The project was bought as a "Work in progress" and this is how she looks today, fresh out of the barn. She had to wait her turn while the parts chaser pick-up truck was being finished!
Well, it HAS been a while since I added anything. Been working on the bugeye. The trunk is looking good, but have run into a problem with the repro fender that came with the car. Need to match curves.
Today's date is March 10/09 Well the last update was back in November 08. So it might be fair to think that this is not moving. Actually, it is still going, only at a rate that fits the schedule. The body is actually starting to go together. There are some challenges with the front shroud as it has a few rot-spots that will need to be welded. Of course, I will need to learn how to weld aluminium.
Meanwhile. panel alignment has been going on since February 09. It is going to take some patience to get all the gaps looking good.
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March 12/09 
So, as you can see, the panels are going on and the gaps are being set. On a BIG Healey this can be a challenge; especially if the panels are replacement or the frame has had some work. It is starting to look like a car again.
Tonight's task or "Elephant bite" as we say; was to get the braces welded in that support the rear of the shroud. Job done in an admirable time frame and plenty of time to enjoy a cold beer!
Now here was a fun challenge: The rocker was too narow and did not line-up with the bottom of the door or front fender. We had to slice the rocker along the top and botton to create a "V" shape. The gap was welded-up, ground smooth and is now prety much invisible. You really can not be afraid to cut and slice when doing these cars, or things will never fit right
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March 14, 2009 Well, a big hurdle crossed today. Got the front aluminum shroud repaired where it bolts to the frame. Big deal because I have net done any aluminum welding before. Turned out OK and a big load off my mind. Shroud can now go permanent.
Big day today. Oct 3 2009. Finally putting some coatings on the frame work. Restoring these things is an excersise in patience. Making the panels line up would try the patience of Job and then when things start to get to where it looks like a car, you have too take the whole thing apart AGAIN!!
The underside is now primed and painted with IMRON. The top is primed and waiting for final body color; most likely a cherry black if some people have their way, or some odd gold color other othewise. Regardless, it is a big morale boost to have the undepinings in one color.
As an aside, painting one of these things takes forever and a LOT of paint. There are so many nooks and crannies to paint that it would be impossible to do without a rotisserie. Still missed the odd spot after half a gallon of paint and a whole days spraying.
I think the pace will pick up from here as the panels will go on for the second last time. Some work remains on the driver's side rocker and a new fender to fit. Then panles will be primed and ready for paint. Panels will be strayed off the car so that I can have a heart attack when trying to bolt them back without damage.
Nov 6, 2009. Well, the project marches on. A major sticking point has been the driver's side rear fender. The ones available just did not fit and were going to require a lot of work. A new fender has been sourced ant it is closer to fitting; far from perfect and it will require some cutting and welding, but it is doable!
This is going to require some thought; the front gap is perfect and yet the rear is too big bor my taste. The trick with these cars is to get the rocker panel swage, the door edge and the rear fender to all line up in this area. Good luck with that!
One of these days, the panels are actually going to stay on when we put them on, but not yet...Once everythig lines up, they come off for paint.
