Pick up Restoration (Part 1)

Post by **davidmiles** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:42 pm

one of the leaf springs after stripping and during de rusting

Post by **davidmiles** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 1:56 pm

the U bolts are pitted but usable, but I need a far more robust wire rotary brush.

Post by **davidmiles** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 2:03 pm

This one has worn right down after just one leaf spring, I'll try a steel one next, hopefully they won't take off too much metal.

Post by **alex_holden** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 4:10 pm

I use a 'knotted' steel wire wheel, usually a disc rather than a cup (though I have both). They shouldn't remove good steel but when you get rid of all the rust from a badly pitted body panel you will often be dismayed to find that it is full of hundreds of tiny holes that weren't visible before.

Post by **MarkyB** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 5:56 pm

Try a flap wheel, I'm amazed by what a nice finish you can get even with a really course one.
I mean the disc shaped ones with overlaying flaps designed for use in a grinder.
Never tried the ones that go in an electric drill so no comment about them.

Post by **davidmiles** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 6:51 pm

Alex and Mark, you are a fountain of knowledge. here's the knotted wheel I got from Halfords, a two thirds the price of the cup that wore away, and yes you do get a great finish even though it looks course.

Post by **alex_holden** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 7:00 am

The next thing I would do is to use a rust killer on it (something like Jenolite), then paint it with zinc primer followed by chassis black.

Post by **davidmiles** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 10:20 pm

Day off from car restoration today, Harry's Birthday treat to Bovington Tank Museum with two school chums. Here (pretending, phew) to be run over by a giant experimental vehicle from 1959 called a Rhino. (most powerful land vehicle on earth for it's time.) If you think this truck looks big, imagine what the wheel jack looks like!

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:09 pm

Back to the pickup this morning, here is a comparison shot of three U bolts L to R the original bolt, the phospher bronze brushed one and the far superior steel knotted brushed one, with far deeper de-rusting

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:18 pm

excellent mate

would it be possible may be to pop over some time and have a look at the pick up

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:29 pm

Yes of course you can.

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 3:02 pm

on second thoughts not today,just dropped a leaf spring on my thumb.
nasty blood blister under my thumb nail. speak to you later, owwch.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 3:04 pm

Yow!

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:01 pm

Now that was an avoidable accident, too many components in the workshop. I tried to move the axle and knocked over a leaf spring, awaiting stripping, onto my thumb holding the axle.
Ive got to re think my workshop strategy here. Only one heavy item in the workshop at once, never stand a leaf spring against a bench.

Post by **bigginger** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:08 pm

They don't get in the wat as much as front suspension uprights/brakes, and aren't quite so keen to fall over

Again, ow...

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 5:14 pm

Thanks Andrew, my wife always comes up with the right medicine, but this time she excelled herself.

Post by **davidmiles** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:13 pm

I am in need of new shock absorbers, are the shocks the same for the pickup as the other cars, saloon, trav ect, and I know the 1000 series shared commonality of parts with other british car types of the same era, so I shouldn't just search for morris minor dampers should I ? can anyone help.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:16 pm

rear shocks are the same for vans and pick ups but not saloon or travellers

morris minor shops stock them

i doubt you will find any on ebay, tho i beleive some volvo ones fit

keep the special washers tho

Post by **alex_holden** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:20 pm

The cars have a different rear damper to the LCV. You can buy new ones:

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... cts_id=697

Post by **Dean** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 7:13 pm

Marky that's what I use, they are less violent and yes give you a good keyed finish.