Spot on when it comes to Corniche's and variations in fittings, I should know I managed the Corniche production line (92 to 94 Model years) in Crewe right after it was moved up from MPW in West London. The tonneau covers were the hardest piece to complete, in fact it was the last thing to be fitted. They were very thick and only one person in the trim shop was strong enough to machine them. They were made oversize, then delivered to the finishing line where they were fitted and marked up, then sent back for trimming and binding, each one having the vin number applied underneath on masking tape so it wouldn't get mixed up. Fun times, although Gary is correct the hoods varied in size, however the biggest issue was with the doors, one side was invariably 1/4 to 1/2" longer than the other, but the glass was the same size for both sides, but that's another story
David. So nice to hear from someone who actually worked on these wonderful cars! Tell me, was the leather on these Tonneau covers Rhino skin? It’s so thick! Regards..
@@classic.obsession Yes basically unskived leather, lined with Mohair if I remember correctly so very tough but also durable. Only 1 in 25 Corniches in my era had a Mohair roof, looks so much better but not easy to do given how little give there was in the material as opposed to the vinyl. That was a while ago, and I was only 22 years old at the time, one of the youngest line managers at the time....
@@classic.obsessionGary I recently purchased a presentation case the Mulliner Park Ward Coach Trimmer of the year 1974, a silk lined case with a wedgewood plaque a hammer and a bronze medal showing a Corniche car, with the persons name, to put with my 1973 Corniche, the person most likely worked on my car... my wife doesn't understand me 😂
What a top notch idea drilling the leather then reversing the bit and cutting off the excess with a Stanley blade using the drill bit as the guide! Absolutely fantastic idea! Thanks Gary👍👍👍👍
I almost fainted when he started spray painting the leather, but then remembered he done it on the inside too! Doing RR standard work in his driveway! I’m impressed.
Paul is a true craftsmans. One of my favorites on the show. He really knows his leather and automotive upholstery. Seeing that boot put back onto Gary's car really sets it off. I personally hate when i see a beautiful convertible car driving around without it's boot protecting the downed softtop. Great video.
I've always admired Rolls Royce but never really considered adding one to my small gathering of classics until the last couple of years of watching your series of videos. Regardless of the lack of a hole punch, you did a tidy job on the leather cover, utilizing the tools at hand. Grab yourself a can of A/C compressor oil as I'm sure you'll be replacing more lines. ....and let me know when you're in California. I'll be back there in a week or so.
Loved that episode - lucky to get the weather to be abel to do that job outside - and get the hood down ! Class workmanship and improvisation as usual - Cheers Stew
Fantastic job as usual Gary,as an ex Jaguar and Aston Martin factory trimmer I admire the way you tackled this tonneau cover,although spraying the cover so close to the black corniche made me a bit nervous.
I think the Mercedes 114/115’s of the 1970’s were painted in a very similar ‘Primrose Yellow’. I owned one in that colour with honey coloured brown cloth interior and loved it! Regards.
Instead of using red grease on the O-rings, can I suggest using PAG oil instead? It's the same oil that goes in system to lubricate the compressor so it won't eat the O-rings up as grease can, or contaminate the system.
Damn! The one and only time I could have given Gary a bit of advice and you go and steal my opportunity! I have just fitted new O rings all round on my project's a/c and that is what I did, just cadged a bit of PAG oil from a garage I know.
You are a braver man than me I nearly freaked out when I saw you take a drill and a bolt and Stanley knife blade to that new cover!!! Surely an investment in a hole punch and block of wood would have been softer on the nerves - I'm amazed your trimmer didn't have the tool! Anyway all's well that ends well I suppose - nice old motor, but I prefer the fully automation soft top on my R129!
The easy way to find an air con leak is to shine a uv black light around the engine bay. The air con gas has a uv tracer in it. And as for the green rings they are the only ones rings to have a stock of as they are far better than the black ones.
I'm in the process of cleaning a very grubby caramel coloured interior on my Fiat Coupe.Would have been easier to refinish it using that kit.Hey-ho.Great work as usual Gary,all the leather work looks so good
This Corniche project gets better and better. Not having the actual vehicle available for test fits of the tonneau cover ties the craftsman's hands a bit.
On my 2003 London Taxi when you put the air-con on it was like you'd pulled the handbrake up on to the first click. The amount of power it sucked from the engine was incredible.
