Well she didn't exactly fail, but she didn't exactly pass either
Test not completed
......and it's all my fault, I'm an idiot
( or perhaps It really is a sign of dementia onset
Everything going well until too many untightened bolts
Bottom front spring to wishbones; diff torque rods, rear A frame to hub (not enough thread on locknut because the two bolts are different lengths and I fitted them wrong way round
), but, most seriously, brake pipe connection to master cylinder not tight enough so fluid leak
With prolonged heavy pressure pedal would sink to floor, leak was clear once pointed out, consequently no brake test possible so test not completed
Fortunate, I suppose, that my local garage are a friendly bunch ( we're on first name terms and they've tested all my Lotus and project cars over the years) so no fail as such. But I'm so embarrassed
One thing that was not down to me though was that the radiator is leaking, despite it being pressure tested after repair, so that's going back. In my defence I did leave most of the suspension bolts loose when the body was off, to be tightened when the suspension was loaded. I always write down on a list what jobs are outstanding so I don't forget and to be ticked off when done, BUT it is not specific enough, ie it doesn't list every joint/ bolt, so although I did tighten bolts under load I obviously missed some
The golden rule is, of course, if you fit a bolt TIGHTEN IT RIGHT AWAY, even if later you will have to loosen it and retighten.
However on the bright side, she drives beautifully
and sounds glorious
(bit scary though driving it back home and just getting into the garage with NO BRAKES
master cylinder virtually empty
I've already fixed the leak and will remedy the rest over the weekend.