At 03:28 PM 4/8/97 -0400, pmartin@isgtec.com wrote:
> I could do a numbers-matching resto in the future if I choose
> to (although this is a lot less likely now that I know the frame's
> gone and so is most of the interior). Sorry.
Several members have mentioned that the frames are gone. From 1st
hand experience I'd kind of doubt it. 887 was in really bad shape.
At first glance you might think the chassis was toast. However,
the only real problem areas were:
1. The boxes at the front of the fender wells which I refabricated.
Discussing the fender wells with Terry, he has indicated that
they also are quite often toast. However since they are basically
flat sheet metal then can be rebuild very easy. The only problem
would be the shock towers if they are gone. For those wishing to
restore a car, I suggest you look around you area and try to find
some AMC types. I hooked up with several. We purchase cars and
then gut them. We use a saws-all to cut you the shock toweres.
2. The transmission mount cross brace was toast. Went to a local
sheet metal shop and purchased the box steel for about $10.
Then used some scrap round stock my dad had to make the exhuast
pass throughs. The only part of the original mount that was any
good was the actual flange that the xmission sits on. Cut it off
the original brace and welded it to the new one. Total cost less
than $15.
3. The main for aft rails are quite strong (thick) However where they
are welded to the cross braces (at each end) has a reinforcement
plate. These plates will rust. I've written an article about
restoring the chassis which discribes how I cut the chassis open
and replaced all the reinforcement plates.
4. There are a number of sheet metal parts that attach to the
fiberglass body for reinforcements. On 887 they were all toast.
However I was able to make drawings of all the pieces and have
them fabricated at a local metal shop. So far, I've had the
front floor pan pads, the xmission tunel liner, rear vertical deck
supports, seat slide reinforcements, and new sill plates
refabricated for a total cost of under $600. NOS sill plates will
cost you about $385 ea.
5. The front saddle that goes under the engine, is supposedly unique
to Bricks. Mine was severly damaged. However, I was able to
cut the reinforcement plate off, heat the remaining saddle and
work it back into shape. I have not made any drawings of this
part. However, I think you could have one made (not stamped -
but welded up out of several pieces) fairly inexpensively. I've
been told that these parts are NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
As with any restoration there are 3 things that are required:
a. Money
b. Time
c. Ingenuity
The less time you want to spend on the restoration requires that you
farm more of the work out or replace assemblies. Both of these items
require substantially larger investments of $$$$.
The ingenuity comes into play when you try to find a way to make a
part or rehab and existing part instead of spending mucho denario on
replacing it.
One case in point - although not Bricklin. I'm a masokist (sp).
When I restored my Morgan, I didn't have the money for new chrome
wire wheels. So what did I do. I stripped the wheels of their
spokes, ordered new spokes, made an alignment jig (with the help of
my dad) and respoked my wheels. I now have a NEW set of wheels
(thanks to my dad) however it is pretty hard to tell which wheels
I cleanded, polished, and respoked; and which are the new ones.
John
John T. Blair WA4OHZ email: jblair@exis.net
Va. Beach, Va Phone: (757) 495-8229
48 TR1800 48 #4 Midget 65 Morgan 4/4 Series V
75 Bricklin SV1 77 Spitfire
The one with the most toys, wins!
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