Restoring 758
Exploratory work began at Sandtoft in 1998 with the removal of some of the external panels and it soon became evident the deterioration of the all-metal bodywork was far worse than expected. Long periods of outdoor storage had taken their toll on 758’s condition and in 2003 the BTA launched a fund-raising campaign to carry out a full-scale restoration.
2003 at Sandtoft – the corrosion revealed
Could it really be this bad? Sadly yes, as this view near the base of the driver’s cab door makes clear….
2014: At Keighley with new framework taking shape
758’s interior bulkhead primed before refitting the panels
A vast amount of bodywork, electrical and mechanical renovation has been carried out over the years and the project continues today at Keighley. The transformation has been enormous, and the remaining work is well-understood and relatively manageable, with every hope of completion by late-2026.
2017: With new framework and panelling in place
2022: With exterior paintwork well underway
