Started Chassis Renovation Today

[simon67]

After 4 months languishing in a damp garage I decided to treat the S2 to a chassis renovation.I must admit that the thought of lying under the car with loads of crap falling into my eyes and mouth did not fill me with joy. After most of a day I have got one rear corner to the point of being ready for the Hammerite. I have got rid of all of the loose paint & rust with a small trowel, a wire brush and a brush on an electric drill. I then coated all metal parts with Jenolite. I reackon that it will take me 6 days to finish the whole car. Fortunately for me the chassis was in prety good nick with no rot. A couple more years though & who knows!!

Perversely I have really enjoyed this sh***y job so far. There's something quite satisfying about knowing that all is well underneath for the next few years.

If you haven't painted and waxoyled just get stuck in - you might just enjoy it!

[Psychobert]

Got a week booked off work in May to do just the same to mine.. Hopefully all will be ok and I can spend a day under the car and 6 days blatting around Cornmwall..

[rustoni]

Simon67,

Any chance of posting some pics as i plan to do this myself at some point in the summer.

Ian

[Rower]

I have spent the W/E doing the same job ! Dont you just love that smell of Waxoyl in the morning! Although my chasis was basicaly ok it is amazing how much of the original powder coat looked OK untill a bit of gentle scraping of the surface crud revealed that it had actually de-laminated from the steel tubes,especialy where the tubes are close to the tub and (predictably) difficult to get at .
When working round the swinging arm suspension unit dont forget to spray the waxoyl into the round tubes that are open were they are attached to the square section that holds the stub axle.
Outriggers and front end this W/E and that should take me through to next year.

Guy

[RichB]

Did you guys do all this by just putting it up on axle stands and crawling underneath?

[simon67]

I will get some pictures today, if I can find the camera.

Yes all done with a trolley jack and a few blocks of wood. Certainly at the rear, most of the work can be done under the wheel arches. It would be lovely to have a 4 poster ramp but it wouldn't be much of a challenge!

[Rower]

Yes trolley jack and axle stands, 2 tonne trolley jacks including axle stand are on special offer at Halfords at the moment.

Guy

[simon67]

I started the near-side rear corner today & it was in a much worse condition than the off-side. I suppose that there is more muck etc near to the verge - makes sense!The near-side also has the complication of petrol pipes and associated wires. If you want to do a proper job you really need to remove all of the cable ties, hoding everything to the chassis. I was just a bit concerned using the, spark generating, wire brush on the drill whilst so close to the petrol tank!

Taken lots of pics but can't find the camera download lead !

Simon