ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Aug 22, 2005 16:24:43 GMT
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I am part way through restoring a Triumph Stag. Mechanically, I am able to tackle almost anything. When it comes to bodywork, I am nowhere! The shell has been extensively repaired - new front wings, rear 3/4 panels repaired, new inner wings, new full sills, new rear valence, floor good, etc., etc. It's been plastic media blasted to strip paint off, the underseal has been removed and it is completely stipped and in grey, weld-to primer. This work, which is of very good quality, was done by an old friend that I am no longer in contact with. There are areas that need attention still - doors need re-skinning, boot lid too, one inner wheelarch needs fitting, etc. Can anyone here help me to learn how to do this stuff? The car is located near north London. Ideally, I'd attend an evening class in bodywork restoration and learn the basics and then practice. If anyone knows of suitable courses in the Hertfordshire/north London area or not too far away, could they please let me know? The project has stagnated (pun intended ;D) for too long and I really want to get that V8 burbling again. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be grateful! I really am keen to get the hang of body repairs, paint preparation, etc. I know it's really painstaking work but you've got to start somewhere! I have an old MIG set and some of the tools. Thanks! I'm
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1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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Aug 22, 2005 16:58:19 GMT
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i don't know of any courses your way, but if its just the welding side you are worried about just buy a welder and a 'how to' book (haynes do one) and practice on some old scrap till you are happy with the quality of it. Welding isnt to hard, and you soon pick it up.
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Aug 22, 2005 17:00:40 GMT
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Just don't get German timing chains! Hope you've got a big wallet
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ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Aug 22, 2005 18:13:39 GMT
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i don't know of any courses your way, but if its just the welding side you are worried about just buy a welder and a 'how to' book (haynes do one) and practice on some old scrap till you are happy with the quality of it. Welding isnt to hard, and you soon pick it up. Cheers, Keefy! It's not just the welding, though. It's the whole deal - which bits to cut out (how pitted it needs to be, etc.), how to let in new metal, how to shape and fill, etc. I guess it'll be a steep learning curve! Still, I do LOVE a challenge! ;D I'm
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1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Aug 22, 2005 18:18:15 GMT
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Just don't get German timing chains! Hope you've got a big wallet LOL! Yeah, I heard about them! I already have many of the bits I'll need - timing chains included. I bought 'em about ten years ago! And no, my wallet is very small, sickly and has a really bad case of moth infestation... Despite all that, I do plan some choice mods to the ol' Snag. I saw some assaulting Prescott yesterday with, ahem, vigour. Well, for a Snag! Watch this space... Is there a how-to on posting videos? I took pix and vidz at the Nats yesterday and would be pleased to share them with you lot... I'm
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1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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Aug 22, 2005 18:37:04 GMT
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'how to' book (haynes do one) Cough someone may have a pdf file of a complely unrealted topic say laying a patio, if anyone wants a copy of "laying a patio" make an email list and you might be unluckly get a unrealated pdf email
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Aug 22, 2005 18:37:11 GMT
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It's not just the welding, though. It's the whole deal - which bits to cut out (how pitted it needs to be, etc.), how to let in new metal, how to shape and fill, etc. I guess it'll be a steep learning curve! Still, I do LOVE a challenge! ;D I'm Get a bodywork hammer and hit car with pointy end around rusty area, when you're not making any more holes you've found were to take a plate to. Get a piece of cardboard and make a template of piece you wish to make up, draw round it on a piece of metal and cut out. Shape the piece (put in bends/lips etc) and then draw round it when held in place (though not always possible) then cut out rusty piece. You're better off cutting it out a bit smaller then trimming the edge of plate so the pieces fit snuggly edge to edge but if it's in a hidden area overlap may not be a problem. Hold in place with grips and tack into place with welder. Beware that you don't distort body panels with too much heat...... Good luck
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Aug 22, 2005 18:44:33 GMT
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Get a bodywork hammer and hit car with pointy end around rusty area, when you're not making any more holes you've found were to take a plate to. Get a piece of cardboard and make a template of piece you wish to make up, draw round it on a piece of metal and cut out. Shape the piece (put in bends/lips etc) and then draw round it when held in place (though not always possible) then cut out rusty piece. You're better off cutting it out a bit smaller then trimming the edge of plate so the pieces fit snuggly edge to edge but if it's in a hidden area overlap may not be a problem. Hold in place with grips and tack into place with welder. stand back an admire if you aren't happy, attack with grinder and go again ;D ;D ;D
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Last Edit: Aug 22, 2005 18:45:07 GMT by Keefy
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ImpManiac
Part of things
Imps... Imps... Imps...
Posts: 868
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Aug 22, 2005 20:13:44 GMT
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That easy, huh? Oooooookay! ;D I'm
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1966 Singer Chamois sprint/hillclimb car in white over blue two tone 1975 Triumph Stag long term project (over 20 years so far) in colour TBA 2003 Vauxhall Vectra GSi 3.2 in black sapphire
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mercmad
Posted a lot
Flush Hard,it's a long way to McDonalds.
Posts: 1,740
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If you find the mechanical side of a stagnant V8 easy,body work should be a doddle ...right? ;D especially those effing head studs...
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Many years ago I changed my driving style to cope with rising fuel prices; I have now reached the stage where I am contemplating keeping my eyes shut in order to lower wind resistance.
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ive just remembered, there was a decent feature on bodywork in custom car mag last month (Aug edition) - could be worth ordering a copy.
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Aug 23, 2005 16:18:04 GMT
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Sunbeam Gaz, I'm very interested in Patios - penski at gmail dot com, thanks *n
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Top grammar tips! Bought = purchased. Brought = relocated Lose = misplace/opposite of win. Loose = your mum
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Aug 23, 2005 16:24:45 GMT
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Yea, we need a patio in the back garden. I'll stick up some fencemaking pdf's when i get the chance lskingston at hotmail dot com Thanks! Our garden always needs work
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