I have an old XJ12 and wanted to disconnect the aircon hoses (to take the engine out) but was under the impression disconnecting them was a no-no. Thought you needed to pay someone to come and de-pressurise it
It’s not so much it’s dangerous but more to be friendly to the environment. If you were to spring a leak, it wouldn’t take long for the system to empty. It also depends on how recently it was working. If it’s been laid up for years it may be depleted and empty anyway. Regards and good luck.
In a commercial environment only people who are trained are allowed to work on systems containing f-gas and all usage of gas has to be reported to the government. The system should be evacuated and tested prior to gas being re-introduced to the system to identify any leaks. Boring I know but as Gary says…it’s to protect the environment 😀
Scuzzy headlining, for me, is an absolute no no! So this is a good call. But to recolour leather, I’m still trying to imagine being brave enough to do it myself. Best peaceful stress ever.
The 75 is the one Wider track and round rear arches And look so nice Pre 75 doesnt have the round rear arches Post 75 has the series two type dash So the 75 is the nicest out of all of them
I always thought a tonneau cover was a cover that covered the passenger area in an open top car when driving alone. Anyway. Gary, with way you always do things properly, I'm surprised you didn't buy a proper hole punch instead of making the holes with a drill. I guess the end result was similar. Was that A/C repair successful? Another interesting video!
Thanks Phil but by the time I’d sourced one and got it delivered I’d been another week down the line so had to improvise. No. The throttle body started leaking after a full gas up, so the gas was safely taken out of the system and I’ll fit a new one and continue to chase my tail for now!! Regards
Hi, I have a 1986 coronation convertible and I’m restoring it. I need the front bow that latches to the windshield where it locks down that would is. Do you know where I can get this? I tried everything. Nobody got it but I know you’re a man that knows these cars maybe you could make it please let me know.
As the owner of a small collection of these old-school Rolls_Royce and Bentley cars. Because of on going issues with the air - conditioning systems playing up. I no longer bother to have them fixed anymore. You soon get use to no heating etcetera after a while !.......
Spot on when it comes to Corniche's and variations in fittings, I should know I managed the Corniche production line (92 to 94 Model years) in Crewe right after it was moved up from MPW in West London. The tonneau covers were the hardest piece to complete, in fact it was the last thing to be fitted. They were very thick and only one person in the trim shop was strong enough to machine them. They were made oversize, then delivered to the finishing line where they were fitted and marked up, then sent back for trimming and binding, each one having the vin number applied underneath on masking tape so it wouldn't get mixed up. Fun times, although Gary is correct the hoods varied in size, however the biggest issue was with the doors, one side was invariably 1/4 to 1/2" longer than the other, but the glass was the same size for both sides, but that's another story
What a great comment. So nice to have someone of your caliber in the comments.
David. So nice to hear from someone who actually worked on these wonderful cars! Tell me, was the leather on these Tonneau covers Rhino skin? It’s so thick! Regards..
@@classic.obsession Yes basically unskived leather, lined with Mohair if I remember correctly so very tough but also durable. Only 1 in 25 Corniches in my era had a Mohair roof, looks so much better but not easy to do given how little give there was in the material as opposed to the vinyl. That was a while ago, and I was only 22 years old at the time, one of the youngest line managers at the time....
Brilliant information from David! I'm sure Gary and the rest of us would welcome any information you might have from back then! And what a job at 22!
@@classic.obsessionGary I recently purchased a presentation case the Mulliner Park Ward Coach Trimmer of the year 1974, a silk lined case with a wedgewood plaque a hammer and a bronze medal showing a Corniche car, with the persons name, to put with my 1973 Corniche, the person most likely worked on my car... my wife doesn't understand me 😂
What a top notch idea drilling the leather then reversing the bit and cutting off the excess with a Stanley blade using the drill bit as the guide!
Absolutely fantastic idea!
Thanks Gary👍👍👍👍
@@hamishandthefatman68 leather punch with a hammer. Or even use a tile core cutter with hammer
@@marcusd2380 Yes what I was thinking Marcus, a wadd punch and hammer for a perfectly clean hole.
The black corniche its ready now
What a delight watching you work in the cars Gary.
Once more a great video.thank you.
Gary I love your videos , they are so chillled and very informative, we want more though 😊.
