Manky Monkey Motors

Been around for some time but getting over operations on my spine and prostate ment i could only sit and plan .
So now im well enough the weather will probably be against me , i have a V70 volvo thats getting a new front end , twin lights ,redesigned bonnet and restyled rear end it will not look like any volvo when finnished,
I have already made an egg crate v ed to the centre style grill from 1mm sheet , front lights are mounted to back plates along with the new Led indicator strips 3 per side , i made a sunvisor for the outside but am thinking of redoing this not realy happy with this one , i have also made every thing in card and transfered some to steel ,fitted a bonnet scoupe but that is going and a new reversed one fitted
Will update and add pics as i progress , all this because i was told by a guy i would never be able to build it so it did not look like a volvo any more
how she started out
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o786/vwmixa/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/239_zps673ba7d4.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/vwmixa/media/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/239_zps673ba7d4.jpg.html)

 (http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o786/vwmixa/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/40_zpshkltysvd.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/vwmixa/media/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/40_zpshkltysvd.jpg.html)
The visor i am redoing and scoup thats going
(http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o786/vwmixa/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/41_zps1fjsnzuw.jpg) (http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/vwmixa/media/GHOSTRIDER%20CUSTOMS/41_zps1fjsnzuw.jpg.html)
original front mock up bumper going not fully decided on style i will be using yet the centre of the bonnet is being raised a further 1.5in
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/51_zpsz71licor.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/51_zpsz71licor.jpg.html)
new lights
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/44%202_zpsr8jdjtcl.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/44%202_zpsr8jdjtcl.jpg.html)
rear lights
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/45_zpsbun69yll.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/45_zpsbun69yll.jpg.html)
2 tone this on the top half BMW lilac
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/1%20%20BMW%20LILAC%20METALIC%20%20LIST%20121.69_zpsxb6la71c.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/1%20%20BMW%20LILAC%20METALIC%20%20LIST%20121.69_zpsxb6la71c.jpg.html)
bottom half cream with mirror flake over it
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/5_zpsongwmuxv.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/5_zpsongwmuxv.jpg.html)

some of your pics don't show but it looks interesting. is it lowered in the pic with the spat over the wheel or is it just the spat makes it look lower? keep at it anyway and lets see how it gets on

It is lowered about 1.5 in
think the pics should be back now

I use a Clark 135 turbo mig either on CO2 or  ArgonHP (High Purity)Gas 20 lt bottles from a 45 amp supply , just been rewired and whole place is on that ampage
I weld and spray outside now on the front garden using well over 100 ft of airline ,running the comp at around 80 psi out through a water trap with another just before my last 20 ft line

Like those LED's and I see you are using CAD to help. Cardboard Aided Design  ;D
Good work, good to see something different.

Thankyou , i make every thing in cad first if it works in that i know i can do it in steel

Nice to see someone doing something to a wardrobe on wheels.
Front reminds me of the 77 Ford LTD. A Mk3 Cortina bumper might fit with adaption but would be a bit skinny.

i thught of mk2 granada but silly money

Looks a bit like a roller at the front going by your CAD template

The grill is more caddy ,Lincoln style
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/773_zpsjnlnjvz7.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/773_zpsjnlnjvz7.jpg.html)
the rear something like Mk3 zodiac / nomad wagon
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/266_zps8jhzjd8b.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/266_zps8jhzjd8b.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/265_zpsrlfa5chg.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/265_zpsrlfa5chg.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/962_zpsdkey1ngp.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/Front%20and%20rear%20end%20pics%20for%20build/962_zpsdkey1ngp.jpg.html)

I might be doing some more changes to the rear quarters thanks to the B------- who ran into it yesterday damaged the n/s rear of front door ,front of rear and a lovely crease in the wheel arch , what realy pisses me off is who ever did it had to know but just left it , all repairable but bloody annoying

Really?! Jeez!

