Terryz

One other update before I head off…..so the keen eyed observer will likely notice on the k73 Alfa above red ‘spats’ or inner wheel disc coverings behind the wire wheels. Why one might ask? Well….. no easy choice actually….. this was a prior build that came on three wheels with one loose wheel. RF spindle was badly aligned as well. And the prior owner had used those red discs on the 3 attached wheels. Add 30-35 years, oxidation, and an overtightened spinner or knock off. And voila….. permanently attached. At least to this inept newbie. And as some might have found, if so….. the spinner simply spins the inner hub on the spindle. Well I found no easy trick to get them loose - so that is how they remained. And I added one red disc to match.

Hello all, I am late to have noticed this unfortunate passing of Codger. I am so glad our paths crossed in this forum not long ago. He was generous with help and guidance and always pushed and strived to have others think and to try to do their absolute best. Even if we were not always in complete agreement he was so generous and caring and sharing with his knowledge and builds. I am glad he took the time to seek me out on several points and tribulations I experienced in the Rolls Sedanca Black Cat build. My attempts on the rebuild of a that prior k72 often resulted in frustration on my part. And he was always encouraging, nudging, and providing suggestions or thoughts. I’ll miss that. And if I do attempt to try and finish it I shall think fondly of him while doing it, and what he might then say. And looking at the images of that Raven Blue Cobra 428 surely brings back memories too. Seeing the work of David Cox that Codger shared with us in his last days and weeks warms the heart. And some of the added elements in those build images (I.e. 007 and James Bond and perhaps a Walter PPK) suggest I might need to do that. I had hopes to paint that k72 Sedanca in a Goldfinger yellow/gold/canary lower belt line color. And he was quite precise to tell me to watch for paint build and how it would likely affect the doors. And those doors are already ill fitting as is often found. My eyes are damp as I write and finish these words. Thanks to all and Ron thank you for helping carry some of those latter images from Mr. Cox that he had helped get to us. And God bless Codger and his family and friends prayers and thoughts are with you. God speed Codger and rest easy. Best Terry

I forgot to send these pictures of a k73 Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Spyder that I was able to rebuild. It had originally been done many years ago. The rebuild included preparing two new complete wheels (which were missing), adding a driver’s door, and many overall realignments and freshening. I was able to create the license plate simulation by use of a printer, suitable font, and reversing the color for text and background. I have always liked the visual lines of this particular kit and that car, and this is as close as I will get to owning one. Enjoy and best regards to all.

Hello all, Quick update…. I was able to find a home for the vintage Pocher k70 1/8 Fiat unbuilt kit I probably won’t get to do. So all is well there. Funds are going to college education funds. Two of them! And reading of Codger’s passing, and the wisdom he shared with me on my frustrating k72 Sedanca, gives me renewed thought to one day get back to it. I still have hope to take that “Black Cat” Rolls and paint the lower panels below the upper belt line in 007 Goldfinger yellow/canary/or mustard yellow. And to also put some nice wide white gangster white walls on it - if I can figure that out. Best regards to all.

Hello all brief update if so interested. Another item found along the road side. Pocher 1/8 k70 1907 Fiat F-2. Trailered it home and since resurrected. One advantage of a bought item, poorly packed by the shipper (not me), damaged in shipment - you can request monies back and build it as needed. Patterned the wheel color accents and the dash and floor aging off another k70 build I saw some months back. Credits really go to that unnamed builder - wish I knew who that was but I do not. Last picture shows portions of the opened spoils received early this spring. Yes I did salvage and rebuild the front suspension cross member and strengthened and stabilized it. I also had to add a plate to the outer frame surround holding the steering drive gear box; the narrow bottom red frame circular stirrup was compromised. That is also the cloth covered copper wire for the plug wires; tricky stuff to work with but used some ingenuity to work with it. And for those that know me, yes I also salvaged that broken steering wheel. It is rebuilt from the 4 or 5 pieces in the last picture. I also really like the case - very nice quality and readily shipped. Finishing up also a 1/8 k73 Alfa Romeo Gran Sport Spyder but a little ways to go. Have a case for it too when done. Hope all is well. Best regards and wishes for the summer to those interested. Time for outside work. Terry. ps Ian - no I have not binned the k72..... yet.....

