You don't see many of them!
New Project
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 3
From: Metairie LA
New Project
Since I am at an "enjoying part" of my 86 resuscitation a buddy and I decided we could not pass up another new project for the back yard. Saw this on local Craigslist for a smoking price. It got delivered last Saturday. Surprisingly only a little surface rust and the frame is solid and straight. Also got a FSM in the deal.
She is a 1949 Austin Sheerline Saloon.
The plan is to swap in new rear end and front suspension along with a stock LS engine and auto trans. We are going to make the exterior appear original and update the interior a bit.
Here is a pic from this morning after the 86 got a bath (to keep this C4 related).
She is a 1949 Austin Sheerline Saloon.
The plan is to swap in new rear end and front suspension along with a stock LS engine and auto trans. We are going to make the exterior appear original and update the interior a bit.
Here is a pic from this morning after the 86 got a bath (to keep this C4 related).
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 3
From: Metairie LA
From what we can find there may not even be a handful in the US. We thought about a real restoration but that is way out of budget - parts don't exist. There are some parts that were used on other cars (tail lights, handles, etc). Body panels or interior - no way. We did find a grill and a couple of misc. pieces on eBay UK. Thankfully the only broken glass (windshield) is flat so it shouldn't cost too much to have made. We were on the lookout for a unique cruiser - I think we found it.
The hood was done here in the backyard. I cut the middle section out of the hood (left the support). Bonded on a fiberglass L88 scoop. Lots of sanding and there it is.
The hood was done here in the backyard. I cut the middle section out of the hood (left the support). Bonded on a fiberglass L88 scoop. Lots of sanding and there it is.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 677
Likes: 3
From: Metairie LA
I will but it is a long term project. It took all day today to get the rear brake drums off so it could be rolled to the back yard. Found some rust - the drums were darn near welded on to the shoes. I will say that a recent thread on here did help out with the rust penetration - I now have a spray bottle full of trans fluid / laquer thinner mix. Worked wonderfully.
The Austin now resides is the Vette's paint booth / portable garage.
Of course I also changed the oil in the Vette, gave it a bath, and actually got to go on a little drive. It always helps to enjoy one project and inspire me to work on the other.
The Austin now resides is the Vette's paint booth / portable garage.
Of course I also changed the oil in the Vette, gave it a bath, and actually got to go on a little drive. It always helps to enjoy one project and inspire me to work on the other.
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