Evening...

[exlkrs]

Greetings from your newest recruit! At the age of 15-17, as a BMC Austin bodyshop apprentice, I breathed new life into a smashed maroon B A40, which became my first car when I passed my test at 17. Loved it but never had another. Until today. Now a semi retired 64, i've plumped for a F registered Maroon B Saloon. Should keep me occupied. I've a lifelong experience of Austins, my name on forums is Exlkrs, denoting happy times when Lookers were the big name in Austin. I'm in South Manchester, and happy to both put in and take out of these forums and help local members if i can. Take care all.

[Keith Bennett]

Well, a warm welcome to the madhouse, Exlkrs (I'm glad you explained the rationale behind its meaning cos I'd never have guessed!). Thanks for returning to the A40 fold after forty-odd years and on behalf of the rest of the gang, I hope you have many happy years fettling and driving your A40. Just get used to total strangers approaching you with daft grins on their faces!

[Stoney13]

hi and welcome, and that will be keith with the daft grin on his face, he needs his g&t more regular now.

No a very warm welcome to the forums, and im sure there are some members up that way or near by

[exlkrs]

Thanks for that Stoney. There is a chap near me in South Manchester who has always run an A40 and has a few in his garden, and has for many years. I actually spoke to him for the first time in Lidl last year, when I was restoring a Healey Sprite. Unsure if he's on here, I might go and knock his door. He can only tell me to sod off i suppose!

[Stoney13]

yes thats true, but nothing ventured nothing gained , all the best

[Dave the rave]

I do know Chris, ( exlkrs ), is now a club member, and I welcome you Chris. And I'm wondering if that chap he alludes to in S Manchester is Alan R.....?? Keith ? Mike ?

[Keith Bennett]

Er, yep, Alan R was a Club member for many years and could attempt making some steel repair panels in his shed. I believe that eventually, his advanced years, combined with bad arthritis, made him give the work up and he hasn't been a member now for quite some time.

[exlkrs]

Yes I think that's him. IIRC when I was a Bodyshop Foreman for Lookers he was the Bodyshop Foreman at Jackson & Edwards in Altrincham. Anyway I'll go and chap his door the weekend and report back!

[Keith Bennett]

From my past experience (and I speak personally) you may need a thickish skin and a pinch of salt...

[exlkrs]

Thanks for the heads up Keith. Got plenty so challenge accepted!!