Today I have been rivetting those side strips onto the sills, and removing much of the previously applied paint in the process
Also fitting the original wheels with new tyres. (Photo will follow once I find the hubcaps.) Re-tightened all the suspension nuts and bolts - most of which had loosen off after a few local miles.
And searched the garage for all those interior bits I carefully put somewhere safe. I know they are in there somewhere.
(Also spotted a bit on the underside I'd missed with the paint - so whilst that was drying I made a wheeled platform for our daughter's kiln - nearly did myself mischief hoisting the kiln onto it.)
And then I decided to pick my wife up from work as she's kept asking for a ride in the Viva. Bearing in mind most of the spare bits of sill, random bits of steel, odd tools etc were in the boot, there's no carpets, no back seat, and I haven't changed the carb yet. But she was smitten. Loves it to bits. All is forgiven.
Also smitten was a small boy outside the school where she works - who was last seen running off shouting, "Mum, Mum, come look at this cool car." Made my day. It ain't ever going to be as gorgeous as some of the cars other members have on here. But it's coming on OK.
And can I just take this opportunity to say thank you to the members of the Viva Club and this forum, for your advice, support, encouragement and assistance tracking down parts and keeping this place running. Due to my working nearly every weekend I don't get to shows and meetings, which I regret, so I'd like to express my appreciation here for the hard work behind the scenes which makes this all possible.