The gentle restoration thread

[gentlydoingit*]

I'll drop in a few pics of the auto exotica we have at the end of this post, just to sort the images I'll start with my next job..

The Aston Martin v8 vantage 

It needs way more fabrication work than the customer is comfortable with so there'll just be some remedial inner front wheel arch chassis work for now. 

I'll update on progress on this tomorrow 


Here's a bit of last weeks fabrication work. It's not my norm type work but needs must. 


It's an internal spring compressor for the pagodas front suspension. We'd had a few near misses trying a normal spring compressor so I made this one, with a crab claw type self locking clamp. Worked like a charm 


And as promised, here's the best of the rest in the shop. I'll update on these as and when I work on them.

1970 dodge challenger 440rt

Some pagodas (we have more of these but sorting the pics in order is a pia)

Porsche 356 and another Aston  

I took several more pics but this post has taken over 40mins as it is

[Pulsar]

I really like that v8 vantage. Its like american muscle meets euro class

[TinWhisker]

The Challenger is just another car over here. Cool, sure, but to me it doesn't compare to a '70 Hemi 'Cuda. Oh my, what a car. Besides, they still make Challengers today, and they sort of look like that even. And with 805HP out of the factory, I'll take a new one (except I would take the Barricuda over any Challenger).

The other exotics are sweet! Do you ever do any Sunbeams?

[Spasmod]

 I like old cars, there's something about the smell that reminds me of the 70's

[gentlydoingit*]

Nope. We're primarily Mercades Porsche and Aston Martin specialists.

Over here a challenger is a rare sight, this one is an exact replica of the vanishing point car.. not my bag either tbh but each their own.

[Pulsar]

Eh, never really been big on american muscle. Being a car guy I will usually check um out, but not nothing I am interested in owning.

[Pulsar]

I always wanted to get a datsun 510, upgrade the suspension, motor and interior... Stuff something like a 13b from an rx7 in it....

That or get a euro escort. How did an American company screw us so bad on the Escort??? We got a crap FWD model

Porsche has always been a dream car for me. I had a chance in my early teens to get three 911's, all taken apart, for free. Want to say they were 76? My dad wouldnt let me get them because he didnt want them in the yard. Guessing the guy started a resto and was too much for him. Was in Uncle Henrys "free for the taking"... 

[Toopizard]

I want that Challenger! But I have to agree with TW as I much would prefer a 70 hemi cuda...my dad used to have a plum crazy purple one...it was what my dreams are made of. 

[TinWhisker]

My brother had a 79 RX7 *wankel wankel* that was really cool until someone exploded a huge firework in the back and burned it out. Probably my brother scamming the insurance company!

[Pulsar]

I want an FD chassis rx7 bad too... That wankel always intrigued me...

Actually, I want a lot of cars. My wife will hate me if we win the lotto