RESTORING THE PARTS

There are items on this car that cannot be replaced because they are no longer manufactured.  So, if you are not fortunate enough to find the parts you need from extremely limited "new old stock", your only option is to restore the parts you have.  

The term "new old stock" refers to actual new parts that were manufactured years ago and somehow have been located and are for sale, usually at a huge price. Needless to say finding new old stock is like making a hole-in-one on a long par four.

The good news is, the parts requiring restoration, that are not readily available, are in fairly good condition.  Don and I worked on some of the aluminum trim today and I believe it is salvageable.  Of course, Tim has the final call.  

I would have taken some photos today, but I left my camera at home.  Sorry about that.  Will try to do better.

Tomorrow...

Tom

IT'S LOOKING LESS LIKE A CAR

Obviously, it's looking less and less like a car every day, but it will probably look much worse before it looks better.

We have been removing and assessing the condition of the parts for two days and Tim should now be able to get a good picture of the general condition of the car and make an informed decision as to which parts will be necessary to replace.  

For the next couple of days, we will attempt to restore some of the parts that are in questionable condition.
The rust in the the "rockers" and "dog legs" is more evident now but will be easily repaired.  The frame and floor pans are in good solid condition and should require only light sandblasting and repainting.







Looking forward to tomorrow,
Tom and Don

DISMANTLING THE CAR...THE FIRST DAY

Meet my friend Don.  We have known one another for longer that either of us cares to acknowledge and have always been good friends.  I knew he had always been interested in British sports cars, and when I asked him to help me with this restoration, he jumped on it.  Don is very knowledgeable and will be an asset.

Don began removing the chrome and I the upholstery and carpeting.

We were both impressed by the overall condition of the car and we encountered only a few fasteners that needed to be removed with a grinder.

Tomorrow, we will finish removing the chrome and the interior finishes.  The windshield, bonnet and boot will also be removed.

Loving it,

TD

  

MAKING A LIST...CHECKING IT TWICE

What else would you call it on Christmas Eve. I spent a few hours today compiling a list of parts that will obviously need to be replaced. Although most chrome parts can be replaced cheaper than they can be replated, the cars originality can best be preserved by using as many of the original parts as possible. Tim and I will discuss this when we meet in early January.

The more I inspect this car, the more excited I become. Even the trunk floor and the fuel tank are in remarkable condition...something you just do not find in a British car this old. With no reference to the color at all, this car is truly a rose among thorns. Just wait, you'll see.

Later,
TD

FIRST DAY IN THE SHOP

This car was quite the attraction around my shop today. What year is it? Where did you get it?How much did you pay for it? Does it run? Is it original? Where are you going to find parts for it?...and on, and on, and on. In retrospect, I should have put them all to work.
My friend Don, who is going to help me with the restoration came by to inspect the car. I think he is as excited about this project as I am. We made plans to begin work on Monday. Most of the day was spent cleaning, organizing the shop and making room for all the parts we will be removing. I also took a great number of photos to document the condition and to help with the reassembly...always a good idea.It is absolutely amazing that all the parts are there. Well, enjoy the photos; by the end of next week you will not recognize this car.

TD

INTRODUCTION

It has often been said that the only difference in men and boys is the price of their toys. Most men would argue that point to the death, but one must admit; men and boys like their toys. My friend Tim is no exception. He just purchased a great toy...a 1961 Austin Healey 3000.

This car is what we like to refer to as a "survivor". It has never been restored or abused, only neglected. The car has been in dry storage for the last 41 years. Now is that cool or what.

This is a photo of the previous owner, Gary Whitson of Classic Investments in Blountville, Tennessee on the left and Gordon Abbott of Abbott Performance in Covington, Georgia and of course Tim's new toy. Gordon was nice enough to transport the car for us from Blountville, to my shop in Hilton Head, SC. I notified him on Tuesday that the car had been purchased and he picked it up and delivered it on Wednesday. Now that is service. Gordon can be reached at 678-758-5153.

Over the next several months a full restoration is planned and it will be documented on this blog. Pretty exciting !

During the next week or so, I will begin dismantling the car, bagging and tagging the parts, and making a preliminary list of the parts that will need to be purchased.

Enjoy,

TD