The Car Part 3

The body was next on the agenda and the sills were the worst. The inner sills had been patched on the earlier restore but were now past it. I prefabricated these by hand in two sections and then by fixing to the chassis with tapeI ensured the correct contour. The 2 sections were then cut and welded together, these will be welded to the body later. The external sills were well rotted as can be seen and due to their bowing inwards as well as upwards were beyond my capabilities. Very few firms offer replacements for the saloon due to this and so my quest began. After much searching, sending of pictures and quotations,a local panel beater accepted the challenge as a one off at reasonable cost. I transported the body to his workshop where after 2 weeks a pair of sills were presented. I decided that before fitting them to the car I would take fibreglass moulds of these so that hopefully I could find somebody to make pressings of these for use by others. These sills will fit 2 and 4 door models. Anybody have any contacts?

The body was now placed upside down on old tyres and work began. The sills fitted so well that I had them braced, removed and welded back on within 4 hours. They also extended around into the rear wheel arch to cover the area of rot as shown but I will have these areas pressed separately due to complexity of curves if a supplier is found. Lower inner wheel arch repair sections were then fabricated and the lower 2 sides of rot were repaired.

My attentions now turned to the rear of the car, it was noticed that on the back below the window presumably one of the original makers had chalked his name. This was "Baker 8" and I decided to protect this when the time came to paint the inside. The rust evident in this area was on the lower seam where it adjoins the lower apron. I decided to fabricate a new section in 2 pieces due to the many folds and curves of the back panel and floor attachment. After much hammering and a second attempt the section was ready to be fitted. After cutting out and stitch welding, the lower apron and wings were offered up for checking. Minor adjustments would have to be made but the fit was quite good considering and the final welds made.
The body was now righted and after fitting of a neoprene seal to the chassis instead of felt, the body was finally bolted back on the chassis and the inner wings welded to it. A coat of Hammerite was now applied to the interior walls of the body.

I have included a picture of the rear window timbers and of the dashboard before removal. The reasons for this will be evident as work on the interior later will show and also to assist a member who purchased a car without timber and wanted a view of what should exist.