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

Good stuff.:thumbup1:

Dont forget to brush some seam sealer round all the seams before you start painting.

 

Thanks Pete, will do.

Good stuff.:thumbup1:

Dont forget to brush some seam sealer round all the seams before you start painting.

 

If it was me I would only seam seal the vertical and top seams, leave the bottom open to allow any water etc to be able to drain out as per the original.

 

To be honest it probably doesn't need any sealing as it's not a joint that needs to be water tight. Just my opinion

Thanks Chris. :thumbup1:

If I recall, that is how it was from factory also.

 

Just as I thought I was getting the hang of things, top left plug weld exploded during welding!

Sh$t myself.

Hopefully, this plug weld is confirmation of penetration on the welds so far.

Admittedly it is on an edge, but hopefully representative of the welds I can not see the reverse side of.

Hope so.

:thumbup:

Making some headway now, and looking at the reverse side of my latest welds, penetration is not as good as I hoped.

Border line me thinks.

The body would of took the heat out the weld so maybe another 10-15 amps or so but the job looks good to me matey...get it finnished, painted and lets go:yes:

Upside down welding!

Tad-Dah, that's the welding done.

 

And no fires!

The body would of took the heat out the weld so maybe another 10-15 amps or so but the job looks good to me matey...get it finnished, painted and lets go:yes:

 

It's done boss.

Apart from the paint and rebuild that is.

It's done boss.

Apart from the paint and rebuild that is.

AT LAST......... When I see you I shall buy you a Stella sir......... :pint:

Glad you have that part out of the way....... Now get it finished!!!!!!!!!!

lol......

AT LAST......... When I see you I shall buy you a Stella sir......... :pint:

Glad you have that part out of the way....... Now get it finished!!!!!!!!!!

lol......

 

 

Cheers mate.

 

I will take you up on the Stella Russ.. :pint:

Full steam ahead now. :boat:

Cheers mate.

 

I will take you up on the Stella Russ.. :pint:

Full steam ahead now. :boat:

 

I will need your input on my new welding job I found....... lol......... Stella's all round...... :pint:

I will need your input on my new welding job I found....... lol......... Stella's all round...... :pint:

 

Anytime Russ.

 

I have done both my rear arches recently, so should be able to offer some advice/pictures etc' for what it is worth.

The homeward journey begins.. :biggrin:

Where's the seam sealant sir????

Where's the seam sealant sir????

 

Don't worry Russ, that's going on next.

Just did not want to put the sealant onto bare metal. (good spot though.)

 

Have been doing some reminiscing whilst the paint dries.

 

From this....

 

 

To this...

:lol: side by side that's shocking. Well done mate.

:lol: side by side that's shocking. Well done mate.

 

Cheers mate, I can't believe I've done what I have.

Time for a Stella.

Edited July 6, 20169 yr by redwine300

After all the Z welding you have now done you deserve to be an 'Ologist'........... lol

After all the Z welding you have now done you deserve to be an 'Ologist'........... lol

 

I have an Ology? reminds me of a sit-com from the late 70's.:lol:

 

Just for you Russ, missed the beginning of Big Brother, (only joking you understand) and added sealant. :lol::thumbup1:

Thought I would cover the spot welds as one or two had small faults.

Did you apply the seam sealant with a pitch fork and wire wool? [emoji1] Just kidding matey, what a superb transformation [emoji106]

Did you apply the seam sealant with a pitch fork and wire wool? [emoji1] Just kidding matey, what a superb transformation [emoji106]

 

:tt2:

 

Transformation indeed, so glad I went for a OEM replacement. :thumbup1::thumbup1:

Looks much better now ! nice ! :thumbup:

Not much of an update I'm afraid, top coat paint did not turn up!

Only managed to shot blast and etch prime the upright support bar.