Where to go to evaluate: too much rust to fix

[RestoreThemAll]

I have a 1963 Austin Healey 3000 MK2 BJ7.
How much rust is too much on a frame? The rear seat area is also a mess. If I post pics is there anyone who could give me a reality check: fix it or parts it out?

 

[Patton]

You can always buy a new frame and transfer your good pieces over.

https://jule-enterprises.com/

or

https://www.users.bigpond.com/acmefluid/kilmartin.html
(Avalible in the US through https://www.britishcarspecialists.com/ )

 

[roofinwilly]

Welcome aboard R T A. Unseen, I say restore.
Are you anywhere near Albany?

 

[Dave Russell]

Here is a very good walk through of the entire restoration process:

https://www.acmefluid.com.au/larry/
D

 

[Bruce Bowker]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by RestoreThemAll:
I have a 1963 Austin Healey 3000 MK2 BJ7.
How much rust is too much on a frame? The rear seat area is also a mess. If I post pics is there anyone who could give me a reality check: fix it or parts it out?<hr></blockquote>

My red Jag was a basket case. By the time it was done I could have bought 6 Jags.

If you do as much work as possible yourself, it might be worth it. Otherwise it gets real expensive. If it isn't a money concern, rust can always be replaced with good metal.

I rationalize by saying I have preserved a car, not restored it. It helps.

 

[ynotme2]

okay. here is my 2 cents. If you can do the work or part of the work yourself then I say...why not. The marque is getting rarer and rarer. So why not restore one if you got the time, inclination, and some money. You can do it over time. I think they are a pretty good looking car and the fun of driving one cannot be beat. Maybe you got a buddy or son that can help you and you can do it as a project. Nothing like working on a car for awhile then afterwards having a cold one and talking about the next steps.

 

[RestoreThemAll]

I live near Ithaca NY.
I can do some of the work my self, and I do have some time. The money I could spread across the 4 or 5 year it'd probably take to complete. Do you happen to know of a web site (or contact person)that documents the restoration of a 3K Mk2? I should tell you that when I say rust I mean the top of the frame has holes.

 

[bighly]

I vote a Jule Frame or similar.

 

[Klepper]

I vote restore as well. A friend on mine who has restored many a Healey once told me that "...there are so many parts available for Healey's that he could build one starting from nothing more than a radiator cap!"

 

[beaglbut]

I'll be looking at a rusty BJ8 this saturday, in about the same condition. I'm in the Rochester area- so I guess there is more than 1 rusty A-H around. I'm in the middle of a rusty 70 MGB/GT where you could see the rt front wheel from the right front seat. I decided that it is my practice car, I bought a mig welder and putting it back together.

 

[Johnny]

[ QUOTE ]
I'll be looking at a rusty BJ8 this saturday, in about the same condition. I'm in the Rochester area- so I guess there is more than 1 rusty A-H around. I'm in the middle of a rusty 70 MGB/GT where you could see the rt front wheel from the right front seat. I decided that it is my practice car, I bought a mig welder and putting it back together.

[/ QUOTE ]
I too started restoring a '75 MGB. When complete bought a Healey. It took me 12 years to restore the Healey. If I had to do it over, I would purchase a Jule frame (wasn't available when I started the project). You could also purchase individual frame rails, but with holes in the top, I bet the rails are shot. With a Jule frame you'll have no rust to deal with, at least not on the frame. It is a very rewarding project. Stop working on it when it gets too frustrating. Take satisfaction in completing steps along the way. Enjoy the trip. You'll be rewarded in the end.
Good Luck