Leyland Cub No.716

Here is the first in what will no doubt be a regular series featuring the restoration of Leyland Cub 716, which is being carried out for us by Historic Vehicle Restoration in Byfleet, largely funded by a grant from the Department for Culture Media and Sport’s Wolfson fund – to enable increased access for all around the Museum.

We have previously seen the extraction of 716, so here is a first installment in the restoration, with photographs supplied by Seb Marshall from HVR.

Below: The Cub was loaded onto a curtain sided step frame trailer, seen here, ready for its journey to Surrey.

Below: Safely ensconced in HVR’s workshops, 716 is seen awaiting a start on the survey which will inform its restoration and adaptation for the carriage of wheelchairs.

Below: With panels removed, the builder’s addition of rear door frame is seen.  This is not original, and the reconstruction of the back of the body will include modifications to enable a folding ramp to be installed.

Below: Mechanically, the initial inspection has been favourable.  The differential is seen here after removal from the rear axle and propshaft assembly.

Below: Here is the clutch assembly.

Below: Work has also started on the engine block, which has been removed.  The manifolds will need replacing, but otherwise the block appears sound.

Below: The front end, sans engine and gearbox.  The front of the chassis rails will need replacing, but as reported previously the chassis is overall in good shape.

Below: Here is the gearbox.  The next step will be the removal of the body to enable the chassis to be stripped, blast cleaned, repaired and a start made on restoring the various fittings to create a rolling chassis.  Work is also underway to identify suitable fixtures for the adaption to carry wheelchairs in this bus.

As always, you will be able to follow the progress of this project online on this blog – the project timescale is as ambitious as the scope of work ahead, but HVR are confident and well practiced and we have a decent sum of money behind us to push this exciting project forwards…