| The Restoration Plan |
| Here is my preliminary plan on how I plan to restore my A. The overall goal is to accomplish this task as cheaply as possible. One of the things I like best about MG's is how inexpensive they actually are when compared to other cars. So, as a challenge to myself, I want to see what I can accomplish for as little as possible. The orignal car: I knew from the start that it was going to be darn near impossible to reuse much of the orignal car. But what do you expect for a few hundred dollars? I figured at least the initial investment can be recouped if I decide to give up by selling the various good parts that remain. So, after the demolition, I will reuse from the original car the following parts: - Drivetrain: engine, transmission, and driveshaft - Bonnet, boot lid, both doors - Dash and guages (except for fuel: the pointer fell off. I do have a spare) - Boot floor - Windshield frame (glass is delaminating, so to Mo$$ I'll go for that) - Grill - Tranny tunnel - Seat frames and cockpit surround pieces The parts car: Luckily, I was able to obain most of a car from Curt Bork, another great member of th Chicagoland MG Club for a few hundred dollars. From this, I plan on using the following parts: - Front tub (so-so condition, but a whole lot better than the original) - Rear tub (again so-so, and needs a new floor) - Front suspension pieces (in way too good condition) - Rear suspension pieces (also in good condition) - Front frame extension The frame: Since the frame was more than gone, I had to procure another. In an effort to keep costs down, the one I bought (for $75) has a slight bend in it from a previous accident. I would've rather bought a straight one, but it was all that was available at the time. I am going to try to straighten it myself, or take it to a frame shop (most likely). Fenders: I have purchased from another great member of the Chicagoland MG club, Steve Merical, some used fenders. - Driver's side front: In good shape. - Driver's side rear: So-so: needs a new dog leg, and some flange work, but is usable. - Passenger side front: So-so: needs a lower patch panel, and some work around the lower front flange (where the apron attaches to). I think I can reuse this. Missing parts: Here is where things can get pricey. I am missing the following: - Passenger side rear fender. I have two of these, but both are toast. - Front apron. Fiberglass from Mo$$ I figure. - Floors. That's an easy one: Home Depot and a sheet of plywood. - Bumpers: Both front and rear were trashed. I figure repos. - Seat covers: This will be last thing I purchase. I want to save up $$ for a nice leather interior. - Fasteners: While I kept most of the ones from the original car, they're mostly rust now and will be replaced. - Grommets, packing materials: Also saved, but after 40 years, are done for. So I don't know if you can call this a restoration, but an attempt to build a car out of the pieces of many donor cars. If it is ever complete, I will name it 'Frankie', since it will be a true Frankenstien car that arose from the dead. |