3 Year Rebuild - Complete!

3 Year Rebuild - Complete!

Author
Discussion

AndrewS2

Original Poster:

334 posts

163 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
So you'll excuse me for indulging in what I think is about to be a long post... It's 2 years, 11 months and a week (ish!) since I took the decision to take my 1989 S2 off the road for a complete rebuild. I bought the car intending to do this, but then accidentally drove it for 3 years before finally deciding that even though it was passing it's MOT that the chassis was in need of serious attention!

It's been a long hard road, and having set out to do as much as I could myself (with no previous experience or real mechanic skills) I'm chuffed to bits with the result. I have ended up 'outsourcing' more and more of the work as the project went on, partly due to the skills needed and partly due to the time required.

All credit goes to the companies I've used to complete the clever stuff:

Chassis rebuild: Southways Automotive

Bodywork and respray: Surface and Design

Interior trimming and roof: D&C Trim

Engine bay completion, setting up the suspension, getting it an MOT and generally fixing stuff I'd done wrong: X-Works Service

Now for some photos....





































Sorry there are no pictures of the Chassis Rich - I need to get it on a ramp before it's too dirty!!


Things I'm especially pleased with!

- High lift bonnet hinges (Surface and Design)

- Secure petrol cap hidden in boot (design copyright of Philpot!)

- Quickshift gear lever (Southways Automotive)

- Rocker covers (JR Cast) with adapted alternator bracket (Southways Automotive)

- Modified roof storage - really pleased with this so far. Time will tell, boot space is compromised but much easier to store the panels compared to in the boot and more space for luggage in the car if necessary with the roof on

-Digital odometer by not-so-speedy cables

- Interior colour scheme (me!) and general standard of work on Chassis, Bodywork and Interior trim

Things left on the 'to-do' list (the project that will never be finished!)

- The dipstick is broken frown the handle is snapped off. Temporary measure in place but if anyone has a spare I have beer tokens or if anyone has successfully replaced theirs please let me know what with as the originals seem like rocking horse poo

- Engine running well but only getting 23mpg yikes and there is a 'dead spot'. If revving the engine from tickover if you slowly press the throttle the revs die before they pick up. Also very little power below about 1400 rpm. Currently being fixed by an enthusiastic right foot. Once over this it's pulling really well

- Throttle cable/response/return is cr*p. Need to get this modified but it's fine for now

- Rev meter not reading correctly. Reading correct at tick over but never exceeds 3000rpm?! Sender fault possibly. Currently using ears instead

- Wheels - going to have them powder coated in shadow chrome once I've saved a bit more money. Dunlop blue-rinse on order for this Saturday so I am on legal tyres though!

- The clock doesn't keep time properly laugh

- Replace window winders, they're cr*p. Some on order!



I've done 400 miles in it since getting it back - work and back and a trip one weekend to York. Not broken down yet....!!

Overall I'm over the moon. Booked a short 4 night trip to Bruges in October with the patient Mrs Robert who suggested we go away in it yikes. Chunnel booked and fingers crossed it doesn't break down... Oh and Monaco/Spa booked for May.

As with most projects it took me twice as long and twice the budget I originally planned. With what I have finally outlaid, I could have bought a modest V8S(!) but I've learned a lot along the way, I now understand most of how the car is put together and this was part of the goal for me. I also have a near perfect car which is exactly the way I wanted it, and I hope will last me a very long time!

Thanks to those of you along the way that have provided advice (especially Philpot and Kitchski) and support and also for everyone having put up with me chasing them in my MG on S Tour's while it was off the road. Really looking to being able to keep up on the motorway down to Monaco laugh

Bring on the driving!!! driving


Previous threads documenting the rebuild
And so it begins...
The engine is OUT!
Chassis Strip Complete
Rebuild Updates!
Engine Rebuild
Body back on
Almost there....

GreenV8S

30,150 posts

283 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
thumbupdrivingcloud9

I like the filler cap idea - haven't see that done before.

phillpot

17,105 posts

182 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
GreenV8S said:
thumbupdrivingcloud9

I like the filler cap idea - haven't see that done before.
Then you've not been paying attention ... wink




In the boot and a locking cap, is your neighbourhood that rough?



Looking fantastic Andrew, I found an alternative dipstick, if I can remember what is was from (not Ford) I'll post it up.


