As promised, "The Closing Credits" or the providers I used that I would highly recommend:
Steve at Scotts Panel for all restoration work, especially panel and paint (but also for example a masterful job getting the windows to work so perfectly - incredible!)
Paul at
https://www.truelocal.com.au/business/pg-mobile-auto-air-conditioning/collaroy Paul fitted a new undocumented wiring harness from the best UK supplier and got it right first time - he double checked every wire connected to the ECU for example so we didn't do any damage and at the same time added air conditioning and the radio! Brilliant work - Scotts are now using him!
Carl from Korman's in the US for the engine - I thought freighting the engine to them was a bit of an extravagance but of all the jobs over 4 years theirs was on time, exceeded expectations in every dimension, and was economical compared to risking it to someone who had done 1 or 2 of these engines before and didnt contain any of the surprises and nasty turns every other job entailed - I think money well spent - but time will tell
Michael at
http://www.eastcoasttrimshop.com.au/ is an artisan - his work simply shines - the trim looks better than new - he is deservedly busy so get in his queue and good books early
Bill Rama from Melbourne is one of Australia's foremost experts on this car - and if I had my time again, I might have asked him to project manage the whole thing. As it turned out he helped with some obscure parts and some expertise and mechanical help on a trip to Sydney - much appreciated Bill.
Parts
W&N Albrecht and his team have been superb. They have been patient and as helpful as possible - even with returns and exchanges. Their pricing is very reasonable and they have supplied 90% of my parts - however, be warned that part designs do vary so floor pan patterns are different etc. IN all case Albrecht has been very fair and reasonable.
Jaymic Pete and the team helped with some harder to find parts and were also super efficient and friendly - a definite second port of call.
Advice - the best advice I received was:
Someone told me that when you renovate your house expect it to take twice as long and cost twice as much. When you restore a car expect it to take three times as long and cost three times as much! How true!
Anyone seeking advice on the other suppliers I have referenced prior but don't recommend above - please contact me directly for more details.
A final thank you to the dozens of you who have guided me in many places along the way and others who have provided private parts - this site and its members really gave me the help and confidence to persist and I hope I can reciprocate by helping others - starting with a sale of leftover parts - stay tuned!
David,
Sydney 2019
