Next Steps

The local glass repairers came on Friday to remove the front and rear screens. The rear is in fine condition as is the front seal so these will be kept for re-fitting. The front screen is beyond repair so will be replaced.

With the strip down all but complete (just the engine to be removed on Tuesday) I thought it would be sensible to make a list of the next steps/considerations that will determine how the re-build will take shape.

Next Steps:-

1. Remove engine and await engineer's report on condition and rebuild viability.

I am hoping that the engine is salvageable - it has a cracked block but hopefully this can be repaired. Assuming it can be repaired, I intend to go for a rebuild to include as many performance enhancements as possible without losing the original 'look and feel' as my plan is for a completed car that can be described as 'modified concours'. 

If the engine is FUBAR (f**ked up beyond all repair) then the rebuild will take a different path. It will then become a track car of some description. At this stage, Im still thinking to go for a full body restore but fully stripped back interior with roll cage etc.

2. Fully assess body for damage and identify welding requirements. 

The car has had a poor previous repair to the right rear quarter panel. This has been replaced badly and has caused some rusting where it joins to the sill and under the rear window. It may be better to replace this with a new panel.

The front seat support bar will also need some repairs.

Other than that the body doesn't look too bad on first inspection. Hopefully nothing significant will transpire but either way nothing will be done until we know the fate of the engine.

3.  Depending upon the results of points 1 and 2 the seats will need to be assessed for their repairability.

The drivers seats is a mess with worn side supports and badly ripped fabric. The others don't look too bad so it will be interesting what the experts can do with them - I will be going to see the Graham at Intertrim in Telford (the guy who build my Cobra Seats) for his opinion. Finding a set of good condition second hand seats will be like finding fairy dust!!!

4. Body Preparation for Painting

Will need to make a decision on what to do in terms of body prep - sand blast, acid dip or manually rub down. Again this will depend on what can be done with the engine and also the seats. If both of those issues can be resolved then I want a really good quality re-spray which will mean some kind of bare metal prep.