After a smooth-running 2007 CES UK Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial that was described by the winners as "impossible to fault", with 105 crews starting the Trial and a further 13 crews enjoying the Tour, the plan is for an even better event in 2008. "The best of the best" is the organisers aim, as we refine venues and routes still further. In 9 months time the Three Castles Rally will be back... its time to prep our car, a 1972 Gilbern Invader Mk2... great fun! 3.0 Litre, no ABS, no traction control, old school.

The Three Castles Classic Car rally is held in North Wales annually at the end of May. In 2008 APSW will again be entering a team, this time in their Gilbern Invader. To do this, a little TLC and rally prep is required. Our 1972 Gilbern Invader Mk2 has a 3.0 litre (2994cc) V6 OHV Ford Essex engine from the Capri so engine parts are fairly easy to get hold of and hopefully easy to maintain - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Essex_V6_engine_(UK).

Starting off, the most prominant "feature" of the car is its damp smell which had to be dealt with - once the car is dry we can continue with the re-upholstering. In the first photo you can see we have completely ripped out the carpets, seats and removed the mushrooms from the rear footwells. Fortunately the Gilbern is made from fibre glass and avoiding rust and water damage, an issue with fibre glass sometimes appears when it has been bolted to the chassis. Over time, the bolt will vibrate against the glass fibre causing it to wear away making the bolt hole bigger. To fill holes such as this in the body we used a glass fibre reinforced body filler, in this case Tetorsyl Ultrasmart 2K Fibrofil. The advantage of fibre glass reinforced filler is that it is able to 'flex' rather that being too brittle, considering the application the Fibrofil was ideal.

Using the Fibrofil was a matter and mixing the hardener and filler together, evenly spreading it over the hole and leaving to dry. To top off the filler we also added a coat of Tetrosyl silcon sealant to completely seal the bodywork. And that was it... pretty simple when rust isn't involved!

The next stage will be relining the car with sounds deadening felt and booking an appointment with the upholster.