Thanks Shane. Much appreciated but to produce three episodes each month is tough as I’m a one man show with no crew!! Regards.
The best channel by far on youtube.
Just reeks of professionalism and class from start to finish.
Absolutely superb
Thankyou! Really appreciated..
It doesn't get better when everything goes right the first time. Excellent Video again.
I almost fainted when he started spray painting the leather, but then remembered he done it on the inside too! Doing RR standard work in his driveway! I’m impressed.
Paul is a true craftsmans. One of my favorites on the show. He really knows his leather and automotive upholstery. Seeing that boot put back onto Gary's car really sets it off. I personally hate when i see a beautiful convertible car driving around without it's boot protecting the downed softtop. Great video.
I've always admired Rolls Royce but never really considered adding one to my small gathering of classics until the last couple of years of watching your series of videos.
Regardless of the lack of a hole punch, you did a tidy job on the leather cover, utilizing the tools at hand.
Grab yourself a can of A/C compressor oil as I'm sure you'll be replacing more lines.
....and let me know when you're in California. I'll be back there in a week or so.
I’m here!
@@classic.obsession Gary. I'll be back on 14th (next Monday). Will you still be in town?
Yep
@@classic.obsession I'll be in contact. A Lotus Esprit awaits.
You can message me on maversclassicobsession@gmail.com
Nice set of white wall tyres would look lovely on that Gary
You can't buy good taste
Nice job Gary, love the idea of using the blank end of the drill bit and a Stanley blade to tidy up the holes!
Thanks Simon..
You made that look far too easy Gary. Great work.
It’s not!! Thanks Grant.
Loved that episode - lucky to get the weather to be abel to do that job outside - and get the hood down ! Class workmanship and improvisation as usual - Cheers Stew
Fantastic job as usual Gary,as an ex Jaguar and Aston Martin factory trimmer I admire the way you tackled this tonneau cover,although spraying the cover so close to the black corniche made me a bit nervous.
Haaa!! Vince, the wind was blowing the other way I promise you!! Regards
Attention to detail second to none Gary. Excellent video as usual Gary well done.
Appreciated Adrian!
“Primrose Yellow” is the pale yellow colour mentioned in the E-type conversation…. Used by Jaguar and Triumph in the late 60s / early 70s….
Or Harvest Gold
I think the Mercedes 114/115’s of the 1970’s were painted in a very similar ‘Primrose Yellow’. I owned one in that colour with honey coloured brown cloth interior and loved it! Regards.
So nice Gary
Always appreciate your videos Gary!
I appreciate you watching Gavin! Regards
Instead of using red grease on the O-rings, can I suggest using PAG oil instead? It's the same oil that goes in system to lubricate the compressor so it won't eat the O-rings up as grease can, or contaminate the system.
Good point!
Damn! The one and only time I could have given Gary a bit of advice and you go and steal my opportunity! I have just fitted new O rings all round on my project's a/c and that is what I did, just cadged a bit of PAG oil from a garage I know.
You are a braver man than me I nearly freaked out when I saw you take a drill and a bolt and Stanley knife blade to that new cover!!! Surely an investment in a hole punch and block of wood would have been softer on the nerves - I'm amazed your trimmer didn't have the tool! Anyway all's well that ends well I suppose - nice old motor, but I prefer the fully automation soft top on my R129!
As always mate, really enjoyed it. Cheers
Thanks Chris!
Nice Job!!
That tonneau cover is beautiful. Looks like it came from the factory.
Excellent as always! Looking forward to the Lotus!
Thanks Luke!
The Rolls looks great Gary. Thanks!!!
Another cracking episode Gary, you have a lovely house and a proper garage, looks like a very affluent area where you live
Thankyou Spence. My house of 30 years!I’ve worked hard for it mate!! Regards.
It's Liverpool 😂😂😂😂 safer in Beirut.
Ha! Your team not doin too well then in the premier league?!!
The easy way to find an air con leak is to shine a uv black light around the engine bay. The air con gas has a uv tracer in it. And as for the green rings they are the only ones rings to have a stock of as they are far better than the black ones.
The tool they use in the a/c place is an amazing piece of kit..
lovely job on the cover...
Watching your videos once again I wish I had a small percentage of your skills and talent!
Get stuck in Jonathan. Most of it’s just common sense with a little bravery thrown in. Just be safe! Regards.
A man of many talents, cheers, great episode as usual!
