Undercarriage 'might as wells' have taken over my garage

[canuck]

Having removed the fuel tank I noticed that the shade of Brown of the underside isn't particularly attractive to me.   

  

So down the rabbit hole I go! I break out the wire wheel, in a drill motor and have at it. Yikes! 

For those of us that have done this, you understand what a messy job this is. Lying on my back with ferrous oxide dust flying about,  hindering breathing and eyesight. I was able to complete the axle hump to the rear area. Now knowing what a job this will be I wish I had left it as is.  I had to suit up in overalls, work gloves, a cap, safety glasses and a good quality respirator.  

After a wipe down with thinners, I brushed on a coat of Black colour chassis paint in this area thinking it will serve as impetus to carry on.   Next I am at the car I will snap some photo of the paint job, and hopefully show more progress.  

My first 'I wish I hadn't touched this' is the exhaust system. I removed the system for access and find that the inlet pipe to the silencer is corroded out. George had been sounding a little 'racey' of late and now I know why. 

  

The silencer is in good nick, along with the pipes, and rings when tapped, but this end plate has suffered,. So next week I will need to visit the local muffler shop to see what they can do for me.  This has served well for 14 years and no complaints.

It would appear that there is never a dull moment in my shop these days.

salut

Bruce

[2robert4]

Mission creep affects us all at some point but it is worthwhile to remember the jobs you are doing are necessary for the longevity and performance of the vehicle, so well done you!

NP

[cygnet61]

Yes Bruce, it’s a messy job indeed. I did the same once on a ZA Magnette a long time ago but still remember what a messy job it is. A sense of satisfaction when it’s done though.

Fortunately, my Riley was dealt with by someone else so it’s a job I don’t have to worry about.


          

My silencer has also blown despite not being very old so I have bitten the bullet and bought the stainless system from the club spares. I need to get the car to someone and have it fitted.

Cheers
Gordon

[kiwimc]

All this lying on your back Bruce, time to invest in a MaxJax!

[vue from the north]

theres a lot to be said for those who have a 2 post ramp in garage, alas im still reduced to the axle stands & trolley jack

[canuck]

Yes a lift would be lovely but sadly this isn't going to happen. That MaxJax looks a good bit of kit and full luxury! 

No space in the city I only have one car garage. 

During the winter wrenching months, I keep my cars in a nice garage space at my sister in law, country setting  north of the city. I can't justify to her or me to pour concrete footings to the floor pad and install one there. 

I estimate  two more 3 hours sessions of 'h*ll under the car'  lying on my back eating rusty dust.  FWIW I regard this 'uncomfortable'  task as penitance for something I did or left left undone earlier in my life.   
 

Bruce

[cygnet61]

Apr 1, 2024 13:05:51 GMT canuck said:

I estimate  two more 3 hours sessions of 'h*ll under the car'  lying on my back eating rusty dust.  FWIW I regard this 'uncomfortable'  task as penitance for something I did or left left undone earlier in my life.   
 

Bruce

If that’s the case, you must have been “a very naughty boy”!

[canuck]

Apr 1, 2024 16:22:20 GMT cygnet61 said:

Apr 1, 2024 13:05:51 GMT canuck said:

Too funny, and Gordon you have no idea.  However come December 25th of each year I have yet to receive a lump of coal in my stocking. Somehow I manage to make the 'nice' list.  

So; a tad more progress. I was able to wire brush the underbody forward to the crossmember. An application of paint and I am quite chuffed.  This may end up to be worth the effort after all.  

    

The previous 'might as well' of the exhaust system has come along nicely. I welded up the silencer so this now is as it once was.  

As shown in the photos the leaf spring shackle attachments need paint. As I am planning to renew the bushes I need to remove the springs, and to gain access to paint these areas.    
A bit of a fiddle to support the car, and keep the 'floating' differential in place but no major issues.
Unfortunately the springs are to become a 'might as well' also. 

    

They look a tad tatty and rusty, and after cleaing up the rest of the hardware, I see a refresh in their future.  

Salut

Bruce

[canuck]

Moving forward with the spring assemblies,

Out of necessity I rebuilt these springs 15 years ago, (shown in my previous post)  when I first got the Riley. They were mega rusted and were in bad need for some loving. I show these below.



So 15 years on and +40K miles covered, a refresh is to be expected but no where near the effort required this time around. Being my second time here I am definitely in my comfort zone.  These came apart easily. I cut off the rebound clips and with the help of some 'C' clamps removed the center bolt to seperate the leafs.  

     

Some surface rust to sort out, but no damage. A short time on the wire wheel should see these cleaned up ready for paint. 

Salut

Bruce 

[canuck]

A little more progress with the springs;

After a short session on the wire brush wheel removing surface rust, a lick of paint and re-assembly all looks as new. 

     

A local spring shop installed the rebound straps so I am now good to go.  I reused the rubber pads I had and only required the metal straps.
FWIW these are original springs still wearing the factory part number. 



I hope to reinstall these next week, with new bushes, poly for the front shackle  and rubber for the rear shackles.

I think I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel for this undercarriage works.   


Salut

Bruce 

[vue from the north]

are you going to oil them up / wrap them (exhaust manifold style) to keep them from getting dirty in a pre war car style ?

[2robert4]

Nice job with the springs Bruce.

You are lucky as my nearest spring specialist (25 miles away) has retired and no one has taken up the mantle. As the rear springs are the same as the Morris Minor Estate though, it is relatively easy to access new ones if not particularly cheap to do so.

[cygnet61]

Nice one Bruce. Good for another 40,000 now.

You’ll soon be back on the road at this rate.