redwine300

Simply stunning!! We can but dream.

So, with the bracket fitted and the seals cleaned, I set about fitting the seals. With the use of some double sided carpet tape, I attached the top of the seal to the upper most bracket making sure I had located the tangs correctly. This helped me align the seal to the rest of the attachment points. I also loosened all of the screws holding the brackets so as to allow me to fit the seal correctly to it's location points before re tightening them up. I am pretty happy with the overall look if I was honest.

Fitted the brackets etc' today. Finally feel like I am getting close to completion. Just the seals to clean and re attach the foam inserts and I will be there.

Are you running on an extension cable? Try testing it dirrect from a socket if possible on low power first.

Slightly disappointed with my attempt at a gloss top coat. At first glance they all look quite reasonable, it's just that some have a gloss finish and some have a sort of satin look about them. I think I may have not allowed enough paint per Item so as to truly build the paint thickness up. Looks like I may have to consider another top coat to develop the all over gloss effect.

Primer all done. I went for Red Oxide in the end, but I am beginning to wonder whether I should have gone for acid etch though. Still, done now. I may have to re do at a later date if they show signs of deterioration once top coated. It never seases to amaze the transformation that takes place

I take your point Phutumsch, all in all I guess that they are not too bad considering the age as you say. I will try the Brillo and hot water tip though, as I have still yet to clean the rubber seals so will do them at the same time. As for the metal work? Gloss black as you said. Just going for the original look. Just hope that I can get a reasonable finish.

Well not much in the way of progress of late, but did manage to get the use of a shot blaster so as to ready the headlamp brackets for paint. If all goes well, I will have them ready for fitting tomorrow.

No charge Funkysi. If you pm me your address, I will post them this weekend.

Thanks Funkysi, there were indeed times when I felt like throwing the towel in and sending her to the scrap yard in the sky, but I thought I might as well give it a go. Nothing to loose I guess. As for photos of the finished car, she is as page 19 at the moment I'm afraid. A combination of the original Arctic White and primer. Just needed to get her all one colour until I can afford a full re spray. As for the wheels, you are correct. I hope to get them refurbished soon also.

I think I have a couple of those clips (new) going spare if you want one Si.

I've also suffered the dreaded tin worm associated with a UK model. Took me a while to get her sorted, but was well worth it in the end. http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/thanks-everyone.15465/ The link above is a diary of my exploits. I know it is a bit of a read, but I think it will be packed with lots of useful reference points showing how I went about it. I am sure it will help you pick your way through the various stages of repair. Stick with it, you will be surprised how much you will achieve with a little patience. Not to mention saving a fortune by doing it yourself.

That rear quarter sill section does not look right at all to me, maybe the angle but I would steer clear myself.

Good choices guys, Mine would be..

Good choices guys, Mine would be..

Whats he like? :lol::lol:

Whats he like? :lol::lol:

Not much in the way of progress, just paint stripper and elbow grease so as to get the brackets etc' back to bare metal. All in all they have stood the test of time quite well, not too much rust at all really. My plan is to remove most of the rust and then neutralise the stubborn stuff.

I guess it is a matter of personal choice. You are right though Funkysi, the devil is definitely in the detail. I do like what you have done there.

:lol::lol:

Takes me back a bit though.

Beautiful piece of music.

http://stadzport.com/FSM/MA_Maintenance.pdf Have a look at page nine mate. By the way, did you run her up without the fan mounted.

Thanks again mate, I really do appreciate your comments. Managed to plug them in temporarily just out of excitement and impatience, at first glance they do look super bright compared to before. My only concern was when I viewed the pictures, there seems to be a very fine speckled effect on the outside of the lens. This was only visible once illuminated. I am not sure if it is mini stone chips or a sort of tarnish. Can anyone advise a polish or cutting compound that may improve the finish?

At last, finally started to put things back together. I thought I would put the bulbs and connections back first as I hope to try them out later tonight. After that I will be tackling the framework that retains the headlight and also the surrounding seals. I think I will get them powder coated black as they are a bit tatty.