Anyone Have Closeup Panel Fitment Photos?

[Frameman]

When stabilizing the dimension of the chassis to ensure proper panel fit only works when these dimensions stay stabilized after the build when the car is put into use. Putting additional weight into the car only provides a situation of static loading and will do nothing to address torsional loading of the chassis when in use. The torsional loading will be at 90% when the car is driven and static loading will be maybe at 10%. Dimensional information on the fitment has been inconsistent simply because of the torsional loading issues that the original chassis implimented on the outer body panels causing them to be moved out of dimensional correctness. As you will become aware and as it has been said the Austin Healey is one of the most difficult cars to be fitted together as a result of the chassis issues. Unfortunately the Austin Healey chassis was never a sound structure in its original format. I have seen many different attempts to try to reinforce the original chassis such as heavier inner sills reinforcement tubes placed within the main rails. Although many believe this has been a cure, I have never found any of these repiars successful.
If the structure is not any good, in my opinion I am afraid you are wasting your time.
Marty

 

[Phantome46]

Hey kkaa,
I would recommend getting hold of the restoration series done by Roger Moment and Gary Anderson and available through the Austin Healey Club USA. If you're a member it's online and free. If not a member, then consider joining as the subject matter of panels and gaps is discussed in one or two of the installments. I'm in both Healey clubs so this is not a push to get you to join one or the other but it is really an excellent series of articles written over a few years.
Regards,
Mike

Mike - I am a member of the Healey Club in the UK and would very much like to get hold of the restoration series. Had a quick look on the USA site and had no luck locating it. Could you help please?

thanks

 

[roscoe]

If you get too tired of all this and can't bear the thought of frame flexing you can do what I've been told was a factory trick at a certain German performance car mfg. Install the doors to your satisfaction then lead them closed and cut a slot. Finish to a rounded edge and paint to match. You'll have the best door gaps on the block.

 

[kkaa]

Almost there. First, thank you guys for the links and info on how much gap to have. It took an extra few days of serious blocking on the whole car and am finally almost there. Today, im hitting with 400 one more time, then if no high/low spots, will seal the entire car. That means fun-time, take all the panels off again for their final inside fenders base/clear, re-assemble for a shop for the final outside base/clear. Anyone know a place in northern mass or southern NH that I can bring to for a spray of base/clear on the outside?

 

[healeyblue]

Looks like you got it. Great job. It'll look stunning in color.

 

[Keoke]

Mike - I am a member of the Healey Club in the UK and would very much like to get hold of the restoration series. Had a quick look on the USA site and had no luck locating it. Could you help please?

GO TO E-BAY USA AND SEACH FOR Austin HEALEY RESTORATION GUIDE IT WILL SET YOU BACK ABOUT 75 GBP PUS SHIPPING, BUT HEY!--NO vat-

Yes Caps stuck on:wink-new:

 

[kkaa]

Keoke, you, Randy, Dave, Mike, and a couple dozen more could create an amazing book. The knowledge on this site is priceless!It would be cool to collect it in categories, that way its written for all of us to enjoy

Mike - I am a member of the Healey Club in the UK and would very much like to get hold of the restoration series. Had a quick look on the USA site and had no luck locating it. Could you help please?

GO TO E-BAY USA AND SEACH FOR Austin HEALEY RESTORATION GUIDE IT WILL SET YOU BACK ABOUT 75 GBP PUS SHIPPING, BUT HEY!--NO vat-

Yes Caps stuck on:wink-new:

 

[kkaa]

Thank you sir. Funny thing, after this I had to break it down again for inner fender paint and when i put back on, it didnt line up !!!! HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Looks like you got it. Great job. It'll look stunning in color.