Academy Car - Build Day One

I can't really say any building has gone on today, but still this is build day one of the 'process' of getting the car put together.

On the first day of the build, I'd highly recommend to any Caterham builder is to open all the boxes, try and familiarise yourself with the components and to check the main parts are there...  Don't empty the boxes everywhere, as this may get confusing and Caterham are pretty good at keeping the boxes packed with respective components - it's worth moving a few bits around and labelling the boxes so you know where things are when you are mid build...  There'll always be a couple of missing washers etc, but Derek Howlett will send out any missing parts ASAP.  One biggie for me is the nearside from wheel hub and calliper assembly, but this should be with me Wednesday next week all being well.

I've taken a few bits apart today, and taken them for powder coating - the wheels were dropped off with Mint Alloys yesterday, and should be ready tomorrow.  The other parts should be ready Tuesday...

Dave and his crew at Daytona Coachworx have been meticulously masking the car today and it is already in the booth, getting it's first priming coat.

1k Wash Primer being sprayed onto my Caterham Academy Car

Then a light coat of 2k high build primer was sprayed on - this should remove any minor imperfections and give a great finish.

A light coat of 2k high build primer being sprayed onto my Caterham Academy car

First stage complete, now it'll be left overnight or possibly over the weekend to dry before the colour(s) go on.

First paint stage complete

In the meantime I've managed to build the engine hoist, as I've gotta get the engine out of the Camper Van...

One Tonne Engine Hoist built today - ready to remove the engine form the camper van first thing tomorrow

I think at this point, it's also well worth mentioning the value of tidying up at the end of every day... Some may laugh at my 'OCD' 😀 but keeping things tidy really helps to make the build an easier process!

Everything tidied away, ready for some actual building tomorrow

Tomorrow I'll hopefully get the headlights built (and yes, I'll follow my guide 👍) possibly collect the wheels, and get the engine out of the Camper Van!

Saturday is the first Caterham Academy Seminar at Caterham Gatwick, and Sunday is my dad's 70th Birthday so I can't see much building happening this weekend 😨