Well, as many may know, I have recently discovered that my lower radiator cross member has finally succumbed to the dreaded tin worm.

Hopefully, this is day one of my journey to successfully repairing it with a suitable replacement.

Wish me luck, I think I will need it.

 

So, today I started the dismantling of the front end, and within a couple of hours I had removed the front bumper etc'

This was done on the driveway, and I hope to complete the rest of the work in the garage, hopefully.

 

I have reached the point where I am unfamiliar with most of the critical items that now stand in my way, and would seriously appreciate some advice as to how I should proceed.

 

First question/concern that springs to mind is... Can I continue successfully with the car being in the garage?

The last thing I want to do is get half way through the strip down only to find that I do not have the correct access.

The car is drivable at the moment, but once I start taking various parts off she will become immobile.

 

Your help and advise would be very much appreciated.

 

Please see photo's attached...

Edited May 29, 20169 yr by redwine300

Paint turned up today, so decided to have a go at finish painting the cross member.

Not the prettiest of efforts, what with the over spray etc' but hopefully sound enough for another 25 years.

I think I will put some time in wiping down most of the over spray once the paint has had chance to dry.

I guess I would do things a little different if I was to do this again, but all things considered, I am happy with the end result.

Well done Dave - remember to bring a mirror to Coventry so that we can all admire your handiwork!

Cheers Andrew, I think I will have my work cut out to make Coventry, I will just have to put the hours in of an evening.

Also, almost forgot to show off the central support bracket.

Is it back together yet? :w00t:

Is it back together yet? :w00t:

 

Love it.. :lol::lol::lol:

 

Not yet mate, but I have made a start.

Is that it ! a couple of pipes.................

Only kidding mate-looks the business that :)

Is that it ! a couple of pipes.................

Only kidding mate-looks the business that :)

 

Cheers mate, love the banter by the way.

 

Made a little more progress this morning, not much mind.

Cleaning everything up the best I can takes an age.

More cleaning and assembly...

Fiddly or what!

Just got to double check all the screws and pipe clamps etc' and that's one side done. :biggrin:

It's a good job I took plenty of photo's, the sequence of re assembly was a bit tricky to say the least. (Thanks Lymon)

Slow progress today, did manage to get both corners fitted with inter-coolers etc'

Just got to get the rads and air con fitted and piped up.

Sorry for the lack of stage pictures this time, I just got my head down and had nearly refitted every thing before I realised how far I had gone.

May have got a bit carried away with the anti corrosion spray also. Still, at least it won't go rusty again in a hurry.

Hopefully when it comes to fitting the tension rods things will continue to go as well.

I meant to say, before I fitted the main rad I jet washed it through the cooling fins, the amount of road grit that came out really did surprise me.

Worth doing on a regular basis having seen the amount that came out.

Looks like you've about cracked it!-NICE ONE :)

Looks like you've about cracked it!-NICE ONE :)

 

Cheers mate, it's been a journey in more ways than one.

Just hope she runs okay after all the efforts.

Edited July 12, 20169 yr by redwine300

Note to self... :pinch:

 

Next time remember to route the bl**dy Maf cable before assembling the entire front end. :censored:

Tucked it out of harm's way during the repair work and forgot all about it, nightmare. :whistling::taz:

 

Still, no harm done, just had to strip the thing back again..

At least you'll be an expert for next time..................:whistling:

At least you'll be an expert for next time..................:whistling:

 

So true, I have learnt so much along the way.

Booked the MOT for this Saturday morning.

I know, a bit last minute bearing in mind it is the Coventry AGM the following day.

With a bit of luck, I might even make the trip over to the shin dig the night before.

Fingers crossed.

It looks like you forgot to fit the front tie bars and mountings as well.........:whistling:

It looks like you forgot to fit the front tie bars and mountings as well.........:whistling:

 

So true Russ, I have left them off untill the last minute as they gave me better access for fitting everything else.

Just hope I can get everything to line up without too much trouble.

Result!

 

After loosely fitting the sway bar and the tensioner rod brackets, I then offered up the tensioner rods, I was amazed at how very little effort it took for everything to line up.

Relieved or what! looks like all of my hard work has paid off.

Just need to double check that everything is tight, and once on the ground remember to tighten up the tensioner rod bushes.

Once that is done, it will be a little more corrosion protection and on with the front end.

If this car makes it to Coventry you deserve a bloody medal mate well done.

If this car makes it to Coventry you deserve a bloody medal mate well done.

 

Cheers mate.. :thumbup1:

 

Just got to re fit the front end, replenish the coolant and try and get my flat batter to take a charge. :whistling:

Hopefully without any running issues. :clover:

After that it is the MOT Saturday, fingers crossed. Simples. :biggrin:

 

See you Sunday.

Cheers mate.. :thumbup1:

 

Just got to re fit the front end, replenish the coolant and try and get my flat batter to take a charge. :whistling:

Hopefully without any running issues. :clover:

After that it is the MOT Saturday, fingers crossed. Simples. :biggrin:

 

See you Sunday.

 

I do hope so fingers crossed mate good luck for saturday and yes lets chat on sunday and admire your hard work.