Norms Restoration - 31 Seater Projects
1939 Leyland TD5 [1635 DD]
2022
Body May
Norman Julian May
I ended up taking more panelling off so I could do more inspections of the framing in this area.
The report is good.
No major corrosion at all.
Just a hit with a wire brush and some rust conversion then primer.
The other thing I did was to blow dust and dirt out of the box sections.
I got about a kilo just in this section.
What I do is put the vacuum cleaner nozzle near the bottom hole and gently blow up high with the hand blower pointing downwards inside the box section.
This stirs up everything and the vacuum cleaner sucks up most of it including drilled out rivets.
There are good arguments to do this.
The interior panelling needs stripping before repainting and doing this I can strip the panels of paint more
comfortably on a bench and also if any panel beating that needs to be done I can do it.
There is countless amount of paint layers that need to come off.
For the first time since I put it on I can see what the new rear escape door looks like from the inside.
I tell you that it is a lot easier to work in this area when there are no steps getting in you way.
I ended up taking more panelling off so I could do more inspections of the framing in this area.
The report is good.
No major corrosion at all.
Just a hit with a wire brush and some rust conversion then primer.
The other thing I did was to blow dust and dirt out of the box sections.
I got about a kilo just in this section.
What I do is put the vacuum cleaner nozzle near the bottom hole and gently blow up high with the hand blower pointing downwards inside the box section.
This stirs up everything and the vacuum cleaner sucks up most of it including drilled out rivets.
There are good arguments to do this.
The interior panelling needs stripping before repainting and doing this I can strip the panels of paint more
comfortably on a bench and also if any panel beating that needs to be done I can do it.
There is countless amount of paint layers that need to come off.
For the first time since I put it on I can see what the new rear escape door looks like from the inside.
I tell you that it is a lot easier to work in this area when there are no steps getting in you way.
Norman Julian 4 May
I'm going to be busy for a while.
Today I picked up the first section of this staircase.
Before I assemble that the framework which is now sanded, wire brushed and cleaned ready to apply the rust converter in areas tomorrow.
Then primer added.
There will be a mixture of old and new interior sheeting put up before I start the staircase frame.
Once the frame is done I will know the angles of the walls to make the frames to.
The weather is certainly starting to cool down so not much more time left to do this sort of work.
Happy days.
I'm going to be busy for a while.
Today I picked up the first section of this staircase.
Before I assemble that the framework which is now sanded, wire brushed and cleaned ready to apply the rust converter in areas tomorrow.
Then primer added.
There will be a mixture of old and new interior sheeting put up before I start the staircase frame.
Once the frame is done I will know the angles of the walls to make the frames to.
The weather is certainly starting to cool down so not much more time left to do this sort of work.
Happy days.
Phil Steele
Great job there, keep us interested followers in the loop.
Great job there, keep us interested followers in the loop.
Norman Julian 12th May
Over a few days I have been doing this stair case.
It was a little hard to know where to start.
Anyway, the centre landing seemed like the place to start.
The central leg is the only straight piece apart from the triangle that holds it all together.
The offside leg was cut to match the angle of the adjacent wall as with the very back wall.
Now all this was done and also I had to allow for a sloping floor.
This is all new metal and there is flat plates for feet welded to the bottom of each one so as to screw it down.
I also made the top 3 steps like the original.
This also has to taper in from the top floor to the first landing.
This takes a great deal of concentration so as to not stuff it up.
This landing matches the side and back frames correctly so as to screw the landing frame to the bus frame exactly.
Over a few days I have been doing this stair case.
It was a little hard to know where to start.
Anyway, the centre landing seemed like the place to start.
The central leg is the only straight piece apart from the triangle that holds it all together.
The offside leg was cut to match the angle of the adjacent wall as with the very back wall.
Now all this was done and also I had to allow for a sloping floor.
This is all new metal and there is flat plates for feet welded to the bottom of each one so as to screw it down.
I also made the top 3 steps like the original.
This also has to taper in from the top floor to the first landing.
This takes a great deal of concentration so as to not stuff it up.
This landing matches the side and back frames correctly so as to screw the landing frame to the bus frame exactly.
Avsie Paul
Thanks for taking the time to show us your progress and how you tackle each step(no punn intended š¤£) it gives me confidence to tackle what I'm about to start.
