Another Conversion for your viewing pleasure!, Trying my hand at a German project this time. Options

[rdr]

Hi all, I have been off and on this forum for 2 years now and I am finally honkering down and going to finish this restore! Actually a resto-mod so I apologize now to the purest among us. I have done a Spitfire and a Lotus Europa so I am no stranger to engine re-builds, welding and all the major stuff that comes with enjoying our hobbie / obsession.

A little history. Picked up this here in Maryland about 18 months ago for $500. A bit rusty (?!?) and only ran for 10 minutes then dies. Jump, ran another 10 and dies. This is what the P.O. said. Ok, for $500 I can fix it. Got it home and he was right. What do you expect from an engine without an alternator! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Fast forward a bit. Stripped out the interior, dropped the engine, and generally removed everything to assess it's condition. Biggest issue = rust. I have purchased all the goodies to get it back together... new interior pieces, new center console, pistons, carbs, alternator, sway bars, shocks, 4 x disks, calipers, etc. Literally a basement full of stuff at great prices as I ran across them on eBay and here, on the classified network. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

I am slowly welding in sheets that I fabricated from flat stock to patch / repair the rust. There is not enough to replace the entire floor pan, although if I was to do it again, I may consider doing just that. I am now on the pedal area - putting in a new piece that I got from a cut-up when I cut out the old section. I did replace the trunk pan and areas of the hell-hole. I will be patching up the rest later next week. Th biggest section that needs to be done besides the pedal area is the under-tunnel in the back between the seats. Under the car, not on top. I am going to template it out with cardboard then bend-to-fit a section out of flat sheet.

I will try to post updated photos as I make gains and losses. And above all, I value your opinions, critiques, and general snide comments! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Richard, thanks for your motivation ahead of time! I think you said a while back to "do a little each night" and it will eventually get done. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

Here are some questions that I toss to the experts for comments....

1. Fiberglass flares are going to be used and probably bolted on for that racer look. I will be getting them from Pelican. I already viewed many of the bolt-on-flare postings and like that look. I am NOT going to convert to the 5 lug at this time since I already have the calipers (new) and the disks for the 4 bolts. I think I can find some 4x130x15x7's for the front and 8's for the back for now.

2. Any good posts (tried searching but found none) for taking apart that dash? Wow what a contorted configuration!

Take care my friends.... Photos below.

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Up on stilts for easy access. Wish I had a lift.


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From the removal of the front struts... still need to do the steering.


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Pedal area is bad. Note new piece in foreground. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)


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Hell Hole.


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Engine on dolly


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Front gas tank area...

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My shop. Welder, rag pile, and table-o-parts with bench, etc. My *CAVE* ! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/piratenanner.gif)