A renaissance man as i like to say.
lovely job gary looks brilliant
so A C all ok now hopefully
Colour is mint ❤
I'm in the process of cleaning a very grubby caramel coloured interior on my Fiat Coupe.Would have been easier to refinish it using that kit.Hey-ho.Great work as usual Gary,all the leather work looks so good
Fair play youve made a lovely job of the tonneau cover 🙌👍
The corniche is such a beautiful car !
Thanks again Gary for this video with a nice varied content .
Cracking video as always! Keep up the great work 🏴
Beautiful job!
Again an awesome episode, thanks!
Just curious...why not punch those holes? Cleaner edges.
Don't misunderstand me, it came out, as usual, perfect!
Thanks Paul. I just didn’t have a punch!! Regards.
My favourite watching you working on a Roller Gary 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤
Beautiful job Gary 🚘🚙🚗👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏
This Corniche project gets better and better. Not having the actual vehicle available for test fits of the tonneau cover ties the craftsman's hands a bit.
Looking forward to the Lotus double episode 🙂
On my 2003 London Taxi when you put the air-con on it was like you'd pulled the handbrake up on to the first click. The amount of power it sucked from the engine was incredible.
I think it draws a lot less with the modern compressor though. Regards
Another great job Gary.
I have an old XJ12 and wanted to disconnect the aircon hoses (to take the engine out) but was under the impression disconnecting them was a no-no. Thought you needed to pay someone to come and de-pressurise it
It’s not so much it’s dangerous but more to be friendly to the environment. If you were to spring a leak, it wouldn’t take long for the system to empty. It also depends on how recently it was working. If it’s been laid up for years it may be depleted and empty anyway. Regards and good luck.
@@classic.obsession great you've put my mind at rest. I can now take it all apart 😃
In a commercial environment only people who are trained are allowed to work on systems containing f-gas and all usage of gas has to be reported to the government. The system should be evacuated and tested prior to gas being re-introduced to the system to identify any leaks. Boring I know but as Gary says…it’s to protect the environment 😀
majestic
Great video Gary 👍🏻😀
Scuzzy headlining, for me, is an absolute no no! So this is a good call. But to recolour leather, I’m still trying to imagine being brave enough to do it myself. Best peaceful stress ever.
Another fabulous video Sir.
Kettles on!
I’ve got to replace the roof on my Jensen Convertible. You free next week Gary? Great vid as usual. Mark in Sydney.
Mark. It’d take me a week to get over there!! Regards..
Nice!
Looks like the trees need a bit of a trim .
Doing this leaves no time for anything else!!
The 75 is the one
Wider track and round rear arches
And look so nice
Pre 75 doesnt have the round rear arches
Post 75 has the series two type dash
So the 75 is the nicest out of all of them
I agree!
I never knew that the 1975 was so special in the ways you described. Very kewl.
I always thought a tonneau cover was a cover that covered the passenger area in an open top car when driving alone. Anyway. Gary, with way you always do things properly, I'm surprised you didn't buy a proper hole punch instead of making the holes with a drill. I guess the end result was similar. Was that A/C repair successful? Another interesting video!
Thanks Phil but by the time I’d sourced one and got it delivered I’d been another week down the line so had to improvise. No. The throttle body started leaking after a full gas up, so the gas was safely taken out of the system and I’ll fit a new one and continue to chase my tail for now!! Regards
Hi Gary could recommend the air con place in liverpool ypu went too as I have a similar issue thank you
Nice work on the "Hood stowage cover". RR terminology. 🙄
Hi, I have a 1986 coronation convertible and I’m restoring it. I need the front bow that latches to the windshield where it locks down that would is. Do you know where I can get this? I tried everything. Nobody got it but I know you’re a man that knows these cars maybe you could make it please let me know.
I need the same part for my red 83!
🤘😎🤘
Convertible??? How about a Drop Head?????
Hood-bonnet, boot-trunk, lacquer-clearcoat, convertible-Drophead….whatever! Regards.
As the owner of a small collection of these old-school Rolls_Royce and Bentley cars. Because of on going issues with the air - conditioning systems playing up. I no longer bother to have them fixed anymore. You soon get use to no heating etcetera after a while !.......
Who needs air-con in the uk anyway !
@@scottnaish-theheartpatient2016 😄🤣😅😁 Excatly !...