[Healeys] 2.6 engine rebuild

[Oudesluys]

I do not understand all the fuss. If you have a AH with a rotten chassis 
you have two options, may be three:

-Repairing the chassis to its original *optical* condition which will 
mean a difficult and lengthy process with success not guaranteed, 
introducing many possible stress areas and deformations because of the 
cutting and welding and it will never regain its original strength but 
it might be to concours standards.

-Getting an original spec replacement chassis, if that is a possibility.

-Getting a new chassis that has been improved upon like the Jules 
chassis (there are other suppliers as well I believe) which will also 
save the body work by reducing flex, and thus stress cracks in various 
panels. (Get it dip galvanized inside and outside before starting to 
build up the car)

If you want to fully enjoy driving the car and do not care for concours, 
the latter is the option to go for at anytime.

If you want a concours car well good luck on the road ahead cutting and 
welding and hope for the best but technically it is the wrong option.

I have a similar situation. The chassis on my old Landrover is shot. In 
the past I have had it repaired by fitting a new rear section and 
outriggers, however the front is now crumbling and the welding and parts 
costs is way more expensive than replacing the full chassis, in my case 
with a fully dip galvanized one inside and outside), which will never 
give me any bother concerning rust for the rest of my and my children's 
life if they want to keep the beast. My new chassis is not build to 
original spec as it has several improvements on the original like 
thicker gauge, various extra reinforcements, a bolted on cross member 
under the transmission (military spec) to aid replacing the gearbox if 
needed and is far better welded and put together than the original.

Kees Oudesluijs
NL

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