wednesday and we should be good to go.
Matt.

Waterpump fitted and all good. A few more odd jobs and it was time for a run to town for some tyres. Its amazing the difference new radials make. The trip in was pretty steady as the old rags were pretty hard and crackly.
Now it rides better, steers better and goes better.

Got the re covered seats in there. Yeah, they're bright, but Dobby likes bright colours. And like Dougie the tyre service guy said, they'll bed in. Just needs a few thousand kays worth if bums.
So he went great all the way home, but then he wouldn't idle. So tomorrow brings a carb investigation. Ah well better now than on the road to Mudgee.
Matt.

An amazing Job Matt. I have allocated a special spot for Dobby on Saturday at the Show N Shine!!!

Pictures of Dobby on the road to Hill End

........and HEAPS of 'em

When Dobby pulled into Hill End it was to the applause and cheers of all his adoring fans, none more enthusiastic then Mr Terry Hill

Who are those guys in your elf pinching. 44 gallon drums of petrol. Ha ha

funny how the guy in the cab has the safety helmet the other 2 have caps but they look cool ha ha love your elf farmer

Stickman, that is a lot of pics of Dobby! Thanks for taking and posting them all. I have to say I like looking at him, and driving him. It would be nice though, if everyone else on the road liked driving at 80 km/h, because thats his comfort speed. Over that things get a bit loud and a bit bouncy.
My next tasks with him are to make the exhaust quieter and get some padding in the cab.
Highlights of the weekend include seeing Dennis sit in him, 48 years on from the last time I saw him in his one, and seeing you in there too. You just look right.
Fun weekend!
Matt.

'moking is definitely an Elf 'azard and those suicide doors would hit you in the bum on your way out.

PM me a postal address Matty and I'll send you full size copies on a USB (I have more pics than that of Dobby ) inc a couple that Peggy sent me of Donkey and Dobby driving together too