Restoration thread, I'm next

[MuffDaddy]

I popped in to a specialist last month for an MOT and asked for an honest assessment whilst the car was in the air. I've had servicing and MOT carried out by my local garage for a while now and thought it was time to get a warts and all opinion. Mine is a 1994 4.0 which I've owned for all but two of its years.

The great news, it did not fail the MOT, mainly because the list of advisories made it more sensible to hold off.

The choices were fix the advisories which would involve a body lift, or do a full chassis refurb. One being twice the price of the other. And so it is, early November it will go in for a full chassis refurb to include new fuel and brake lines, bushes, new shocks and a Canems install.

I'll post pictures when I get them.

[MuffDaddy]

All of that is in the price thankfully. But thanks for the reminder.

[MuffDaddy]

Thought I'd capture my musings here and see if they make sense.

The plan is for a body off chassis restoration. Once the body is lifted we will make a decision on repair or replace for the chassis.

I want new shocks as the existing are original. Going for Nitrons. Do I start looking for used and get refurbed or just go new?

The battery is in the boot but in a massive box. I think it wants to be back in the footwell or behind the driver. Upgrade of cables whilst this happens.

Fuse box is almost certainly moving. Do I have the heater pipes replaced whilst someone has their head down there.

I'm having ACT pipes under the bonnet as it looks a mess under there.

I want to change the ECU and have Canems instal in mind. Are they all much of a muchness?

Whilst the body is off and the engine is being looked at shall I have the precats removed? Not really interested in more noise but would like to reduce heat.

What am I missing?

[MuffDaddy]

When you say completely removes, do you mean reduces? The fuse box still exists?

If I go with Canems it will be going to Lloyds

[MuffDaddy]

Thanks all. I'll try to provide updates.

For clarity I'm not doing the work. The closest I'll get to dirty hands is clearing tidying my garage whilst it is empty

[MuffDaddy]

First decision made. I'm going Ben Lang Tuscan spec Bilsten and not Nitrons.

Hopefully next week the body and the chassis will be separate and I know what I'm up against. Bills wise.

[MuffDaddy]

Small update. The body is off the chassis and the reports are good. Minimal welding required. However, it is still going through the full chassis refurb process because it's the right thing to do. This hopefully means money in the budget for some bits of bling. Pictures should start arriving in the New Year.

Edited by MuffDaddy on Friday 18th December 19:06

[MuffDaddy]

Hedgehopper said:

A good choice. I was very pleased with the install on my car and would definitely recommend Lloyd’s. Whilst fitting the ecu they created a completely new engine bay wiring loom and removed most of the wiring that resided on top of the battery. Canems transformed the pleasure of driving the car.

Edited by Hedgehopper on Tuesday 8th September 22:21

Do you have any pictures of the new wiring. Especially in the footwell?

[MuffDaddy]

Thanks for the picture. I already have an odyssey battery so hopefully it will be a smooth running car and a few inches leg room

[MuffDaddy]

Small update. I've ordered an electronic handbrake.

[MuffDaddy]

Classic Chim said:

Oh tell us more...
Pictures are the law round here

I'm not doing the work so don't have any pics yet. Should be delivered to the workshop next week and we need a discussion around how it is fitted.

I'll update once I can.

[MuffDaddy]

Ooh and because I am a massive tease, I've just got myself in the queue for something very special. Will transform the car. Again more to follow.

[MuffDaddy]

TwinKam said:

Traction control?

I have the built in to my right foot :-).

I'm hopeful the Canems will tidy up the fusebox. The remaining fuses will be behind the passenger seat. I'm not concerned about the Canems freeing up power, it's more about reliability.

[MuffDaddy]

Paddle shift was on my wishlist. I'm working through what I would change or add to make it my perfect car for the next 10/20 years. I've discounted power steering but will have the clutch lightened and the handbrake converted. These are to prepare for worsening arthritis.

The big change is more for long distance cruising.

It's roof related.

[MuffDaddy]

Penelope Stopit said:

Ok then

Digital Audio Broadcasting Aerial?

Already have one. Never use it.

Panoramic roof.

[MuffDaddy]

Penelope Stopit said:

Interesting, would never have guessed it

Transform is different for different people.

I've no desire for more power but a lighter cabin appeals. As do the lines when the roof is off.

[MuffDaddy]

Getting there.

Edited by MuffDaddy on Friday 26th February 16:38

[MuffDaddy]

Classic Chim said:

Lovely work

Thanks, I take absolutely no credit.

[MuffDaddy]

I have some 360 pictures too. Just working out how I share them. It may have to be via FB

[MuffDaddy]

phazed said:

Nooooooooo.

They will all gone one here. For now let's see if this works. Alas no. This is a 360 image you can drag and view around the camera. Doesn't format well here.