An Introduction: Chris Collins and Morris Tilly Project

[jack neville]

I thought it looked bad before it went to the sandblasters but what was revealed on return was even worse but at least it was clear what we were up against.

[jack neville]

It was clear the rust was worse than we thought.

[jack neville]

First to do was straighten the rear floor and get the rear end rebuilt.
I fashioned up a jig using some scrap and nuts and bolts. Welding some pieces to the joining seams on the floor I was able to pull out the main crease in the centre. I then attached the jig to the front creased area doing the same. Came out pretty good.

[jack neville]

Next was to fashion an new rear cross member and attach that to the rear floor. A bit of patching on the upper part of the right chassis rail was done first.
The cross member was first tacked into the rear corners and then a porta power used to push out the left side chassis rail until all the original spot welds i had cut realigned.

[jack neville]

I used whatever means I could to get the floor back where it belonged and the result I thick should be quite good. I cant join the rear floor to the front floors as I have decided they need replacing. It is quite obvious that the front sills will need replacing and repairs required to the chassis rails in that area as well.
I have decided that first I will replace the front floor sections so that some strength is present when the other repairs are done....sort of.

[jack neville]

This photo shows the spot welds realigned. i used the wrong one above.

[jack neville]

Chris has given the chassis a coat of paint to protect it but it will need further sandblasting once I start doing the repairs to the sills and chassis rails.