David's Restoration and Paint Problems

.....................".I am sure some gypsy put a curse on the radiator surround; the surround was stripped and repaired with the new lower section being replaced then taken to a company who supposedly specialised in show quality chrome plating.  Well they then subcontracted the work out to another person who proceeded to destroy a perfectly good radiator surround. It took months of chasing around before we finally received the surround back, only to be told, “Don’t worry, no charge”.  The surround had the edges ground through and we thought it was a write-off.  This surround, with another, was sent to Albury Platers who somehow managed to repair the damage.

Finally the surround was finished only to be damaged again in a workshop accident which ruined the original taillight and radiator core.  Back to Albury Platers again.

The next hurdle was colour selection.  We must have looked at hundreds of cars.  Should anybody be interested in tracing the original colours and paint codes for their cars a web side is available http://autocolorlibrary.com.  Finally the colours were decided, and then off to the paint shop. "

Read more about David's restoration by following the link

Laurie's Restoration Reflections - Why Join a Club

.................".Your car really comes alive as the final detail is finished off, every piece of chrome, the running boards and lights changed its appearance. The car comes alive in front of your eyes and I believe that you end up spending more time at this stage looking at your car, rather than working on it.

I reflect on the lessons that I learnt during the restoration of my cars and I believe that these lessons are a trap for the inexperienced novas.

• Do not be in any rush to purchase parts as you will inevitably pay more than necessary
• Do your home work before jumping in on the restoration
• Find a club that is prepared to help, like the VVCA
• Ask for help within your club, as they are a massive source of information and assistance
• Link up with someone in your club to use as a mentor
• Be involved with others of similar cars
• Most of all do not hesitate to ask for help, getting frustrated will not help you in your quest
• Go to as many swap meets as you can, as you never know what is going to be at the next one

I can honestly say that there is never a time that your car is totally restored, it seems that it will always continue to be a work in progress, constantly reaching another level of fulfillment with every new adjustment. Whether it is in adjusting the carby or timing to achieve slightly better performance. Or finding that little part at a swap meet, that you have been looking for, for many years.

Ultimately the final car is a reflection of your self and your input, don’t cut corners and spend the time that the car you want deserves. This will give you much enjoyment and a few headaches, but overall a sense of achievement. " 

Read more about Laurie's restoration by following the link                                        

The Story of Monty's Lincoln Restoration

...................." I had planned to do all the restoration myself except the upholstery.  

By this time I had been going to the local TAFE panel-beating section for 10 years.  It ended up being 20 years!  I also had my good friend Willy to help whenever I had a problem or a machining job.  I extended the body trolley that I had made for the Model 'A' by one metre each end.  I raised the Lincoln body off its chassis high enough to roll the chassis out then lowered the body onto the trolley.  I used a floor jack, planks and drums to raise the body. 

Mechanical restoration was my first priority. The neglected engine had a score in one of the bores caused by the damaged piston. The blocks were bored out to 40 thou over size. New pistons, valves and timing chain fitted, mains and big ends checked and all oil passages cleaned. The vibration damper had broken springs, so all were replaced. The big ends on the Lincoln are called the Fork and Blade setup not side by side like most V8s.

The clutch is a multi disc type, and one disc was badly warped and another had teeth missing.  Monty had said that the Lincoln was used for tow-starting used cars.  The lined discs were relined.  The crankcase, bell housing and gear box housing are all aluminum.  The diff which is about the size of a 5 tonne truck diff was as new.  The motor was started up in June 1990."

"At this stage I had run out of room in my garage so I had another built to store my restored cars in. Also by then I was well into a chrome plating course at Ultimo TAFE in Sydney.  

Around this time I received a phone call from Monty.  He said that he was coming over to see how the restoration was going and also to show me what he had just bought.".......................

Read more about this restoration by following the link

TAFE - Sydney Institute - Ultimo

is running a course in Selected Studies in Panel Beating especially for car restorers.  The course covers equipment, hand forming, welding and repairing and finishing.  Its a must for those restoring old cars.

Wednesdays at 5:30pm to 9:30pm for 36 weeks

  Contact Lawrence De Paoli on 9217 3470