PROJECT Z

We have been looking at various vans to take on as a project for a little while and, in May 2015 we came across a rather nice Morris Z van in Wales.

We used one of our trusted transport companies to collect the van and deliver it up to us in Perthshire for work to begin on transforming it for Milford Vintage Engineering.

It was in a fairly good condition upon arrival, but we had decided to change its livery to our blue with gold sign writing.  We started by stripping off all the fittings, ladders, roof panel, glass, etc, before sending it to the body shop/painter we use, Gordon Needs.

Stripped out

Off to the body shop

As he got stuck into the project, Gordon discovered that the sills had been filled/patched with fibre glass.  Our philosophy is to "do it right" first time and not have to revisit work in the future, so the body was removed from the chassis so that the sills could be replaced along with sections of the lower body.

Going back to bare metal

Whilst the body was off, we took the opportunity to overhaul the chassis, including shot blasting to remove the rather garish yellow paint.  It was then painted in a couple of coats of primer and then black gloss.

Ready for steam cleaning

Ready for the body to be refitted

The springs have been stripped down, cleaned up and rebuilt, the axles have been stripped, cleaned and re-painted.  The brakes have been stripped, overhauled, new pipes run and then rebuilt and the steering box was overhauled.  Once the chassis work was completed it went back to the body shop and the van body was refitted.

Springs are stripped down to
 individual leaves

Springs will be removed for overhaul

Springs back on chassis

Brakes have been overhauled (master cylinder visible)

The van is being re-painted with numerous coats of primer and colour coat with a cream interior and blue exterior.  The wings and radiator grille are black.

Body in primer

Some of the panels in primer

The interior has been given a fresh coat of cream

Body is now in colour coat

Front wing

1939 ROVER 16

The Rover passed its MOT test without any problem and is ready for collection in February when the owner returns from abroad.  Here are a few photos of the finished car following an extensive restoration which included engine and gearbox rebuild; suspension, brakes and steering overhaul; bare metal re-spray; refurbished wood trim; re-plating the chrome and new carpets.  The original seats were in good condition so these were fed with a leather restorer and left original.

Finished article complete with coach lines

Front view showing off the beautiful chrome

New carpets and very shiny woodwork

A wee peak under the bonnet

1934 ALVIS SPEED 20SB

After months of work on the rotten frame, the owners have picked up their Alvis Speed 20 SB today.  The car looks stunning and they are very pleased with it.

Stripped back to find the horrors
underneath the metal skin

New parts of the frame going into position

Ready to go to the body/paint shop

All finished

AUSTIN HEALEY 3000

Our long term project of the Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 has been collected today by its owners and is off on a tour of the UK before being shipped to their home in Australia.  The car arrived in a very sorry state albeit bearing a brand new MOT!  We have carried out a full restoration including engine rebuild, bodywork and re-spray, new trim, re-chroming, etc. and its owner was thrilled when he came to pick the car up this morning.  We are sorry to see it go, but with the chilly summer weather here in Scotland we are sure Australia is more appealing.

Bidding the Healey a fond farewell



Parcel tape was holding some parts
together!




Corrosion clearly visible




Part way through the restoration




Nearing the end with the new trim
being fitted




Work even has to be carried out on
new parts - the replacement hood
was 6" too wide at the back and 2"
too wide at the front so needed
alterations to fit correctly




The finished car ready for collection