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super structures to new frame & other Q's...

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I agree with everything said about the Jule frame and I may use one for my next poroject. That will be a nasty boy so originality is not paramount. If original design and look is important, the kilmartin frame with the center web is the way to go. Cost difference is not that great and it is just about as strong as the Jule.
 
I spent a year repairing my BJ8 frame. New crossmembers, outriggers, sills, pans, etc. If I had it to do over again (other than looking for a more sound car) I would have gone for a new frame. That's a hard pill to swallow, but it's true. I'm far enough in to it now to make it worth re-doing, but if I'd gone that way two years ago, I'd be driving it today, instead of being four months into the paint phase, with no real prediction of the finish line. Did learn to TIG weld pretty well, though.
 
Try taking a look at the Kilmartin Frame .Its as good as they get and you get the inner sill assembleys attached which gives you a good reference point to start transfering your bulkheads and yes the centre web make a hole lot of difference in strength in fact if you are going that far why not have the adustable suspension tops as well
Adamb
 
The Kilmartin frame has a much more original look than the Jule. Marrying the frame to the superstructure would be the challege for me. Then attaching and aligning the body panels...also a tough one. Using a Kilmartin frame and an expert Healey rebuilder would be a great choice.

The following is an email from an originality guidlines expert.
"The 50 point deduction for a Jule frame will keep the car from being awarded Gold. However, what you do with the rest of the car depends on what is important to you. If you are only restoring a car to recieve the top award, then do the balance of it any way you want. If you are interested in accuracy, then try to keep the balance as true to the original as possible."
"I would think that when you come to sell your car, prospective buyers might criticize the Jule frame part, but also recognize the quality that you tried to achieve if they can recognize how correct the balance is."
 
Hi TimBN2,
May I suggest you visit "Larry Varley's Austin Healey 100 Restoration Site at https://www.acmefluid.com.au
It has many detailed photos and descriptions of Larry's extensive work on an interesting 100.
 
Hello all...

i have spoken with the guys at Jule and I've heard nothing but good things about them. But as an option for my frame woes I'm afraid I'm a bit more interested in being "original" and for the cost difference between the two frames I will go with Kilmartin.

I've seen Larry Varleys site and it is very helpful... i know transferring the super structures to a new frame will not be easy, but then again nothing worth having is!

thank you all for your input. I will keep you posted as this will invariably be a long ordeal...
 
Interesting site on "hose reels" pan, but I didn't see any reference to AH 100's????
 
Hi Johnny,
I think "hose reels" are Larry's business. There should be a link to his Healey site. If not, search for "Larry Varley's Austin Healey Restoration Site"
 
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