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We are experienced in the repair and restoration of many types of vehicle body including timber framed bodies, pressed steel, chassisless, superleggera, Weyman, Aluminium and steel. We are able to manufacture new panels and assemblies where necessary and to repair original items by welding. In most cases we prefer to use Oxy - Acetylene welding due to the stronger, more ductile weld produced. When welding older Aluminium sheet cracks can occur adjacent to the welded area, particularly when electric welding has been empoyed. A gas welded join can be ground or filed flush and is sufficiently malleable to be planished by hand leaving the absolute minimum of subsequent filling to the repaired area.
The same car pictured nearing the end of the restoration.
This picture shows a new wheelarch and sill end fitted to a Series 1 XJ6 Jaguar. The original construction rusted quickly from new due to the ingress of water between the top of the sill and the bottom of the wheelarch panel. The XJ6 always had a visible join line at this point. Here the seam has been continuously welded to prevent the ingress of water. The welded section has been "lead loaded" and the seam joint has been reproduced to give an original appearance. Note also that the sill end has also been continuously welded to prevent water being driven into the joint. These modifications are only carried out when justified: For most other areas of the vehicle we prefer to replicate the original construction. We have facilities for finishing completed coachwork repairs in modern 2 Pack paint, Cellulose or Coach enamel. We take a particular amount of trouble in producing coachwork which is resistant to corrosion. Where required original designs can be modified subtly to reduce build up of mud and water and the finished product is treated carefully with the correct chemicals and paint systems to minimise subsequent rust.
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We manufactured this scuttle in Aluminium for a Riley. It was made in 3 sections - comprising top and 2 sides complete with swage lines - and subsequently gas welded together before final beating and finishing. The second photograph shows the vehicle with new timber frame awaiting fitment of the new panelwork.
This new rear section for a Park Ward bodied Bentley is made from air dried Mahogany and replaces the original which would have been made from Ash. Most Ash available today is kiln dried and more brittle than the wood which would have been used by the original coachbuilder. The use of Mahogany became more widespread in the late 1940s by coachbuilders such as H.J.Mulliner as well as by Park Ward.
We are equally experienced with the restoration of more modern vehicle bodies. This is a Series 1 Jaguar E Type manufactured in 1962 pictured here during and after major bodywork.