1693 replies to this topic

[SAL 821X]

Patched up the end of the scuttle.




Finished off the welds.


Handbrake mount.


Then the fun begins...

The wing to front panel gap is almost there but it still miles out at the a panel.




And this is how i left the door.


Until next time.

[minbin 69]

mine was the same..lots and lots of clamps pulled it into shape

[hoody99]

Keep cracking at it Sal as said above we all have days like that and will keep having them. Best thi.v is to leave it for a bit and work on something else for a bit, then go back to it or if like me, persevere with it till you go gray a bit and it's done lol 

[SAL 821X]

Cheers guys... I'll soldier on! going to have another crack at it this Saturday.

[DiscoDarren]

Wow. Just read this from start to finish and it's truly an inspiration. I've got a van that I started restoring 20 years ago, but it's not really been touched in the last 17 years. I bought a saloon end of last year and I'm using that to practice on ready to do the van properly. I can only hope that my welding and fabricating skills develop as well as I see yours have during the project.

I've now got a better welder than I had back then and like you I'm finding it much easier. This forum is a great resource that wasn't available to me when I started. I will follow the build with interest, and wish you all the best for getting it done, sure it won't be long now. I know it's been a while since you started but even after 20yrs I've not given up hope of driving mine again; much like you I only drove it 3 days before I started stripping it.

[SAL 821X]

That's some going thanks Darren.

 

So 11 years in the making isn't really such a big deal in the grand scheme of things then... 

[DiscoDarren]

11 years is pretty good going I think! Mines about where yours was at when you got it back from the garage. All the body works in one piece but doors don't fit because of bodged A panels, patches everywhere, rubbish over sills hidding a multitude of sins - and the thing that put a real stop to my project; a rear subframe that won't fit because of the state of the heel board. So many similarities with yours it's unreal. You've about cracked it now tho, and I intend to do the same once my saloons finished (I've got plenty to practice on with it, trust me).

Anyway I will follow the rest of your build with intrest, but be prepared to be bombarded with questions once I start mine.

[SAL 821X]

Fire away matey that's what where here for.

[SAL 821X]

Well after doing quite a but of research on bonnet release mechanisms, I've decided to scrap the idea of putting the front end  on an internal release. I cannot find a twin system long enough to reach both sides. I'd found that the Rover 75 / MG ZT release had a twin system but I measured up the cable lengths and there not quite long enough.

 

So I've changed my plan and going to use these either side. Still means that I can quickly wip the front end off and also keeping it looking original.

 

[hoody99]

New BMW bini is twin surly that will fit how long do you need them??? Can always make them longer

[SAL 821X]

Well another unsuccessful day trying to fit the doors and front end 😞

[SAL 821X]

Ended yesterday with getting the a panel on. The door is in fine without the rubber but with it sticks out!!!!



And the fronts still not on.

[Ben_O]

Come on mate, you can do it. You have done the hard bit. Just need to go at it with a fresh head and show that sucker who is boss.

 

 

That door gap to A panel looks good, have you tried the wing?

 

Ben

[SAL 821X]

The gap between door and a panel is abit big at the top but nothing some weld will sort out. However the swedge line near the handle is miles out, it seem that the crease isnt in the right place as its bigger at the fromt than back. Is this normal?

The wings are really puzzling me though. If i line them up with the a panel, there out at the front seem. If i line it up at the front panel its out at the a panel and scuttle!!!!!!

I'm picking a bonnet up on saturday so hopefully that will help work it out....

Could really do with some local thats done a frontend before to come have a look at it.

[minbin 69]

once you've got the wing clamped on to the apan you should be able to pull it round it to place...i found startting next to the bonnet(to keep the gap size) and working back with a clamp every few inches worked for me..should be easier without having inner wings to keep to aswell..i'm sure your soon get it sorted mate,get the bonnet on and it will all fall into place