How much should we cut out?

[tomtombassdrum]

A request for advice on how far to go!

Rot at both ends where all the panels meet. Holes in the middle. Floor mainly ok. Shackle mounts to front and rear (1 of each side). Up both front and rear footwells a bit. Have studied the panels available and not sure whether we need to cut it all out or patch panels.

Really wanted to be out on Drive it Day..................


[frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[tomtombassdrum]

By the way, it looked lovely for a while................[frame][/frame]

[tomtombassdrum]

[frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Oh dear - not good.... You need to cut back to good clean metal - everywhere... I rather doubt it will be fixed by 21 April.......

[kennatt]

yes oh dear,sorry to say it but looks like a major rebuild coming on,all the usual spots all on one car.Would say that first job is to weld braces on the door frame and do the sills,then everything will be held in allignment.

[mogbob]

" Some remedial work required "... sooner rather than later !
Hitting a speed hump , at speed , would soon dispense with the front location of the offside rear spring hanger.

As with all fabrication, cut back to good metal ( having braced / measured/ recorded datum points, etc ) a section at time methodically to retain strength and integrity of the shell.Then chop the repair panel down to size or add extra sheet metal as required.
Best to have a sound car to drive , when you want to, rather than risk an accident on Drive it day.
Good luck with.Bob

[plastic_orange]

A lot of work required there I'm afraid, and you don't have the wings off yet to see more.
Cost of panels mounts up pretty quick too, as do cutting/grinding discs, gas, wire,sealer, primer etc etc.
Been there and still finishing off a similar disaster, but once done you do get some satisfaction - if you're keeping it, - if not, cut your losses now.

Pete

[stag36587]

Look on the bright side - it may be ready for drive it day next year. I have repaired all of these areas - it takes a lot of patience time and care but there is something very satisfying in knowing you have done the work yourself and added significant strength to the bodyshell. I have found the restoration threads on here enormously helpful. Take plenty of before and after photos too. All the best with it.

[tomtombassdrum]

you know when you know, but you just want someone else to tell you? WE'VE BEEN TOLD!!!!

This is my 13 year old son's car for junior driving club, so it is the best time to do this. I think we had better take the wings off and have a proper look then.

Success tonight though, he has fully overhauled the mini heater over the last few days and it is ready to go back in................

yes oh dear,sorry to say it but looks like a major rebuild coming on,all the usual spots all on one car.Would say that first job is to weld braces on the door frame and do the sills,then everything will be held in allignment.

Is there a thread "kennatt"on where best to weld braces that you know of?

"
As with all fabrication, cut back to good metal ( having braced / measured/ recorded datum points, etc ).

Bob do you know the best place to get the datum points?

Great response from you all, thanks for the sound advice, at least we can get out in the 80's Alfa on Sunday.......is that allowed here?!!

Kevin and a sad Tom