Ye worst part is were the doors are worst is the double skin areas so wont knock out ,and the body had no filler on it ,the only filler is on the bonnet which is going redesign and a small amout on the wheel spats i made , i might be able to weld a thin strip in and then lead it

Started on the redesigned bonnet only centre section at moment the front light change is next, the boxes are made just have to sort out how i am going to sight the adjusters
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0056_zpsx7t7dlhh.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0056_zpsx7t7dlhh.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0053_zps9sy19zs5.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0053_zps9sy19zs5.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0054_zpsyhwrgv1g.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0054_zpsyhwrgv1g.jpg.html)
front lights ready to fit as soon as i figure out the adjusters
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/44%202_zpsr8jdjtcl.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/44%202_zpsr8jdjtcl.jpg.html)
once the lights are fitted i can do the sides of the bonnet and the wings

Interesting.

Stripped the front lights and indicators,off,so next  job is to make so mounts for the replacements which must have some form of adjusters

Eventually got the front bumper off only 2 bolt about 6 in long both seized nearside eventually gave in but the off side wasn't having it at all no way of getting heat to it so big bar and yes it snaped off leaving about an inch left holding it on so a lot of bruit force and ignorance  it did let go so started the metal replacement more pics soon

Well after another week of feeling like crap i have eventually draged my self out and i have now cut all the plates ready to weld in place ,some have been fitted with self tappers so will just tack them together and then remove them hope to get this done this weekend then fit and wire the new lights
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/74_zpspkhv8hry.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/74_zpspkhv8hry.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/75_zpsfqbxh7u7.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/75_zpsfqbxh7u7.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/68_zps424txahd.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/68_zps424txahd.jpg.html)

Don't look like a Volvo anymore. :D

Certainly thinking outside the box  :)

Bit more over the weekend , not the best time to weld outside in the wind ,but its ok a lot more body work left to do think the restyled rear arches will be next ,but theres a lot left to do at the front yet

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/84_zpskpq4e4iu.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/84_zpskpq4e4iu.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/80_zpsumgcuebu.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/80_zpsumgcuebu.jpg.html)
 the misses wants the hood scoop back on but turned around opening to the screen , no sure myself

(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/41_zpspopzilmw.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/41_zpspopzilmw.jpg.html)

Poped over to Morleys in Derby and in a matter of minutes was £65 lighter, then another 20 quid in Halfords on 5 rolls of wire, need to pickup a couple more sheets of steel 2 mT x 1 mt x 1 mm thats another 40 notes and a couple of 2 mt lengths of 2.5 stainless tube quick way of going through 2 hundred pound
 I know i need a bottle of argon as well ,a couple of lts of barseal and a couple of polyester primmer think the old wallet is getting thinner

Soon mounts up doesn't it!

thats true its never ending but wouldnt want to spend on anything not conected to the hobby or should that be life

Please don't take this the wrong way but going on a metal shaping course might save you money in the long run. Less welding materials, body filler etc. needed.

Believe it or not 40 years ago i took an apprenticeship and trained as a motor vehicle refinnisher , i know this does not show this but the ravages of cancer and arthritis in my hands arnt helping plus this is all being done outside , but once its all flatted back there wont be a great deal of filler on it and there will be some metal bashing to the front bumper section , which i did make a mess of backing off the drive and catching the gate  stop in the ground and having a good go at ripping it off  and just pushed it back up and then stuck a jack under it , suppose i should have cut the damaged area out and replaced it but was so pissed off it stayed as is  , but yes Olds i should pay more attention to it

It doesn't look like a run of the mill Volvo anymore, Hang in there I hear you on trouble with hands and so on when we got older...

Main thing is, that you are doing it and hopefully, enjoying doing so.

Yes thourally enjoy working on it and seeing the other guys rides and meeting up with all over at Charnwood Cruisers , along with coming on here and reading what you guys are up to

Arthritis is a real bugger, I sympathise - had to give up riding my trike!