Norman Julian
Avsie Paul when you start you should start a group like this.
I and others would be interested in your progress!
Avsie Paul
Norman Julian yes I intend to Norman, the framework is totally gone all bar the od bit literally hanging off one side,so it going be a challenge to keep the shape as some of the wood has powdered disintegrated.
Norman Julian
Avsie Paul if you need advice don't hesitate to ask. That bus or coach is a gem!
Gregor Neil Robertson
Avsie Paul abs if you have a site you might pick up volunteer helpers.
You areļæ¼ facing aļæ¼ huge job there.
Where do you stay? Iām near Edinburgh with plenty of Resto experience
Gregor Neil Robertson
Terrific work Norman.
Todays generation of computer experts simply would not know where to start.
There arenāt many of us left.
Thanks for taking the time to show us your progress and how you tackle each step(no punn intended š¤£) it gives me confidence to tackle what I'm about to start.
Norman Julian
Avsie Paul when you start you should start a group like this.
I and others would be interested in your progress!
Avsie Paul
Norman Julian yes I intend to Norman, the framework is totally gone all bar the od bit literally hanging off one side,so it going be a challenge to keep the shape as some of the wood has powdered disintegrated.
Norman Julian
Avsie Paul if you need advice don't hesitate to ask. That bus or coach is a gem!
Gregor Neil Robertson
Avsie Paul abs if you have a site you might pick up volunteer helpers.
You areļæ¼ facing aļæ¼ huge job there.
Where do you stay? Iām near Edinburgh with plenty of Resto experience
Gregor Neil Robertson
Terrific work Norman.
Todays generation of computer experts simply would not know where to start.
There arenāt many of us left.
Norman Julian 17th May
Bit more progress but it is slow.
Very complex.
Nothing is as what it seems.
Only someone that has rebuilt one of these would truly understand.
Bit more progress but it is slow.
Very complex.
Nothing is as what it seems.
Only someone that has rebuilt one of these would truly understand.
David Wilson
I've had a bit of fun with these staircases over the years.When they come apart, it doesn't mean they go back together exactly the same way - no matter how precise you are !
Norman Julian
David Wilson I have pulled some of it apart again. Not happy with it!
Peter Hewat
Looks good, great work.
Rusty Williams
This is being done by someone who believes in perfection & not a rush job as in the old saying If itās worth doing itās worth doing well! Unlike some a slap of paint will do keep up the great work your work will be shown for decades to come in our transport history!
Rusty Williams
Sorry Belived!
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams thanks for the compliment buddy!
Rusty Williams
Norman Julian Credit weāre Credit is due!
Gregor Neil Robertson
And not a computer in sight! Just a nimble brain and pair of hands!
Norman Julian
David Wilson I have pulled some of it apart again. Not happy with it!
Peter Hewat
Looks good, great work.
Rusty Williams
This is being done by someone who believes in perfection & not a rush job as in the old saying If itās worth doing itās worth doing well! Unlike some a slap of paint will do keep up the great work your work will be shown for decades to come in our transport history!
Rusty Williams
Sorry Belived!
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams thanks for the compliment buddy!
Rusty Williams
Norman Julian Credit weāre Credit is due!
Gregor Neil Robertson
And not a computer in sight! Just a nimble brain and pair of hands!
Norman Julian 21st May
Today I finally put this section to bed.
It has been a nightmare really.
The shots I showed you last week are now a memory.
I wasn't satisfied with the way I had it so it all came apart and I started again.
I'm still only 90% satisfied but I think I will not get it to my complete satisfaction.
The next section shouldn't bring too many issues.
Today I finally put this section to bed.
It has been a nightmare really.
The shots I showed you last week are now a memory.
I wasn't satisfied with the way I had it so it all came apart and I started again.
I'm still only 90% satisfied but I think I will not get it to my complete satisfaction.
The next section shouldn't bring too many issues.
Rusty Williams
Still a fantastic job every job you do has THOUGHT & Then PERFECTION right up till the END..........
.................KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK! HISTORIC RESTERATION DEPENDS ON YOU!
Stuart Brown
Very nice Norman.
Are the treads timber?
Norman Julian
Stuart Brown yeah.
I have lots of 145mm cypress pine tongue and groove left over from the back deck and the AEC.
