Chris - thanks for your hospitality, final fettling of the car (and recommendations for good pubs in the area).
The MX finally made the journey from the Tribute workshop to South East London, not the longest in miles but traffic jams, accidents (not mine) and diversions conspired to turn it into a 7 hour marathon.
Well it was a decent shakedown and nothing fell off, engine ran like a dream and many, many fellow motorists, passers by and cyclists seemed to appreciate the car as it sat on the A31, M25 etc etc.. lots of thumbs up, camera phones, waves etc which made the lack of aircon for 7hrs a little more bearable! More positive attention than ANY car ive driven before and I have owned a few 'special' cars over the years.
There is a clunk very occasionally from the rear which Ill get checked out and a tin like rattle at low revs which is probably a loose heatshield or brake cover... again ill get these checked out.
One problem I would like any advice on from Chris or anyone on here... the headlining vinyl has come away from the roof panel but replacing will be a pain with the roll cage/bars in situ... any suggestions?
Im now contemplating long/mid term ownership or progression onto the next thing (I have the start of a cunning plan).
Thanks again Chris, great job and the coffee wasn't that bad!