Widening block paving...

[Sqwim]

I've got an existing block paved drive that I'm looking to widen. I'm pretty practical but have not done block paving before. I have read the site (very informative it is too) and reckon it's within my capabilities... however... I have a few questions...

The existing drive seems pretty well laid with a soldier course on a concrete bed and well haunched. Now, I'm wanting to expand the drive (and obviously match the level it is laid at - that's the tricky bit!) but not sure whether to leave the existing soldiers course where it is or pull it up and try to neatly continue the existing herringbone (bearing in mind there would be a concrete soldiers course underneath it!). I want to do this as easily as possible and really don't want to end up having to redo the entire existing drive because I've cocked it up. What would you suggest?

I've tried angle grinding the haunching back so that I can fit the new blocks up against the old blocks (the sub base is prepared already) but the old blocks come loose when I do this. Am I best trying to cement/mortar them back into place (might have to chabble away a bit first to get a good key) and then pave up to them or is it going to be easy enough to pull the entire soldier course up and continue the existing herringbone over the top without disturbing the already laid drive?

I really don't want this to be too difficult! What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance.

[lutonlagerlout]

you need to take the soldier course and all the haunching out and lift the existing blocks back at least 600mm so you have something to screed to
remember block paving is flexible so you cannot leave the solid concrete in the middle of your new drive
it will look patchy though
better to take the lot up and either mix the new block and old or lay new block son the existing sand and your new area
its a matter of cost
LLL