Greg Gibson
Norms Buying a stairway to heaven š
Gregor Neil Robertson
Superb work Norman.
So few left who can do this to your standard.
Still a fantastic job every job you do has THOUGHT & Then PERFECTION right up till the END..........
.................KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK! HISTORIC RESTERATION DEPENDS ON YOU!
Stuart Brown
Very nice Norman.
Are the treads timber?
Norman Julian
Stuart Brown yeah.
I have lots of 145mm cypress pine tongue and groove left over from the back deck and the AEC.
Greg Gibson
Norms Buying a stairway to heaven š
Gregor Neil Robertson
Superb work Norman.
So few left who can do this to your standard.
Norman Julian 27th May
Today I made a start on the stair treads for the upper section that is done.
I deliberately didn't place permanently in position the top platform section so as to put the timber flooring in.
I just traced around the frame onto the timber and then cut it out.
A few adjustments were made and fits really well.
A little tricky with the other 3 steps because of the angle but now done.
The next phase is the central platform.
After talking to someone more familiar with these and getting some questions answered I can now proceed with some changes in how this section is done.
The section of curved wall only goes a little under the curved floor.
There is no curved wall under the staircase.
The floor from what I can see on this bus when I took it apart and backed up by the Albion next to it is the section of floor appears to float in that area across to the curved wall.
I'm going to weld a piece of angle after I curf it to that radius and weld it onto the frame.
This then will carry the timber floor and also have somewhere for the wall to screw to.
Today I made a start on the stair treads for the upper section that is done.
I deliberately didn't place permanently in position the top platform section so as to put the timber flooring in.
I just traced around the frame onto the timber and then cut it out.
A few adjustments were made and fits really well.
A little tricky with the other 3 steps because of the angle but now done.
The next phase is the central platform.
After talking to someone more familiar with these and getting some questions answered I can now proceed with some changes in how this section is done.
The section of curved wall only goes a little under the curved floor.
There is no curved wall under the staircase.
The floor from what I can see on this bus when I took it apart and backed up by the Albion next to it is the section of floor appears to float in that area across to the curved wall.
I'm going to weld a piece of angle after I curf it to that radius and weld it onto the frame.
This then will carry the timber floor and also have somewhere for the wall to screw to.
Norman Julian 28th May
The top landing step is in place.
This is a shot from the top deck.
I replaced a section in the frame that had a problem and the inner strip that was rusted out originally was put back in ready for the internal wall.
The top landing step is in place.
This is a shot from the top deck.
I replaced a section in the frame that had a problem and the inner strip that was rusted out originally was put back in ready for the internal wall.
William MurdochWilliam Murdoch
Keep up the good work, Norman.
Fred Holland
looking great Norm, as usual perfection.š
Gregor Neil Robertson
A real brain teaser.
Donāt think any computer could design that from scratch.
A lifetimesā fabrication experience there.
Keep up the good work, Norman.
Fred Holland
looking great Norm, as usual perfection.š
Gregor Neil Robertson
A real brain teaser.
Donāt think any computer could design that from scratch.
A lifetimesā fabrication experience there.
Norman Julian 29th May
This floor carrier for me is what I needed to sort out.
I placed the timber in position first than made a pattern to the shape needed for this carrier.
I'm using 50 x 50 steel.
A little over kill but I need enough room for it to hold the flooring and also to screw the wall sheeting to.
The last picture is under the landing area of the Albion decker.
I didn't notice it the first time but it has got a hanger.
It is just a piece of angle that is welded onto the frame vertically and comes down and angles onto the underneath part of a piece of the flooring to carry the weight.
A lot more work what I'm doing but a bit more satisfying.
This floor carrier for me is what I needed to sort out.
I placed the timber in position first than made a pattern to the shape needed for this carrier.
I'm using 50 x 50 steel.
A little over kill but I need enough room for it to hold the flooring and also to screw the wall sheeting to.
The last picture is under the landing area of the Albion decker.
I didn't notice it the first time but it has got a hanger.
It is just a piece of angle that is welded onto the frame vertically and comes down and angles onto the underneath part of a piece of the flooring to carry the weight.
A lot more work what I'm doing but a bit more satisfying.
Norman Julian
You can see the hanger in the middle of the radius.
Terry Davis
What a fantastic job you are going congratulations.
