Seeking solace!

[Firstandbest]

Just passing by to say that my 1985 R4GTL has just bitten the rust .. sorry dust. I took a gamble and hoped to bring this lady out of retirement just before Christmas - No MOT and on SORN.

Engine was sweet and I cruised comfortably around the M25 between seller in Woking and my house ... via a booked MOT. ( Hadn't intended to find the motorway but just followed my satnav ).

I've thoroughly enjoyed cleaning her up. Memories of my first in 1977; now even has a double coating of Autoglm!

But .. Renospeed (Derick is Fantastic) gave me the prognosis - rusted chassis = terminal.

Amazing feeling of disappointment tonight but still determined to get on the Kent Run somehow!

Meanwhile, thanks for this amazing forum. I'm just brewing a cuppa and will sit quietly in the Cafe corner.

All best

Mark

 

[malcolm]

Do you have pictures of the problem areas - plenty of doctors here who might offer a second opinion, though Derek is sound.

The Columbian replacement chassis came up when I was heavily involved in something else. RichardIRL has been in contact but doesn't have a lot of info yet. Don't scrap the car - we might yet progress that option.

Come along to the run anyway - plenty of spare seats available.

 

[Firstandbest]

That's just the boost I needed! THANK YOU!

I don't have any pictures underneath but this is what the MOT tester said (Derek added that the MOT missed rust on the jacking points behind the A Frame).

Offside and Nearside subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
Nearside rear suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened ( Looking at the paperwork over Christmas the Offside failed the MOT in 2006 and was subsequently welded).

I bought Millie from fellow member Gordonavenue who posted a movie is on www.gordonavenue.posterous.com - Millie is on his latest thread as I drove off to the ill fated MOT.

I will post latest pics soon but interior and bodywork have come up a treat ! Autoglym and then tyre black on mats and window surrounds! Stripped inside out and deep cleaned the seats with our carpet cleaner!

Best of all is the interest my teenage son has - I've been able to explain what happens under the bonnet ... as my dad did to me.

Cars run in the family - My grandfather was a pioneer of spark plugs founding Sphinx in 1902 - later sold to his friend ...Albert Champion - (Other friend was a Mr Norton who knew a thing or two about Motorcycles!) . They drove at Brooklands in the 1920s - My father was telling me recently.

Oh dear, I'm rambling! Come back Millie!

 

[RichardIRL]

I would still like to get the Colombian chassis but I have not heard anything back yet!

I am waiting anxiously too.

I would like to get my hands on a chassis soon though.

There are plenty of chassis to be found, there have been some new/restored ones on ebay over the past few months, for a couple of hundred €

I'll let you know if I hear anything all the same

 

[Firstandbest]

Fantastic ! Thanks for brightening my day both of you .

Since the Chinese can copy anything -and to a standard if specified - maybe someone could see a market in replicating and shipping a bulk order. Bet there's a profit to be made! And a near certain market of 500 orders in Europe and the UK over 5 years!

My idea probably stinks...Please don't throw me out of the cafe, I've just ordered another coffee

 

[ggcton]

If you decide to move on and look for another car I know a bloke looking for a real challange he could strip car weld and rebuild rather than it go to scrap.
If you are interested PM me with contact details and I will pass the info on.
Gary

 

[Firstandbest]

Thanks Gary

Another option.

Millie's no longer flatlining! Thanks to the various posts, including yours, we have some choices

And now she needs some TLC.