Austin Sheerline Project

[Brucekoukalaka]

A little thin skinned are we? I just find so many people have just got to swap in a Chev engine into something that literally makes the car a pile of Sh!T just because "Everyone else does it"! If I could get down there, I probably would make an offer (prior to your destroying it) but now it's worth little more than scrap weight.

 

[Cgantner5150]

"Thinned skinned"? Nope. I'm too old and grown up for trolls. Just posting some logic and apparently you can only respond by using degrading comments and cursing. Sad.
Please stay out of my thread until you can stop spreading your critical opinions. As I said, " your opinion is noted and filed away".
We all know about opinions....

 

[Mickey Richaud]

It would be a shame to lock this thread, but there's no place here for personal attacks.

I need to remind all that Basil has some very clear guidelines about keeping this forum a civil, enjoyable place.

Thanks.

 

[Roger]

There'll always be dissension over the restore vs retromod question. Clearly, a real classic, like the Cobra or genuine Bugattis and the like deserve restoration, but I'd question whether any Austin falls into that category. I say that as a born and bred, dyed in the wool Austin fan.
The Sheerline is a survivor, but I've never thought that mere age grants much value other than curio. It's not as though they're as rare as hen's teeth either, there's one close to here doing duty as a wedding car, for example. It's pretty well original, but has a few improvements to keep it running.
If it were mine, I think I'd try to keep it close to original, but I have every respect for someone who rebuilds a modernised version. It should surely be a lot more usable in today's traffic than the original, and I don't think deserves the insults.

After all, it's not like a Masterpiece was being destroyed!

 

[Bayless]

Thanks Mickey.

 

[Ken Hebert]

Hello. Neat project, looks familiar. I have been driving my 1947 sheerline for 2 years now. I built it in 6 weeks after sitting 20 years in someone's backyard. It has a fuel injected 1988 454, 4 speed auto, 373 10 bolt on stock lowered rear suspension, 69 Camaro front frame clip narrowed 3 inches to fit with stock uncut coils, PS AC PB disc/ drum, 55 year old black lacquer. Only one hot rodded in North America.(I think) And I drive it over 5000 miles a year. Best thing is it is a Austin still driving!

 

[DNK]

Like this pic

 

[Cgantner5150]

Sweet - that's what I'm talking about. Can you send me some pics of the build? I can PM you my email address.
Guess an LS based engine will have no problems fitting if a big block went in. I also never thought about "clipping" the front end. Hmmmm....

 

[Ken Hebert]

It is the least expensive and simplest way to upgrade steering and suspension. I have way under 7500 dollars and 200 hours invested. I could probable engineer RHD as well. Mine was LHD from factory. Sold in Hamilton Ontario. I have a receipt for 6 quarts black lacquer from 1955 or so for 18 dollars from the dealer!

 

[JPSmit]

Glad to see you here Ken and thanks for the pics and the project.

 

[2AVERELLS]

Show at Delgado? Didn't know about that. When? I live about 5 minutes from their main campus by City Park.

I can't seem to find out a lot about the Sheerline. I need things such as lenses. I hear that they share common components with others, just not sure which ones. My neighbor is a wonderful wood worker (and he owns a lumber yard) so hopefully I can get him to help with the interior trim. Seats we have not decided yet.

The plan is to swap in an LS engine and trans with a ford 8.8 rear out of an explorer (1/2 inch difference in width). Not sure about the front yet (fab in tubular upper and lower A arms and coilovers). I think updated front and rear brakes and suspension are important. I am sure some will find this as a sacrelige.

Our goal is a dependable cruiser. I grew up on carbs and drum brakes. Once I made the switch to EFI there was no going back.

Want some help ? Contact John Harding at john_harding4@sky.com - He's the national secretary for the Austin Sheerline Princess Club who I have found to be very helpful in my '56 Princess Limousine restoration. They have a semi-monthly magazine, with lots of ads for parts suppliers. We are working on putting together a forum for Sheerlines and Princesses. Hope this is helpful. Also, I know of some locals who may be parting out some Princesses, and they share a lot of parts with Sheerlines.

 

[BWA]

I know it's not in the project prospectus, but, that thing just screams for a Chryco V10, or, a Jag V12, along with Jag E Type rear suspension.

 

[Scotty541]

i can vouch for John Harding as well... he helped me too with my jensen 541- they share the same motor as the ASPs

 

[PAUL161]

What ever you do, save all the original parts your not using and make available to someone who is restoring one back to original. You should recoup some of your costs that way and make a restoration project easier for someone else. JMHO. PJ

 

[LynnB]

I realize the OP hasn't posted in over a year now.... But does anyone know what is going on with this car?

 

[Ken Hebert]

They should be done by now. I would like an update as well. I'll be driving mine to work again today!

 

[Chester Atkinson]

C.Atkinson, as of April of 2019 this Austin Sheerline project is mine and made a trailer trip from New Orleans to Michigan to begin a new chapter in evolution. Will hope to post pictures on progress.

 

[Craig Robin]

I feel like modifying an old car is way challenging than working on a new rig.

 

[pdplot]

Grill looks like a 1930s Packard. I think the purists would be happier to see a Jag 6 or late Healey engine instead of a Chevy but I can understand wanting a more powerful, more reliable ubiquitous mill and upgraded suspension and brakes. This isn't a Bugatti or Ferrari - just a pedestrian English sedan of a certain era. Good luck with the project, Chester. Keep the pictures coming and illegitimus non carborundum.

 

[Chester Atkinson]

Thanks for the favorable comments. I did post some info and pictures of my Austin autos but unfortunately they showed up in the new introduction section. Check it out and again thanks for the encouragement.