Repairable? Or am I looking for a donor body?

[440Interceptor]

thinking about doing something with my old 280i.

Got clouted at both ends and previously perfect (restored) chassis may not be straight since the shunt, 8 years ago. Mechanicals were all in great order at that time.

Options range from selling it for parts/rebuild and re-license or buy another and use for parts. If I attempt the repair,I am not a tradesman and will require help from those that do this stuff for a living, but can probably pull it to bits given time. I will try to show some pics that show the major damage, so looking for your thoughts gents - once I work out how!

[440Interceptor]

Pictures: (that didn't take long did it??)

[440Interceptor]

[440Interceptor]

[440Interceptor]

[440Interceptor]

[440Interceptor]

Thanks, I've emailed him. There's another whole shell in Holland for similar money. Depends on shipping costs to here (not cheap to transport something this size across the world!), it might be cheaper in the long run to bring over a running car and use mine as a donor?

[440Interceptor]

Thanks Adam, yes agree that looks like the next step.

The nose on Ebay is from a '86 350i vs my '84 280i. Anyone know if it will fit?

[440Interceptor]

First step, check chassis for straightness. I am going to get the car brought to my home and I have a double garage to work in. Need to take the body off, but can anyone check my approach please? I don't have a hoist. My garage has 2 sets of brick pillars down each side wall, on top of which (in the roof space) are two steel 'I' beams running the width of the garage (6m). Thinking I will buy two blocks and tackle, attach one to each beam, put the car on axle stands and after disconnecting everything (sounds easy if you say it fast... I need a 100 point itemised list!), lift the body off.

Yes?

[440Interceptor]

Thanks, I beams are 175mm x 100mm (7x4) I think they'll do.

[440Interceptor]

Reckon so Keith!

Here she is back on her own wheels for the first time since 2005. Interior has weathered the years better than I have...

[440Interceptor]

[440Interceptor]

Progress! The car is now at my place. Now where did I see that list of what needs disconnecting before I lift the body off?? Anyone??

[440Interceptor]

Found this on the general forum. Most of it is close to what I've found with the 280i.



: Thanks to TASMINDEVIL (400SE) for posting.

Starting at the back
2 x along the rear of the chassis behind the diff

Each side has
2 x just in front of the rear wheel arch
1 x seat belt bolts on the centre transmission tunnel
2 x each side, rear and front of the main chassis mounting plates inside the outriggers
1 x inside in the foot well next to the transmission tunnel
2 x small bolts inside the engine bay next to the front inner wheel arch
2 x in front of the radiator

Plus the usual;
Steering
Brake/Clutch pipes
Earth straps (Front/Rear)
Handbrake
Gearbox reverse switch etc etc

Sills were riveted and glued with silastic. Knife/hacksaw blade works well.

[440Interceptor]

Okay, sills are off, and all body bolts are out I hope..). I've had a good look for any more because it appears there are none between the foot well bolts and the two in front of the radiator. I would have thought there would be some in line with the front wheels, but maybe not.

I do have a few questions for the more experienced/knowledgeable...

1. Clutch is cable type, which end do I disconnect and how please?
2. Fuel line: Two fuel lines come through the passenger side wheelarch into the fuel injection system. Where do I disconnect?
3. Brakes: Do I have to bleed them first and where do I disconnect?

Many thanks, Toby

[440Interceptor]

Thanks Simon, clutch, engine bay fuel lines, and handbrake done. Brakes, steering and rear fuel to go.

[440Interceptor]

adam quantrill said:

I think this will be possible - boot and bonnet off, lift through the boot holes and lash at the front to the beam just behind the rad. Use spreaders at each point.

Adam, pardon my ignorance but what are spreaders? Cheers.

[440Interceptor]

OK thanks. Yep, the rear will be no problem, but at the front end, the crossmember is split from the accident, and won't take the weight. looks like I need to go back to the wheel arches, maybe a loop around each.

[440Interceptor]

Thanks Adam, yeah, the Interceptor replaced the TVR, then the 3200GT replaced the Interceptor. So far the Jensen has cost the most, but I've only had the Maserati for 2 years and it's catching up fast... The beauty though, is that as the Maserati is so quick , I'm not bothered about making the 280 go any faster than it did when it was new. And hopefully I can keep at least one of them working at any given time. Just want it back on the road and I have this odd sense that its my duty to get it there, seeing as I took it off.

Yes, talking to Trevor Bee about a new front end plus bumpers, spoiler etc.

Steering, clutch and fuel disconnected now, (except the 6 small hose lines from the fuel injection unit that go to the engine, but I'll figure those out or just cut them as I'm probably due some new hose.)

I have block & tackle front and rear ready to go so just need to make the spreader and whatever I use for the front.

[440Interceptor]

Sage advice Ian. The outer layer is split on some of them though. Where might one find an honest politician?