Mar 09:
The car as I found it in 1990.
These are the pics of the car when I bought it in 1990. The car has been in storage since then. Now Im entering a mid life phase and looking to either throw it out or waste an inordinate amount of time and money in the shed under the disguise of restoring the rust bucket. When I bought it Dad said I should get a rust free one. I didnt pay much for it so I suppose the rust was free.
Pic 001& 1a. The model and build number details. The car is also on the Australian Sprite Register. The wipermotor shows 2/9/60
Pic 002. Rust, the enthusiasts friend. The floor has gone, the rear springs have come through the boot, guages all smashed otherwise totally original.
Pic 003. The car as salvaged, I wouldnt call it a rolling chassis, more like a collection of rust fused together with abit of mild steel. The bonnets are both are badly butchered. The engine is from a morris and is seized, probably better off using it as a boat anchor. The cylinder head is cracked and valves seized so not much to salvage here. The gearbox is a bit of a mystery. Otherwise the car seems relatively complete. The dog is mine.
Apr 09:
I spent Easter cleaning out the storage shed so that I could get to the car. The plan is to see if I can salvage the bonnet, but Im guessing its a waste of time. The whole body is riddled with rust so Im considering strengthening the whole body to fit Jag running gear. If I lose interest then there might be a free bugeye for anyone who is interested.
Pic 004/5 as she sits on blocks
Pics 006/7/8/9/10 Lots of free body rust and a nice little patch on the boot panel.
pics 011/12/13/14/15
A close look at the engine bay shows a lot of chassis welding repairs to the LHS. Aussie cars have the steering to the RHS. Plenty of surface rust is a concern, as is the likelyhood that the chassis probably isnt square.
pic 016. I found home made SU manifolds in the parts box.
pic 017. And Ive got a smooth case gearbox. If its like the rest of the car than its probably stuffed.