I had a spine op in 2012 that stopped my riding inc the trike , had misses with me once and the surgeon told her i was brain dead if i thought i could ride again , she said hes going to use a trike not sure what his reply was but she said its going now

I kept riding as long as I could but when it was off the road due to an axle problem and I noticed that even a nice day didn't make me wish I was riding, it was probably time to give in!

Sounds like the right time to stop ,hard but some times for the best
All the front lights and indicators are now wired up all OK , have all 4 on dipped and main beam

I believe that lighting regs are min/max 2 dipped, min 2 or max 4 main. Not sure about MOT time.

Thought about this last night havent checked the rules yet but i think you are right

As you said Olds its 2 dipped beam so im putting a switch in hidden away so i can turn the 2 inner off for MOT time
 (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/91_zpsayyqm0lh.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/91_zpsayyqm0lh.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/90_zps150dpvvo.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/90_zps150dpvvo.jpg.html)
The better half won and the air scoop is back on turned around ,just need to put cold air feed from it
 (http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/88_zpsfn18gbgg.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/88_zpsfn18gbgg.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/92_zpsjf00mntj.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/92_zpsjf00mntj.jpg.html)

Grille reminds me of a late model Cadillac or those big Chryslers.  :)

First one to get it right the grill is a copy of a caddy/ lincoln

Started on the interior while it rained stopping work on the body , drivers door and tailgate to start
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0120_zpsfu11js7a.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0120_zpsfu11js7a.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0122_zps3nnjbkgh.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0122_zps3nnjbkgh.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0121_zpsh6wuhfi5.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0121_zpsh6wuhfi5.jpg.html)

You're certainly keeping busy!

Trying to Andy hospital in the morning but if its dry out will be doing either the body flatting down or more panels , yours is looking good

Rain's stopped play here.

All door cards now finished the 1st one had to be redone as the spray glue turned the white cream as it dryed so white double sided tape this time about 45/50 hours work  ,also ordered some leather dye and sealer , next job could be the next on the list plan is to cover it with the white but not sure how i will be doing it yet as its a hard shell have thought of using bars old school style

The leather dye i ordered arrived last night bought 5 lts , i know i dont need that amount but 1 lt was £20.99 5lt was £49.99 so i thought that if i only got the 1 lt i would probably need 1.5 plus 29 quid for 4 lts made it a no brainer , also got a lt of sealer only needs i coat of that , glad realy as its £28 a lt and the price doesnt go down for any additional amount , have to pick up some 1mm sheet on Monday and 2 lenghts of stainless tube 2.5 in dia 60 in long that will be another swift 100 quid for both will add more pics soon .

Made a stupid mistake today , while i have been working on the body work i use cheap pound shop primmer ,  so i finished flatting the bonnet this morning then used Acrylic green stopper  all OK , then used the cheap primmer over it bloody idiot ,yep it reacted good job it still needs wet flatting ,so its 240 wet n dry next then redo the stopper if needed

Bugger.
Saw a big Peugeot with a chrome slatted grille, similar to yours today.

 Fancied chrome but to expensive , have some chrome tape but not sure , also have chrome spray which is good until clear coated it goes grey

The leather dye is quite good instructions say 3 possibly 4 thin coats well its like water so theres no thin coats seats will have to wait awhile as the its a daily and i have hospital 3 days plus mom in law is in hospital and could get a call at any time , but when i do them i will spray them using my touch up gun of the airbrush compressor plus it all has to be sealed
1 coat on dash
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/96_zps6nmffazy.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/96_zps6nmffazy.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/93_zpsuz0yuf17.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/93_zpsuz0yuf17.jpg.html)
Door panels all redone in single colour
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/97_zpsopnd6xck.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/97_zpsopnd6xck.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/100_zpsexyscg4r.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/100_zpsexyscg4r.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/98_zpshbwsxxmm.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/98_zpshbwsxxmm.jpg.html)

I've never seen a Volvo with purple velvet trim before!  :)

I have - it was a hearse!

