And so it begins......

[Rustinmotion]

Originally Posted by t4johnny

Thanks for the heads up on those areas.
I have had a good look around and underneath and apart from some surface rust it does not look too bad at all as i expected far worse but i guess the dry storage for that length of time has helped preserve him in a way
Inner wings are fine as are the arches, sills are solid and floor are all good so i got lucky and a sound starting point....thanks again !!

Also check the rear upper spring seats, behind the bump stop plate and the chassis section running across the car just behind the axle, that’s where mine had issues

[t4johnny]

I am pretty sure there will be a few areas that will need some attention.
I am just going to deal with one area of the car at a time as in :

1. Engine
2. Cooling System
3. Gearbox / Propshaft/Rear axle
4. Braking system / Clutch
5. Suspension
6. Electrical

No doubt things will overlap along the way and i will look back at what i have just put here and laugh manically...best laid plans and that

Thanks again for the advice

[Rustinmotion]

Originally Posted by t4johnny

I am pretty sure there will be a few areas that will need some attention.
I am just going to deal with one area of the car at a time as in :

1. Engine
2. Cooling System
3. Gearbox / Propshaft/Rear axle
4. Braking system / Clutch
5. Suspension
6. Electrical

No doubt things will overlap along the way and i will look back at what i have just put here and laugh manically...best laid plans and that

Thanks again for the advice

I’d start with suspension as that will allow you to inspect the chassis in that area, no point building new brakes to have to remove them to fit suspension bushes or weld up rotten chassis, having recently done a suspension rebuild I would recommend start now with the penetrating oil on the rear arms and panhard link they can be rusted solid, had to saw out the 4 bolts holding the axle to the lower arm, even with the bush out mounted in the vice I could not get the bolt to move

[canis]

What a great project! You're gonna have so much fun! Are you going to repaint it or are you going with the "rat look" which seems to be popular these days?

This window deflector though! Not seen one of those in years!

[t4johnny]

Originally Posted by Rustinmotion

I’d start with suspension as that will allow you to inspect the chassis in that area, no point building new brakes to have to remove them to fit suspension bushes or weld up rotten chassis, having recently done a suspension rebuild I would recommend start now with the penetrating oil on the rear arms and panhard link they can be rusted solid, had to saw out the 4 bolts holding the axle to the lower arm, even with the bush out mounted in the vice I could not get the bolt to move

I do intend to remove front calipers completely and inspect them on the bench and make a decision from there, at least a full overhaul...
I have been soaking up various front suspension points, after a severe wire brushing 1st, for the last week or so ..daily.....a chore but an essential one for sure.
After buying a vehicle ,some years back now, that had spent its life along the Scottish coast [ yeah i know} i became well versed in dismantling rusted/ seized bolts, ball joints etc....suspension items so hopefully the pain i suffered back then will stand me in good stead.....hmmmmm

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated !!

[t4johnny]

Originally Posted by canis

What a great project! You're gonna have so much fun! Are you going to repaint it or are you going with the "rat look" which seems to be popular these days?

This window deflector though! Not seen one of those in years!

Hello....yes i will stick with the "Patina" look for a while as there are more important things to be getting on with....

Yes that wind deflector i believe can also be used as a riot shield in the event of a nearby major crowd disturbance....