288 replies to this topic

[nicnoo]

^{There's more rust on my cars AFTER I've restored them.}

[Ben_O]

A bit of information from the owner of this car regarding SA spec.

 

His Father was one of the team that set up the manufacture/production of engines and components at Leyland SA and he spent all of his high school and university holidays from mid 70’s – early 80’s working there.

 

The differences in spec were as follows

Engine bock (High level oil filter)

Compression (7.5:1)

Carbs (twin hs2)

Interior trim (local seat covering and carpets)

Arch flares

Stripes

 

The various changes/revisions that happened to UK cars over the years (70 – 80) followed within a few months in SA too.

 

Ben

[Vinay-RS]

That's a fascinating connection with the Leyland SA factory and it makes so much sense as to why he wants to make a GTS replica. 

[Ben_O]

I had an hour this afternoon so a few more bits were removed

 

 

I removed these few bits

 

 

That's the battery + cable, the front shocks, the exhaust system and the selector box and rods.

 

And then dropped down the rear subframe

 

 

As you can probably imagine, it unbolted like it had been fitted yesterday.

The underbody protection that has been done at some point was done with the subframes in place so dropping it down revealed shiny Russet brown paint beneath the sections of floor where the subframe fits tightly to it.

 

 

I shall remove the front one next.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[Ben_O]

On with the rest of the stripping today.

I need to get it booked in with the sand blaster asap so I better get a wiggle on.

 

I supported the front subframe with a pallet truck with some blocks and unbolted it before lowering it away from the bodywork

 

 

 

And then used another pallet truck to raise the body enough to slide the engine and subframe as one unit out from under the car

 

 

 

Then removed the last of the underbonnet parts like grommets, chassis plate etc

 

 

And then removed the pedal box and steering column as well as the fresh air ducting and fuel/brake lines

 

 

And now we have a bare shell

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still lots to do before it can go, namely removing all of the anti drum, dynamat and flashing tape that is plastered everywhere.

Rather than do that, I made a start stripping the subframes as they need to go to be blasted as well

 

Here is the front one after removing the suspension and running gear before lifting the engine out

 

 

And that's one down

 

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[gadget555]

Stunning progress Ben!

[Vinay-RS]

Nice progress getting the shell stripped. It looks to be in fantastic condition especially for a UK car.

[minimissions]

Nice progress I am still blown away by the condition of this shell..

[Ben_O]

Thanks guys.

It is remarkable really.

The worst rust I have found on the car is on the front bulkhead in the engine bay and this is only flaky paint and minor surface rust.

The true testament will be when it returns from blasting as there has been quite a lot of repainting of various panels done and there is no guarantee why and what may lurk beneath.

 

I did find holes drilled in the steps, B posts and door frames covered with plastic bungs. These were done to inject cavity protection at some point and this looks to have done a great job of preserving the shell.

 

Ben

[spraybeater]

Good looking car! Ben the rust proofing thats been done to it looks like the same as I found

on my Contessa, what a pity the client doesn't want to keep it original! but HeyHo

each to their own as they say. Its good to see your keeping busy and sharing your work with

all on this forum.

 

Frank

[Jase]

Excellent work, I'm finding I am becoming quite a fan of russet brown now :)

[Ben_O]

Excellent work, I'm finding I am becoming quite a fan of russet brown now :)

I think it's very Retro

[Ben_O]

Good looking car! Ben the rust proofing thats been done to it looks like the same as I found

on my Contessa, what a pity the client doesn't want to keep it original! but HeyHo

each to their own as they say. Its good to see your keeping busy and sharing your work with

all on this forum.

 

Frank

Thanks Frank.

The rust proofing is black and is in the box sections and on the inner wings and bulkhead. I have seen something similar on some 80's Fords and believe it was something offered by the dealerships.

Cheers

 

Ben 

[Ben_O]

I started off the day by stripping the rear subframe

 

 

I now have a pile of suspension and running gear to sort through and refurbish

 

 

I removed the front shock mounts from the shell

 

 

 

As expected, it's clean behind.

 

I then started the thankless task of removing all the anti drum which takes a long time indeed.

Here is the boot part way through

 

 

And then finished

 

 

I then spent the rest of the day starting to remove the anti drum from inside the passenger compartment

 

 

The plan is to trailer it to the sand blaster tomorrow afternoon depending on progress.

 

Cheers

 

Ben

[CityEPete]

I was about to dynamat my floors but I'm guessing you wouldn't recommend it Ben? I've got brand new normal underlay to put in as I had a fuel leak that ruined my original rubber topped stuff and some of the factory bitumen deadening stuff.