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Pretty Please - add it to our Events forum(s) and add to the calendar! >> 
Speedy_Pete
Jedi Trainee
Offline
Hi All,
New to the forum... 65 Sprite... blah blah...
Anyway, the restoration is overdue.
It started with an oil leak 12 years ago, the engine would get a mild rebuild to fix the leak (it was using as much oil as it was fuel...).
The engine came out and I figured while it was out I should sort the paint, as it was a lurid yellow rather than the gleaming black it left the factory with.
So as it was getting repainted and the engine was out I figured it would look strange with a manky old interior, so that came out.
I was on a tight budget so it wasn't going to be a nut and bolt resto, but before the paint got done, and while the engine was away I had to come back to the UK.
The car stayed with my folks in Florida, the paint was done and the engine bolted back together. In 2000 she returned to the UK with my folks.
And there she sat. The engine wouldn't turn, and with various commitments it kept getting delayed... Until now.
I was never really happy with the thought of a rolling restoration, I prefer to do a job properly if I can, so it will be restarted.
I plan to get a website set up to follow the progress (don't think there are any resto site with a webcam so possibility of a world first?).
The plan is as follows:
1. Bolt all bits back on, replacing any missing bits.
2. Take engine out, fix problem, convert to unleaded.
3. Dismantle car.
4. Beadblast body, send off for any repairs.
5. Clean all components.
6. Get repaired body in primer.
7. Mock build to check everything fits and works.
8. Dismantle again.
9. Get body painted, components powdercoated/chromed etc.
10. Final build.
11. Finally get to enjoy it!!
Deadline is May 18th 2008 for 50th Anniversary at British Motor Heritage Centre...
Oh, if anyone knows where I can get an original style Sprite steering wheel I'd love to hear from you.
New to the forum... 65 Sprite... blah blah...
Anyway, the restoration is overdue.
It started with an oil leak 12 years ago, the engine would get a mild rebuild to fix the leak (it was using as much oil as it was fuel...).
The engine came out and I figured while it was out I should sort the paint, as it was a lurid yellow rather than the gleaming black it left the factory with.
So as it was getting repainted and the engine was out I figured it would look strange with a manky old interior, so that came out.
I was on a tight budget so it wasn't going to be a nut and bolt resto, but before the paint got done, and while the engine was away I had to come back to the UK.
The car stayed with my folks in Florida, the paint was done and the engine bolted back together. In 2000 she returned to the UK with my folks.
And there she sat. The engine wouldn't turn, and with various commitments it kept getting delayed... Until now.
I was never really happy with the thought of a rolling restoration, I prefer to do a job properly if I can, so it will be restarted.
I plan to get a website set up to follow the progress (don't think there are any resto site with a webcam so possibility of a world first?).
The plan is as follows:
1. Bolt all bits back on, replacing any missing bits.
2. Take engine out, fix problem, convert to unleaded.
3. Dismantle car.
4. Beadblast body, send off for any repairs.
5. Clean all components.
6. Get repaired body in primer.
7. Mock build to check everything fits and works.
8. Dismantle again.
9. Get body painted, components powdercoated/chromed etc.
10. Final build.
11. Finally get to enjoy it!!
Deadline is May 18th 2008 for 50th Anniversary at British Motor Heritage Centre...
Oh, if anyone knows where I can get an original style Sprite steering wheel I'd love to hear from you.