Edited by phillpot on Tuesday 3rd October 17:50

greymrj

3,316 posts

203 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Superb job Andrew, just great to see another S being fully restored.
As I have said before, interior was a brave decision but the finished item really does look superb.
That ARSE boot modification is nicely done, doesn't it make a hell of a difference to the usability of the car!

cjacks

82 posts

79 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Fantastic job and great attention to detail. The wheels should finish it off beautifully. Well done!

mycroft

1,545 posts

246 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Fantastic result bow

AutoAndy

2,265 posts

214 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Well done Andrew, a thing of great beauty - love all the small details, ie just the quantity of the steering wheel.

And now the MG which give sterling service will get a well deserved rest.
wink

v8s4me

7,234 posts

218 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Looks wonderful. Brilliant job Andrew clap

Kitchski

6,514 posts

230 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
I'm delighted for you Andrew, it looks spot on! All that hard work and outlay is instantly worth it when you see the finished results!

Bet you're itching for the next Euro-tour now!

If you go to ferry/chunnel via here, swing by for a cuppa. Happy to stick it on the dyno for you & see where your flat spot is.


Mr Plow

1,193 posts

227 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Fantastic, well done Mate.

Looking forward to seeing it soon.

lfsv8

59 posts

131 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Hi OP, I'm only an occasional S forum viewer/visitor but your efforts caught my attention and the standard of your work looks so impressive, that I felt moved to pass comment accordingly. Many projects must flounder due to cost and associated economic/domestic pressure. I also suspect that the cabin colours may represent 'Marmite' to some but, personally, I think the combination looks very effective indeed and justifies the bravery of your selection! Quite an achievement because such projects are always going to be far easier to contemplate/talk about than actually complete, so very well done indeed and have fun tackling remaining minor fettling/finishing of items!

RayTVR

1,040 posts

142 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Andrew, looks brilliant.

Revs dying at beginning of throttle travel and dead spot sounds like throttle pot issue. Mine had exactly that when I acquired it.

PotlessPaul

332 posts

239 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
That looks fantastic Andrew, well done!! clap

There's some nice upgrades/enhancements/mods in there as well, one day I'll do mine!! scratchchin

Although I'm not taking my Midget on any Eurotours..............

Barry S1

1,709 posts

188 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Well done Andrew
Looking forward to seing it.

DJR 7

1,413 posts

256 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Looks superb. Congratuwelldone clap

themee

342 posts

158 months

Tuesday 3rd October 2017
quotequote all
Great work Andrew clap that really is a beautiful S you got there!

AndrewS2

Original Poster:

334 posts

163 months

Wednesday 4th October 2017
quotequote all
phillpot said:
In the boot and a locking cap, is your neighbourhood that rough
Edited by phillpot on Tuesday 3rd October 17:50
It's rough in Stockport Mike, there's all sorts round here.... *waits for Glen's response....*laugh

AndrewS2

Original Poster:

334 posts

163 months

Wednesday 4th October 2017
quotequote all
Kitchski said:
Bet you're itching for the next Euro-tour now!

If you go to ferry/chunnel via here, swing by for a cuppa. Happy to stick it on the dyno for you & see where your flat spot is.
Definitely would love to get it on a dyno at some point and see what's going on under the bonnet! May not be time when I come to the chunnel with crossing times but I'm definitely up for a trip down at some point - will let you know. So happy with the gear lever. I also need to let you have the spare alternator bracket back and while I'm there you could get measurements off the one that now fits :-)
Absolutely itching for the Euro tour!!!

AndrewS2

Original Poster:

334 posts

163 months

Wednesday 4th October 2017
quotequote all
lfsv8 said:
Hi OP, I'm only an occasional S forum viewer/visitor but your efforts caught my attention and the standard of your work looks so impressive, that I felt moved to pass comment accordingly. Many projects must flounder due to cost and associated economic/domestic pressure. I also suspect that the cabin colours may represent 'Marmite' to some but, personally, I think the combination looks very effective indeed and justifies the bravery of your selection! Quite an achievement because such projects are always going to be far easier to contemplate/talk about than actually complete, so very well done indeed and have fun tackling remaining minor fettling/finishing of items!
Thanks very much!!! smile

AndrewS2

Original Poster:

334 posts

163 months

Wednesday 4th October 2017
quotequote all
RayTVR said:
Andrew, looks brilliant.

Revs dying at beginning of throttle travel and dead spot sounds like throttle pot issue. Mine had exactly that when I acquired it.
Interesting as I had 2 TPs in the draw, one good and one suspect... will see if I guessed wrong and switch it out to see if it makes any difference. Thanks!