The revival of 650143R, 1970 with TS.

[Richard48Y]

Type 54 would be great, but since mine is a Type 65 I would have to change the whole front half.

I can make a splash mold IF my other body is strait enough.
Wish I were wealthy enough to just buy a new shell.
Price is actually cheaper than significant repairs until shipping comes into it. 
I wonder if Sports Car World might have what I need?
Time to call them.

It seems that unless a body is completely stripped you cannot know what past sins have been committed.
Both of the bodies I have need some repairs.
I may have to set this one aside and fully strip the other to decide which to use.

[dakazman]

  Thats definitely not a small repair job , but better to start addressing now.  True to find a donor would be the easiest but in sections, after you do a rough mold of an area to cut out as much of that repair. One at a time so you don't through off the bonnet pivot point.  When cutting out cut straight lines the bevel the OEM side so your rough fits below the surface on both sides . a double bevel from both sides in the layup.
  Dakazman 

[Richard48Y]

Selection of metric woodruff keys showed up this evening.
I did not expect that Renault would use odd proprietary sizes.
Looks like I am now covered 15X over, plus a dozen other sizes.

[Richard48Y]

New US made Manton pushrods came today.
They may not be quite as light as original but will be super strong.
Certainly no flex with these, particularly with the short length.
Now that they have done a couple of sets a simple phone call should be all that is needed to get more.

[dakazman]

 Thanks for taking point on this. Received your PM . I really appreciate your help.
 Dakazman

[Richard48Y]

A little disappointed to find that the adjustable cam gear will be no easier to install.
The gear fits behind the flange which is still pressed on.

[dakazman]

  Rich,
 Wow , Finally opened package.
  The pushrods were first rate. I may have to swap them out with those I have in crossflow now on the stand.
 Thanks again
Dakazman

[Richard48Y]

Been a bit lethargic with the Flu but today my new lower timing gear and thrust washers arrived, along with some trivial items.
Now I will be able to send the timing set out for Cryo treatment.
Once that returns I should be able to actually assemble the engine!

[Richard48Y]

Silly me, I should have known a step forward is followed by step back!
Comparing the new lower timing gear to the old it is certain that I needed it.
The ends of the teeth are noticeably broader, indicating significant wear to the old gear.
Now, if only it were the same thickness as the old one! 
.097" thicker, possibly not a problem?
I can thin it down if I must, I even have a guy with a surface grinder to make it an exact match.
For a final frustration I just took the timing chain out of the package, it has a Master Link!   
I always consider a master link the WEAK link, and experience has born that out.
So it seems I am on the hunt for a different timing chain.

[Richard48Y]

Reading the chapter on engine assembly in the manual to make sure I have all I need on hand.
Nope, seems I need a couple of 10mm studs and nuts for fitting the front bearing cap and seals.
Hopefully the local hardware store may have something to use.
Still waiting on the 'endless' timing chain and then Cryo treat.

I've also decided how I am doing my engine and trans mounts.
Engine mounts similar to what Serge did but with Poly bushings.
Seems a reasonable compromise for NVH without excessive sag or expensive future replacement.
The bushings are only $15.00 a set.
Same for the trans mount, of which the stock item is apparently made of platinum.
Also reviewed some of my suspension bits, the AVO shocks look fine with only one bushing to replace.
I think my big challenge will be fabricating up bias-bar dual MC's.
I have an idea roughed out but need to purchase the MC's for completion.

Come on warmer weather!

[Richard48Y]

Finally got the one-piece timing chain.
Chain and gears will go out for Cryo treat in the morning. 

[Richard48Y]

Today was "Powder paint and OCD".

I replaced one trailing arm with a brand new part several months ago.
It came powder painted which is supposed to be a good thing.
But the surface finish was rough, it looked like it had been painted over rust, or was covered in course leather.
No way it was ever going to match the other arm I have in the electrolysis tank.
I do not want to strip the powder paint but I know there are issues with PP proponents fail to mention.
PP tends to build up along edges, including bolt holes.
It can be brittle and chip, exposing bare metal.
If it is not flat around bolt holes it will chip where the high points are from pressure.

So the OCD was me wet sanding the entire arm down to flat with particular attention paid to the aft end where the hub carrier and brake mount are going on.
Next I need to find an over the counter spray paint that will adhere well.
Really nothing to see in a Pic beyond the shine now being flat black.
Next up will be clearancing all the bolt holes, I've run into that issue before.

[Richard48Y]

Moved the frame off the build table and onto a stand that is a nice height and narrow.
Much better for starting to put suspension back on.

Stripping an MGB-GT for parts.
Some to sell, some to use, and some just scrap.
I may use the inside door releases for my Europa, they do NOT have the silly little lever that can get you locked out. 

[Richard48Y]

Piddling progress is still better than none.
Got my rear deck screens cleaned and painted, they look like new but the mesh may have a little slack. Not a show car, happy to save a couple of bucks.
Rear tailing arms are fully cleaned and painted at last.
Got new Energy Suspension bushing and some tube ordered, anxious to get the new engine, trans, and trailing arm mounts made up.
Mocking front suspension parts it seems I may need to make some spacers to center the AVO coil-over shocks properly.
Upper ball joints are still as new but the rubber boots have rotted away during storage so I guess I will be buying new BJ's.
On feeBay Lotus were $20.00 each more than Triumph. 

[jbcollier]

You can buy just the boots.  British Parts NW, and others, have them.