classic restoration

[norsa]

Looks like the rallying may have to come to a close due to all the safety changes et al. So, I was thinking of doing a resto on a 60s/70s british classic car. Not looking to do concourse as it tends to get ridiculously anal (expensive) Currently doing a complete ground up on my nav's mk1 escort and getting the parts, especially body panels is so difficult. Whats out there with parts available?
Nick

 

[rikrobson]

you'll need to check per car, but alot of the BMC stuff has panels avaialble. rimmer bros and moss europe. there are various ford parts available the patten ones are rubbish though. ive been fighting a capri wing all weekend. I believe that the original tooling was bought by ex-pressed panels (steelpanels.co.uk) but they are expensive.

 

[Rocketman]

Mini's are a safe bet.

 

[rikrobson]

check this out for your mate. not hard to find panels just expensive

 

[moose]

Most of the Triumph range from Heralds and Viteese's,GT6, Spitfires through to the various Dolomites, and even the saloons/estates oh and plus the Stag I suppose.

Then the early range rovers.

Most panels available most off the shelf!

 

[rtbcomp]

The Austin 1100/1300s were quite nice, I wouldn't have a (another) Maxi though.

 

[penfold]

Reliant Scimitar; no panels necessary! Although one might need chassis work, especially outriggers/sills.

 

[rikrobson]

I wouldn't have a (another) Maxi though.

Why not? Whey were a great car, great for towing.

 

[rtbcomp]

^^ I couldn't get a decent gearchange out of it. BL tried all sorts of modified engine mountings but never fixed it. It was great on motorways and economical if driven conservatively, but an air of depression descended every time I got into it!

 

[penfold]

Are you sure that wasn't just a ruptured seat diaphragm?

 

[slim_boy_fat]

How about a Morris Traveller? Although the timber bits are hard to come by (doesn't grow on trees, you.know....)......

 

[rikrobson]

there is a guy dahn sarf somewhere making them, he was unfortunate enough to appear on wheeler dealers

 

[Gareth0123]

Why not? Whey were a great car, great for towing.

Yeah! they were normally very well behaved and tracked beautifully behind the recovery vehicle.

 

[norsa]

All great feedback, keep em coming please. Ex-pressed are indeed good for the repair panels which is all done now thanks but its more the outer body panels where we struggled, got some chineese/aussie/irish wings. UM! Mini, not practical as im, Ed China sized, did consider Maxi, great car in its day, my girlfriends mum had an Austin 1800 which I liked, Triumphs I know little about but if parts are available may work. Hate fibreglass and the associated wiring thing, MGB/ Midge?? Watched the Moggy Ash frame thing on WD, fascinating. Would even consider a Bike to be honest. Had an 850 commando for a while, beautiful bike. Keep em coming

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I had a M reg Maxi. Changed the nylon bushes in the sloppy gearchange and never had a problem after that. Liked the car but very rotten despite only being around 7-8 years old.

Few suggestions -
Austin 3 Litre
Austin Gypsy
Ford Corsair
Sunbeam Rapier (Series & Arrow models)

 

[norsa]

Found locally a 1500 Midget. Anyone have any feedback?

 

[rikrobson]

there should be a good source of parts and upgrades for these.

check rimmer bros, moss-europe and there is a good MG owners club too (its a business really), pluss all the bedroom boys

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Found locally a 1500 Midget. Anyone have any feedback?

Grab crankshaft pulley and see if you can lever if back and forth. They are notorious for the crank thrust bearings wearing and can even get to the stage where they fall into the sump ! Really bad cases can scrap crank and block. Rubber bumpers weigh a ton and the steel reinforcement underneath can rot terribly but is hidden.

Paul H (had a 1500 and one of the Austin (not Healey) Sprite versions )

 

[rtbcomp]

Found locally a 1500 Midget. Anyone have any feedback?

I'd have it!

 

[norsa]

looks like there may be a new project on the site soon