Chassis Restoration

The chassis was taken back to bare metal, primed and repainted.  The reconditioned engine and gearbox from the Geelong chassis were lowered into place.  The recently arrived, new wheel & differential bearings, seals, brakes, generator, tie-rod ends and front nylon suspension bushings were fitted along with reconditioned kingpins, steering rack, front and rear springs.  The floorboards and tunnel were painted and bolted into place.

Telescopic koni shock absorbers replaced the standard rear units and a battery isolation switch was installed.

 

Body off for Painting

The body was temporarily lowered back on the chassis for sill, pillar and quarter panel replacements.  One-piece, taller inner-sill panels were fabricated using 16 gauge steel.  This made the car marginally heavier, however it provided the added rigidity and corrosion resistance that I wanted behind the sills and pillars.  Naturally, the new sills and pillars were sprayed inside with anti-rust agent. 

Minor rust repairs were made to the top edge of the right front fender.  The body was then braced and lifted off the chassis again for painting (see photo on the left).

 

Body Back Down After Painting

The body was lowered back down after painting in British Racing Green, (Dulux colour code 0036).

The inside of the boot was prepped, primed, painted black and carpeted.  The door pockets were also carpeted.

Fenders and the new windscreen, wiring loom, light lenses, tonneau studs and other chrome work were fixed to the body.  The soft top frame was bolted on to check for fit and then removed for repairs.

 

Noise & Heat Insulation

More non-standard improvements were made in an effort to make driving more enjoyable. 

Noise / heat insulation from MG Workshops was fitted under the hood and boot (trunk) lid.  The reduction in road noise (especially noticeable at highway speeds) was significant. 

Additional road noise reduction was achieved by painting under the floor boards and fenders with noise deadening paint.

I decided against installing a heater as I found the warmth from the gearbox and engine sufficiently cozy in winter.

The radio was mounted where the heater controls are usually fitted as I very much preferred the look of the MG badge and blanking plate than the dials of a radio.