Help Facel Vega, Facel 2
Discussion
I can't believe i've only just spotted this thread.......... what an epic read, with so many interesting photographs, and not only that, so many names of people that i recall, my father was editor for the FVCC for several years, pretty sure that mum was treasurer aswell....
My father was Roy Hogg, we owned a '53 'Comete'...... sadly i decided that i would never be able to restore the car ina way to do it justice, so we sold it a few years back, it has since changed hands again, and i suspect it will take someone quite brave to restore it, as it would cost similar to a Facel to Restore properly, but would be worth 10% if lucky when done......
Only today i recieved my copy of the New FVCC newsletter......................
Ronald.
My father was Roy Hogg, we owned a '53 'Comete'...... sadly i decided that i would never be able to restore the car ina way to do it justice, so we sold it a few years back, it has since changed hands again, and i suspect it will take someone quite brave to restore it, as it would cost similar to a Facel to Restore properly, but would be worth 10% if lucky when done......
Only today i recieved my copy of the New FVCC newsletter......................
Ronald.
Facelvega, you must be really pleased with the way the interior is coming together. It looks superb.
Sadly, I think I might be some way ahead of you in terms of the world's longest restoration (just coming up to 12 years) and I'm assured that this is by no means a record for a Facel!!
My car's body should be returning from the paint shop in the next couple of weeks so we should be able to start putting it back together this Spring, with a fighting chance of getting it on the road sometime this year...but I've been saying that for the last two years (and always find something else that sets us back again)!!
Anyway, well done...it will be great to see it (or your other HK) out and about sometime.
Sadly, I think I might be some way ahead of you in terms of the world's longest restoration (just coming up to 12 years) and I'm assured that this is by no means a record for a Facel!!
My car's body should be returning from the paint shop in the next couple of weeks so we should be able to start putting it back together this Spring, with a fighting chance of getting it on the road sometime this year...but I've been saying that for the last two years (and always find something else that sets us back again)!!
Anyway, well done...it will be great to see it (or your other HK) out and about sometime.
Trommel said:
Why not?
For several reasons actually.The basic chassis design of the first V8 Facel's was taken from the Ford Comete.Nothing was done to improve it from the time of the puny Firedome up to the 360 BHP of the FV4/S then HK 500.The only safety related improvement made during 6 years was the fitting of disc brakes.The stub axles in particular started out under engineered and after 6 years were very much under engineered for the job.This is why the fitment of wider rims is dangerous.The manual gearboxes were dropped in the aftermath of a big row between facel and PAM,over warrenty claims.From that date only the auto box would be fitted.So my question remains the same Why improve the BHP of an HK 500? Firstly, a quick welcome to RonnieH; your father was a stalwart of the FVOC. I didn't know him well but I do remember him when I first came into Facel Vega ownership.
As for long restorations, I think my Facel 11 was started around the early eighties and got it in the late nineties; can't remember the exact dates.
But I could be beating that with my Excellence which I bought in the early nineties and which was delivered for restoration last year to the same guy who did the Facel 11, so about 18 years before even starting the restoration. Maybe it's the thought of the 11 hides for the interior!!
As for long restorations, I think my Facel 11 was started around the early eighties and got it in the late nineties; can't remember the exact dates.
But I could be beating that with my Excellence which I bought in the early nineties and which was delivered for restoration last year to the same guy who did the Facel 11, so about 18 years before even starting the restoration. Maybe it's the thought of the 11 hides for the interior!!
Hi Bob. I think I should have been more specific...
I'VE had my Facel for 12 years. I'm fairly certain the restoration started in 1983 or 1984 and Richard Stevens information seems to back this up...so various owners were working on it or sitting on it for around 16 years BEFORE I got hold of it!!
Total elapsed time around 28 years so far...you've got plenty of time to save up for all those hides!!
Hi Facelvega. There are several things I'd appreciate some advice on, please. For instance, I've had my door cards retrimmed using ply for the basic board just as was originally done. However, the doors have quite a curve to them and the cards can't bend too much because of the large door bins/armrests which have a completely flat back. Did your trimmers have difficulty with this and if not, how did they approach it? Facelman, if you've any advice I'd appreciate it too, particularly as we are now getting into the reassembly phase. Is there any way of checking the stub axles - do they get visible hairline fractures or is there any other way of telling if they are about to let go?
Many thanks.
Nigel
I'VE had my Facel for 12 years. I'm fairly certain the restoration started in 1983 or 1984 and Richard Stevens information seems to back this up...so various owners were working on it or sitting on it for around 16 years BEFORE I got hold of it!!
Total elapsed time around 28 years so far...you've got plenty of time to save up for all those hides!!