So i need to etch the side glass and put drapes in them lol

Put the sealer over the dye and what a bloody mess ,did it all as lnstuctions said , so now i might just use more material as this looks terrible runs every were even flat surface well pissed off

The dye came out so badly that i have now covered the dash with fabric , but with working outside the bod work has gone on hold looked at it today and it needs some rust treatment in a few places sooner than later ,and blow some Schultz under the front end

No fun working outside on cars over the Winter is it mate.

Defiantly not we must be mad ,but cant wait for some decent days so i can get back at it

Seeing as i already have poly bushes for the front subframe and all the pipe for the exhaust, i thought i may as well put new suspension on at the same time so just ordered a set of coilovers, top mounts,inner and outer track rod parts and bottom wishbones, quick way of spending the best part of 400 quid should all be here by the end of the week just need a decent couple of days to fit it all, also have to MOT my T5 coupe and the Pajero , I'm sure theres some thing wrong with my brain always happy working on motor especially custom work

The door cards all but the drivers are now done its the third time ,happy with the results this time apart from the drivers i made a cock up patched it up but it will have to be done again with out the mistake dash is covered as well, front seat covers made , back ones next then the head lining which is going to be a pain
The cock up square is patch this will be done again with out it
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/124_zpswnyq0ohc.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/124_zpswnyq0ohc.jpg.html)
How it should be
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/123_zpspn6txfqj.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/123_zpspn6txfqj.jpg.html)
Door tops
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/120_zpsdmzew8qn.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/120_zpsdmzew8qn.jpg.html)
Dash
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/118_zpsnddap26l.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/118_zpsnddap26l.jpg.html)

Does anyone in this country sell 16 in moon discs only ones i have found are state side and cost more to ship than buy

North Hants Tyres have them in 16" they are brushed stainless not aluminium. £95 + vat for a set.
http://www.northhantstyres.com/centre-caps-styles/moon-disc.html

Thankyou for that Olds never gave them a thought and had been  looking at there tyres the other week

Spent Thursday and Friday striping the rear braking system fitting new handbrake shoes and a coil over set up on the back that ain't coil overs as the springs and shocks fit in the original places suppose to be lower it ain't ,have spring adjusters wound right down , the fronts are next but just new legs and mounts coilovers again that are this time front brakes already done, no pics yet as all batterys for camera were flat

Sounds like a lot of work mate. Is that an aftermarket kit?

Yes its a J O M kit  just a cheap set up at £285 as i fancy putting it on air bags if I'm happy with it when finished well when the bodywork is done

Had a couple of weeks away , but i did get the coil overs on both ends first and new bottom wishbones dropped it by about 3 in and its not a harsh ride which i expected but its a nice ride not bump bang like my old mondeo , the roof rails have gone and all filled up starting on the back end body work next

Photos! :)

Ill add so pics tomorrow when ive charged the camera up not 1 but 4 sets of flat batterys well pissed off

Still n pics as been unwell with bad guts , and yesterday i decided to panel the dents out of the coupes passenger door ,been quite some time since i did repair work and had forgoten how blood much has to be stripped of the inside of the door , panel damage repair about 2 hrs just needs a little filler sand and paint stripdown and rebuild and set all window adjustments about 4hrs ,plus i forgot the camera

 ;D

Sitting at a nice level now
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0037_zpsl620upiv.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0037_zpsl620upiv.jpg.html)
Roof rails gone and recess filled
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0043_zpseqir79il.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0043_zpseqir79il.jpg.html)
Bonnet and wing tops have guide coat will be doing all the body work before its flatted back
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0042_zpsxgstulaq.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/DSCN0042_zpsxgstulaq.jpg.html)
working on rear wheel spats now fully covering rear wheels with extensions on to doors and rear to rolled pan bumper

Some big areas there to sand! Don't envy you that! :)

