Engine frame refresh
Now that all parts have been removed from the engine bay area, attention can be turned to one of the largest parts – the front frame.
It is easy to overlook what a superb piece of metal fabrication this is. it is hand made from high quality T45 Carbon Manganese steel (aircraft quality), and is therefore surprisingly lightweight. It is also braised together, which is why the welds are a golden colour.
Once unbolted from the bulkhead of the car it was placed on the floor for inspection. I was concerned to see if there was any corrosion / perforation of the tubing, particularly underneath. Thankfully the main section of the frame was solid, however, the front near side corner was effected and would need careful consideration (see below).
Most of the frame tubing is sealed from the elements, but the ends of the tubes that terminate on the front corners (supporting the bonnet pivot tube), are open.
This means that dirt and road grime tend to plug the ends and hold moisture there, thus introducing corrosion. This is exactly what we have here.
Because of the materials used and the nature of construction, this is not a simple fix and so I will have to take advise on how to approach this repair. The alternative is a front section, frame replacement costing £300!
We are so relieved that the main frame section is ok.
Being where it is, the engine frame gets covered in a mixture of road grime and engine oil etc. This required serious effort with (enviromentally friendly) degreasing agent as well as a steam cleaner to remove.
Once dry, I was able to remove the paint and undercoat with a grinder, fitted with a ‘fibre paint removal disc’. This type of disc removes paint but does not effect the metal. Important, as the lightweight tubing is quite a thin gauge and must be preserved as much as possible.
Now the frame was ready to go for repainting. This would be undertaken for us by Jon Crump Restorations in Netherton.
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