Hello Ian..... thank you for checking in. Great to hear from you. Yes all is well here. And no I have not binned it. Not yet. Still tempting though :) ... but kidding aside two things really. First I surrendered the kitchen and build workplace for the kitchen/dining room floor replacement. That tear out and install took about a week and is just complete. It turned out perfect and I absolutely love it. That only took 25 years to do. And I've not returned to this. No updates on the Rolls' floor unfortunately. Second, in all honesty too, it was my impression that perhaps some of my input, approaches, or techniques and also the critiques of them were not particularly welcome or helpful. So I have somewhat retreated. Life is far too short for an unneeded or unnecessary 'fight' or what seemed to me as judgmental criticism of my apparent failings, flaws, or 'mistakes'. It is just not worth frustrating others or myself. But please do keep in touch. I've also go a k73 Alfa Spyder that I may get to some day. I am more optimistic on that one. But maybe I am again simply naive. And best wishes to you and others for the upcoming Christmas and new year holidays.

Hello all, and thank you for the insight. And perhaps a few points of clarification are worth mentioning: Any and all are welcome to ignore or modify or simply disregard any technique I have used or insight I contribute. This is only my experience and attempts to fix this mess. (On the other hand...... if anyone would like to acquire this puddle as it sits..... feel free to PM me .... I would be happy to consider any offer. And it will save me quite a bit of time. I already have many other projects waiting.) Yes, perhaps some is overkill. Or unusual, but unfortunately many of the pieces are broken and brittle. So I am having to adapt. And I am trying to 'build' or stabilize it as best as I am able. I am using sparing bits of CA to fill a gap or secure a piece; e.g. the PS sliver used to refashion the clipped front edge of the coach. What I did find is that whatever was done with the gray hard brittle shocks and firewall that polymer in my opinion differs from the others. And I envision some colorant (what I don't know) was used to impart the gray color which has some iridescence or shimmering sheen it seems, at least in certain lights. The firewall on this prior build had stress cracks throughout it. To the point I bet if I lightly twisted it in my hands I would easily have four or five pieces. Simply buying another of the same vintage did not seem worthwhile. So I tried to salvage it. And the CA glue tends to absorb differently with that polymer mix than the others - in my opinion. At least that is my observation. I also noticed when drilling it, that it feels different, harder - contrasted with the black PS components in this model. And the shocks and firewall blocks were prone to break easier or crack, for whatever reason. Even if simply drilled. The firewall block broke at one drilled hole. Yes, that is my chemistry observations perhaps. I am an organic chemist, not an engineer. (Obviously my poor engineering skills show...... i.e. my choice for body mounts :)) And Codger I appreciate the insight; the blue painters tape is a partial hold for some pieces while I work around this thing. And one is marking a centerline on the upper cowl. Further adjustment and fitting will be needed before I secure it. I am not relying on them for a hold or set. I have one door that swings like a bar room entrance and the other wouldn't budge with a chain. One other thing I had forgotten which only applies to this "tub". So it is not recommended unless required for your build. I had to cut another 1/8" from the front of the floor lip. So now it is closer to 1/4" that was shaved so that it will fit within the firewall. Since the floor is on solid, this built kit needs that to allow the body to slide forward enough to meet with favorable lines for the rear bonnet edges - when the combination is set on the frame with the firewall within its blocks where some adjustment is allowed. But not enough for this one, taking into account the radiator which I have custom to leave where it is. It was removed once to set the front shocks on the frame earlier. And I don't intend to remove it or adjust it again.

