SOME COMMENTS AND NOTES ON THE PHASES
The initial objective to be set, is to have the body attached to a Rotisserie which will give me total access, and unit mobility.
The restrictive space in my home Garage, plus my personal mobility problems, and weakish metal around the bumper irons, were the decision catalysts.
I decided to go for a Rotisserie style-pivot pole- system, as opposed to go for a "roll-over" or a tilting method.
I am hoping to fully document this,to help others who share my particular circumstances.
I have not seen too many of these "Suspending" types of equipment, and the ones I have seen, have not shown their dimensions, which will allow a similar system , devised by me using my planned method.
Using this Rotisserie method, will allow me to re create sound metalwork on all parts of the body, without the body stresses which occur whilst it remains on it's wheels with parts of the running gear or engine attached.
Also it will allow safer welding of all under-body parts.
(Please see the full 22 planned phases further along these pages)
1.Initial planning phase,setting up documentary files and recording system, film or video equipment.Photographic records as complete as possible
2.Seeking professional help (Local)-on call, if need be, and website -forum based expertise,to be well established before start date.
Assemble and check off all tools required for the Project, all except maybe welding equipment or painting equipment.
Enrol on welding course, MIG if possible,as I have done Oxy and stick previously, so feel confident that I can pick up the skill as I go along, even if I cannot enrol.
So this first part of the -hands on-plan, will occupy the first 8 phases, and includes.( But not all these are in the correct chronological order)
3.Initial stripping and draining as required.
4.Constructing the body rotisserie/Jig system and test it fully,so it is totally safe for me to use at home for an unknown length of time, to help with access in my renovation garage at home.
5.Stripping mechanical components.
6. Removing all appropriate Electricals.
7. Taking out all Trim items, screens, doors,boot lid and bonnet.
8.Removing paint and sealer where appropriate.(if so assessed)
9.Measure ,record and fully assess the extent of rot.Enlist whenever possible a local experienced expert to help with this.
Specific care should be taken to record all measurements from standard datum points. This is essential so everything will fit back together when the cutting and welding phase is complete.
10.Cut out and replace all metalwork in a safe logical manner, and applying the best anti-corrosion protection I can to all areas as I proceed.This will be the most difficult phase to complete, not only in time but in skill level required to do a good job.
I shall be attempting to butt weld, as much as possible, and spot weld (plug weld) when originally done.
There may be some lap welding done , but only where corner areas provide a sound metal structure to go at,and sound metal is underneath.
11.The next phases will be to include paint and any additional anti corrosion coverage prior to the start of the next phase which I am really looking forwards to-the "clean " phase.
12.The componant assembly and full assembly of everything onto and into the car will be next.
13.Prior to individual testing of componants and collective testing, all records will be maintained, these will include Pictures and documentary files.
14.When I return the car to normal road use.
It will be MOT'd and completely road legal, this will provide me with a basic car, upon which I can build or ammend or adapt,to make a more modern daily runner.
15.So using as much as I can of the "Standard" car set up as I can, go straight ahead , to be Morris -mobile.
16.Once that is complete, then I will re assess and adapt what I have got, to what I need for the future- without compromising any future owners ability to return it to total Standard in the years ahead, should they so wish.
There is a temptation to modify straight away, there are so many great cars on the mmo forum with lots of specific advantages, it's going to be hard to stick to my initial plan- but that's what I want to do.
So I shall look at preparing some minor body mods to accommodate any lighter type of upgrades at the end phase, so it will be easier to adapt then.