Riley 1.5 restoration

[cpennington]

This question probably has been asked many times before. But.
I have a 1.5 1961 that was road ready 20 years ago. But has been stood under partial cover since 2000. I recently got it out and gave it a look over. Mostly not too bad. However the chassis at the front has rot from just behind the front wheels forward and the front cross member. As well as the drivers foot well has holes. The usual rust points for these cars on the front wings.
So how easy is it or even possible is it to sort the chassis? And is the cost more than the car is worth in the long run.
Look forward to comments.

[deltalimamike]

I'm no expert and others will give better advise than me however Im fairly sure all the parts you mention are available at reasonable prices.

I would say it's the labour costs that's will start to add up depending on the amount of work needed.

[oakall2]

I am having my 1.5 comprehensively rebuilt bodywise. Basically all the bottom 6 to 8ins is being replaced plus the A-posts. All that was expected but not the top of the front wing inner ie a curved box section to which the front wings bolt.
The chassis cross member can done with just the front panel removed but the chassis legs would, I think, need the wings removed. These parts are available.
I am fortunate in having mine done by a man who likes a project and has a ramp and all the metalworking equipment i.e English wheel, benders, stretchers/shrinkers etc. His rate is nothing like what a restorer would charge but it will still cost more than the finished car is worth. He has also, amongst other things, restored a seriously rotten TR4 and a 1950's Sunbeam tourer.
Two things made us go ahead a. the mechanics and trim are good, b. sentiment because we have had some good times in the car including, so far, 11 trips to France plus holidays in the UK with friends.
I hope that this not too depressing but have a very close look at all the body work with not just a magnet but a hammer and screwdriver before starting. Perhaps there is an RMC member near you who would have look.

[canuck]

Sir Pennington,

These cars are certainly not an investment opportunity and will not make anyone rich any time soon.  Although I believe are worth keeping alive and on the road.

Majority of the body bits, (metal) is easily available.  The rubber bits are pretty much available except for items like the quarter lights seals.  The oily bits are mostly MGA/Magnette and the suspension bits mostly Morr*s Manure.   

Sir OAKALL  has pretty much summed up the How, and the Why. These little cars are a delight to drive and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face as you drive.  Being over here in the colonies is even more of a challenge but I would be hard pressed to let my 'crusty' Riley go.

Have a read here there for inspiration,

www.whitesbodyworks.com/portfolio/riley-one-point-five-restoration-will-finish-style/

Don't be a stranger here, we can help you along the path.

B

[oakall2]

Some parts of mine were like the Whites car but not all. It is, however, a good indication of what can be brought back to life. As Canuck says they are a delight to drive and a source of many chats with people. Every time we have been in Portsmouth Ferry Terminal with our friends in their usual MGB, Porches, Mercedes etc it is us that attracts the attention.
Just about all the parts are available so that is not a problem.
If you want to see what mine was like and will be again, it is the Aquamarine/OEW car on the front page of the list of cars maintained by Noddy.
Do not lose heart, perhaps first repair the vital bits and have it usuable and return to rest of it as a running repair as and when you can.

[cpennington]

Thanks guys its pleasing to know that it is theoreticaly possible to restore the car. I would love to be able to do it but not sure if finance and access to facilities will allow. Partly because an austin 7 also takes up part of my time.

Have some pictures of the riley that i will add if i can figure out how.

[oakall2]

Funnily enough I have a Austin 7 that needs doing and similarly the A40 Farina plus an operational Hillman Minx. The Riley, however, takes priority at the moment.

[deltalimamike]

Use a hosting site like photobucket for pictures by copy and pasting the IMG code.