Over the last few days I have started to investigate the seriousness of my R4 tin worm infestation. Having removed the rear suspension as a unit I can now reveal that a succession of previous repairs has instead of helping to cure the problems simply provided a source of food for the little blighters.
As ever with restoration projects the true extent of the job only becomes apparent during the strip down.
So far I can see that I will need extensive repairs to both rear chassis ends both rear seat belt anchorages, removal of previous ugly patches and reinstatement of chassis especially around inner suspension mounts. All of which I am sure is typical of the marque.
The righthand rear outer suspension mount was welded to the chassis including the heads of the bolts in such a way that I could only remove the suspension by cutting much of the mounting away, the chassis end will have to be completely renewed. Also when removing the trailing arm outer bush and what was left of the mtg bracket I discovered that the arm itself is holed,I also had to remove two large metal washers that had been hammered into the torsion bar location point presumably to take up excess movement. Are the torsion bar location bushes replaceable as it seems that I may have to strip the whole assembly down.
If anyone has got to the end of this post I would appreciate your input as to how to tackle this project, I have attached a few photos more are available should you feel the need for a good laugh.
As ever with restoration projects the true extent of the job only becomes apparent during the strip down.
So far I can see that I will need extensive repairs to both rear chassis ends both rear seat belt anchorages, removal of previous ugly patches and reinstatement of chassis especially around inner suspension mounts. All of which I am sure is typical of the marque.
The righthand rear outer suspension mount was welded to the chassis including the heads of the bolts in such a way that I could only remove the suspension by cutting much of the mounting away, the chassis end will have to be completely renewed. Also when removing the trailing arm outer bush and what was left of the mtg bracket I discovered that the arm itself is holed,I also had to remove two large metal washers that had been hammered into the torsion bar location point presumably to take up excess movement. Are the torsion bar location bushes replaceable as it seems that I may have to strip the whole assembly down.
If anyone has got to the end of this post I would appreciate your input as to how to tackle this project, I have attached a few photos more are available should you feel the need for a good laugh.