Collection day

12th February had arrived and as promised my kit was ready for collection. As I live in Worcestershire, I pondered getting AK to deliver it, but in the end, I decided collecting it would be good as I could ask  load of questions while up in Peterborough. Also, It would be an entertaining day trip out. I had already had a towbar fitted to the trusty Kuga, so I hired a trailer for the day from the local Hire-It. These guys were very helpful, however when the guy saw my brand new tow ball, the inevitable "have you towed before?" question followed. To which I had to reply "no"! He seemed to think I was very brave taking a 25" long trailer all the way to Peterborough on my first attempt but nevertheless I set off with my mate Bill Holden for moral support.
The journey was great fun and we arrived unscathed at the AK factory.
Jon at AK didn't reckon much to my parking and so took over the trailer reversing task so we could load the kit.

Loading up at AK

Here's one I prepared earlier!

 

So we loaded up with all the parts for my phase 1 build.

AK Gen II Chassis and Body, complete with engine bay stainless steel cladding pre-fitted.

All AK modified suspension components all bubble wrapped.

Twin three legged roll hoops.

Radiator.

Steering rack and power steering pump.

Coil spring/damper units

Handbrake cables and brake flexies.

 

The ride home was great fun with loads of rubber necking from folks all wondering what was on the back of the trailer.

 

 

Finally cracked the reversing!

 Once at home, I'd arrange for four people to be around so we could safely lift the body from the chassis. I had previously built a timber framed sledge with casters to place the body on, hopefully making it easy in future to move the body out of the way. Fortunately I have a double garage so the chassis now occupies one half and the body the other.

The new man cave