Chassis restoration
Discussion
Can anyone help with details of good garages in the Surrey/Hampshire area that may be able to do a chassis restoration. Unfortunately, it has now failed the MOT due to corrosion issues, and the choice is restoration or scrapping. Obviously i would prefer the former, as the tester said that mechanically it is in very good condition, but I don't have the space, time or know how, to do it myself. I have a classic car restorer in Aldershot in mind, but any other suggestions would be gratefully received. Thanks.
I can recommend a guy near Bramley called Danny Masters. He runs a car restoration company, is an excellent welder and specialises in classic motors but also has reasonable rates. Think he has a car recovery lorry to collect too. He did some welding on my S1's trailing arms for the MOT this year. 01483 277171. Alternatively there is a chap recommended to me by the MOT garage based near the council tip in Slyfield, Guildford who is supposed to be very a good welder and might be worth a go, but havent got his number right now as at work! Will add later.
HTH
Jim
HTH
Jim
S2Fan said:
Jim, Thanks for the info about Masters. He is less than half the price i had been quoted elsewhere and will do more work for the price. I was that impressed I've left it with him and he will do it in a few weeks time.
Thanks again.
Would be interested in hearing how it all goes , what state is your chasis in , outriggers or more ? Thanks again.
Rower
S2Fan said:
Out riggers both sides and seatbelt anchorages both sides are being replaced. The fuel tank cradle is being repaired. He has apparantly done quite a few S series. It will be done by end of August (but I wasn't in a rush). Will let you know how it turns out.
Is he doing a full or partial body lift ?S2Fan said:
Raising it about a foot all round I believe, so he doesn't have to disconnect everything.
A foot !
I don't think it will lift by more than a couple of inches without disconnection ! But whatever he knows what he has to do, please keep us posted as I fear I will be beating my way out to darkest Surrey with my S3 !
Useful links then take a look at Mep 12345's website, found it very helpful.
www.gbsportscar.com
www.gbsportscar.com
Edited by phillpot on Monday 26th July 17:25
Well, having read this thread over the last couple of days, I was thinking "glad I don't have to do that yet".
(you can see where this is going, can't you?)
I was however planning to strip and repaint the chassis outriggers etc - it's 3 years since I did it last time, and I've noticed that most of the waxoyl has been blasted off in the meantime.
So... went out today just to have a look... everything seems ok, surface corrosion and paint chips only... then I get to the front of the nearside outrigger, just beside where the body plate bolts on... and there's a 4 inch crack in the paint. "Oh bother" thinks I, before deciding to give it a little poke with a screwdriver, just to remove the loose paint... and the screwdriver disappears. A few taps with a hammer and I've opened up a 4 inch gash along the bottom of the outrigger beside that mounting plate.
As usual, the rust you CAN see is probably not the worst - the tops of the outriggers are likely to be worse. I can also feel a fingertip-size hole just above and behind the plate - so it looks like a body lift required!
It's not fun... but I am off now to read the blogs of others, and we'll just have to get on with it, eh?
At least I'll have something to write about for Sprint!
(you can see where this is going, can't you?)
I was however planning to strip and repaint the chassis outriggers etc - it's 3 years since I did it last time, and I've noticed that most of the waxoyl has been blasted off in the meantime.
So... went out today just to have a look... everything seems ok, surface corrosion and paint chips only... then I get to the front of the nearside outrigger, just beside where the body plate bolts on... and there's a 4 inch crack in the paint. "Oh bother" thinks I, before deciding to give it a little poke with a screwdriver, just to remove the loose paint... and the screwdriver disappears. A few taps with a hammer and I've opened up a 4 inch gash along the bottom of the outrigger beside that mounting plate.
As usual, the rust you CAN see is probably not the worst - the tops of the outriggers are likely to be worse. I can also feel a fingertip-size hole just above and behind the plate - so it looks like a body lift required!
It's not fun... but I am off now to read the blogs of others, and we'll just have to get on with it, eh?
At least I'll have something to write about for Sprint!
Hi guys,
Not much experience with technical names so could someone tell me if the outrigger is the long bar that runs underneath the drivers and passengers sides from front wheel arch to rear wheel arch.
Have a hole in mine and dont think it'll pass mot! Hopefully its a simple welding job??
Sorry for the childish descriptions above
Not much experience with technical names so could someone tell me if the outrigger is the long bar that runs underneath the drivers and passengers sides from front wheel arch to rear wheel arch.
Have a hole in mine and dont think it'll pass mot! Hopefully its a simple welding job??
Sorry for the childish descriptions above
I can only tell you my experience.
I had the same problem last year. They were getting a bit rusty and couldn't get through the MOT due to a hole on the outrigger. I had it patched up to get through at the time but I was only buying a little time. Earlier this year I did a partial lift to inspect the rest of the tubes. I've seen it mentioned by others that what you can see with a lift is usually a lot worse than without one. You'll probably find the same. When you consider the seat belt mountings are in the same area and the outriggers give you some ( not much ) protection in a side-on collision you may start thinking patching up is not the right approach. I certainly did.
In the end I took the body off and it's down at Dulford for repair. ( Incidentally - don't be stupid like me and attempt this single handedly !! ). I got pictures of it last week and it's looking fantastic. Hopefully I won't need to worry about it for some time.
I had the same problem last year. They were getting a bit rusty and couldn't get through the MOT due to a hole on the outrigger. I had it patched up to get through at the time but I was only buying a little time. Earlier this year I did a partial lift to inspect the rest of the tubes. I've seen it mentioned by others that what you can see with a lift is usually a lot worse than without one. You'll probably find the same. When you consider the seat belt mountings are in the same area and the outriggers give you some ( not much ) protection in a side-on collision you may start thinking patching up is not the right approach. I certainly did.
In the end I took the body off and it's down at Dulford for repair. ( Incidentally - don't be stupid like me and attempt this single handedly !! ). I got pictures of it last week and it's looking fantastic. Hopefully I won't need to worry about it for some time.
tvrgit said:
As usual, the rust you CAN see is probably not the worst - the tops of the outriggers are likely to be worse. I can also feel a fingertip-size hole just above and behind the plate - so it looks like a body lift required!
If mine is anything to go by the top won't be worse it'll be totally missing.Oh dear, like tvrgit I have been reading this thinking, 'glad I derusted and protected mine about 3 winters ago' but I thought I would have a quick look before taking it out for a run. BIG MISTAKE!!! but better to be safe than sorry, I have just poked a 6 inch split in the front outrigger drivers side 
. So no more driving for a while! Will now have to decide what and how to repair. Anyone with body off experience in the West Midlands?
. So no more driving for a while! Will now have to decide what and how to repair. Anyone with body off experience in the West Midlands?Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff