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!!   

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

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

Quote from: davina61 on July 29, 2025, 09:05:37 AMThey 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. 

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

I am a great believer in the following:

                                   

You forgot cable ties!! Waiting on a new wiper motor to turn up, ordered it Monday first thing and got a confirmation e mail to say we have your order on Tues .  Today got another e mail to say it will be posted in the next few days, what a useless firm as it said 24hr delivery on their site. Just hope the long range forecast is right and it will be dry if its not here on time.

oooh cable ties...don't forget velcro and bungee cords too!

I had the same situation this week, promised overnight delivery and got next week promises.

Dentist today so that put a hold on things, just a clean and polish. Had a fight with my printer, I forgot it only works on 2nd USB port!Managed to print off my tickets for hot rod show,PIA these QR codes.
  Made a list of stuff to take as I know I will forget some things otherwise, must put the freezer blocks in freezer for my cool box.

Quote from: davina61 on July 29, 2025, 03:00:59 AMHave 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!! 

You might be able to use PVC piping.  Use a heat gun to bend it into shape, then cut it into sections and connect the pieces back together with flexible hose connectors and tie wraps

They only just slide into the "tube" sewn into the tent fabric so anything thicker wont work but thanks for the idea. It will be okay it just looks a bit wonky when up! 

There was an open invite to all in the flats (converted Victorian large house,9 flats)  for flat 3s daughters 21st birthday party in the communal garden. They are South African (am I allowed to say coloured?) and a very friendly bunch. Barbeque and drinks so I went down, white South African couple from the flat opposite mine were helping and I sat next to them and (cant remember her name) I had a good conversation with the wife helped by the 2 large JD on the rocks . They kept trying to give me more drink but 2 was enough! food was good, chicken, pork and some beef stew that was very tasty. Rice and sticky rice, turns out mum for the family was sat next to me and when I took a lump of sticky rice in my fingers and used it to mop up the juice from the stew she said she knows how to eat!! I had to go up to my flat ,bladder and F1 qualifying to watch! They were still playing music out side at 10pm, they know how to party. Hugs and thankyous both ways when I left.
 Flat day today, must go down to the garage and fetch the camping plates and stuff up for a good clean as its been sat a good few years.