AUSTINS GALORE

How often have we remarked that our work seems to go in cycles - whether it be a whole host of gearbox or engine rebuilds, or just a number of the same marque of car.  At the moment we have a bit of both!

Firstly we seem to be over-run by pre-war Austins.  We currently have an Austin Heavy 12/4 from 1933 for a major restoration, as well as a big 18hp Austin Six from 1937 having the necessary to get it roadworthy and through an MOT.  We also have a couple of Austin Sevens on the go as well.  Add to that three Austin Healeys with gearbox problems (including one belonging to a German tourist) and you can see how strange the world of co-incidence is!

The big Austin Six with bench seats on both sides in the back.
The blue tarpaulin roof has now been removed and replaced
with black Everflex as per our instructions.  The engine has been
removed and stripped ready for machining.

Austin Heavy 12/4
Work is now well underway and lots of replacement parts have
been arriving.  The engine is stripped, the suspension is being
worked on at the moment



Austin 7
The picture shows the car on casters so that we can move it
in the workshop while the back axle is being worked on.
It has now had a new crown wheel and pinion and is off
for an MOT test today following various other jobs we have
undertaken




Austin Healey gearbox
Not too many steps from this.....





.....to this.
The gearbox has now been stripped and new parts ordered



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



Austin Healey 3000 Test drive

Ian has been out over the last few days putting some miles on the Austin Healey so that it can undergo a 500 mile service before being collected at the end of the week and sent off to its new home in Australia.

Friday saw him (with Raymond) across to Killin and back via Loch Tay, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry and then it was up into Aberdeenshire and Speyside on Saturday.  The car is performing well and currently having one or two minor adjustments so that it is ready for the weekend.

AUSTIN HEALEY 3000

The Austin Healey is now nearing completion.  This has been a huge project following its purchase on Ebay.  The trim is being fitted as I type and the last mechanical parts are being fitted before its MOT test next week.  We will then need to run it in and carry out its 500 mile service prior to collection at the end of the month.  Following a tour of the UK by the car's owners, it will be heading for its new home in Australia.



Trim being fitted up