New Beta Coupe

[RichB]

I've been looking for a rust free beta coupe for 2 years and have now bought a very rusty car!
It's a 1976 S2 but has the lower roof, the funky dash lots of lovely stainless steel.
It's going to be a full strip down as the off side is very rusty and a very long term project. I'm currently looking for a rotisserie to allow me to work comfortably. This is some way beyond my experience but will be a long term project. I'll post some pics shortly, it's blue with cream vinyl trim.
Any thoughts, advice, welcome. I'm in Gloucestershire if anyone wants a look.
Richard

[HFStuart]

Richard,

Well done! That's a very early S2.

I think I've got a solution for a low cost rotisserie. I'm going to try it in the next couple of weeks. I'll post pics. If it works it'll be less than £150

[skidmarc]

Good one Richard can't wait to see photos. My cars blue with cream seats

[RichB]

It's got a lot more rust than yours I think. The rear offside is tragic, you can put your hand in where the sill, the lower wheel arch and the floor meet - fresh air!
Interior is grubby but all there.

Some areas surprisingly good - windscreens, front and rear, pretty good. Front bumper is knackered, 1 owner 50k used for about 10 years then laid, very rusty but not welded before.

I'm going to start taking out the interior this weekend, with a view to getting it on a rotisserie. Any ideas of spare floor, lower panels welcome. It came from Hexham.

[peteracs]

Hi Rich

Best of luck with the job, hope yours takes less time than mine.... 7 years and counting so far!

I have a spare front bumper if you need it.

As to lower panels and floor, Mark may have some panels, but I think that the floor is not one of them. Mine were fabricated by the bodywork guys, you will also find others who have gone down the same route.

Outer sills are available though from memory.

Peter

[rossocorsa]

. The rear offside is tragic, you can put your hand in where the sill, the lower wheel arch and the floor meet - fresh air!

This part is quite challenging to repair, panels would need to be fabricated unless you can find an original sill panel (probably the best option IF you can find one). You need to be aware that what appears to be the outer sill from the seam under the door backwards is actually just part of the rear wing panel the actual structural sill runs behind this. I might have pics of mine when cut open I'll see if i can find time to find them and post here. Mine is a VX so may have minor differences. I do have the official body repair manual for the coupe there might be some useful bits in that although it is mainly aimed at crash damage repair, I'll check and photo any pages that might seem relevant.     

[RichB]

Thanks very much.

[betabuoy]

Rich

Best of luck, I remember the sills well!  Hopefully the attached pic will give a few useful clues.

Chris

[rossocorsa]

A few taken from the manual that you might find interesting, it is loose leaf so if I find time and motivation I might try to scan it at some time (but don't hold you breath waiting 😂)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nCe2Ms7wAr8N9rlL2

[RichB]

There is a complete gap where the sill, wing and wheel arch meet
It's certainly going to be a challenge!

[betabuoy]

This is some way beyond my experience but will be a long term project.

How much welding experience do you have Rich?

[HFStuart]

A few taken from the manual that you might find interesting, it is loose leaf so if I find time and motivation I might try to scan it at some time (but don't hold you breath waiting 😂)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nCe2Ms7wAr8N9rlL2

Where do you find these gems Alan?

As someone who is about to rebuilt his spider this sort of stuff is invaluable. If you'd like someone to scan it on your behalf (and that will actually return it...) don't be a stranger!

[rossocorsa]

A few taken from the manual that you might find interesting, it is loose leaf so if I find time and motivation I might try to scan it at some time (but don't hold you breath waiting 😂)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/nCe2Ms7wAr8N9rlL2

Where do you find these gems Alan?

As someone who is about to rebuilt his spider this sort of stuff is invaluable. If you'd like someone to scan it on your behalf (and that will actually return it...) don't be a stranger!

Sheer pedantic sad case hard work looking very hard for stuff!