My very last restoration!!!

[newsatten]

Yes it’s been epoxied on the underside
And only the place's were I’ll plug weld are bare metal
Some unprotected metal is unfortunately inevitable
The factory would have used a sealer that is heat activated
However unless one has a million watt spotwelder with mandibles that are 3 feet long drill and weld the only other way !

The upper cowl will be fully sealed everywhere it’s possible to get at, and I always go old school and waxoyl with a flexible probe to try and get in all the nooks and crannies but unless the shells paint bathed like modern stuff some unprotected areas are inevitable I’m afraid,

And to be honest I’m 68 so the old girl will definitely outlast me !!
I try and do as much as I can to unsure the jobs survive as long as possible,
And given these cars are virtually always garaged used generally in good weather, rarely venture out in the winter
Long life seems likely!!

[mygasser]

don't leave it bare metal, give it some coats of rattlecan weld through primer.
neil.

[newsatten]

Nah don’t rate that crap, just causes ya welds to spit,
And the heat will destroy any thing around it!
Total you tube crap,
Proper sealing following the welding will eliminate any later issues,

Kent industries do a passable copper wash but
Costs a fortune and is still destroyed with the intense heat,

Managed to blast a couple of bits today between the showers
Blew a couple of holes in the bottom of the B post
So cut that out and replaced with new material
Old cars !

Started to clean up the roof edges , fortunately they are solid

[mygasser]

don't know about you tube, a long time steel fabricator friend recommended it to me.
neil.

[newsatten]

Haha yeah just a personal thing
As with any project or product some things are of use given the circumstances,
I generally epoxy everything that’s under the car
And use Max Mayer Eco Phos on all internal boxes and rails
Fabulous stuff and now hard a find as most paint products that are any good have been banned as they a harmful!

Situations like the upper cowl that require plug welds
need to be strong and full penetration,
Simply because there isn’t much in the way of welds and it’s a structural part, and most of it is hidden from view so one can’t see how good the welds are on the inside

Virtually all manufacturers use epoxy now as the cars are refinished in water born paint,
I guess without this protection rot through would be quite rapid!

Proper sealing and post paint rust protection is the key to a long lasting finish,
Get in every nook and cranny

[newsatten]

So this has slowed a tad now the dark and wet is with us.
So finished a couple of bits at work to go on the completed pile!

If it stays mild I guess there’s a chance il get at least one side of the shell done by Christmas so I’ll just do what I can

[newsatten]

I uncovered a bit more rot last weekend, cleaning the rear screen recess I found some corrosion going on under the lead in the join on the sail panel,
Bummer but it’s got to come out, so this also meant I’d have to remove the headliner, which was in very good condition
However once I started to un stick it the cotton tubes that contain the bows just crumbled!
So pulled it out , new headliner now !
But at least I can treat the rust and dirt from the under side of the roof ,
More work !

[newsatten]

Managed to get a bit more done,
Started cleaning the roof rails etc,
Done the A post and n/s rocker, and Eco Phos’ed Etch primed them,

[newsatten]

Well the wheels have fallen off this week!
Looks like I’ve torn a muscle/tendon in my right shoulder,
So the old lady will to to go back to sleep again for awhile!

I’ve managed to get a few small bits blasted and etched but incredibly painful to do, so I’ve had to quit for now ,
Such a bummer as I was getting on very well!


My youngest daughter brought me this 70’ kit to keep me going!
Bless her

[mopar_mark]

Sorry to hear of your injury woes, hopefully it will repair quickly. I’ll miss your updates

[newsatten]

Thanks son
Seeing the Physio on Wednesday so hopefully have a better idea,
I was changing a front axle on a Dennis Dart bus and the bugger slipped sideways and I tried to hold it so it didn’t catch my mates hands who was working with me

Hoping it’s not to terrible and maybe get back on it in a few weeks

I’m really too old to still be on the tools!! lol

[Steve]

What a find!!!! A cracker and definately in my top 5 cars ever. I A seriously nice car!!!! Great work, very very interesting for an amateur like me to see how its done properly.

Ive always been obsessed with films with cars in and obviously, this reminds me of Thunderbolt and Lightfoot. I believe the car in that film was actually Eastwoods personal car.

Cant wait to see her finished. White with blue stripes is definately the way to go.....stunning

Cheers Steve

[newsatten]

Starting to get some motivity returning,
Not touched the old girl for two weeks,
Hopefully I’ll be able to get back on it Saturday
Thought it was all going a bit too well!

I was planning to be ready for RedHill next year but thinking this may be to ambitious?
Question for you guys?
I realise this isn’t a mope but who would you recommend to refurbish my engine?’
I could do it myself but no longer have any decent tools
Machine shops all seem to be housing estates now
And being I Kent it feels like we’re cut off from the rest of humanity!
GTX John isn’t to far from me but not sure if he’s still working these days

I’m toying with just removing the heads have a look inside and if nothing of note is obvious just given it a clean and a refresh,

[Stu Twin]

I think Roger Luty knows a thing or 2 about old Buick/Olds engines. Not sure how similar Poncho engines are?
But then again he's done a few Mopar engines too.
Sorry i don't have any contact details for him.

[RobTwin]

I think Roger Luty knows a thing or 2 about old Buick/Olds engines. Not sure how similar Poncho engines are?
But then again he's done a few Mopar engines too.
Sorry i don't have any contact details for him.

Last time I rang Roger, (a few years ago now, tho), he was on 07597 340328. I think he's down Sussex / Hants way...

Vague a usual