523 replies to this topic

[colinf1]

Got on the lathe on my lunch break, this is attempt number 2...it's pretty much spot on. 1st attempt I turned it around once I had the smaller diameter side done, this put it slightly out-of-line, around .25mm, so tried again, machining it all and keeping everything in the same axis.



I wonder how long before I find the original one....

[colinf1]

Got a good run at the engine today, new clutch kit, clutch oil seal, flywheel housing, timing set and tightened up, timing cover on and tightened up, clutch housing on...

[colinf1]

Got the head rebuilt and back on the engine. Valves lapped in, new stem seals. Head back on engine now and has its 1st coat of yellow.



Started clearing out the shell ready for welding...

[Viktor]

I like very much the colour! I will have a chat with you when the time comes to do my engine...

 

Victor.

[colinf1]

Got what I hope is the last coat of paint on the engine...

[colinf1]

Pulled shell out and got a chance to do some welding, almost finished off the drivers door step.



Tried door back on to check clearance, all seems fine. Was a bit tight at A-post but noticed a big gap at the top so enlongated the hinge holes slightly to all a bit more clearance amd close the top gap.



The liner in the welder is catching the wire so the feed is inconsistant, so I'll need to order a new one before doing any more welding.

[colinf1]

Got on the lathe on my lunch break, this is attempt number 2...it's pretty much spot on. 1st attempt I turned it around once I had the smaller diameter side done, this put it slightly out-of-line, around .25mm, so tried again, machining it all and keeping everything in the same axis.



I wonder how long before I find the original one....

Well, well, well, look who decided to show up...



Hiding in a box full of random bits n pieces..

[MacGyver]

Murphy's law that. At least now you have a spare... 😁

[colinf1]

Sandblasted the fuel tank, gonna need to repair the neck, a bit holey....

 

[colinf1]

Removed the drivers side rear quarter panel as there was 2 long dents running from B-post to the wheel arch, had the replacement panel there for it, but glad I decided to do it as it revealed some more rust. I also wanted to weld the step repair panel to the B-post.



Both bolts had snapped on the driverside heel board, way back when the subframe came off the car, and no amount of heat would budge them.
The stiffner bracket was almost corroded away to nothing, as was the end of the wheel arch closing panel and the rear bin closing plate, reinforcing bracket and the top of the inner sill were both very rusty.



There was also a hole in the front of the wheel arch.

Got the wheel arch filler piece made up and welded in place,



I also made a repair patch for the rear bulkhead as it had rusted where it joins to the waist rail, made a small repair piece for the waist rail too..



I have the end of the heel board repair made, just need to make an inner support bracket with some nuts welded on, but I'll offer up subframe to mark the correct position for them.

Overall I'm happy enough with what I got done, even though it was only 3 or 4 small patches that actually got finished.

Wasn't getting too much hassle from the welder, new liner seems to be much smoother, plus seems more secure in the holder at the feed end.

[Viktor]

Hi Colin, this is very interesting for my own build. May I ask how you managed to remove the quarter panel, especially around the wheel arch?

 

Thanks.

 

Victor

[colinf1]

Hi Victor,

I used a 1mm cutting disc to open it along the lip, then a flap disc to grind the lip of the quarter panel off. This takes a lot of time and makes a lot of dust, but leaves a nice clean panel

You have to be careful going around the arch lip as its easy to cut into the arch (I had to weld a small cut, oops!)

[Viktor]

Cheers mate, that makes sense. Is there anything easy to do on these cars???

[colinf1]

Is there anything easy to do on these cars???

Yes...spending money!

[colinf1]

Another day at it, most of the day was spent removing the remaining lip of the old quarter panel. Along the B post wasnt too bad as I drilled out the spot welds but along the rear seam needed to be ground off with a flap disc.


Offered up the panel then cut a bit more of the old panel to let it sit in a bit better. Its a pattern part so its gonna take a bit of work to get it fitting and looking correct.



Welded on the heel board patch, and the inner sill upper section. I measured the passenger side to get it in the correct location. Also clamped on the outer sill to make sure the bottom of the quarter panel and the repair piece are all lined up.



With the quarter panel in place I made a cardboard template for the rear bin closing panel, but called it a day.