About 40 years ago i trained as a motor vehicle refinisher so the size doesnt bother me its all been done once but i do cheat i have all air tools and a 165 lt tank compressor so the DA gets used alot , though all the filled areas are done by hand , the hard bit will be the colour sanding i start at 800 then 1200 ,1500, 3000 and at times 5000 then mop it ,i use Meguirs 105 & 205 and then hard glaze , but thats a bit away yet im working on the rear wheel spats which are made just the extensions onto the doors and rear end , then blanking the back side windows , i was going to weld the back doors up but i have had an idea on that if it works to they will look as if there welded but still have access ,

Rear wheel spats made need a little easy sand and slight adjustment then its on to the rear end new lights roll pan thinking about making stainless bumpers on heavy brackets after a twat ran in to the back , was om Morrison's car park and this twat in a BMW parks behind me but used me to stop so i jump out and say do you want to have another f-----  go he said why whats up his number late is on the floor and not a mm between the motors he said sorry my sensors didn't work , no this guy is only about 35-40 and British how do they get bloody licences not a mark on the Beast theres me thinking if i had a good bumper fitted his front end would have been on the floor
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/130_zpsk88zw2zt.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/130_zpsk88zw2zt.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/129_zpswrmtjhms.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/129_zpswrmtjhms.jpg.html)
must get on with making the exhaust cant wait to get that bloody back box gone

 :D It's amazing how quickly you get used to having technology. I drive a van all day that has front & rear parking sensors. When I get in my own car to go home I'm still waiting for the sensor to beep, even though it hasn't got any.

Spent most of Friday on motor managed to flat last of filler with 80 grit on the DA , then got a coat of barcoat sealer on and a  coat of grey primmer in between rain drops ,going to put another 3-4 coats of primmer then start to stick some putty on the thing theres still a lot of body work to do but wanted it all one colour for the 18th love Loughbourgh show with the Charnwood Cruisers ,so will do it in sections so it can be reprimmered easily
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/134_zpsdjalaa6j.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/134_zpsdjalaa6j.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/131_zpscj4bjq44.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/131_zpscj4bjq44.jpg.html)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h59/zuki17/V70%20CUSTOM/135_zpsozjuflps.jpg) (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/zuki17/media/V70%20CUSTOM/135_zpsozjuflps.jpg.html)
Need to sort the whitewalls out 2 weeks to sort them

There's a lot of work gone into that.

Just a bit Andy would not have a clue how many hrs but a guess would be 1500 hrs + and many more needed , i have the new carpet now hope i like the colour when i open it , thinking the interior is going to change to leather soon the velvet draylon is ok but think leather will be better just need to source enough in a lilac or magenta colour at a price that dont need a nice bank manager 

You don't see many lilac cows about do you.

Cadburys purple, they must use those cows to make their chocolate  ;) ;D

Its BMW Metallic lilac never seen lilac that colour but there German so that could be the answer to that ,i was going to use cadbury purple better know as plum crazy met but theres so many been done in it already so went for this the misses said its bloody magenta not lilac i bow the her say so seeing as the Lady's are always right

I picked a vw met purple for my trike - like a dark cadburys purple, the wife says its midnight blue...

They are never wrong well i let mine think she is right she said mine is magenta showed her the receipt and she still wouldn't have it as lilac so said OK they must be wrong at BMW i then got some abuse i walked away laughing which only made it worse

Sounds just like Mrs Baychimp. I got rid of my complete set of The Encycopedia Britannia. I didn't need them any more, because the wife knows everthing ::) ::)

That's right Baychimp and even when there wrong there still right , mine will hopefully be out of hospital tomorrow or by Tuesday , think i have gone deaf , though she said today when i told here about my rooky mistake how the bloody hell did you do that and said i was a f        idiot ,   I used Acrylic green stopper , great flated back perfect then primered it  OK you would think but instead of 2K i used celly , yep it reacted with the acrylic big time , still i have rectified most of it ,reflat tomorrow then primer yes with 2K

You know, people who think they are always right - especially male people - are really annoying to those of us who KNOW we're right!