It seems incredible that it has been two years since Helen Healey was brought home to Northumberland without a single nut, bolt or other fastening being turned. She'd been stored at a friend's farm for a little while then brought home to rest in a temporary tented garage. Before commencing, the garage had to be cleared, rearranged with new shelving but, most importantly, the MGA had to be finished and enjoyed. I was determined that the restoration work should start before the end of 2023 - sixty years since she was built.
First up was to unceremoniously drag her out of the temporary garage on a tow rope to take pride of place in the now pristine (or not) double garage on 19th November 2023. To my surprise, after standing all this time, the wheels & brakes were not binding so it was a relatively simple job.
Click thumbnail
Having learnt from my MGA renovation I shall keep the vehicle as original as possible but with a few tweaks as a nod to the 21st century for reliabilty, i.e.
- Change from LHD to RHD
- Change from +ve earth to -ve earth
- Change dynamo to alternator (possibly dynamator)
- Electronic ignition and spin-off oil filter
- LED bulbs
- Dash mounted dip switch with flash
- Electric washer pump with bottle in engine bay
- Hazard warning flashers
Now starts the stripping down process. Up onto stands and the first job was to take off the bumpers and convertible roof - interesting engineering requiring a bit of thought but not too difficult. This opened up the inside to gain access to the seats which were removed to reveal grotty carpets, a pile of expertly opened hazelnut shells (squirrel nest) and a couple of cosy fluffy mouse nests.
Click thumbnail
Initially my plan now was to remove the wings but (if possible) leave the doors in place so that some strength and alignment could be added to the sills (i.e. replacing what's left of them). Having consulted with friends on the Austin Healey Experience going to this level of restoration needs to go back to the main frame and build up from there. So, for now, the plan is to completely strip everything (outer panels, running gear, engine, etc.) down to the inner structure, put on a rotisserie, then weld, weld, weld.
