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The restoration has turned the corner

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Super_Coop

Freshman Member
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There's not light at the end of the tunnel yet, but at least I'm well in to the tunnel. Last weekend I took the MGA to the paint shop where we lifted the bodyshell off the frame. I brought the frame home ans stripped off the suspension. The frame will go to the sandblaster this weekend. The engine is ready. My rebuilt shocks are on the way. I have a basement full of shiny new parts. I'm finally going to start putting paint on instead of off and assembling things together instead of taking them apart. I'm thinking this restoration is finally going to be fun.
 
That's good to hear Coop. Make sure we see before and after pics!
 
Be careful having the frame sand blasted. they weren't very thick to begin with and sand blasting actually removes some more of the metal. There is a guy in your neck of the woods that does Triumph frames, and he told me NOT to sandblast mine (TR4A) as it significantly weakens it. He reccomended pressure washing, chemical stripping, and wire wheel. It's not what I wanted to hear either, but I'd rather hear it before I had done it .
This may not apply to you because I believe that MGA frames are built of a slightly thicker guage steel than the TRs, but you may want to ask around. I wish I could give you that guys name but It escapes me. AAAAGH
Certian places can immerse large pieces like frames or body tubs in chemical stripper or (dip) as it's called. it may not cost any more to go this route. Or if it really has to be blasted, see if they can use an alternative media like glass beads or walnut shells (if they are doing it outside or somewhere they can't recover the media they probably won't). These produce much less heat due to friction (sand can produce enough heat to seriously warp sheet metal)and are much less harsh on the metal. Just some food for thought. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Thanks for the tip Banjo. The MGA has a really stout frame but I'll remind the blaster guy to use a "milder" media if possible. I'm really looking forward to getting started on reassembling this car.
 
Our local club has what I can only describe as a true MGA afficienado. He has over 20 cars in various states of repair.At least 5-6 are drivable.
In talking to him I know one must be very carefull with the body after removing it from the frame as supporting it on areas other than it's original mountings may induce warpage. I know he has supplied scrapper frames to other restorers to use to hold the body while their original frames were overhauled.
 
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