kee34’s 1961 Austin-Healey Sprite

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.

Jan 09.I saw this butchered bugeye at a wreckers on the Gold Coast.  The guy wants $10k for it and reckons that the only thing missing is the carby from the holden 186 engine.  Fit the windscreen and a tune up and shell be right for rego!  Personally im not sure.For those who know their GMH Holdens thats a 1948 FJ stuck up on the balcony.

June 09 - Work Commences!! at lastThe red bonnet is the best of the two panels and there are two nice features, the teardrop and the flutes that I would like to keep. A new complete all metal bonnet panel is $8,000 so Im prepared to spend a little time to restore this one. Plan:   cut the orange eyes and fit into the red bonnet.   In removing the red light mount I found a serious amount of lead wipe and fibreglass.  After removing the dodgy bog I cut the eyes in and shaped the surrounding panel.  So far Ive used an LPG gas heater for the bog and lead wipe.  To cut the panel in i've used a fine cutting disc for the angle grinder, pretty simple really. There is a lot of rust to fix here, after I place the eye in and do the obvious panel work Ill get the whole panel bead blasted to show the remaining rust and surprises.Next week the oxy set to tack in the new eyes.  The positions are visible in the last photo.

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.