Davina's diary vol 3, life goes on... continued

[davina61]

Have been cracking on sorting stuff out on the Austin, one week till left to get it sorted. Knees were sore after having to kneel down to put dash panels back in yesterday, today I have to fit the clutch master cylinder so more kneeling. Still sorting my camping stuff out as well, Nick cave me some new poles that he had but they are too thick for my tent and I doubt they would bend. It has 4 poles that are in sections linked with elastic up middle and slide in pockets on out side of tent ,some of the sections have split and I managed to swop one split one to the end bit . Not sure I can do this with some others as the poles have different diameters and ends in places. Makes the tent humped backed from the split ones!!   

[ChrissyRyan]

Are proper poles or a replacement tent very costly?

I wonder if broom handles might work, or big dowel rods. 

Obviously I know little about tents!

Chrissy

[davina61]

They are flexible glass fibre rods, no the firm that made it stopped trading.

[Lori Dee]

They are flexible glass fibre rods, no the firm that made it stopped trading.

When I got caught in a massive hail storm, my tent suffered similar damage. I used duct tape to tape around the splits. The rods lose some flexibility, but they remain strong at the break point. You might be able to order replacement rods online or from a sporting goods store. It doesn't need to be the same brand if you have the measurements (length and diameter).

I also learned long ago the value of good-quality knee pads. On construction sites, installing security systems, I spent a lot of time kneeling on concrete floors. I also found them to be quite valuable while prospecting. I often kneel on the ground to dig up metal detector targets or collect paydirt samples. Quite a few times, they have saved my knees from being bashed on rocks when out in the river. I can't recommend them enough. They are not a cure-all. Kneeling is kneeling after all. But they sure do help. 

[davina61]

Yes Lori they have racer (duct) tape on already!!!!