My turn for a chassis refurb!
Discussion
Yes, it's yet another chassis refurb post 
It all started with me buying a 500 from Fernhurst last July. It was advertised as clearly being in need of work doing and was priced accordingly.
I wasn't originally looking for a project, but it actually began to make more sense the more I thought about it. I was planning to hang onto the vehicle indefinitely and therefore it made sense to be the one to put it through getting the chassis sorted an know I was happy with it.
Anyway, this was how it was looking shortly after picking it up:
Looks pretty reasonable from a distance but it will need a full respray at some point, and the hood needs sorting too.
It runs well and was perfectly reliable as I put 1200 miles or so on it over the summer months. First priority then, to sort the chassis. Although I could probably have got away with doing just the outriggers, the idea of having everything stripped back, sandblasted, then galvanised and powedercoated appealed.
I started looking around for companies to carry out the work and Neil Garner appeared very well recommended. The car was duly booked in and I dropped it off on 17th Dec to start the process.
Work is progressing well considering the Christmas period, the car has been stripped, body-off outriggers replaced and other parts of chassis repaired and test fit of body back on.
Typical outrigger corner rust:
Main chassis rust holes:
New outriggers in place and repairs made to holes in chassis frame:
Chassis is due to go to be blasted and coated next week, so more updates should follow soon-ish!
It all started with me buying a 500 from Fernhurst last July. It was advertised as clearly being in need of work doing and was priced accordingly.
I wasn't originally looking for a project, but it actually began to make more sense the more I thought about it. I was planning to hang onto the vehicle indefinitely and therefore it made sense to be the one to put it through getting the chassis sorted an know I was happy with it.
Anyway, this was how it was looking shortly after picking it up:
Looks pretty reasonable from a distance but it will need a full respray at some point, and the hood needs sorting too.
It runs well and was perfectly reliable as I put 1200 miles or so on it over the summer months. First priority then, to sort the chassis. Although I could probably have got away with doing just the outriggers, the idea of having everything stripped back, sandblasted, then galvanised and powedercoated appealed.
I started looking around for companies to carry out the work and Neil Garner appeared very well recommended. The car was duly booked in and I dropped it off on 17th Dec to start the process.
Work is progressing well considering the Christmas period, the car has been stripped, body-off outriggers replaced and other parts of chassis repaired and test fit of body back on.
Typical outrigger corner rust:
Main chassis rust holes:
New outriggers in place and repairs made to holes in chassis frame:
Chassis is due to go to be blasted and coated next week, so more updates should follow soon-ish!
CanoeSniffer said:
Dammit all these chassis refurb posts are aggravating my outrigger anxiety 
I may well be seeing your car soon as I'm due a Neil Garner visit, I'll try to avert my jealous gaze
Get them to check your outriggers while it is in there - only takes 5 minutes up on a ramp. I may well be seeing your car soon as I'm due a Neil Garner visit, I'll try to avert my jealous gaze
Should either put your mind at rest or give your wallet a heart attack.
Just the outriggers done with a small lift should be around £1500 to £2000, if the chassis is ok.
I had my outriggers done after an MOT fail 4 years ago, and my TVR guy was certain that I would have chassis rot by now, given the 30,000 miles I have done in all weathers and on all surfaces since then.
He stripped it and had it shotblasted this winter and it was actually fine, but I am still happy it was done as it got the whole thing cleaned and painted before it became more of a problem. Mine has been painted black, as I cannot do with having to take all the wheels off and wipe down all the chassis tubes every time I drive it. (waits for storm of protest...)
QBee said:
Mine has been painted black, as I cannot do with having to take all the wheels off and wipe down all the chassis tubes every time I drive it. (waits for storm of protest...)
Ahhh well tis your car and your money so tis up to you really.Now me most likely would have the chassis painted something like "Broom" yellow
.plfrench said:
ClassicChimaera said:
Great stuff. another one saved. Your doing more than just repairing it. 
Thanks another one saved. Your doing more than just repairing it. It's going to take a while to get everything done, but it'll be worth it.Yex 450 said:
It certainly is worth it. After I had my car done I just felt more confident in it overall. No idea why, possibly just the fact I now know it is solid underneath and will be for many years to come
^^^ Agree with this man. I also felt more confident knowing all the underpinnings were in sound shape after my chassis refurb. Things are coming together now, the chassis is back and coated and looking good and the nitrons are on. A Newly developed Powerflex full bush kit installed too.
Engine bay painted and looking a lot smarter, just waiting for the engine now
Talking of the engine, there was a slight snag with this in that when the cam was checked it was in a bad state. I'm having a Stealth cam installed now and a rebuild to freshen things up.
We're getting there, but it's been torture with the wonderful weather we've had today! Also, it obviously won't be ready for Burghley House tomorrow but I'll still be popping along anyway.
Engine bay painted and looking a lot smarter, just waiting for the engine now
Talking of the engine, there was a slight snag with this in that when the cam was checked it was in a bad state. I'm having a Stealth cam installed now and a rebuild to freshen things up.
We're getting there, but it's been torture with the wonderful weather we've had today! Also, it obviously won't be ready for Burghley House tomorrow but I'll still be popping along anyway.
TR4man said:
They've had your car since 17th December??
Does it take that long? I'm not trying to be smart just curious.
Not normally, I'd agreed to them fitting my car in around other work that came in to reduce costs a bit. Also the new Powerflex kit has been developed using my car as a guinea pig which took a bit of extra time. Does it take that long? I'm not trying to be smart just curious.
Gassing Station | Chimaera | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff