Mk1 shell

[swifty]

Been asked many times to show a restoration so here goes.

[swifty]

Measured it up to make sure it’s square then braced it up . Then cut out the rot

[rolesyboy]

Another masterpiece in the making. I think people will learn a lot from one of your restorations Shirl.

[Exminiman]

Shirley .... so you leave the subframe rear mounts in the boot for reference, presumably ?

[swifty]

Yes. I need to leave them in for the moment to have some sort of reference point . The same for the 1/4 panels . Both will be replaced , but I need something at the moment to clamp up to. Basically, the whole shell will be re-skinned..

[Exminiman]

Do you remove the Toe board usually as well, or was it particularly rotten ?

Would scare me to death.... great to watch you doing it though

[swifty]

Toe board was rotten as well .

[swifty]

So it’s at this point to do a bit of graft. Whilst you can physically step into the shell when it’s upside down, on its side. it’s worthwhile preparing all of the inside panels.. I.e. roof skin, underneath the dash rail, inside the boat area. This can take awhile so will upload some pictures when it’s done.

[swifty]

Today

[swifty]

Been busy with other work but managed to get the toe board fitted today .

[Peter Laidler]

Woweeeeeee. What a xxxxing job you've got there Swifty

[swifty]

Repair to bottom front of inner wings

[Exminiman]

Can I ask how you removed the paint (earlier on) are you using Scotchbrite or paint stripper or ?

[swifty]

Just using a DA sander with 80G discs . Will use some paint stripper on the outside of the roof .

[gs.davies]

Do you do restoration work for others, or is it just for yourself?

[swifty]

Just for myself Gary . Retired from customer work years ago .

[swifty]

Next step floor pan . Whilst the floor pan is easily accessible it’s best to rub it down now and get some paint inside the sill area . I’ve drilled the front leading edge for plug and weld and will also add some spot welds as I go on . The captive nuts for the rear subframe will get an extra weld . The inner sill also needs some holes drilled in readiness for the quarter closing panel. If I don’t have any visitors I should be able to get this fitted over the weekend .

[MiNiKiN]

Just for myself Gary . Retired from customer work years ago .

Good for you, but what a pity for others. You seem to be an excellent craftsman

[swifty]

Thanks minikin. Using a hole punch in in preparation for the rear bins and quarter closing panels .

[swifty]

So floor pan in today . Just screwed and clamped on . ( don’t weld yet ) . Boot floor tomorrow after a few more mods . Gordon’s panel . Mistake from all people M Machine , no battery cable on the floor pan and no tank support on the left side boot floor . also no captive nut .