my 1600 hf

[chugga boom]

a few months ago I did a deal on a restoration job with a customer, he had 2x 1600hfs and I have to build 1 good car and end up with everything else, anyway I picked the worse body shell for myself so thought id share a few fotos of the horrors uncovered and the progress made, so far its had 2x A posts subframe boxes and center membranes, 2x alloy doors , alloy bonnet and bootlid, front slam panel, ns front chassis leg, 4x wing repair panels fitted to 4 replacement wings that are now fitted to the car, in total there are 10different cars worth of second hand salvaged panels on the car and only the roof and scuttles are original, car is now increadably strong and straight, rear arches have been extended to the correct profile as the replacement panels were too narrow, I copied these off the other shell as it has its original arches ALL 4!!!!!, see what you think I'll try to put some more pics of how the car looks now up when I get time

[chugga boom]

more...

[chugga boom]

finally

[Parisien]

James...that is horrific...makes my B 12 look like its just off the production line...

As ever your skills and persistence are above and beyond the call of duty...keep it up, truly awesome


P

[chugga boom]

I like a challenge  there was more expanding foam holding it together than weld!!! anyway i'm just gratefull that I've ended up with it had a cracking deal in all and it will make a really good 1600 in the end, forgot to mention it had alreadt had new front and rear panels and a rear lower valence before I started, and whilst I was repairing the front end I replaced the panel between the headlamp panels below the front grill, all 4 inner arches, both sill closing panels behind the front wheels on the inner wings, probably more that ive forgotten about, whats pleasing is the lads in the body shop next door just laughed at it in the beginning and said it was scrap, now they are impressed and actually believe my theory that anything is repairable, rear arches were the biggest achievement, had 3 panel beaters stood watching me lead load them in total disbelief at how well they turned out and how easily they were modified, 

[Parisien]

James....do you yourself and accrued skills over the last number of years....a dis-service........well done, good to see the old skills being put to good use and hopefully inspiring a few others!

Get them back in and teach them how to do it....the lead loading that is...


P

[chugga boom]

some more early pre repair pics

[chugga boom]

more.......told you it was bad 

[simonandjuliet]

It's a bit like those cutaway (is  that whet they were called ??) drawings you used to get in Autocar and such ....

Do you use a jig to keep it in place ? There's not a lot holding it together .....

[DavidLaver]

My knee jerk reaction when I see that you've posted is "he always makes it look too easy" and to be wanting you to find something that will really challenge.  I must say this one was a monster and I'm really impressed at how you've slain it.

Hat's off.  What a task.  I don't think I've ever seen anything come back from worse.

Over the hill with it or some more "what have I got myself into here" moments still to come?

David

[chugga boom]

thanks guys, spent about 4 weeks with the welder of time, im actually pleased with the end result as it needs minimal filler work, every panel needs skimming but there are no huge dents or ripples, I will do my best to take some more photos over the weekend, ive not posted for a while as im working 7 days a week at the moment, at the unit at the moment I have 2 fulvias inc this 1, 2 x aprilias, (1 is mine.....well now my mum and dads) an augusta a morris minor, a tr8 healy 3000 and Porsche 356a, on there way another augusta, another aprilia, a lambda and an ardea so pretty busy!!!, even though myself and Lee share a unit we also share jobs, I do the steel work and filler, he does final prep and paint (he's got an oven) but between us it all works out well, ive brought my dad out of retirement at the moment doing mechanical repairs for me and took another member of staff on to help with the body work,

[Parisien]

Great...the Parry dynasty firing on all cylinders........what an outfit!

Don't know how you do it.....but do it you do.


P

[the.cern]

James, that is a truly incredible achievement. Having seen the mess that purported to be a car when you first started I have an idea of exactly how much you have achieved ........  and so quickly.

I hope to be up your way soon and look forward to seeing you and the car in all its glory.

                                                Andy

[Dilambdaman]

Hats off to you James, a truly heroic effort. Having been to hell and back with our Fanalone I have some idea of the effort required to resuscitate a seemingly hopeless cause. However, as you know from previous experience it's all well worth the effort in the end.

I was only remarking to Margaret this morning how strange it is to wake up and not be immediately in thought about the Fanalone rebuild. 

Robin.

[Parisien]

I was only remarking to Margaret this morning how strange it is to wake up and not be immediately in thought about the Fanalone rebuild. 

Robin.

...yeah........ in a cold sweat..........

P