I have a little update on my continued work to unhack the hacked project. Couple of positive reports on the front body edge, firewall, and bonnet covers and sides fitting, and frame mounts. I wanted to hurry to get a few things done since I need to vacate the kitchen a couple of days. The Covid-19 delayed floor install of marmoleum was held off for about two months. It starts Monday morning. - Back to the build - I used a cut piece/sheet of the PS I fashioned from an old floppy disc case to repair the driver's side front body edge. I am fairly pleased with it. (I mean for comparison - look at that nicely ripped edge I started with !) Heavily filed and sanded and shaped my PS sheet and a touch of CA with a toothpick (thank goodness for capillary action) and then filing and sanding to finish. Couple of pictures before and after on it: The continued refinements and fitting also requires additional work to the bonnet and its covers as well as the firewall and its fit within the coach. Couple of things needed are shown here: a notch in the lip of the front body lower lip recess - to allow some movement and positioning for when it nears assembly - and chamfers to the rear of the bonnet/engine cover vertical edges: I also heavily chamfered the rearmost edges of the firewall top and vertical / side edges. And speaking of the firewall, lever shocks, and firewall attaching blocks - if anyone ever decides to remake the Rolls Sedanca and similar kits - I think they need to reformulate/change the mix and filler on that stuff. From my observation it is quite brittle and not well suited for much. It is very unstable and loads with stress cracks over time and anywhere it was drilled, shaped, formed, or molded. I stabilized the stress cracks on the firewall with CA and it heavily penetrates into it; almost will haze and 'smoke' it if you use to much - so go sparingly. (Ok paint it one says...... that is not in my repertoire for this one, not yet.) That polymer mix I believe is highly filled with some pigment or perhaps metallic material. That same brittle polymer mix also gave way on the firewall attaching blocks as they were being fitted. So I stabilized the rear of each with black PS sheet and will use 2 mm screws and nuts to hold it. This also required considerable fitting and filing of the firewall lower edges, slots for the firewall lower horizontal edges in the 'concrete' blocks and the vertical frame mounts for the blocks. But it appears it will work: Lastly I am working on my rig for the rig - i.e. how to attach the coach body to the frame. For whatever reason, likely fear, I am reluctant to want to drill heavily or modify this frame/chassis rails. At least not now. While stable, straight, and not appearing compromised or flexed, portions do have the slight surface oxidation and slight greying or haze in some places. (Nothing major, but with circa 40 year old polystyrene ..... well.... back to that fear component - and if it does continue to crystallize or harden, one bad cut or drill point and..... likely 3 more weeks of unplanned/unforeseen work.) I am convinced that the black filled polymer mix of the frame is not the same as the body and wing/fender panels which is more pliable or soft but not as strong. So here is what I am planning to try: PS blocks strapped to the frame, through which I will screw four mounts from the lower portions of the coach. Here are the pictures, the front needs a lot of work still. That included sawing/shaving the front screw mount with a 'gar fish' shaped X-Acto long thin saw blade. The last picture shows the rear block that I made for one of the two sides. 2 mm nuts are drilled into the back of the blocks and locked in with CA. (Those screws are for demo only; much shorter or cut screws will be used.) And quite the monkey puzzle to attach without drilling or cutting the frame. (The lower brass strip slides over the bottom frame lip and outward. The block slides into it from above. The top brass strip slides over the top frame lip - forward of the block and then slides rearward over the shaved edge of the block to clear it.) Once the body is finally position I will drill through the lower points into the four blocks. Where that occurs I will then drill from the rear of the frame blocks and place 2 mm nuts CA-ed into the rear of the block to receive the body screw. I know.... complicated, o well, it looks like an idea and I never do anything simple. I mean I am the idiot that bought this 'baby' from the impound lot at a sheriff's sale. (But alas - I chuckle to myself anyway....) Now off to finish stripping the kitchen and await the floor. Enjoy the fall weather and remaining leaves and colors til we next touch base. And thanks for the encouragement. (ps. I just noticed in the first picture below - you can see the brass clips of the left side rail as they fit over the other frame rails. I had not noticed that til just now.)

