In 1990, I purchased my first Austin Healey, BJ8. Since I did not have any mechanical background, I was very fortunate to have been introduced to Martin Jansen, owner of Jule Enterprises. Martin was instrumental in helping me with mechanical issues over the years and in 1995, I decided to do a ground-up restoration, including the patented Jule Frame.
Once disassembled, the condition of the original frame was shocking and frightening, due to rust and welding deterioration. I had been very fortunate indeed not to have been injured or worse by driving the car in that condition.
My first major trip post restoration with the Jule frame was from Toronto to Vernon BC for the Austin Healey "West Coast Meet" on Silver Star, a 9,000 km round trip. I was amazed at the car's handling and stability. For the past 22 years since restoration, I have driven the car at any opportunity, totalling an average of some 5,000 km's during the summer months. That would be in excess of some 100,000 km's since restoration and yet, I did not have a single issue with regards to the structural properties of the car. Door gaps and fender adjustments are all good to this day and the condition of the under-structure still does not show any signs of deterioration. During restoration I also learned about the effects of a weak chassis, as it relates to both structural and mechanical performance, such as fatigued engine and lower control arm mounts.
With regards to the restoration, my prime concern was safety, reliability and longevity, as opposed to absolute originality. Based on this experience, it is beyond me why anybody would undertake an expensive restoration without the sound foundation of a Jule frame. It may well be that much of the success of Jule Enterprises is not only due to the fact that Mr. Jansen is an excellent Chassis builder with 35 years experience, but also a licensed mechanic and a licensed vehicle body builder.
It is my understanding that Martin, due to health reasons, is scaling back his operation. As a result, I would highly recommend that those contemplating a restoration take advantage of his services while still available