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Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Sporty
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:34 pm
Location: Cardiff

Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sporty »

Hi all,

I suspect I won't be able to start for a few months, but I intend taking out the engine, rear axle and front subframe from my '67 V8 250 at some point to start it's restoration. Before I start, are there any 'gotcha's' I should be aware of? Do I need to take any vehicle-specific measurements? Any components that require a special method for removal. As I'm not familiar with this car, I thought it would be wise to ask beforehand. Thanks in advance....
My restoration BLOG - http://lootintheboot.uk

Sydsmith
Extremely Wise Man
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Posts: 1369
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 11:15 pm
Location: Aberystwyth Wales

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sydsmith »

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on buying a fine motor car, restored properly it will reward you with hours of happy motoring.

First thing to do is to buy a copy of the workshop manual from ebay they are available in original or copy and there are plenty there, you will find it invaluable, I have two one for the house and one for the garage.

I have restored several cars over the years and one piece of advice I would give is that if at all possible, get it running make it road safe and drive it on the road no matter how tatty it looks, you will learn a lot about your car and will give you the incentive to keep going when the tough parts of restoring get in the way. Best of luck with your new purchase. Syd

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
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Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 9:55 am
Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
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Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by classiclife »

One essential assist, is to ensure you take plenty and plenty of photos as you progress - digital photography makes such projects a lot easier.

What you recall today, may well be meaningless a few months down the line. Have to say photos have helped me out of a tight spot on several occasions.

As Syd says, an excellent choice of vehicle - not that I am biased in anyway !!

Good luck.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

Sporty
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:34 pm
Location: Cardiff

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sporty »

Thanks guys. Funnily enough Syd, that is exactly what I had planned. I'll be dropping the engine/running gear/suspension, then welding up the chassis, floor, sills and under panels. Once that's solid, then I'll be rebuilding everything with new bushes, bearings, rubbers, ball joints, brake pipes, hoses etc. Not sure what to do with the engine yet though, will see what it's like when I get it out, don't want a costly rebuild unnecessarily. Then hopefully get it on the road, but I suspect just that lot will take me a few years. The interior, body panels, trim and paint can be done as a rolling restoration as I enjoy using it. Richard, you are so right about taking photos! I can hardly remember how to put things back together when I've dismantled them that morning. Weeks/months/years later I would have no chance. And you are both right, the car is an absolute classic, and despite deciding I want to do a robust restoration, the urge to patch it up and use it sooner is quite strong.
My restoration BLOG - http://lootintheboot.uk

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
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Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
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Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by classiclife »

I look forward to hearing your updates as and when you have some.

Good luck with the work ahead.

All the best.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

Sydsmith
Extremely Wise Man
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Posts: 1369
Joined: Sun Feb 14, 2016 11:15 pm
Location: Aberystwyth Wales

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sydsmith »

Good Morning again Steve, have you bought a so called barn find that has not been run for years or was the car a runner when you got it?

In your shoes the one thing I would do is get that engine running before I took it out. If it has not been used for some time oil and filter is a worry but how will you know the state of the engine without running it.

The colour and consistency of the oil is a good indication of condition as I expect you will know, but I would rig up a battery, cooling and fuel supply and even if the exhaust is shot, get that engine running before all else, the cost of an engine rebuild for your car these days is hefty.

Good luck Syd

Sporty
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:34 pm
Location: Cardiff

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sporty »

Hi Syd,

Yeah, that's a good point actually. It's not been run for about 5 years. I was going to shove my endoscope down the plug hole just to check the cylinders/bores were ok, and make a decision based on that. But a test run before I whip it out may be worthwhile too. I'm always wary of starting an engine after a long period without use, so I'll probably dump the oil/filter and replace beforehand. It seems a waste, but the cost of cheap oil over causing damage is nothing. And the hassle of refitting it untested and only then finding the shells are shot would not be ideal either. I think you're right, I'll run her up first and then I'll have the benefit of knowing the block is OK at least. Cheers....
My restoration BLOG - http://lootintheboot.uk

classiclife
Classic Wise Man
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Location: Ridgewood - East Sussex
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Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by classiclife »

If not run for 5yrs, I would put a small amount of Redex down each bore and leave for 24hrs.

After the time has passed, leave the spark plugs out and turn the engine over by hand for a while - ideally via the crank nut.

The rationale behind the process is that should any rings be sticking or hesitation with the piston the Redex will have lubricated and freed these parts.

It is worth doing and will save breaking a ring and scoring the bore as a result.

If you feel unnatural resistance then stop and add a drop more Redex to each bore and leave for another 24hrs - second time around usually does the trick in such cases.

When you are happy it is turning freely then fire her up - you will get some smoke from the Redex but soon gone.

Good luck.

Richard.
1968 Daimler V8-250 Saloon
DLOC East Sussex Branch Secretary
DLOC 2.5L V8 & V8-250 Registrar - https://www.dloc.org.uk/v8-250
DLOC 2024 International Rally - https://www.dloc.org.uk/rally-2024

bobtills
Posts: 186
Joined: Wed Sep 25, 2019 6:05 pm
Location: North Wales

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by bobtills »

Following on from the previous reply. I agree with all that but I would also spin it on the starter for 30 seconds or so before asking it to fire up. This would circulate the oil a bit and hopefully at least get it into the bearings.

Also check that the valves are opening & closing and maybe even do a compression check, all before asking it to fire.

If anything's not right, it's not a good idea to run it. A moment's excitement (it's such a lovely engine) could end up being very expensive.

Sporty
Posts: 64
Joined: Wed Nov 20, 2019 8:34 pm
Location: Cardiff

Re: Chassis Work - Anything I should do beforehand?

Post by Sporty »

Definitely some good advice in the above posts, thank you guys. I would normally just use some oil in the bores, and I've not heard of Redex being used before, what are the advantages of Redex over oil Richard? And yes, I always turn the engine over a few times, until the oil pressure light is extinguished at least, even after a winter lay-up. Simple things, but could cause a whole lot of damage to the engine if it actually fired. So thank you both for the reminders. I think that a compression test would also be a good idea. I don't currently have a compression tester, so I fear that another eBay purchase is in the cards tonight!

It IS an exciting time, and I have to admit that I'm really looking forward to hearing that V8 roar. Just hope everything is OK. :D
My restoration BLOG - http://lootintheboot.uk

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