How's the West Banko 1/2 cab going?šā
Norman Julian
Terry Davis it's not at the moment.
You can see the hanger in the middle of the radius.
Terry Davis
What a fantastic job you are going congratulations.
How's the West Banko 1/2 cab going?šā
Norman Julian
Terry Davis it's not at the moment.
William Murdoch
Hey Norman, nice Force 7!
Norman Julian
William Murdoch thankyou
Rusty Williams
Norman have you ever looked into seeing if you could get a grant to restore these buses in the PERFECT way that you do state/federal /or local you deserve to!
William Murdoch
Hi Rusty, as far as I am aware, grants cannot be given to individuals, only museums.
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams yeah that is right! Individuals would not be given grants.
I have never even looked into it.
It would be nice though.
What once was a relatively inexpensive hobby is now not.
Rusty Williams
Maybe speak to your local member might be able to get a centrelink person to help you just a thought they give money out to paint wall murals ect I THINK YOU NEED SOMETHING SEEING how much you put into saving our transport history.
!I've see out tax money wasted on other dum things.
just a thought.
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams thanks for your kind thoughts!
Gregor Neil Robertson
Rusty Williams regarding museumsā¦. Two points.
Firstly you seem to live too far from towns to set up and run a museum
And secondly it would wind up being far more workā¦.admin and officialdom
Hey Norman, nice Force 7!
Norman Julian
William Murdoch thankyou
Rusty Williams
Norman have you ever looked into seeing if you could get a grant to restore these buses in the PERFECT way that you do state/federal /or local you deserve to!
William Murdoch
Hi Rusty, as far as I am aware, grants cannot be given to individuals, only museums.
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams yeah that is right! Individuals would not be given grants.
I have never even looked into it.
It would be nice though.
What once was a relatively inexpensive hobby is now not.
Rusty Williams
Maybe speak to your local member might be able to get a centrelink person to help you just a thought they give money out to paint wall murals ect I THINK YOU NEED SOMETHING SEEING how much you put into saving our transport history.
!I've see out tax money wasted on other dum things.
just a thought.
Norman Julian
Rusty Williams thanks for your kind thoughts!
Gregor Neil Robertson
Rusty Williams regarding museumsā¦. Two points.
Firstly you seem to live too far from towns to set up and run a museum
And secondly it would wind up being far more workā¦.admin and officialdom
Norman Julian 30th May
Well I have gone as far as I can go for now till the bottom part of the staircase is done.
I am happy with this modification.
Now the platform is fully braced.
The radius wall will have something solid to brace to.
I am wondering if I will get to many more working days.
The next couple of days are only predicted to be 6 and 7 degrees so winter has arrived.
Well I have gone as far as I can go for now till the bottom part of the staircase is done.
I am happy with this modification.
Now the platform is fully braced.
The radius wall will have something solid to brace to.
I am wondering if I will get to many more working days.
The next couple of days are only predicted to be 6 and 7 degrees so winter has arrived.
Gregor Neil Robertsonbr
Weāve had a long bitter cold winter here in Scotland - months below three or for degrees then dragged into May at 10 deg
So all restoration work very slow.
If I didnāt have family here Iād take off for Oz ā¦.
Robert Stevenson
Looks fantastic Norm.
Might be time to invest in something like a Spitfire heater for the shed.
But it is a huge space you need to heat up. But they do an excellent job.
Norman Julian
Robert Stevenson heaters here will only work in a small area.
I'm all over the place in this shed so probably impractical.
Just as easy to pack it in for when it gets really cold like today.
At the moment it is about 4 degrees with a wind chill of -5.
Thanks anyway for your suggestion.
Weāve had a long bitter cold winter here in Scotland - months below three or for degrees then dragged into May at 10 deg
So all restoration work very slow.
If I didnāt have family here Iād take off for Oz ā¦.
Robert Stevenson
Looks fantastic Norm.
Might be time to invest in something like a Spitfire heater for the shed.
But it is a huge space you need to heat up. But they do an excellent job.
Norman Julian
Robert Stevenson heaters here will only work in a small area.
I'm all over the place in this shed so probably impractical.
Just as easy to pack it in for when it gets really cold like today.
At the moment it is about 4 degrees with a wind chill of -5.
Thanks anyway for your suggestion.
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