Hi Facelvega. There are several things I'd appreciate some advice on, please. For instance, I've had my door cards retrimmed using ply for the basic board just as was originally done. However, the doors have quite a curve to them and the cards can't bend too much because of the large door bins/armrests which have a completely flat back. Did your trimmers have difficulty with this and if not, how did they approach it? Facelman, if you've any advice I'd appreciate it too, particularly as we are now getting into the reassembly phase. Is there any way of checking the stub axles - do they get visible hairline fractures or is there any other way of telling if they are about to let go?
Many thanks.
Nigel
theadman said:
Hi Bob. I think I should have been more specific...
I'VE had my Facel for 12 years. I'm fairly certain the restoration started in 1983 or 1984 and Richard Stevens information seems to back this up...so various owners were working on it or sitting on it for around 16 years BEFORE I got hold of it!!
Total elapsed time around 28 years so far...you've got plenty of time to save up for all those hides!!
Hi Facelvega. There are several things I'd appreciate some advice on, please. For instance, I've had my door cards retrimmed using ply for the basic board just as was originally done. However, the doors have quite a curve to them and the cards can't bend too much because of the large door bins/armrests which have a completely flat back. Did your trimmers have difficulty with this and if not, how did they approach it? Facelman, if you've any advice I'd appreciate it too, particularly as we are now getting into the reassembly phase. Is there any way of checking the stub axles - do they get visible hairline fractures or is there any other way of telling if they are about to let go?
Many thanks.
Nigel
First things first.You must get the stub axles crack tested.There are several companies offering non destructive testing.It is absolutely vital to use the correct grease in the hub bearings.It was found at the time,that molybdenem disolphide [ sorry for spelling but it is too cold to go out to the garage to look at a tub of grease] stopped the problem of bearings seizing up on the stub axles.It is when the bearings seize that the stub axles twist off.As to the door panels,I have made several of these,and changed the plywood.I usually used marine ply which I treated with boat varnish.The worst part of the job is indeed the resin coated canvas making up the door pockets.There are small bits of wood stuck into these pockets to hold [ hopefully ] the bolts used to attache the pockets to the plywood.This system was a failure in most cases,and the use of bolt croppers to cut off the excess studding meant that the nuts would rarely come off easily.When sorted and reasembled the doorpanels do sort of go back on and I suspect that they were no better when new.All I can suggest is persevere !I'VE had my Facel for 12 years. I'm fairly certain the restoration started in 1983 or 1984 and Richard Stevens information seems to back this up...so various owners were working on it or sitting on it for around 16 years BEFORE I got hold of it!!
Total elapsed time around 28 years so far...you've got plenty of time to save up for all those hides!!
Hi Facelvega. There are several things I'd appreciate some advice on, please. For instance, I've had my door cards retrimmed using ply for the basic board just as was originally done. However, the doors have quite a curve to them and the cards can't bend too much because of the large door bins/armrests which have a completely flat back. Did your trimmers have difficulty with this and if not, how did they approach it? Facelman, if you've any advice I'd appreciate it too, particularly as we are now getting into the reassembly phase. Is there any way of checking the stub axles - do they get visible hairline fractures or is there any other way of telling if they are about to let go?
Many thanks.
Nigel
Rich...Spellbound, I've PM'd you on the wiring loom topic and re a visit, but perhaps others may comment on having wiring looms made up. I have wiring diagrams, for instance, and they are available from owners clubs but it is a long process doing it oneself and it can be very expensive. There are specialists; does anyone have any recommendations? I was told that one drawback to a Facel loom was the electrical connectors; perhaps someone would explain what that might be?
Bob CD said:
Spellbound, I've PM'd you on the wiring loom topic and re a visit, but perhaps others may comment on having wiring looms made up. I have wiring diagrams, for instance, and they are available from owners clubs but it is a long process doing it oneself and it can be very expensive. There are specialists; does anyone have any recommendations? I was told that one drawback to a Facel loom was the electrical connectors; perhaps someone would explain what that might be?
The non availability of original new french connectors may be a reason.It may be possible to persuade either James Radley or Colin Close to make new looms for owners who need them.Both of these gentlemen have made them before.Colin has made at least four new looms for me.James made the new loom for the ex Nick Barker FV2 convertable.If I am not mistaken James worked on the loom in your Facel II before you bought it and whilst it was with me in Mitcham.I still have the original drawings and also the various connectors etc for making new looms.Of course this may not help the owner of 612 if this car is still in the states....Although both james and colin like travelling.Edited by facelman on Friday 13th January 11:52
Bob CD said:
Spellbound, I've PM'd you on the wiring loom topic and re a visit, but perhaps others may comment on having wiring looms made up. I have wiring diagrams, for instance, and they are available from owners clubs but it is a long process doing it oneself and it can be very expensive. There are specialists; does anyone have any recommendations? I was told that one drawback to a Facel loom was the electrical connectors; perhaps someone would explain what that might be?
Hi BobHave replied to PM
Many thanks
Peter
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