The first drive, ever!!

Yesterday I drove the car for the first time! And this was also the first time I drove a Ponton ever. It is difficult for me to explain in English how I feldt, because this is not my mothers tongue, but in norwegian I would say: Fy f..... for en herlig følelse!! (sorry dad...) What a feeling! The nice view through the windshield (eh. Where it should have been) and the quick trottle responce. The curves on the hood is beautiful from behind the steering wheel. The gear shift worked almost perfect. It is just a little difficult to not hit reverse when I want 1. gear. Maybe I just need some practice? This was a nice experience after nine years with blood, swet and tears. Literally! And yesterdag I also became a member of IPOG. International Ponton Owner Group. I look forward to get familiar with that group.

Transmission

I wrote earlier that I had problems with the gear shift. I didn't find reverse, 1. and 2. Suddenly the stick got stuck so I could not move it at all. I found out that there was no way around to take the transmission out. It was not very difficult, but not very little space and clearance. I didn't find the problem on that transmission, so I decided to put in the other transmission I had. It seemd ok.

Today I manage to do the work finished. I also rinsed the starter when it was already out. We used a LOT of time trying to adjust the rods to the transmission. And before that we used a LOT of time trying to find out how this works. I have to get some information about how this should be adjusted.

I was very exited to test the gearshift. And it worked ok!! 2. gear is difficult, and reverse and 1. gear is very close to each other. I think this is just an adjustment job. Comments wanted.

Doors

Yesterday we manage to mount the doors. Hopefully permanently, but I am afraid I have to take them off for mounting rubber around the doors. (what's the english word??)

This was a difficult job, where we needed a lot of patience and care. And the engineers at Mercedes didn't give us much space. I think the clearance between the panels are supposed to be 5 millimeter. I am close to that all over, but some places it is more, and some places less. The right front door was most difficult, becauce the doorpost is replaced with a new. This is probably 2 millimeter out of position, and that is too much. Some "adjustment" with the grinder at the hinges, and some shims made it fit. There are also some adjustments left at the rear fenders.

I learned that it is a bad idea to tighten the bolts at the fenders before the doors are mounted. This should be done in one operation so it is possible to adjust easily.

I also continued the work with the exhaust system. The cone asbestosbushing between the manifold and pipe costed a "fortune" at the Mercedes dealer. By looking thru the racks at a sparepart dealer, I found out that Mazda 323 is fitted with the same dimension...... (it is almost impossible to see this part...I promise!!)

The car starts to look nice! Agree??