This classic was brought to us for it's yearly MOT test. The owner decided he wanted to get more use from the car but it needed to look nice. So, we inspected it thoroughly and priced the cost of a full repaint and engine modification to run on unleaded fuel.
   
The interior was generally in good condition except for the door cards.
   
The car was prepared with everything being removed. Badges, trims, lights, bumpers, windows, windscreen, roof, etc.
   
Whilst the car was free from any serious rust problems, the driver's front wing was going to be replaced us the bottom of the wing edge was in poor condition.
   
But when the wing was removed, it was found that the 'splash guard' had rusted through and needed replacing.
   
The lower,  inner wing edge was also rusted through but this was an easy enough repair.
   
With the evidence of the driver's side, it was decided to remove the passenger side wing. The splash guard on this side had also rusted through.
   
Various edges of the car has to receive attention in order to remove surface corrosion. These areas were treated to prevent further corrosion problems.
   
Nearside rear wing edges
   
 
   
It was then discovered that the near side, sill panel had been repaired before. So this was taken back to bare metal to ensure there were no rust problems below the surface.
   
Off side rear bumper iron
   
This was probably the worst the car had looked during the restoration process. Very sad...
   
However, rebuilding work started. New splash guards were welded into position.
   
At the bottom of the wing edge, a small repair had to be done...
   
.... before the wings could be fitted.
   
Then it was 'flatted', primer coats were applied and then into the low bake oven to have it's finishing top coat applied. A new set of waist-line chrome trims were fitted
   
Everything that had come off the car, went back on...
   
... plus a new set of door cards, chrome wire wheels and spinners.
   
Having modified the cylinder head to take unleaded fuel, it was decided to replace the radiator. The original was in poor condition and we didn't want any overheating problems with the new head. A new set of clutch hydraulics had to be fitted and it was ready for the road. The road test went well. The only teething problems were electrical. These were traced to a faulty fuse box.
   
And finally, parked in the owner's driveway. I don't know who was more proud....the restorers, or the owner?
   

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