Austin Healey Restoration

The restoration started pretty well- with lots of enthusiasm, and even a little money, but ran into a number of problems. I've enjoyed dealing with them but the frustration of not having a car on the road proved too great. I've allowed myself to be distracted with my Jensen-Healey and now with my Rochdale. I've no regrets about that- I think I've got two fine examples of innovative British automotive engineering.

So, in essence, It started with a strip down of the Big Healey and an assessment of its condition. Once I got the rotten inner body panels off I discovered that the chassis was rather poorer than I thought it was; and, being honest with myself, I probably should have salvaged what I could and started again with a better one. Between the various mechanical bits and the salvageable body components I probably would have broken even. But then a new "project" would have entailed the same risks and possibly been even worse.

As of early 2010 I've finished the innerbody and chassis welding I've needed to do and have refurbished all the suspension and drivetrain components except for the engine itself. I've acquired all of the needed outer body panels- though I may need to do some significant work on the rear shroud and possibly re-skin the doors. I have none of the interior, and the engine and its upgarde components I'm leaving until next year (or beyond). I have the electrical components needed and plan on rewiring it myself, too.

Suspension	The new suspension components have been acquired: telescopic shocks for front and rear, and up-rated springs for the front and slightly lowered ones for the rear. All new poly bushes will be installed. "Minilite" style wheels are in hand and will be used along with the old tires until ready for the road- then new high-peformance ones will be bought. I hope to use RHD steering. Once the welding and assembly of the chassis and inner body are competed the suspension will be mounted.
Chassis	I've bought a new chassis since the old one was completely rotten. This was sand-blasted and then painted with POR-15 anti-rust primer. Various upgrades have been made- the wishbone mounts, motor mounts and rear shock brackets have all been reinforced. Brackets for the anti-sway bars have been added too. Access holes have been made to allow Dinitrol to be sprayed in the chassis to help control future rust.
Body, Glass & Trim	Nothing yet done. Page is blank.
Inner Body	The Scuttle was welded onto the Chassis and then the rear bulkhead, seat panel and rear kick panels welded in to provide the major front and rear structures. The main, front and rear floors were welded in as were the rear floor panels. Then the front cross panel was welded in and so were the front and rear inner wings. Finally, though not yet done the "A" pillars and reinforcing panels will welded in and the doors mounted to then position and weld the "B" pillars in place.
Interior & Electrical	Virtually none of the interior has been acquired yet- I have the seat frames and "hard" pieces like door handles, etc but the "soft" upholstery is being left until the major body welding and construction and painting have been completed. The electrical components have been acquired- alternator, solenoid, all new lights and wiring to make it all work. The electrical installation will wait until the car is mostly complete- I plan on doing the wiring after everything else is done but before the engine goes in.
Drive Train	The gearbox and overdrive have been rebuilt. The rear axle was stripped down and new bearings and seals installed along with a Quaiffe limited slip differential. The driveshaft has been balanced and universal joints renewed. A new clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing are needed. New clutch master and slave cylinders and line have been acquired. The rear axle will be mounted along with the rear suspension, the other drive train components will be installed when the engine is.
Engine	Until the car is otherwise complete I plan on doing virtually nothing. I have the exhaust headers and carbs, but given the expense of internal engine components and the time they'd sit doing nothing while other jobs would demand time and money these are a lower priorty.