Jump to content

Series Seat Box repair


Team Idris

Recommended Posts

I drilled the old panels spot welds out with a step drill and used a 3mm drill in the nape of the bends as a marker. Then beat it flat, as a genuine template. This let me cut out a spare panel ready for the other side, which is also split at the bottom edge. The bend holes are circled by tipex.
The holes aren’t noticeable on the new part :)

F6687280-97CD-4610-9730-0CCF77F53C7F.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Time for bed :)

puddle holes needed to be bigger, that was a fight. 
I welded some stuff that wasn’t welded and popped a brace in the bottom. Not trying to ‘make better than new’, it’s just a bit fallen apart and floppy without a bit of upgrade here and there.

* it came cut into three bits *

9D1118E6-CA78-4C52-8B7F-CA7B51224D59.jpeg

Edited by Team Idris
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The original doubler was sawn through and flattened, so that they could bolt the two halves back together. I considered replacing the whole doubler, but that’s a lot of distortion, so I made an over-plate part. I can’t escape the fact that their butchery for easy gearbox access was very nearly a good idea? Removing the drivers side gets you no where because of the fuel tank. It can stay separate.

C99FE2A8-F4EE-41E6-83C6-D307F6E04FC0.jpeg

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Note: Front corner of the seat box where it meets the sill . Series one 88”

For many a year I designed sheet metalwork for heat exchangers and I’m sure the side is off (or the front panel) The sill has a relief pressed into it to take the bottom edge of the front panel. Looking at the complete seat box assembly the front edge that screws to the floor needs to be lower than the side edge that bolts to the galvanised sill.

I don’t see as I am as far off as I have seen today? I used the old part as a template? Conclusion is that a new side needs to be a few mm shorter than the original. 
I fixed it the same they would have in the factory, I hit it with a hammer and a block :D 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks.
Good question, mostly time. It Rotted through when the galvanising wore out on the sill. The seat box was all such a mess from age and being cut through. Fixing it while I was in there sorting the gearbox seemed the right thing to do. The seat box bottom edge has looked really bad for 25 years.

I’ve had TIG for 3 years and I didn’t dare tackle the aluminium without being able to stick it back together :)

I see the outrigger and bulkhead pillar are rusted out. (Was on it this evening) All this from a noisy gearbox :D

D464ACB1-2397-4605-A1FF-0B5BD1175C7F.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks Steve :) The comments on social media are keeping me going on it.

It is at least small enough to fight on the bench now. And today’s argument is: replace LH floor sheet, build up the corroded holes or slip in a ‘d’ shaped repair piece.

new panel; drilling and cutting is okay, but the old one is spot welded in

building the holes back up; is hard in corroded ally, you need it clamped down hard and it takes a lot of gas and rod.

Cut out a D shape; and weld fresh back in is the only option if the corroded hole is really really bad. Weld it in short half inch runs, move around and clamp as you go. Flip it and weld the other side, then grind off half the weld. Give it a good hard annealing with the flame torch. Clamp it flat and grind the remaining weld away.

After doing all three I would say it comes down to what is left of the old panel? You would need to look hard to see I had been blasting away at it with the tig.  I need the practice for the back body anyway, so I am glad to try all methods :D 

 

DB987D09-0A5A-497B-A7DC-2C10AB13F6A4.jpeg

6E46896C-039A-4CD7-9EB6-8AB4E021353C.jpeg

D1794B45-2CFE-4B22-9399-968A7BACCA2C.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. By using our website you agree to our Cookie Policy