The reassembly
Having waited and prepared over the previous few months, I was extremely keen to get started on the car. The first few days were spent ensuring that everythng that needed to go back into the car was properly prepared and ready. In some cases, this involved finishing refurbishment to specific parts, or spending time to replace old/worn parts. Note that as the rebuild continued over the next 2 months, time was fairly evenly split between 'assembly' and 'looking for bits & bobs'. I have
subsequently built up a very comprehensive list of parts and respective suppliers, from the smallest little nut to the most obscure rubber seal.
First was the engine bay, seen below with just the engine in place. Everything else sat in a number of boxes, waiting for the jigsaw puzzle reassembly to begin. Note that only the radiator had to be replaced, as it was punctured in the accident. I managed to source a replacement from a company here in the UK who were able to identigfy mine from photos and source a replacement from the USA. Somthing else to remember was that whilst the engine was out the car, Modena Group very kindly fitted a new clutch for me, again sourced from the USA for a very reasonable £215 from the same UK-based company.
One person not yet thanked for their help was my 'little helper', spotted here checking that I had correctly installed the battery.
I have more photo's to upload, but a summary of other items completed to date:
- Full engine bay completed, including replatement of all water, oil and fuel lines
- New boot, bonnet, door and inner-arch rubber seals
- Front half of the exhaust system reassembled and fitted
- Interior fully refitted (more photos to come soon, including newly re-upholstered seats and door panels).
- All electrics, lights etc re-fitted. Note that more than half of all exterior lights were damaged, so these have all been replaced with new items.
- Front and rear chrome nudge-bars and bumpers replaced with stainless steel quick-lift brackets.
- Boot and bonnet brackets replaced and re-assembled.
- Lots of other detailed bits, windscreen, tennax fasteners etc.
Next steps
I am currently half-way through re-assembling newly fabricated exhaust pipes to complete the system. Welding brackets etc and setting the pipes around the reas suspension is taking time, but learnng to weld on a 'live' project has certainly been good fun and a good education.
I'll be bleeding the brakes this weekend and hopefully soon thereafter fill and test the water system. Then, once the last bit of welding has been completed on the rear exhaust system, I'll fuel the car and see if she starts!
I will then need to fully re-set the suspension. Considering that the entire system has been disassembled and re-assembled, everything will need to be re-set. As a result, I'll not be putting the steering wheel back on until I know that the car is 'pointing straight'.
Watch this space as more photos and commentary will follow soon. In the interim, a wing and a prayer (along with help from a magic wand) will help transfor my bashed beauty back into a proud Cobra again!