ScottBroder
Freshman Member
Offline
How to inspect the frame in a pre-purchase inspection on a restored car?
I have seen lots of lists of "what to look for" and checklists for buyers. My specific question is related to the inspection of a 3000 frame on a supposedly restored car. For 2 different cars I am considering purchasing, I tracked down a local Healey club member to look at the car before I fly to see them myself. The 2 cars were restored, frame-off, both 15-20 years ago. One now has 20k mile and the other 5k since restoration. I would eventually hire a British car mechanic to do a PPI before purchase. So far, the report back is the undersides of both cars look nice and clean according to each local club member. On both cars, the frame is the same color as the body.
Yes, I understand to check the outriggers and look at the doglegs and look at all surface rust. Try to determine what metal was replaced if any and look at the quality of welding and seam sealing. But beyond that what do you look for? How do you know if the frame is rusting from the inside? Is that even a thing to worry about? I am sure there is SOME rust inside all frames. How much is too much? Unless the car is a late model BJ8, there's no plugs to run a video camera scope into. Sellers generally don't want to drill holes to let you do this.
Is there a good video or tech note on the frame inspection process?
I have seen lots of lists of "what to look for" and checklists for buyers. My specific question is related to the inspection of a 3000 frame on a supposedly restored car. For 2 different cars I am considering purchasing, I tracked down a local Healey club member to look at the car before I fly to see them myself. The 2 cars were restored, frame-off, both 15-20 years ago. One now has 20k mile and the other 5k since restoration. I would eventually hire a British car mechanic to do a PPI before purchase. So far, the report back is the undersides of both cars look nice and clean according to each local club member. On both cars, the frame is the same color as the body.
Yes, I understand to check the outriggers and look at the doglegs and look at all surface rust. Try to determine what metal was replaced if any and look at the quality of welding and seam sealing. But beyond that what do you look for? How do you know if the frame is rusting from the inside? Is that even a thing to worry about? I am sure there is SOME rust inside all frames. How much is too much? Unless the car is a late model BJ8, there's no plugs to run a video camera scope into. Sellers generally don't want to drill holes to let you do this.
Is there a good video or tech note on the frame inspection process?