Wilsons Sandbox

Hello all! This is my first of many requests to fellow members, glad to be aboard as # 373. I'm very happy with my number, my other obsession is a 1937 Harley. Ok, TC/4946 has a gray firewall, has someone comeup with an accepted color match, if so what is the number. Has anyone found a shop that can restore the original data plaques. I'd like to keep as much of the original car as possible. Is there a TC restoration book that is considered the best for correct details, and information. I'm not interested in a 100 point show car, but I'd like things correct. Thanks. Bob caretaker of TC/4946

The story I heard was that Abingdon (as well as the rest of the UK) were still suffering shortages and rationing after WW2. Consequently any grey paint on the shelf that was available was used for the firewalls, provided it was not wildly a different shade. So the grey could be any colour,who cares, it doesn't spoil the fun of driving the car does it?? Roger Muir. Bromsgrove UK

Bob, if your data plaques are not damaged, you can improve their appearance yourself if you work carefully. Use 900 to 1200 grit wet sandpaper on the surfaces to remove loose paint and corrosion, clean with solvent, repaint with matte black, resand to display the markings, then clearcoat. If you are hesitant to try, work on the body number tag first. Not many people notice it.