Slow progress on my S2

[Daniel 265]

So it's been 2 years since I took my S2 off the road for a quick engine out job to replace the manifold, timing belt and clutch.......... I've since discovered the phenomenon of 'scope creep'......

So this is where I'm up to:

Chassis completely stripped...... 

Meanwhile, engine has been to Pete at PNM for a complete rebuild: full top end, bearings, liners etc

Bought myself a blast cabinet and I've been amazed with the results

So I've kept myself busy cleaning up the tub and the chassis; which was in excellent shape for a pre-galvanised unit. I opted for a product called Rust Encapsulator from a company called Buzzwelding, which will be finished with a product called Chassis in One which can be applied as a textured finish. It's a bit shiny so that will be gone over with a matt finish.

Still need to come up with an idea to tidy up that hatchet job done by someone by cutting a hole in the bottom plate....... ideas welcomed.

Refurbished radiator is ready for collection and I've treated it to a new grille, so having cleaned the tub, I've given it a quick blast to get rid of the stone chips and I'll re-do this area in body colour.

Due to aforementioned scope creep, I missed having it ready for its 40th Birthday, having rolled off the production line on the 4th May 1979....... Wife kindly obliged with cake and party food

So...... slow progress indeed and I really can't wait to have it back on the road but I'm enjoying doing it.

[TAR 395]

Great work Daniel and what a great space to work in! 

[silverfrost 1,387]

Looks awesome Daniel,  well worth the effort, and if you are enjoying doing even better,   that is what proper classic car ownership is all about lol.

As for the chassis butchery,  Get some sheet steel, maybe 1mm thicker than the stuff already on there, cut it overlapping the hole about an inch in that shape,  drill for holes in the sheet near each corner,  and weld four nuts on.   have it so it sits on the inside and is held in by four bolts .

[Daniel 265]

1 hour ago, silverfrost said:

As for the chassis butchery,  Get some sheet steel, maybe 1mm thicker than the stuff already on there, cut it overlapping the hole about an inch in that shape,  drill for holes in the sheet near each corner,  and weld four nuts on.   have it so it sits on the inside and is held in by four bolts .

Thanks Dan

You may just be able to make out the captive threads welded to the inside. There is a cover plate which bolts from the outside....... it's pretty nasty.

I'd not considered fitting one to the inside.

I can see the reason why it's been done, I'm just annoyed that it was done so poorly.

Thanks for the advice.

[Barrykearley 6,831]

Have a look at @GTK marvellous videos - He has done some lovely steel repair fabrication and his stop motion style really helps you appreciate the method

[Daniel 265]

Productive weekend:

Turned the garage in to a spray booth and got some colour on the u/s of the tub

Then started on the chassis finish with the textured chassis paint

Paint looked so good that I decided to undo some previously poor work where the black arch finish had been crudely taken to the edge of the arch

Should be folded in, I'll mask the yellow to follow the line and paint the arches later.

[silverfrost 1,387]

Great work Daniel,  Love the Collin Chapman sig on the rear quarter

[Daniel 265]

Time to rebuild those carbs....... bets being taken on how many bits are left over at the end........

[Daniel 265]

I'm still working through the lockdown, but not going out generally has focused my efforts somewhat.

I managed to get over-spray from the wheel arch paint on to the freshly painted underside. Re-prep'd it and painted it again and for some reason the paint kept reacting. In the end I re-did the lot with the textured black, then went over the tub paint with a matt finish keeping the chassis a silk finish........ subtle but I like it. Doubt it'll be noticeable when everything's back together.

Front end now pretty much complete

I got the refurbished radiator back and the frame had been blasted and re-coated and wasn't in great condition, so I thought about the aluminium replacement. Pete at PNM recommended keeping the refurbished radiator and having the frame re-done in stainless steel, so it's with him now. I've also had to order new coolant pipes. I put the old ones away as they looked ok, but when I cleaned them down they were heavily pitted with lots of micro holes.

Considering it was all done with the shell on, I'm really pleased with the finish

Just now waiting for those coolant pipes and I can think about getting the engine and gearbox in.

I'm now making plans for lots of 2021 road trips!!!