Lizzy gets a makeover

[Rob_Jennings]

Well, I've finally decided its time to restore Lizzy

restoration progress page
before
stripped to shell
(will add new links as thy happen)

She is MOT'able and generally runs well, although the engine now grumbles after a few long trips to france! I've also been warned about the slow progress of rust but none of it in areas that would fail her yet...

My aim is to get a very tidy car with many years of service, without removing too much of the character as I really do enjoy driving her.

I'm sending her off for:
# full strip to shell
# repair all metal work to highest quality with full panels
# full respray inside and out
# waxoil entire shell
# full engine rebuild (1275 block)

Planned upgrades when we put her back together
# 5 speed box (already eaten two 4 speed boxes and running a loaner now)
# renew all shocks (not going for tele shocks I want to keep basic character of the car)
# renew rear springs
# add anti-roll bar (little improvement)
# renew kinpins/trunions/bearings etc..
# renew any brake components (currently marina discs going to move to ford)
# renew wiring loom headlights etc (already alternator)
# Front heated Screen (given up on the asthmatic demist!)
# number plate back in the right place! (no tow bar she has had a hard enough life)
# mirrors moved to door (no holes in new wings)

Jobs left for me to do in my leisure
# fit the wider van wheels (use old skinny wheel with correct tyre as a 'space saver spare')
# immobiliser (something of my own design)
# wire in the screen with timer
# add loom for satnav/aux power
# add fog and reverse light (use switch from the new box ;-) )
# retrim the interior, all seats panels etc
# refit stereo? (might just opt to carry a period radio and put in a power lead)

# enjoy her for a good number of years

[d_harris]

Not looking too scary then Rob

[Rob_Jennings]

well yes it does, but thats just seeing her naked and in parts!

nothing extra has come up so far, the front of the engine bay is a bit of a mess but that is an easy part to renew, boot floor is as expected along with rear inner wings (both the reason for starting the job) given the mess in the drivers foot well that may mean a new panel there, but sils are good (should be, did them 3 years ago) driver side fitch was done passenger fitch probably needs doing.

should have shell back welded in a couple of weeks

[Rob_Jennings]

big update on the restoration page:
http://www.robjennings.plus.com/restoration/

loads of new photos on the progress so far

I got to drive her at the weekend for the first time (no doors, bonnet or windscreen)

[minor65]

excellent job !!

[irmscher]

looks really nice what was the cost of replacing all the suspension etc

[Rob_Jennings]

I've not worked out total costs or per job costs yet (not sure that I ever will!) and it difficult to say because the whole car came apart so doing these things made sense since it was almost down to cost of parts.

(not like your nasty modern car garages where they cost each job and add up the total even if the jobs benefit from the same labour grrrr)

[irmscher]

Whatever the cost it was worth it

[Rob_Jennings]

im picking up the car tomorrow morning.... very excited

all major work completed

only the seat to upholster and few wiring jobs (extra lights and screens) which i can do over the summer when i get time.

more pics on my restoration page as soon as i get a chance and ill post again

[chickenjohn]

Looks great! Where did you get the work done?