196 replies to this topic

[MikeRotherham]

The brackets are right hand and left handed and I got them from Somerford although it was quite a few years ago.

[Magneto]

OK, I'll see if they still have a listing - thanks.

[Ben_O]

Next job was to finish the cutting in of the quarter panel ready for welding

 

 

And then pop the door back on to check the profile to the quarter panel. We don't want to end up with the bottom of the door sticking out.

 

 

 

Once I was happy with that, I welded up the B and C pillar joins

 

 

Then the join to the rear of the wheel arch

 

 

Next up was the spot welding to join the arch lips, rear seam and top edge

 

 

Anybody who is planning to weld on a quarter panel, I cannot stress the importance of feeling the quarter panel constantly across the radius of the arch and across the bottom infront of the rear arch. Especially if you are replacing the sill, arch tub or any other part in that section.

It's so easy to clamp it all up nicely and it all look great but be pulled out of shape leaving you with a wobbly/distorted panel.

 

Next up, the sill. Here it is prepped for welding

 

 

And then once clamped up and checked throughly, I welded it on

 

 

With the side done, I moved onto the front end.

The one fitted looked fine but further inspection revealed lots of old corrosion around the seams that had been cleaned back and buried under filler so the best way to ensure a trouble free future is to cut it off and replace it

 

 

Very worthwhile especially when you see the corrosion on the flanges which wasn't visible prior.

 

And then the clean up can begin.

Here is one inner wing half way through. 

 

 

And then fully stripped

 

 

The scuttle is in good shape so will stay but the closing panels are shot. I removed this one and then clamped the new one in

 

 

And then welded it in

 

 

And that's one side complete

 

 

The other side will be next

 

 

Cheers

Ben 

Edited by Ben_O, 31 July 2021 - 02:17 PM.

[MikeRotherham]

The door and panel gaps are perfect.

 

Lots of lovely new metal.

 

That rear quarter panel hasn't looked as good as that for years certainly since way before my ownership.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 31 July 2021 - 03:58 PM.

[MikeRotherham]

Ben, I have a NOS charcoal canister bracket and rubber strap that I could send you if the existing bracket is unserviceable.

 

Its quite light so shouldn't cost too much to post and it could be there mid week if needed

 

Also meant to ask what condition was the offside (drivers side) heel board like when you dropped the rear subframe. Will it need a lot of work? The nearside should be in better condition because I had go at cleaning it up although the restricted room meant it wasn't the best job.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 01 August 2021 - 07:04 AM.

[Ben_O]

Ben, I have a NOS charcoal canister bracket and rubber strap that I could send you if the existing bracket is unserviceable.

 

Its quite light so shouldn't cost too much to post and it could be there mid week if needed

 

Also meant to ask what condition was the offside (drivers side) heel board like when you dropped the rear subframe. Will it need a lot of work? The nearside should be in better condition because I had go at cleaning it up although the restricted room meant it wasn't the best job.

Hi Mike.

I shall sandblast and repaint the charcoal cannister bracket. Its in good condition, as is the rubber strap which just needs a wipe over.

 

The heelboard just needed a through cleaning up and had left behind some very minor pitting which will be absolutely fine once refinished. The other side of the heelboard end is perfect so it looks as thought the minor rust on the outside was just caused by moisture between the trunnion and the heelboard itself which is not uncommon.

 

Cheers

Ben

[Ben_O]

I've now stripped and cleaned the other inner wing

 

 

And got some nice new panels ready to go on

 

 

Before I start fitting those, I need to etch prime the freshly sandblasted front subframe

 

 

And then bolt it in.

 

 

I can now build up the new panels around it

 

 

 

 

Once I was happy with the fit, I welded the a panels on

 

 

And then with the front panel tightly clamped to the wings, I removed the entire front for spot welding.

 

 

 

 

And then prepped up the inside of those panelsand etch primed them

 

 

Then back on the car for welding

I got a bit carried away so only have this photo from when the welding was complete.

 

 

Cheers

Ben 

[MikeRotherham]

Did you have any problems fitting the new front panels to the remainder of the 27 year old body?. Were they a good fit?

Edited by MikeRotherham, 04 August 2021 - 06:30 PM.

[Ben_O]

Did you have any problems fitting the new front panels to the remainder of the 27 year old body?. Were they a good fit?

I tend to find that the front end panels these days do require a bit of fettling to get a nice fit. This was no exception but it all came together fine after a few hours.

 

Cheers.

 

Ben

[Crazy]

nothing quite like seeing bit's come together 

[JXC Mini GT]

Great work Ben you are a magician Mike has made an excellent choice in using you

[MikeRotherham]

Great work Ben you are a magician Mike has made an excellent choice in using you

I know. Well worth having the car transported 260 miles.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 05 August 2021 - 08:49 AM.

[Ben_O]

Cheers   

[jim5570]

Great work Ben you are a magician Mike has made an excellent choice in using you

I know. Well worth having the car transported 260 miles.

Wow! You travelled all that way. I’ve been following a few of Ben’s restoration threads and thought how good would it be to get mine done by him, but then thought No Derbyshire is too far. Might have to get him to quote me. 👍

Edited by jim5570, 05 August 2021 - 03:55 PM.

[MikeRotherham]

 

 

Great work Ben you are a magician Mike has made an excellent choice in using you

I know. Well worth having the car transported 260 miles.

Wow! You travelled all that way. I’ve been following a few of Ben’s restoration threads and thought how good would it be to get mine done by him, but then thought No Derbyshire is too far. Might have to get him to quote me.

 

I'm in North Lincs. I used a car transporter from the Island recommended by Ben who was great to deal with and will be getting him to return the car when it's finished.