Autoparts (S.Wales) Ltd.

After a smooth-running 2007 CES UK Three Castles Welsh Classic Trial 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 which, fortunately means that engine parts are fairly easy to come by 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. The carpets have been completely ripped out and the mushrooms have been removed from the rear footwells. Fortunately the Gilbern is made from fibre glass, hence avoiding rust and water damage, however, 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, expanding the bolt hole. To fill these holes 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 our 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 complete the job 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!

31.12.08 Update... that was a year ago.

Looking ahead the The Three Castles Rally 2009 we're repairing a few little problems we noticed and "picked up" in 2008. Firstly the suspension, when looking head on at the car we noticedit "listing" towards the near side.