STAGE TWO

The full extent of a restoration project cannot be fully determined until the car is disassembled. If there is any signs of metal rot..add paint and coating stripping to this disassembly to get to the same point of decision as there is no way of ascertaining the extent of damage with still painted or coated metal.

N.B. On the other hand, if the metal skin and wings are solid, there is no advantage to stripping paint. It will not prejudice the quality of a respray unless there is some inherent problem with the original paint and prep. If you have a Superform winged car ..special care should be taken and the wings examined by an expert. There is an incidence of a chemical reaction between the paint and the adhesive at the wing molding which can produce a bubbling.)

DISASSEMBLING THE CAR

1. We began by removing the seats, the carpets, the wheels, the quarter panels, the door panels and the exterior fittings.

2. The parts are sorted and, if necessary, labeled as they are removed. Each is subject to an examination and a decision. For example, the instruments are analyzed for damage and/or corrosion and choices made to refurbish them inhouse, re-bezel them, re-face them, or even replace them.

In this case, the faces are fine and all the gauges function well and suit the chosen color scheme.  However, there is corrosion on some of their rims. The instruments (VDOs) will be cleaned and re-bezeled in chrome by Belmog through John Worrall (Heart of England Morgans).

The dash is beyond anything but visible patching. There are cracks throughout and the surfacing around the switch cluster has cracked off. Rarther than seeking out another stock dash, I had called  on the services of the Morgan community's master dash maker, Matthias Kaufelt, before the project began in hope of getting a sublime MK masterpiece in the intervening weeks until it is needed.  A black crackle boss will be polished back to alloy, the plastic column surround will be changed polished stainless.

New rubber bobbins are needed for rad and exhaust, new Lucas reflectors, new wing treads, new threshold plates, new light plinths in polished stainless, new turn buckles, press studs, sidescreen knobs, wing beading, mirror bases, filler hoses, rad hoses, gaskets...and then more gaskets. The logistics must come together before the car does. The owner can and should be key in helping with the logistics.

3. More parts are removed and scrutinized. As each comes off, new vistas appear (wry smile), some indicating more work to be done than first imagined and some indicating less.

The inner wings show minimal surface corrosion but dirt cakes everything. It will be removed..and all parts brought back to "shiny metal" (which is actually a trade term).
 

4. The wings have been sent off for stripping so we can fully ascertain their condition (normally a 2 week job). They are Morgan alloys from the pre-Superform days and are a big question mark. A better look and a more informed decision can be taken on their return.The dismantling process continues. The bulkhead is off next and the car is getting considerably more difficult to recognize as such.

5. The bumpers and bright work are off for polishing. The wheels, Morgan Plus 8 alloys, are pitted and show corrosion is some spots. They are sent off for sand blasting and re-coating. I have chosen a special color and we have plans to bring it out by polishing the metal and brightening the glow on the alloy wheels. (more of this later!).

N.B. I had immediately tossed the stock tyres that came with the car. I have switched to a remarkable new Michelin offering called Primacy Sports in a "W" speed rating. Quite a remarkable increase in fun and safety!

6. As the car becomes denuded..more is revealed and 15 years of neglect sees light. The bracketry is grouped, inspected and most  heads to the shot blaster tomorrow. Other items will be be dealt with inhouse.

STAGE 3

COMPONENT PREPARATION

1. The tub's skin will also have to be stripped but this area must be done by hand in shop. It is done partly with the application of a chemical paint remover and partly by sanding. A plastic envelope enhances the effect of the chemicals.
 

2. Progress is made with other items. The list of bracketry and components has been finished, decisions on whether to replace or refinish each item have been made and the parts sorted accordingly to the work required on them. Those for refinishing are sent to a shot blaster for cleaning down to the metal.

Here are some laid out before before the leave the shop. (See if you can recognize them!)

3. They return three days later stripped clean. They are now strung for preparation and paint. Here they are with the rust primer.

4. The pieces are now sprayed with high gloss black paint mixed with special hardeners. This  gives a very deep high gloss surface that is extremely reflective (almost mirror-like) and resistant, leaving the items looking and protected far better than they did when new (over 15 years ago).