firstly , thanks for reading so far , i think everyone else has fallen asleep before now,
as for advice.......... i dont kno where to start really, first thing i did was have a budget .... forget it ,
so next question is what do you want to acheive, if its a new look series 3 light weight to keep original, as if it has just come from the factory, or is it a pimp my ride series with checker plate wings and alloy wheels?
secondly , is it a keeper, if its being done as a quick project with the intention to sell after a couple of years its worth considering how much to spend, idealy if its for keeps as a worker and or show piece, a galv chassis would be a good start,
then the engine and box will need to be done, thats up to you how far you go , depending on the condition or known state ,a quick wash off, the obvious things replaced and cleaned up , new hoses, filters, stats, plugs, oil and a paint up, or do you go mad and strip the whole engine like i did, if theres any doubt of its condition its worth doing , head to sump, new bearings oil seals valves pistons rings proper paint job , then its ready for another 40 years of trouble free service,
then its on to the box, if its a good un , just keep it simple , gaskets, seals, hand brake, props and uj's, as they get older the boxs run in and wear like old slippers till everythings running together sweet, once you introduce new parts to old boxs its the begining of the trouble,
as for body work it was just a matter of stripping the old panells and welding a few bits of rot , flashing off and a good coat of acid etch, then a buff prmer and top coat , wet and dry between coats, then re fitting the electrics wiring and bits of trim,
if i was to do it all again , a few things id consider would be to , as well as the chassis, galv dip the bulkhead after repairs and the fromt panell, also the door drames and the fuel tank, as even tho this all was sand blasted, redoxided primed and top coated for at least 6 coats , every time its touched a spot of rust comes on sharp corners etc,
i have wired this one off the rolls of wire i had in the workshop left from previous builds, but i mght consider a loom for a future project , also where i have used more tradtional parts for ie the leather swivel gaters, the rubber versions would of been better, same as the timing on the 2.25 petrols, would it be better to go electronic ignition ?
parts i'v rebuilt such as the distributor , carb, window wipers, water pump, oil pump, fuel pump, dash clocks, i did for something to do really , they would of been a lot cheaper off the shelf for new ones, considering the time i spent on them , but have turned out well and been nice to keep original ,
end of the day i have learned quite a lot from doing a full restoration , than just years or repairs and bits ere and there,
if thers any thin i can help with , contacts , parts etc, just pm me,
hope to see some pics