Hello again list.
I couldn't keep away. ;) I tried sending this message earlier with a
GIF attachment and I haven't seen it yet. I also posted to another list.
So, if you see two postings, I apologize.
I'd like to ask your opinions on my next project.
I have to repair the front crossmember on my '77 Spit because of a front
end collision that occurred before I bought the car. Also because of
the collision, the PO had replaced the bonnet with a Pimento Red junker
that could be bent into alignment with the now dinged up hinge
boxes on the crossmember. I now have a parts car which has a good front
end and bonnet and would like to use the crossmember and hinge boxes and
the bonnet. The parts car is green and the car I'm fixing is Carmine
Red. My questions are related to chopping and welding of the chassis
and what to do about the paint color.
Chassis:
[] []
====[]=========[]====
\| || || |/ \____ CUT A
\\|| ||//
\ | | /
|| ||
-- -- <---CUT B
|| ||
What approach should I take with the removal of the front crossmember
(on both chassis')? I think my choices are this;
CUT A: Try and remove the front crossmember at the weld,carefully
preserving the front crossmember and hinge boxes on the GOOD parts.
CUT B: Cut somewhere along the main chassis beams on both and butt-weld
them together, adding a plate to the beam at the weld.
NEW CHASSIS: I don't think this job is big enough to warrant that. Not
considering it.
I would prefer CUT A for two reasons...estetics and not compromising the
stability of the main chassis BUT is this even possible? Can I carefully
remove the weld with damaging the front crossmember? I saw it done in
one of my restoration books, this very procedure but they were replacing
the front crossmember with a new one.
I would also like to hear recommendations for cutting tools/drill
attachments if you have any.
Paint:
Before putting the new GREEN bonnet on my Carmine Red Spit, should I
have a paint shop work on the bonnet and can they match the color
reasonably well? Even with a "worn out" color? Opinions? What would you
do?
I would really appreciate your opinions on these two things!
Thanks!
Vic
|