plugg'n away...

Got some work done in the last few days, i used to call it spare time but now days its just stealing time. repaired the inner structure as when i removed the rocker panel it was rotten all the way through so cut out the rust and hand made the pieces to repair. rust cleaned up and couple of coats of expoy primer to seal up metal [indian red was on sale!!] attached the new rocker after inner went in and plug welded all together. fairly happy alot stronger than before, the whole structure is solid as..this is a big job as you cant repair the rocker panel with out cutting away the front and back quarter panels. the front fenders are all one piece and attached to the windscreen pillars and front nose piece. will start the panel pieces soon as i just like to get my head around it and have some plan of attack before i start cutting again..these repairs are so delicate and precise , dont want any warping and shrinking so will do some tests on the two metals going together first..

sealed the back of the patches first.



i did epoxy this before rocker went in just
didnt take pics.

surgery time.....

Last night i opened up the wound and was pretty happy to see it wasn't as bad as i thought for a 40+ year old car [alfa]. cleaned all rusty surface and cut out rust holes, metal treated and ready for repairs. Had to make a new piece that had completely come away from the b pillar, didn't order that as i don't want to have to go in to deep into the main structure. as it stands the top half of the outer rocker is in excellent condition so i think i am going to graft into this section instead of removing the whole piece.
I also have stayed away from the wheel arches as i am not so sure that the patch panels are that correct fit. It would be just another HF problem trying to make them fit the original curve.
I know it sounds like i am playing it safe but i think i have enough to deal with here with my skills at hand....

parts arrived today..

just some pics of some work semi completed and new parts in today so work on the patch and rust sections can start. got the car up on one side today so i can get in there and also be safe..patch panels are ok but are going to need alot of finesse to fit just right. tried to start her but no broom broom, i think its the point gap setting but will work on it later..plus i drained the battery trying.

drive to work on saturday i spotted this red giulia and i quickly gave chase, the guy must of thought i was chasing him but any way what a car.. this thing had all the bells and whistles .. thanks to Joe for taking the time to show me his car. nice guy and a really nice road / track gta recreation..i have got a long way to go after seeing the bar!

Drivers side door..

well first jobs completed and fairly happy with results, about 15 hours work on that door and it straighted up pretty good. patch's welded in and rust treated around the surrounding areas.

 just some old pics of a lancia beta hatch i had years ago, great engine and interior...rusty too!

found some build sheets on the net and the body number confirms 1966 build and original engine...
                             #  only 772 built-sprint gt veloce, not sure how many were RHD.

youtube link / giulia videos

                                      

Bump & Grind.....

Well started on the worst job first, "i think" the door . it was either give it a go and stuff it up or buy a new door skin which is not cheap and can be a nightmare in its self to get lined up and flush..to my surprise it came out pretty ok ,the door pulled back pretty well and the seam straighten up and is a close fit to the rear quarter.

Couldn't get the corner to pop out, not much room to swing a hammer in there!! Will have to lay filler anyway, just happy to keep the original sheet metal.

Also cut out some rust holes and repaired the front fender which was harder than the door because of the angles and less room to work but was easy to pop out dent from the back..sooo much filler on this car!!

thanks to my wife for taking the kids out today so i could play in the mancave..XOXOXO

Check out the nasty work under hear..weld has given way..