Managed to have a bit of an incident yesterday that regrettably culminated in meeting some Armco and a rather. Bent front end of my Mac#1.
How much damage is it possible to repair on these chassis? Granted that obviously is damage dependant, however I'm trying to gauge whether it is
new chassis time or if it can be repaired, before ringing Mac#1 on Tuesday.
I'll stick a picture up shortly, but essentially the drivers side front end up to and including the wishbone mounts are significantly bent, along
with the plate the steering rack sits on. More significantly there appears to be a slight bend in the main upper passenger rail between the mounts for
the engine cradle.
At the moment I've sort if accepted that its likely to be a protracted rebuilt, but would appreciated any opinions on it!
Thanks.
Oli
I wouldnt try to straighten, i'd cut off the engine bay and weld a new one on
Pull it straight then cut out the affected bits of tube and replace, these cars are very simple to make hence repair.
If it's going to need a comprehensive strip and re-build then I would thinks Mac would be able to sit it on the build jig and replace the bent
bits if you don't fancy tackling it yourself . it may not be much cheaper than a new chassis mind you once you get it re powder coated as well.
You have to judge how many holes are drilled just where you want them and how much of the original build can be retained to save you time and effort .
get some pictures up so we can share some of your pain
Don't mention the pain... On the bright side, I've always been keen to build one myself so I've got an opportunity for that now!
If its going to be a pain/expensive to repair, then a new chassis may well be the way forward. The majority of parts I'll be able to reuse and at
least all the panels should be the correct size with holes where rivets need to go. Reckon I definitely need one pair of wishbones, probably both,
track rods, nose cone, side panel and possibly a wheel. Hub carriers and steering rack seemed ok when I was fiddling earlier.
Replace whole tubes, don't cut and shut.
Where in Hants are you?
That's why I think repair may be uneconomical.
Trying to find a card reader to stick some pictures up. In the meantime has anyone got a rough idea of the cost of a chassis? Haven't got a parts
list to hand at the moment.
I work away from Hampshire, but the car is currently in a barn on my father's farm near Alton. At least it's spacious and dry to work in,
although I better get it sorted and out before harvest.
I work away from Hampshire, but the car is currently in a barn on my father's farm near Alton. At least it's spacious and dry to work in, although I better get it sorted and out before harvest.
Thanks for the offer, that's very kind.
No worries, let me know, with these cars shouldn't be anything that can't be sorted with a few lengths of box section.
quote:
Originally posted by OliilO
That's why I think repair may be uneconomical.
Trying to find a card reader to stick some pictures up. In the meantime has anyone got a rough idea of the cost of a chassis? Haven't got a parts list to hand at the moment.
I work away from Hampshire, but the car is currently in a barn on my father's farm near Alton. At least it's spacious and dry to work in, although I better get it sorted and out before harvest.
The bit about harvest was a bit tongue in cheek, although there's not much winter cropping around which could be a bonus (for me at least)!
[Edited on 25/5/13 by OliilO]
quote:
Originally posted by OliilO
The bit about harvest was a bit tongue in cheek, although there's not much winter cropping around which could be a bonus (for me at least)!
[Edited on 25/5/13 by OliilO]
if his crops are anything like ours there will still be room in the barn to complete your build even after harvest 
Got some pictures uploaded, so any opinions on repairability welcome, it is pretty bent though...
I'd rebuild from scuttle forward!
quote:
Originally posted by Ben_Copeland
I wouldnt try to straighten, i'd cut off the engine bay and weld a new one on
If it were a Westfield that would be having a whole new front end section welded on from the scuttle forward.
That way it would be straight and the suspension geometry would be kept within tolerance etc.
It wouldn't be cheap, but it would be as good as new and above all safe.
Yes, that looks like a "long front" repair is required. I know MK would sell you the front section of the chassis (pedal box firewall
forward) foor 500 quid; welding it on was another 100 or 150 quid. It might be worth enquiring if MAC1 would do the same, but I have no reason to
think why they would not.
Replacing just the bent tubes is also possible of course, but with the amount of damage you have, it is going to be alot more work then just cutting
and replacing the front section.
Ringing Mac#1 on Tuesday to see what they can do.
Something along those lines would be an ideal solution.
quote:
Originally posted by OliilO
Ringing Mac#1 on Tuesday to see what they can do.
Something along those lines would be an ideal solution.
If your rebuilding from scuttle. Where you cut from if there is a longer bar going down the chassis then get some steel round bar around 21mm and
knock it into the tube where you fit the new one use as a shim....
I did this in the tiger and stuck in 300mm bar on inside then drilled both sides of the chassis n welded the inside to te chassis. Makes it string
again....
Spoke to Mark at Mac#1 today, who couldn't have been more helpful. They're able to stick a new front on it, so looks like I'm going to have a busy couple of weekends getting it stripped down to take up to them.