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Quick update:
The seats, carpet and soundproofing have been removed to reveal an exceptionally clean and rust free floor pan. The scuttle panel that the bottom of the windscreen bonds to is also rust free as is the bulkhead where the front drainage points are which is also great news. Sills are rock solid and all body seams in the door shut areas are good.
So far, some localised welding is required inside the boot, at the top of the suspension turrets and two small patches both sides behind the rear seat. I will get these areas done as soon as possible so that I know the shell is structurally sound. There is evidence that the car has had an historic shunt at the back. The existing rear bumper is full of fibre glass repairs, and the rear panel is crumpled, although this has been straightened out. I am not happy with the alignment of the rear lights/bootlid etc so I may look to having the rear panel replaced. As far as the rest of the body is concerned, any future restoration will just involve the usual rear wheel arches, doors etc. So nothing too sinister.
The engine is still seized. It has had diesel soaking in the bores for the last week and I will again attempt to free it off over the Easter break. Should this not be possible, I will start to dismantle bits and pieces in order to remove the cylinder head and look for clues.
This car is currently number three in the queue for restoration so it will be a while before any major work is done, but I'd like to get the welding done, and engine running in the meantime.
The seats, carpet and soundproofing have been removed to reveal an exceptionally clean and rust free floor pan. The scuttle panel that the bottom of the windscreen bonds to is also rust free as is the bulkhead where the front drainage points are which is also great news. Sills are rock solid and all body seams in the door shut areas are good.
So far, some localised welding is required inside the boot, at the top of the suspension turrets and two small patches both sides behind the rear seat. I will get these areas done as soon as possible so that I know the shell is structurally sound. There is evidence that the car has had an historic shunt at the back. The existing rear bumper is full of fibre glass repairs, and the rear panel is crumpled, although this has been straightened out. I am not happy with the alignment of the rear lights/bootlid etc so I may look to having the rear panel replaced. As far as the rest of the body is concerned, any future restoration will just involve the usual rear wheel arches, doors etc. So nothing too sinister.
The engine is still seized. It has had diesel soaking in the bores for the last week and I will again attempt to free it off over the Easter break. Should this not be possible, I will start to dismantle bits and pieces in order to remove the cylinder head and look for clues.
This car is currently number three in the queue for restoration so it will be a while before any major work is done, but I'd like to get the welding done, and engine running in the meantime.
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