6.9 repair underway - by east london hairy bloke.

[adamb]

Interestngly my other half is also getting quite excited about this event. Not sure what they are expecting

[koan]

Interestngly my other half is also getting quite excited about this event. Not sure what they are expecting

Just an excuse for new a dress and shoes

You must get pictures, see how it compares to our infrequent Melbourne gatherings.

koan

[pal]

Hi All, just a quick update after a friendly nudge from a friend :-) Thanks!
My 6.9 project is running slow at the moment - mainly because I'm out of cash to play with so, progress is steady and on a tight budget.
I've treated most of the rust in the engine bay now and primed, painted and sealed under the wings - I'm trying to rebuild the struts and I'm hoping to get that done this weekend. Funny, when I had money I had less time and now I have more time I have less money - I'm sure the two are related somehow.
I'll post up some progress so you can have a chuckle at my handywork.
- hope all you guys are well.

[WGB]

Thanks for the update - pictures hint pictures

Bill

[Tony66_au]

Well Pal, No bugger could ever doubt your dedication to the job.

Love your work!

Tony

[pal]

Wow, thanks - dedicated (or mad) and hoping to win the lottery.


Anyhow, here's some pictures. I had to take the tent down so I'm working with a sheet - even though I am in Ilford which is famous for rental properties with sofas and old beds outside, my tent was not acceptable to someone. The guy who came over from the council was an Aussie - lovely bloke and took some time admiring at the old 116s - he was on my side but its the law here, had to take it down. It has been very wet recently so when I've been in the UK its been quite bit damp.

So anyhow I've made some progress. Removed flakes, welded and cut out the rust, treated it with QRust a layer of hammerite metal primer and then seam sealer (where needed) and then primed and painted or put waxoyl where needed.

Around the bottom, facing the engine I still need to do some filling and at a later date I will re paint the engine bay but not right now.



Hopefully (on a dry day) I can start fitting the components and wires back soon.  I've had 'challenges' trying to sort the struts or get ahold of parts at a good price (cheap!) so I'm rebuilding the old one's using Bill's guide. I got them on the bench today and this is how they look.

I haven't opened the other side up yet but it looks in better shape than this one was

I've tried a few ram repair places for seals and parts and perhaps replacing some of the corroded parts but I've not had much luck. I could fit a new set of spring shocks but I must admit I don't feel like doing that. However, I might not have a choice.
Everything under the wings is sealed up and ready to receive the shocks - just need to get on and get that sorted. Will post up next week.
- Cheers All.

[gavin116]

Hi Pal

That's really looking good!  I wouldn't have sent Mrs White off to the body shop to have the repairs done to the LHS front bulkhead had I have known you could do it for me.

The weather's so bad at the moment, perhaps we should start collecting submersibles instead of cars.  Pity about the tent, there's always someone.  Had similar problem erecting a pergola in the back garden for the climbing rose.  Council said we could keep it though. 

Those struts look mighty challenging.  Can one not use bits and pieces from the Citroën family?  Do they not have similar hydro-pneumatics?  Suspect they probably wouldn't handle the weight of the the 6.9 though.  Still, worth a look.

How's the 350SEL?

Will plan a hook-up again perhaps when the tables turn, and we go back into drought mode...

Keep 116ing

Gavin

[s class]

Pal, I have some used struts that you may be able to get parts off.  Certainly, the lower 'cups' are plenty better than yours.  PM me if you are interested, as shipping from South Africa is not that cheap. 

[KenM]

Geez Pal it gets worse, those struts are in terrible shape, still the new metal and paintwork looks fabulous, don't lose heart now. Having seen the terrible weather you blokes are copping this year it cant get

much worse (you weren't camping out at Silverstone I hope...)

[pal]

Hey Gavin, Thanks, I think that my bodyshop friend (Unit 41) thinks its horrid but then he is a restoration specialist and I'm but a humble amateur.
I did look and even spoke to someone about fitting the Citroen stuff, it would be bespoke/trial and error - and as you say they look a little lightweight in comparison.
If anything I think old shocks and springs might be the right plan B. 350SEL is good, which is keeping me enjoying the 116 - a joy to drive.
Definately look forward to the next meet and would be good to see Mrs White again - she is lovely.

Hi Pal

That's really looking good!  I wouldn't have sent Mrs White off to the body shop to have the repairs done to the LHS front bulkhead had I have known you could do it for me.

The weather's so bad at the moment, perhaps we should start collecting submersibles instead of cars.  Pity about the tent, there's always someone.  Had similar problem erecting a pergola in the back garden for the climbing rose.  Council said we could keep it though. 

Those struts look mighty challenging.  Can one not use bits and pieces from the Citroën family?  Do they not have similar hydro-pneumatics?  Suspect they probably wouldn't handle the weight of the the 6.9 though.  Still, worth a look.

How's the 350SEL?

Will plan a hook-up again perhaps when the tables turn, and we go back into drought mode...

Keep 116ing

Gavin

[pal]

Thats great mate, I may well do that - I have a few more avenues to try first but thanks so much - its heartening, at least coming from SA it will be dry. Cheers.

Pal, I have some used struts that you may be able to get parts off.  Certainly, the lower 'cups' are plenty better than yours.  PM me if you are interested, as shipping from South Africa is not that cheap.

[pal]

At the beginning ..... 
Then you hit a snag .... 
And you ponder over it .... 
And it gets worse .... 
And you think you are losing it .... 
And then the football (aaah!)....and the tennis (oooh!).... 
And you get a bit of encouragement .... 

Thanks for the message Ken.

Geez Pal it gets worse, those struts are in terrible shape, still the new metal and paintwork looks fabulous, don't lose heart now. Having seen the terrible weather you blokes are copping this year it cant get

much worse (you weren't camping out at Silverstone I hope...)

[pal]

There is a God! I spoke to Steve from Ram Doctor (Queenborough, Kent) and he looked at some strut photos I sent him. He said he would be able to replace the old rods/shafts for £60 each no problem. He'll quote on making up some seals and rubbers once he gets them in his workshop. Stone chip shields are fairly easy to make up. I'll keep you posted but this could be handy for anyone who has struts in similar condition to mine.

Cheers
Pal

[adamb]

There is a God! I spoke to Steve from Ram Doctor (Queenborough, Kent) and he looked at some strut photos I sent him. He said he would be able to replace the old rods/shafts for £60 each no problem. He'll quote on making up some seals and rubbers once he gets them in his workshop. Stone chip shields are fairly easy to make up. I'll keep you posted but this could be handy for anyone who has struts in similar condition to mine.

Cheers
Pal

Though mine are not leaking I know that there will come a time to get them refurbished. Please document all that gets done during your strut rebuild. Pal.

[pal]

You can bet on it old chap.

There is a God! I spoke to Steve from Ram Doctor (Queenborough, Kent) and he looked at some strut photos I sent him. He said he would be able to replace the old rods/shafts for £60 each no problem. He'll quote on making up some seals and rubbers once he gets them in his workshop. Stone chip shields are fairly easy to make up. I'll keep you posted but this could be handy for anyone who has struts in similar condition to mine.

Cheers
Pal

Though mine are not leaking I know that there will come a time to get them refurbished. Please document all that gets done during your strut rebuild. Pal.