C694 FWT — The Work Before Life Got in the Way
The first wave of progress on C694 — from sills and windscreen swaps to mismatched paint and brake part nightmares — before real life stepped in.
I acquired C694 FWT in April 2022 and dove straight into the restoration. Here’s how far we got before life intervened.
Early Repairs and Sourcing Parts
- Bonnet and Welding: I immediately sourced and fitted a new bonnet. One side’s welding was completed, including both inner and outer sills, breathing new life into the chassis.
- Windscreen: A friend graciously drove 150 miles to pick up a replacement windscreen, which I then installed myself.
By mid-May, the car was running and nearly drivable other than a leaking fuel line and lack of brakes.
Brake Challenges
- Rear Brakes: The rear brake backing plates were rusted away, and sourcing replacements was nightmarish. They weren’t available new, and used units were scarce and often badly corroded.
I tackled this with my friend Ben, who I entered this project with we planned to share the car for shows and road trips. (You can see Ben in the photos working on the roof repairs—more body hair than a gorilla, but a dedicated restorer!)
Body and Aesthetic Work
- Roof Repairs & Paint: After repairing the roof, I attempted a colour match but wasn’t happy with the result. I painted it black as an experiment—overspray on the glass thankfully scrapes off—and decided it still wasn’t right.
- Bumper and Valance: I painted the bumper, though the match wasn’t perfect. The valance remained missing, waiting for the next opportunity to fit a replacement.
Life Happens…
Despite the progress, the project stalled. I bought, furnished, and decorated a new house, rescued two stray cats, and juggled a demanding senior role with on-call shifts and long hours. Ben, meanwhile, purchased property, got engaged twice and co-founded a café by converting an old bank whilst also working full time as a joiner.
The car stood neglected, partially because I couldn’t track down rear brake parts but mostly because real life had other plans. When I acquired MCU 53X the project car became a parts car and the injection system was stolen from C694 FWT but I have other plans rather than installing another K-Jet.
What’s Next?
With 2024 behind me and a refreshed outlook after quitting my job, I’ve committed to returning to C694 FWT and I'm pleased to say it isn't far off returning to the road.
Stay tuned for the next chapter as we push past the sidelines and get C694 FWT back on the road.
