Wow, its been a few sleeps!!!
Managed to complete the welding on the subframe/body jig (That I redesigned about 25 times). I basically bolted square tube to both the front and back of the front and rear subframes, reused the front shock mounting plate to weld in uprights(will replace with new), bolt in an upright at the rear through the rear shock mounts and tied/welded it all together. I also put in a tube to pick up the toe board (steering rack location). The two horizontal 50x25 sections stick out so I can attach jockey wheels (the ones that are used to help move caravans around) to them to move it around as the spit is a real pain in the arrsse!!! Then just need to put in two ground anchors so I can chain the thing down (also covered by CCTV). To deter/stop any thieving...... So basically, I can now cut away the.. was going to say body but that's an exaggeration! What's left!! and then get the subframes blasted (Too big for my homemade cabinet) so I can paint them. I was thinking POR15, but I've also seen some other epoxy paints that could be suitable mentioned so if anyone has used an epoxy paint, would love to hear how long its been since it was done and what its looking like now.
20190603-mini-jig-done.jpg 52.75K
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The new replacement panels (Heritage/Rover) that I now have collected:
Full Floor with trimmings
Toe Board
Rear Section (was really lucky to pick up the rover pre-made entire rear : Rear bulkhead, Boot Floor/Battery Box, wheel arches etc.)
Companion Boxes
Both full side panels
Mk1 Full Rear (I like the lights and didn't want to have extra welding with the small adaptor plates)
Full windscreen/Scuttle
Both innerwings with A panels already attached
Wings and Front panel
Oh and the roof...
Not decided if to fix and reskin the current doors, or just go new, so still have the originals, but as the two full sides are new I "hope" it should be good.
Those now calculating, yup the bulkhead is staying!! Everything is being replaced like for like as per the regs.
I know its been ages, I know there is a lot to do. I've been meticulous to ensure everything will line up and will be put together better than it was the first time around. I have also made a load of internal jigs to make sure its all in the right place.
I've also invested in a spotwelder, and a gazillion cleco's.
Hopefully soon it'll be wheels on, flipped over and the dead metal cut away. That will be a massive milestone.
I've learned a new mantra "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time" (I don't advocate eating elephants though!! before I get slammed). :-D
Happy days eh!
Wow, how heavy are the radius arms!!! The radius arms were only held in with 3 bolts, and only one bolt each side holds it to the floor (slaps forehead)...
