Section : Bodywork and Interior

Chassis replacement

Posted By : Andy Higgins, 02-Jul-2005, 06:01pm

• Chassis replacement

  Posted By : Stephen Weblin, 04-Jul-2005, 08:44am

  I got the chassis transplant on mine done by Canley Classics and can recommend them whole heartedly. You need a alot of space if considering to do it yourself. There is a picture in my profile of body off stage.
  
  

  • Chassis replacement

    Posted By : Andy Higgins, 07-Jul-2005, 04:32pm

    Thanks for the info. I'm looking at doing the replacement work myself, but I have been looking at Canley's for the chassis. It's good to hear from someone that's used them and can vouch for the accuracy. I've used Canley's for years or other stuff and not been disappointed - but it's still good to hear positives.
    
    Anybody else got any comments / ideas about a chassis change ??

    • Chassis replacement

      Posted By : John Davies, 08-Jul-2005, 07:43am

      Andy,
      Vitesse Mk1=Herald chassis, more or less (Bill? Correct me?). Buy a cheap Herald as a donor.
      I built the Silverback that way. The extra parts can be kept as spares, or sold - I got back the buying price for the doors, bonnet and other parts. The sun visors went for an extraordinary price!
      
      John
      PS Don't flame me for "destroying a good car". The bulkhead was a pile of rust that broke apart once it was off its old chassis, and the parts are now propping up other cars. Wouldn't you want that when you no longer need your vital organs?

      • Chassis replacement

        Posted By : Jonathan Binnington, 08-Jul-2005, 05:25pm

        John, when I die I want to donate my "vital organ" for transplantation so I may continue to enjoy the pleasures of... after my death.
        
        Is this possible?

    • Chassis replacement

      Posted By : Andrew Parry, 08-Jul-2005, 11:36pm

      Andy,
      I did a chassis change on my MK II earlier this year using one supplied by Canley. £795 but the refurbishment was to a high standard. If you want the boring detail then drop me a mail.
      The chassis was ordered in February and collected a month later. The rebuild started early March and the car was rolling again by late May. This was really an educational experience for me; there's nothing like a nut and bolt rebuild for getting to know your Vitesse. If I can do it then I would think anyone with a reasonable mechanical competence could. I had a decent size garage to do the job with enough space to store the body sections around the sides. You will need help lifting these off the chassis.
      I don't know how much money I saved by doing it myself. Don't underestimate the cost of all the little bits you find you had better replace while you are at it. In my case radius arms, trunnion kits and bearings all round, body mounting kit and lots of copper grease.
      I would look very hard at the history of the bodywork before replacing the chassis. If it has been botched do you really want to put it back onto a new chassis without remedial work? If the chassis is rotten it is unlikely that the rest of the car is unscathed. I don't want to put you off since having a solid chasssis is the first requirement in restoration and on a Triumph, the rest can always wait until you can afford it. There is also the considerable satisfaction of having rescued another car.
      Cheers,
      Andy.