Hello all possibly still following. Yes I used the time and silence to ponder and consider. As one might suspect with this one I had become disillusioned. What better time to report I hope some promising news on my 'Little Shop of Horrors' than after Halloween. Between raking leaves, house work, buying another used car (1:1 scale), and eyeing this Pocher 1/8 I have made progress. I think. As I noted earlier I plan to attach the coach to the frame at four points. Two in front near the existing mounts (which I will modify) and down low rear side bottom body panels. I believe my attempt to use PS blocks to span the width to the body and give a mount will work. Those I am considering strapping to them frame with brass straps. I will also likely attach PS blocks to the inside of the body panels at the opposing point to help narrow the distance. But I will leave room for shims so the body will be adjustable and can be removed. Earlier advice was correct. This coach needs to sit slightly down and back from original. I previously thought about 1/4" towards the rear. Work tonight to align all points suggests more like ~1/8" backwards. I also shaved about an 1/8" from the front of the floor lips. That allows the coach to slide forward into the firewall. (Recall, this floor is ON this one. Solid.) I will now do further alignment of the hood and firewall. It also appears I need to lower the firewall some as I believe others have told me. And use of either 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 0-80 screws, rods, and nuts will help. I will persevere. I also realized this evening that it seems either from bad build or frustration (not mine yet), the prior builder clipped the top edge vertical front body panel lip on the driver's side of the coach. Now I know why I could see the silver firewall. I will use some PS sheet to fill that spot. Thanks again for the thoughts and encouragement. In spite of a perhaps discouraging build/rebuild. I've not given up yet. Not entirely anyway. Best to all.

I love it Ian..... anytime my friend. I like to stay busy with 'many irons in the fire'. Sometimes too many. On this front, all my 1.5 mm and 2 mm stuff came in yesterday. So between that and the 0-80 stuff I already have I hope that will help with some mends on this poor beast...... I want to get my solid 'tub' (coach) on the frame better. And if I get too frustrated..... maybe I'll convert it into a black '32 Ford 3-window coupe ala ZZTop. Cheers!

Thanks guys.... all in good fun. And yes, don't worry I did not take any offense or slight. I too, am perhaps a tad frustrated it wasn't a better start. And I eye this thing often trying to decide where to go next (and not to go). I too shall be hopeful. And a little humor is good for the mind..... mine anyway. Once they glued that floor on solid and tied it to the bottom of the interior side beige trim panels that sort of 'did it'. Besides.... I've got a kitchen floor to get in, a 69 Triumph cycle seat I need to get back together once the skin comes back from the upholsterer. And I've got a 73 MGB GT that I need to refresh my amateur welding skills on. It needs work too. Keep at me.... all is good!

Hello Codger.... yes, and no worries. I appreciate the input and wisdom. It is quite informative and it is nice to see what can and could be done. But you are right..... I did not get any face cards in this deck. Yet I do hope to apply some concepts and approaches and a piece or two of my craft. By example, I will soundly secure the coach down on the sides of the frame. But it is also true I don't think I can do many of the nice modifications. Not without a whole new coach tub and all panels and $. And as you had suggested earlier, size it up well before proceeding or deciding. I am also doing that. Daily. And don't worry..... if I ever drive this gem to a Pocher car show, I promise I will park in the back corner. Over by the dumpsters. Don't worry, I won't park next to you. :)

Hello all and greetings Ian.... nice to see you here. Yes I've done a bit more to it. Sorry no pictures yet. I am still plodding. And today was a few four letter jobs..... nothing major and I am proud that I did not put my hand or foot through anything or send anything sailing. Not deliberately or forcefully anyway. I think I have a new category for build progress/pitfalls: emotional ups and downs. Several of those today. Back to neutral now. My saving grace was a break to deliver four antique tube radios I sold. (Something has to pay for this one.) And then I raked pine straw and placed it in the garden beds. What does this have to do with a Pocher rebuild? ...... read on. So I set to stabilizing and trying to firm up the doors on this gem. Passenger side is pretty good. Driver side is horrid. All you need do was touch the bottom and inwards it goes. So.... remember.... the floor is on this babe good and the inner side body panels and lower recesses for them are firmly in and access limited..... so to get to the bottom driver side hinge I drilled an ~1/4" access hole through the bottom rear vertical edge of the floor adjacent to outer panel. Bingo.... I can see the rear edges of the hinge and inside of the outer body. Scratched the walls and prepared to CA the hinge to the outer body panel. Whoooosh..... out it spits and frees from the bottom hinge and bottom of door pops and swings free somehow held by the top hinge which held. [insert your favorite four letter friends..... ] So I deliver the radios and rake the pine straw and work in the garden about an hour. Serenity returns. I regroup and go at it again. Success. Door is on, carefully reinserted over the hinge (between inner beige panel and outer door skin). Couple dabs of CA to wick and hold the hinge to outer body panel and door skin. Ps. I even used the trick of a couple toothpick drops of 3-in-1 machine oil or sewing machine oil on the hinges and hinge pin before I started the 'glue job' in hopes it might swing when I am done. No verdict yet. The door was bad to begin. I give myself 50:50 odds. At least the drivers window is down. Maybe one day I can put the tub on and steering wheel back in. Something to strive for...... So yep, still a feral cat..... and a witch with one heck of a broom. And it was tempting to want to set out and find the ahem 'builder' of this beaut. But I didn't bother. Yes..... the problem with this one now is in the mirror. I bought it. And as other dear friends would say, Terry your only problem is the six inches between your ears. And Ian..... you are off the hook. This was not your build. At least not that I know of...... but hey it could be.... How much will you give me for it? Stay tuned. And I hope to have some decent ideas and saves on this again soon. I have made further progress on how I think I will attach the coach to the frame. If it works I will do it at four points, all four lower outer corners near the frame. And if that works, depending on the wheel and axle alignment proceed and set about to raising and supporting the body above the front and rear leaf springs. Believe it or not, the bonnet sits pretty well on the coach and radiator. I also used 0.072 brass rod and made the two outer vertical radiator tubes. And I will use two pieces of same making horizontal rods to support the radiator and firewall rigid. If I ever get that far. All the best.

