[Healeys] BJ8 frame

[Larry Varley]

Hi Rich
I agree with your comments, and if I was restoring the car I would fix 
the existing unit. Things are different when you are paying someone 
else, and one has to look at all the options. As a matter of interest 
Kilmartins can supply their frame with a centre web welded between the 
two halves of each main rail effectively creating a double box section 
in each of the main rails. Looks the same from the outside plus a 
significant increase in strength.
Cheers
Larry

Rich C wrote:

> I cannot personally comment on the product from SC made available in 
> recent years. I would however caution a buyer about purchasing a 
> chassis assembly complete with wheel arches, bulkheads, and all 
> superstructure at arms length. There are a lot of critical dimensional 
> areas where all the exterior body panels, trim pieces, etc. need to be 
> able to fit correctly and well. With the known variables in panel fit 
> of one Healey to the next, it's almost a certainy that there will be 
> fitting issues.
>
> I have seen and experienced chassis and superstructure assemblies that 
> were purchased and then the restorer had to try to struggle his way 
> through the fitting up of all the rest of the car after the fact. 
> Grrrrr!!!
>
> We have been having some really positive experiences in using 
> Kilmartin's basic chassis assembly, transferring all the old 
> superstructure over to the new chassis and replacing metal as needed. 
> The outer body panels are present and are repaired as needed at the 
> same time and in this way the fit of everything is guaranteed. True, 
> not for the inexperienced or the faint of heart, but a truly excellent 
> end result.
>
> Rich Chrysler
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Larry Varley" <varley at cosmos.net.au>
> To: "Healeys" <healeys at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:12 PM
> Subject: [Healeys] BJ8 frame
>
>
>> Guys
>> A friend has a BJ8 that has a completely rotten frame and
>> superstructure. It would be a huge amount of work to fix, the rust is so
>> bad that even all the wheel arches are rotten. SC parts in England say
>> they can supply a new frame and superstructure assembly primed and ready
>> to paint for about $15000.00. They say they build them at their plant in
>> England and have so far made 18. Most have been sent to America. Is
>> there any experience out there on this as to build quality and
>> dimensional accuracy? For the interest of the group they also insist
>> that they are made in England and not India as some rumours suggest. Any
>> feedback would be appreciated
>> Cheers
>> Larry Varley