need new chassis

[madhouse]

Have 1958 100-6 bn4 with destroyed chassis. Looking online and seeing them between 4000 and 11000. Any one have experience with new chassis? I kind of like Jule Chassis, but looking for opinions.

 

[Healey Nut]

Are you referring to just the chassis or the whole superstructure ? entirely different items and cost .

 

[madhouse]

Just the chassis. Rails and cross members ( heavy steel along the bottom). Thanks.

 

[Jerry]

I have the jule chassis and he is on this forum sometimes. I like mine, it will outlast the rest of the car. The old chassis I sent him was bowed, the new one was straight. I can sure see how the suspension components work better with a stiff chassis. I did have them weld the substructure onto the chassis, my welding at the time would not have been good enough.

Jerry
BJ8

 

[RestoreThemAll]

Do yourself a favor and speak with Marty by phone. Jule Enterprises. Even if you don't purchase from him you'll appreciate the conversation. I have a Jule frame. Marty put his frame under my superstructure. I also had him fix all of my alumninum and steel body panels and fit them. The follow up support is endless. I keep asking and he continues to share knowledge. I met him for lunch and we talked through until dinner time.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Just the chassis. Rails and cross members ( heavy steel along the bottom). Thanks.

I have a Jule Frame. Excellent solution, very strong and I have no scuttle shake at all.. You need to talk to Marty and I'd recommend that he attach all of your superstructure too.

 

[rjc157]

That is just so much work is the car really worth it how much can that possibly cost

 

[Healey Nut]

That is just so much work is the car really worth it how much can that possibly cost

You would be surprised . I had a complete Jule superstructure done by Marty and his crew for my 62 Tri-Carb , what I sent him was a total basket case and only 10/15% of the original superstructure ended up in the new superstructure . It still cost way less than replacing the frame with one from any of the sources available and replacing all the panels with panels from the same sources . Panels that probably wouldn't have fit and have to be modified at further cost .

Is it worth it.... that's a question for the owner , he may have a particular reason for the investment . I put 70K into a full matching #s BJ8 even down the original key and other than metalwork and paint I did it myself . However it has all original redone chrome . No tin foil Chinese junk .
I suspect by the time my 62 Tri-Carb is done I will have put a similar amount into it . But I think its worth it .

 

[rjc157]

Well you must have deep pockets sometimes I think it's just easier to get a car that's already done ,these cars are becoming museum pieces

 

[Healey Nut]

Well you must have deep pockets sometimes I think it's just easier to get a car that's already done ,these cars are becoming museum pieces

If you paid a high quality restorer to do a basket case it would cost a small fortune .
Buying a car that's done ...if that's your thing go for it . However I can stand back at the car shows when the crowd are gathered around my car and say to myself or to them when they ask ... I DID IT and the value and pride that I get from being able to do that is as they say .......Priceless .
The hours of work 5 1/2 yrs to do the 67 was worth every penny as the time I spend in the garage is MY TIME with the tunes on building an engine or suspension, sandblasting and painting parts taking a piece of what looks like scrap and returning it to as it was or better is a huge sense and feeling of achievement .
When I fired the engine up on the 67 after its rebuild (it was my first full rebuild ) I had a smile that lasted for days ... cost at that point is almost irrelevant .

 

[rjc157]

We all enjoy working on our cars restorers are just way over priced but everyone needs to eat ,your one of the few when money is irreverent is a good thing

 

[dougie]

My choice would be Kilmartin, https://www.kas-kilmartin.com.au/Austin Healey.htm

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

If you paid a high quality restorer to do a basket case it would cost a small fortune .
Buying a car that's done ...if that's your thing go for it . However I can stand back at the car shows when the crowd are gathered around my car and say to myself or to them when they ask ... I DID IT and the value and pride that I get from being able to do that is as they say .......Priceless .
The hours of work 5 1/2 yrs to do the 67 was worth every penny as the time I spend in the garage is MY TIME with the tunes on building an engine or suspension, sandblasting and painting parts taking a piece of what looks like scrap and returning it to as it was or better is a huge sense and feeling of achievement .
When I fired the engine up on the 67 after its rebuild (it was my first full rebuild ) I had a smile that lasted for days ... cost at that point is almost irrelevant .

I have seen a photo of one of Marty's first frame jobs(about 30 years ago) and the door seams still line up. Repairing an original frame will only last so long before it shows wear. I believe the Jule frame I have will be around for a very long time.

 

[Jerry]

I think you have to decide what you are going to do with the car. Jule frames do well at auction but some people would say they are not original. The other replacements look like the original, and you would not have to tell people it has been replaced. I drive my car and planed to keep it for 20 years so the cost was resonable. I used to own a BN4 and the selling , prices for that model are lower. Perhaps I would not have bought a frame for that car, perhaps I would.
The question on the frame is the same as on any part that has been replaced. Is it still original and do you care? I wanted a nice driver. I have been to car shows where people have told me my car could be at one of the Pebble Beach auctions, but that is not why I built it.
I also recently finished a Triumph TR3A and an Austin Mini. I put too much money into both of those also, but I like them both. Hobbies cost money. Golf is probably cheaper, but not as much fun for me.

Jerry

 

[MCS]

I have 2 Jule frames, love them both, cheapest part of a full restoration, would never have said that before the experience

 

[madhouse]

Thanks for the many good replies. I've had this healey for 31 years (its my second). Lots of good memories that drive me to keep it, get it running again and restore it. To make a long story short, I am no longer able to do the restore myself, but i'm lockstep with the mechanic and bodyshop that are helping me. I have no intent on selling it .... ever, will drive it frequently, and hand it down to my kids to fight over in another 30-40 years. Based on what I've read online and the comments in here - I'm going to call Jule (and Marty) to see if we can get going with the Chassis buy. i will keep you posted.