1953 (March) Series II Restoration

[philipkearney]

I haven't cleaned the headlining out of an early car (yet) but I have cleaned later headlinings and similar textured materials using a washing powder (daz or similar) and a scrubbing brush. This really gets into the grain of the material to clean the dirt. I would certainly recommend trying it on a discreet area first - just in case.

[Ian46]

Thanks for the suggestion Philip.

After trying several cleaning products, a diluted multi-surface cleaner applied with a soft nail brush appears to be working well if a little slowly. I am trying the process out on the cardboard panel below the rear screen first.

So far so good.

[philipkearney]

Looks like it is working really well and is certainly lifting the dirt. The nail brush is a good idea, a bit softer than a scrubbing brush but still able to get into the grain of the material.

[jagnut66]

My Dad smoked roll-ups and I remember him 'repainting' the headlining in the family Triumph Herald when I was a child.
I was always amazed at how white it looked after.........
Not sure what he used though, this was back in the early 1970's.
Happy days.....
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Ian46]

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It was the final strip down today for the shell before it is picked up tomorrow morning.

Final items to come off were the rear axle and leaf springs, petrol pipe, master cylinder and remaining hard brake lines, exhaust hanger under the rear seat and the asbestos heat shield under the passenger side floor.

I also stripped as much of the floor sound proofing material as I could which did seem a shame as it was in good condition but I have all the dimensions I need to replicate replacement in a similar material. Likewise, the last remaining sections of original 'course' carpet were removed from the cills. I have kept these as 'patterns' but I don't think a similar carpet type is available?

Last surprise was the 'welding' repair to the handbrake lever mount. I don't know if this was a weakness in the early cars but I think I am going to redo the work before paint.

The last two photos show why I'm going for the dip and strip process for this car. It is to eradicate the surface rust which has no doubt got into all the seams whilst retaining as much of the original metal as possible.

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[Andyhereford]

Really interesting work. Just out of interest what was the three panel of the headliner made of and how was it covered. Are you intending to reuse the old headlining or make anew one.

[Ian46]

Hi Andy, and thanks for your comment.

The central section of the early hard headlining is a very thin plywood whilst the two side panels and parcel shelf panel are made from a thicker card which can take the tighter curves.

I'm not sure what the covering material is but it has a slightly textured surface and is thin enough to be glued to the base materials and follow the curves.

I'll take some photos of the rear of the panels and post later so you can see what is going on.

I do intend to reuse the existing roof lining after careful cleaning as they are difficult to get hold of in this condition.

[Ian46]

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Enviro Strip van and trailer arrived bang on time this morning just as the sun was coming up.

Shell was loaded in minutes. Separate panels took a little longer.

Expected return in around three weeks.

Still plenty to do in the meantime with the rear axle to overhaul and all the small bits of suspension bracketry etc.

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[jagnut66]

It looks like it will largely turn out okay but it will be interesting to see the 'after' pictures of the panels lined up there, as well as the bodyshell, of course.
Fingers crossed for you.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[Ian46]

Hi Mike,

The shell and panels are coming back in a 2 pack primer which should highlight the areas of rust I know about and where any cosmetic welding is required.

[Ian46]

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Started on the 'MM' axle teardown and I'm still finding date codes on parts such as the rear shock absorbers (1/53) which show they are also original items.

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[Ian46]

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The split case axle is putting up a good fight but I am making some progress. It appears to have been leaking for many years judging by the build up of sludge on the outside but I have now removed 67 years of crud from one half of the axle to reveal the serial numbers shown in the photo.

I presume the 8 / 43 is the axle ratio (5.375) and 4647 is the part number?

[jagnut66]

On the plus side 67 years of 'crud' seem to have protected it and it's paint rather well.....
Best wishes,
Mike.