LAU restoration...slowly!

[Les 442]

Hi guys I started to strip my Spider a couple of years ago, but work, family and life got in the way. She sat in the corner of my friends workshop for a year, but today we started again!
She is going to need a complete resto, so it wont be quick.
If I can get them up I will post some pics.
Took the engine, subframe, wheels and parts off today. Very pleased with our progress, but not sure when we will be able to get more done.
As you will see the body is going to need lots of work.

[Les 442]

Pictures uploaded to flickr, link here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54219440@N00/

[peteracs]

Hi Les

Looks a pretty solid body from what you can see from the pictures, the wings are a given, though the later model does have the rubber inners. How bad is the cabin floor, sills and the rear turrets which are the other main areas to get attacked?

Peter

[Les 442]

Hello Peter.
The body definitely needs work, the rear wheel arches are pretty much all filler! the sills are non existent the bottom of the door housings are going to need sorting as well as the windscreen pillers. The rear struts and floor have had some repairs in the past, but will need more work.
I have thought about trying to replace the floor pans, but not sure if I can get replacements or if I'll have to try to fabricate some myself.
I have some replacement wings, doors, bonnet, boot and valence, so I should be ok on the panel front.
I will also have to do some work on the subframe, which looks like it has had a knock.
Good thing is it doesn't look like it has been in any accidents though.
Here is what she looked like before I took her apart, deceptive eh?

[Ammy]

Great photographs.  Having restored mine in a car port,  I envy the facilities which are excellent.

[HFStuart]

Good to see another Spider heading back to the road in East Anglia!

I'm impressed you managed to drop the subframe with the steering rack too - I always thought it was too much of a pain in the bum to get to so I usually leave it in place.

I do have a pair (L & R) of rear 3/4 panels if you want something to use as a pattern when you get to that stage.

[Les 442]

Thanks for the responses guys,
Ammy I am lucky that my friend has a workshop, the ramp made it so much easier to get the whole lot out in one.
HFStuart the steering rack was a pain and it kept catching on the bulkhead too, with the subframe, engine gearbox and rack, it kept catching.
This is going to be a very slow restoration because I can only get into the w/shop when my friend is free too. This is helpful as well though because his job is with cars anyway
HFStuart I will probably take you up on the offer, if I need to thanks.

[peteracs]

Hello Peter.
The body definitely needs work, the rear wheel arches are pretty much all filler! the sills are non existent the bottom of the door housings are going to need sorting as well as the windscreen pillers. The rear struts and floor have had some repairs in the past, but will need more work.
I have thought about trying to replace the floor pans, but not sure if I can get replacements or if I'll have to try to fabricate some myself.
I have some replacement wings, doors, bonnet, boot and valence, so I should be ok on the panel front.
I will also have to do some work on the subframe, which looks like it has had a knock.
Good thing is it doesn't look like it has been in any accidents though.
Here is what she looked like before I took her apart, deceptive eh?

Ah, ok very deceptive in the photos then (what's new I guess).

When I had my car bodywork done, the guys made up new floors for me, their argument was it was as cheap to do that than to try to find any. One of the guys was talented on fabrication mind you.

Sounds like a fair amount of work, trick will be getting some continuous time on it, which if anything like me will be hard to find.

Peter

[Les 442]

Peter,
The people doing your car didn't by chance make any spare floorpans did they?

[peteracs]

Hi

No sorry, they just made what they needed, it was getting on for 3 years ago and the two guys no longer work together.

If you know a local fabricator, it should not be that difficult for them to make them (says he who knows nothing about fabricating panels ....).

Peter

[Duncan23]

I'm trying to make my own floor panels.  It's not actually that hard of you have the right my and attitude.  Would have thought any fabricator could make the panels given a decent template or the car to make their own templates from.
My initial template is here (not finished yet)
http://m.flickr.com/lightbox?id=8717682975


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[peteracs]

Hi

I would think having the right tools to do the job would make it a whole lot simpler as well.

Peter

[rossocorsa]

Hi

No sorry, they just made what they needed, it was getting on for 3 years ago and the two guys no longer work together.

If you know a local fabricator, it should not be that difficult for them to make them (says he who knows nothing about fabricating panels ....).

Peter

I imagine that Bill Lewis could probably make them, as he rebuilt a spider he's probably well clued up on them 

[Les 442]

Thanks for the Reply Peter, just a bit if wishful thinking.
I can probably make my own without too much hassle, but if I could get them made it's less hassle.

[Les 442]

Hi Guys, I have added a lot more photos of the original strip down if you are interested. As you will see quite a lot of bodywork to do 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54219440@N00/

[peteracs]

Hi Les

Yep looks like a fair amount of work.

Peter

[Les 442]

A question?
I have been reading the headlight posts, my spider is 1980 2.0L and has twin headlights.
Is this correct or should they be sealed headlights?
Thanks

[peteracs]

Hi

No expert, but suspect yes, however be happy as the single units are a pain to replace/source from what others have written. Having said that I bought an X plate 2lt with twin lights.

Others will be able to confirm.

Peter

[MattNoVAT]

Chassis number is a better guide rather than year of registration because so many cars sat around for a long time before being sold/registered. Especially if it was not a popular colour.

I have an X plated car (registered Sept 1981 ) with twin headlights, but my car was built in May 1978.

[Ammy]

Very interesting point raised by Matt.
 My  T  reg. Spyder was also registered in May 1979  chassis no. 3684.
 No idea when it was made.