Have a positive update on a few fronts. The horn and the coach (or tub). I got the horn dome/bell from Paul Koo and set to place it. Well, now I see why it was not finished properly before. True to fitment, the horn trumpet sits too proud in the channel for the dome to place properly. So I shaved/flatspotted the top of the rear horn mounts with a file. And then while placing and tightening the screw rotated the trumpet slightly so that it did not have too much droop. Couple pics below. I know it is much nicer chrome..... but it is better than the pit helmet I made for it. I also set to work on the coach build. Those reading may remember that the builder for this one had used 40' pile drivers and cement (ok cyanoacrylate/CA - but two glaciers of it......) - as they gave up late in the build. I'm too embarrassed to show pics of that unshown beauty for now. And I can't free the floor without likely serious damage to the side panels, floor, and inner door panels. So I have adjusted. If I can resurrect it fairly I will eventually show the original mess. I set to proper positioning of the cowl; at least as the 'original fit' and panels will allow. Only driver's side was attached with Pocher screws and it was a poor fit.. The passenger side drooped free - held by scotch tape. Until now. I filed the vertical screw slot recesses closer to the outer body panel to help with positioning so that it would narrow both sides. Also squared and roughened with file all of the hidden mating surfaces. Before shot of the driver's side after I made a 'cheater' screwdriver from a coat hanger. It is about 8" long and works like a charm. And it is better than having to drill access holes everywhere. I also mocked up the front panels lightly. Next will be to place all on the chassis/frame and see how it does and adjust plenty. I am also thinking I will have to either Dremel or file/bevel the inner rear edges of the vertical bonnet panels to have them better clear the narrow lip on the forward body panels. And I will go with Codger's great suggestions to differently attach the coach to the chassis than original. And I am also figuring what braces I will build to support the chassis/frame rails upwards on the leaf springs to get ride height as best I can. For those using any of the Pocher screws, the 1.3mm drill bits from Paul are essential. It was suggested in the build directions to use a #91 screw (4 actually) to hold the cowl/windshield to the forward coach skirts. Well, I didn't measure all exact but that is too long and didn't dare try that. So I clipped #91 screws closer to a #90 and used them on the passenger side. Yes.... horrors.... depending on how it aligns I will CA the joint. Else I am sure it will all pop loose once I complete the final assembly and place the last panel on the chassis. And in tribute to our fellow builder Mad Steve from Johannesburg I will add a category of 'Cut screws' = 2! (He had used something like: snapped screws - snapped fittings - backwards to move forward moves. I was marveling at his Bugatti coach build and wish he would return! Besides, it would not be fair to add a category of bad or poorly fitting pieces or panels. I've already lost count as have we all I imagine.

Thanks for the wisdom and shepherding! I shall heed this great advice. Very much appreciated!