31 Seater Projects - Norms Buses - Monthly January decission activity

Norman Julian 2 Jan
: I just wanted to share with you my decision on 2818, which is the Leyland OPD2/1 single decker that is on the other group page.
: In the beginning I was just going to do a light restoration of this AEC but as I got into it the job I discovered was enormous.
: I then decided that I was going to take this project into a whole different way of restoring it.
: I wanted it to be basically like it was when it first left the factory back in 52.
: Needless to say the task is long and expensive.
: I just wanted to prove to myself that it can be done and yes there is a long way to go which brings me back to the start of this story about the Leyland.
: I am still going to restore it but I will only be doing a final "overhaul restoration".
: What does that mean you ask. Well when these buses had there last overhaul it would have been just a basic replacement of anything that needed to be done and a quick paint.
: I don't have the patience to spent a lot of time or even money so you wont see the amount of trouble I went to on the AEC spent on the Leyland.
: If anything major needs to be done I will do it.
: There are lots of shortcuts that I have picked up along the way that I can use on the Leyland.
: David Wilson
: Final overhaul C 1971-2 would have seen rust cut out, panels as required and mudguards etc Mechanical components would have been fully reconditioned including rebuilt motor and gearbox etc and interior work such as new upholstery and repaint.
: Perhaps some rechroming of handrails and otehr fittings.
: Roof panels,(excepting rear corners) would most likely not have been touched.
: Norman Julian
: Thanks for that information, David.
: This bus being on the coast for so long has a lot of if buts and maybes with the chassis so there is a guy I found up here that has a mobile sandblasting business.
: I will get him to come round and have a look.
: The floor will be replaced because there are bearers that need to be replaced and some of the floor is rotted anyway. This will also give easier access to getting it sandblasted.
: 90% of the roof inside and out wont be coming off.
: The back section has to be rebuilt.
: I will take exterior skin off a panel or 2 at a time and replace sections of pillars that need to be done.
: Not the whole pillar like I did on the AEC.
: I will be inspecting the air pipes and repairing them not replacing them as with the AEC.
: The engine will get a steam clean and no repainting.
: Things like this I will be doing to save time and money.
: It will still look good but with a lot less trouble.
: David Wilson
: Final overhaul C 1971-2 would have seen rust cut out, panels as required and mudguards etc Mechanical components would have been fully reconditioned including rebuilt motor and gearbox etc and interior work such as new upholstery and repaint.
: Perhaps some rechroming of handrails and otehr fittings.
: Roof panels,(excepting rear corners) would most likely not have been touched.
: Norman Julian
: This bus being on the coast for so long has a lot of if buts and maybes with the chassis so there is a guy I found up here that has a mobile sandblasting business.
: I will get him to come round and have a look.
: The floor will be replaced because there are bearers that need to be replaced and some of the floor is rotted anyway. This will also give easier access to getting it sandblasted. 90% of the roof inside and out wont be coming off.
: The back section has to be rebuilt.
: I will take exterior skin off a panel or 2 at a time and replace sections of pillars that need to be done.
: Not the whole pillar like I did on the AEC.
: I will be inspecting the air pipes and repairing them not replacing them as with the AEC.
: The engine will get a steam clean and no repainting.
: Things like this I will be doing to save time and money.
: It will still look good but with a lot less trouble.

Norms Restoration - 31 Seater Projects

Project 1953 Leyland OPD2/1 [2818]

2017

January Decission