Shaun's Vitesse

[Slamm]

Well extract the digit and get on with it man!

Sound just like my wife

Finger duly extracted, primer and mig wire bought, fire extinguisher on standby.

[Slamm]

Very slow progress, and I make no excuses.

A little bit more done, now onto the drivers side rear sill end and lower wheel arch. In much the same condition as the passenger side. All the rust cut out. Inner sill was cleaned up and painted, honest.





And after repair and primer








The back of the car is ready to be reassembled so should be back on its wheels this week.

[Manalishi]

I have missed this, excellent work. Very thoroughly made removing all of the old rust as it would come back eventually! Looking forward to pics when back on the ground.

[Slamm]

More done today, painted and under sealed end of sill.




All the rear suspension now back on, new springs, new discs and pads, poly bushed ARB. Looking a bit cleaner now.













And just for comparison this is what it started like.

[SJG]

Wow, brilliant!

[Manalishi]

The comparison pictures are just awesome, that suspension and floorpan will stay together for a 100 years!

[papa-rich4.0]

Looking really good. Nice work!

I thought the underside of my car was in good nick until I saw yours.

I may have to do some work on mine (after learning all the necessary skills, getting all the tools and having some experience)

Rich

[Jon R]

Great stuff Shaun, you've done a good job there.
It's a labour of love laying on your back doing that sort of work.

Jon

[Slamm]

Thanks for the kind words, just wish it was coming on a bit quicker



A bit more done this week, now back on four wheels, even had a short drive which is a big boost to morale. Though not looking its best when seen in daylight.




Had its first wash in nearly three years





The last time it was on the road and still proudly wearing its forum sticker




Before it was even dry the back bumper was off for a quick tidy of the crash bar and valance.




And after a coat of stonechip

[rovercoup]

Tidy work you have done shaun, at this rate of knots it wont be long before she's back on the road.

The rear light under the spoiler is interesting, is it a Rover 800 light from a MK1 spoiler? if so how did you come by this as they were only manufactured and installed on the soft feel rear spoiler for the north american market.

Silly californian rules of the day

[Slamm]

It seems never ending, don't know how the multiple 800 owners on here find time to get jobs done.

The brake light is a genuine Rover item, its from the 220 coupe, the early one's I think and is a complete stand alone unit. Its been on the car for a while, not sure if its staying though.

Shaun

[rovering]

Well done on all the work there.
I must say too that I really really like the colour of your car!
Graeme

[Slamm]

Thanks for the comments, it is Caribbean blue. Doesn't seem very common these days.
It could really do with a full respray as the bonnet and front bumper are a bit marked plus there is another n/side wing to put on yet, may get get away with just front end.
I daren't ask how much a full respray would be
I may also be just a bit too old to go for the Rat look.

Shaun

[Slamm]

The bonus is though with the original colour is that I don't think it gets affected by the sunlight and so matching should not be a problem I would have thought. But obviously an experienced body shop and worker makes a difference too

I think you're right, I had the n/side rear quarter resprayed a few years ago and the colour match was spot on. The painter told me he'd blown it into the back door to soften the transition between new and old, I couldn't tell the difference, he thought it was OK

[mrwilks01934]

Hi Shaun first off great job on the vitesse the repairs are brilliant better than mine LOL, secondly that Zinc primer you use is it A brush on or B spray and where did you buy it halfords by anychance or your local body shop many thanks keep up the good work.

Regards Tony