In a message dated 6/12/2001 9:50:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
newkdf@hotmail.com writes:
> Is there anything special I should look for and where are the areas most
> prone to rust
Welcome to the best and friendliest list on the internet, Bob. And
congratulations on finding the car. If you can find a copy of Porter's DIY
Restoration of the Austin Healey Sprite/MG Midget, he has a great checklist
in the book. However, some area to check out--I assume the engine is
running? Or when the key is turned it turns over? If not, be sure the
engine is not frozen up. Rust-wise, the most prevalent and most difficult to
deal with (in my opinion) are the A-Posts to which the door hinges are
bolted. These rust out quickly, it seems, with the outer post skin going
next, along with the outer and inner rocker panels. Another common rust area
is along the lips of both rear wheel wells. Then the floors, which are not
too difficult to fix, along with the cross member which is part of the frame
right in front of the seats. A CRITICAL place that regualrly rusts out, and
which may make the difference between a moderate restoration and one to
beware of, is the rear spring boxes, to which the front connection of the
rear springs are attached.
Hope this helps. There will be others from the list who will probably send
other suggestions. The optimistic way to look at the car is that you can
learn to do anything that needs to be done to put it into any condition you
want it to be in.
Good Luck!
--David C.
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