Update: We fixed the brakes today - the brake lines to the rear drum had to be redone, the master cylinder relocated slightly to bring in some play into the pedals (it had NO play) and it was fine.
However, on the way back the accelerator pedal that was
concocted out of 3 pieces of metal welded together BROKE. So they had to take the car back to the garage and they're still fitting in a new pedal.
Thanks for your kind words, everyone. There are too many pouring in to respond to one by one, so I will reply to those that require a reply.
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Originally Posted by Rudra Sen Toughest. I repeat toughest part is to maintain the body without any scratch while they're working. Santosh take special care here. You need to think in advance on this. |
The old man spanked his son in front of us as he prepared to bend over the fender to look into the engine bay. He told him "Your shirt may be fresh, but the buttons will scratch the paint. Put a goddamn sheet of cloth over the fender before you look in!"
I think it is safe from those issues.
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Originally Posted by karlosdeville What are the chrome plastic parts yuor refer to in point 5? |
Side trim. Kind courtesy of the Gentleman in my previous garage who couldnt bear to let the car go unfinished.
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Originally Posted by karlosdeville Also the side trims were original on the car. They shouldnt have been replaced. One was cracked but brazing wouldve solved it. |
One piece of one side was missing when we got the car back. In any case the original pieces have dents/broekn parts on them. I think the bronze casting of the pieces will be better.
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Originally Posted by karlosdeville Original semaphores wouldve have been common to many english cars of the era, hunt for them in England. |
Eez exactly the plan. ebay.co.uk is where I'm gonna hunt.
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Originally Posted by nikkibike hmmm... I too had that doubt the old mech identified bout body and chassis. I have heard the same comments from many old age mechs who are 'ashans' of Ambassadors and Fiats!! |
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Originally Posted by JayD Hey! Do u remember hearing the above same stuff a few days before from someone?? Especially the first part?? |
You were both right, guys.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM I therefore request you to start a new thread on "HOW TO ACTUALLY RESTORE A CLASSIC CAR TO OBTAIN MAXIMUM VALUE" (please o it for me - I am too lazy to do it). |
Will do, boss. Let this get over - I have a LOT to write on.
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Originally Posted by DHABHAR.BEHRAM Third clue - "paying a garage bill will never get you a good car". You have to do it yourself. The garage is just a facilitator". |
Very true. My mistake was trying to get the rebuild done remotely while I was sitting abroad - I didnt really have a choice. Several thousands of rupees of telephone calls are all I have to show.
There is also one more point. Talk to and communicate with the guys who actually do the job, not the garage owner or some faltu service "advisor". In my case, the last two weeks with Vijay (prabhuav) getting involved was the real turning point, as he spent hours at the garage with the guys actually doing the job, sitting with them and talking about the job for several nights after spending whole days at work. He did what I couldnt - and for that I am indebted to him.