Parts delivery.

In the midst of all the activity, a shipment of parts arrives from MiniSpares. Now we’re spending money!

Engine stand

Working on an engine, especially one as awkward as a transverse A-series, is a pain.

An engine stand is a fine investment, even if you have to make up a special mounting plate.

Now Brian’s ready to strip down the engine while I continue with the bodywork.

 

Yes dear, it’s your preciousss.

More boot floor nasties.

At the back the horror continues. One of the previous owners was a master sculptor, but once the bog’s ground away the true quality of the repairs is evident.

Just keep cutting, and cutting, and cutting until all the rust is gone…

…and install a replacement floor.

The right side corner was also a masterful confection of bog and paint. Out with the cardboard templates again…

Good as new. Ok, fine, good *enough*.

Wings! Or lack thereof.

Meanwhile, at the front of the car:

With the front wing out of the way, we can really see what’s going on.

That used to be a hinge mount, but luckily it’s easily replaced since the internal a-panel is entirely separate from the exterior skin.

Unpick the spot welds…

…and out comes the rotten panel.

Rust. Quelle surprise.

So the pressure washing showed up a few areas that are less than ideal. The boot floor is a confection of steel, rust, bog, and underseal.

Let’s cut out the rotten metal and see what’s left. Shit.

Nothing for it but to get stuck in- we’ll start the ball rolling with a small repair.

 

 

 

Cleco temporary rivets are awesome for panel repair, holding everything in alignment while you weld it in place.

That went well. Now feeling a little more confident, its time to tackle the boot floor.

Cardboard and masking tape to make up a template in situ…

…transfer to steel and cleco in place.

Lots of plug welds into the rear subframe mount, and spot welds everywhere else.