To that end, I had heard about Volvo engines being swapped in but no personal familiarity as it was all before my time. I picked up a B18 and M40 gearbox from a man with garages full of classic Volvos and parts. The block is a little longer and taller than an XPAG, the gearbox is a little shorter but the remote control places the shifter in the perfect spot. The swap itself entailed making some special parts to connect to everything original. Nothing was modified on the MG side save for adding a speed blister on the lower bonnet. The engine is uprated a little and the diff was swapped for a Morris unit. A shortened propshaft was needed but I again still have my original. Twin leading shoe conversion is in the future. I have all the parts, I just haven't gotten to it yet.
The restoration was typical except I wanted a Pre War look, again something that would be done without any TC modification. I liked the K-type headlamp stanchions but I didn't want to drill out the riveted brackets off the chassis so I made my own which use the original chassis mount and a bolt through the top into the chassis to keep them from rotating. Front wings are 1936 Buick spare tire covers, rear wings were sourced and modified from someone with the same idea. The interior kit came with the project but was quite old. Many months of conditioning the leather made it supple enough for me to upholster. I did this too with the panels. Someone spent some decent money on it many years ago. They are Connolly Vaumol hides. I'm not sure who made it though, I just see an order number placed through Abingdon Spares. Other interior pieces like the seat back, wheel arch covers, side curtain box and welting I made from leather myself. I made the carpet using a nice green wool I found. I do update on my instagram LDimo13. Please enjoy.
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