Restoration

This section is all about the life and times of Julie Kinley's LEB, which underwent a no-expense-spared, stripped-to-the-metal, pulled-apart-into-thousands-of-pieces restoration between 2002 and 2008. It was a long, long job, done in fits and starts as time and money allowed. Laugh and cry with us at the unfolding story.

The early years

1989 - 2001

Emerging from storage

Mar 2002

Stripdown

Apr 2002

Sandblasting

May - Jun 2002

Structural welding

Jul - Aug 2002

Further welding

Sep 2002

Yet more welding

Oct 2002

Test fitting body shell

Nov - Dec 2002

Body repairs

Jan - Feb 2003

Wheel arch repairs

Mar 2003

Paint stripping

Mar 2004

Fitting replacement body panels

Oct 2005

Preparing for painting

Nov 2005

Painted and lacquered

Dec 2005

Driveshafts and wiring

Jan 2006

Dashboard fit out

Feb 2006

Running gear overhaul

Mar 2006

Drivetrain installation

Apr 2006

Rolling chassis

Jul 2006

Brakes

Sep 2006

Alternator and fan

Nov 2006

Engine ancillaries

Dec 2006

Return to the body shop

Jan 2007

Body and chassis reunited

Feb 2007

Interior details

Mar 2007

Carpets

Nov 2007

Interior trim and paintwork polish

Dec 2007

Rear-end assembly

Jan 2008

Wires, hoses and door alignment

Feb 2008

Ready for the trim shop

Mar 2008

A visit to its old home

Jun 2008

Headlining installed

Jul 2008

Restoration complete

Aug 2008