Chassis Repairs
The chassis appears to be of very good quality - and only shows a small amount of surface rust, despite being in an open shed under the trees for 25 years
October 2003:
As found - the Austin had spent the last 25 years in an open-sided shed on the edge of a wood in a remote valley.
It was 200 metres from any road or track after the bridlepath was washed away. See "The Rescue"
Magna wheels - were covered in leaves and rusty from driving through the ford. The tyres were flat but hold air for at least six months.
The rear tyres were oversize 4.75/5.25x18"; the correct size to fit the spare wheel well is 4.50 x 18" - but all had cracked sidewalls so all were replaced.
The chassis initially appeared to have a rust hole on the nearside under the passenger footwell, however closer inspection showed that the rust is in a body stiffener.
The main cross-braced chassis looks to be quite good, with well-oiled brake linkages. Condition is surprising as the only access to the shed 25 years ago was via a ford (now washed away) - but this has meant that there is no build-up of mud underneath which is very clean.
November 2003:
At least one of the Andre Hartford spring dampers is beginning to lose its discs; although I have some spare wood discs I am told that modern fibre discs will give a far better ride
April 2004:
The front springs seem to have sagged - there is very little clearance to the bump stops (1/2") or wings
The ATDC Technical Reprints vol 1 page 52 - just 1" clearance between spring and bump stop is quoted.
The rear spring and damper
and a rather rusty wheel .......... one of five! Four new tyres/tubes purchased as all the tyres would fail the MOT
With the rear wheel carrier and petrol tank removed it was possible to see the differential and chassis from the rear.
With the rear wheel carrier and petrol tank removed it was possible to see the differential and chassis from the rear.
May 2004:
I oiled the springs using ATF and a paint brush as I had some spare. And yes, I have used nyloc nuts - no point using the special domed originals with the new bushes.
The toolbox was cleaned and painted - plenty of room for tools in here!