Aligning New half front wing, outer sil and rear wing

[andrew54]

Hi All,

New member here. Currently beginning the body restoration of a 55' 100-4. I've purchased a lower half for the front wing and new outer sills from ahead healeys. I cannot rely on the original fenders or sill for placement as they were cut and "repaired" incorrectly years ago. Does anyone know of a good resource or recommendation for how to best align these pieces as to how they would have been intended?

Thanks
Andrew

 

[Keoke]

Try the factory manual there are usually drawings there to show discrete locations of parts.

 

[busybrit]

Well Andrew54, your in for some fun and games with this one. I'm not sure if there are two 100's actually the same!

I would suggest based on what I did is to focus on one side of the car, getting the outer sill on first. Only tack weld it on, it will likely be coming off later! Align the door best you can and use as much of the original fender as possible.

Fit the top of the fender then cut the new bottom section a good inch too big. and then bolt it on the sill, manipulating against the door working the gap the best you can.
At first I tack welded the lower section to the upper fender deliberately over lapping it about an inch, eventually cutting and butt welding them together. You can overlap them, but that leaves a place for the rust to start.

A trick I was shown many years ago was to use a flattened 1/2" copper pipe held directly behind the area you are spot welding. It takes the heat and help prevent you blowing through the metal making an even larger hole. Also when you cut the upper fender leave some of the original fender bead around the wheel arch, this can then be inserted into the new section. It helps alignment and strengthens the weld area.

 

[andrew54]

Haha, I assumed it might end up with a lot of trial and error. But at least starting at the sill is a idea I will try. The previous fender repair was an overlapped joint which I didn't like and did not follow the contours very well. I will certainly keep updating this post as I continue. Thanks for the help

 

[bob hughes]

You can use self tappers to fix the parts initially, adding a small slot will allow some finite adjustment, holes can be welded up after. Some restorers scribe the edge of the door onto a card and cut out a piece of metal to replicate the edge of the wing - sorry - fender so that they should line up if you follow me, the flattish bottom of the fender should align with the bottom of the outer sill where they meet and there should be a gap between the bottom of the door and the outer sill. All that should set you up somewhere near.

Bon Chance



Bob

 

[healeyblue]

I always try and align to the doors as long as they are fitting well. If the door opens and closes consistently and has good gaps to the rear fender, then use the door as your guide when placing the sill. the sill will also have to align to the rear fender so trying that often during placement will be needed as well. Once the fit is good and the rocker panel is welded, then you can work away from there to the fender.