A photographic record of the construction of a NEW chassis and substructures of an Austin Healey 3000.
This particular vehicle will be a useable “Rally Replica” for the road using some alloy panels within the substructures, modified LH Pedal Box to accommodate tripple carburettors, larger adjustable rear dampers and the omission of rear seat pans. All modifications will be done in a “period” style. This project is to showcase the workmanship and fit of the panels produced by Dave Hardwick Engineering.
Although this is a slightly modified vehicle a standard or more radical Healey can be constructed to suit the customers requirements.
Chassis Extensions and welding fixture
Suspension tower struts and welding fixture
Main floors with reiforcement plates
Inner sills and floors welded in position
Front bulkhead centre section positioned
Centre section welded in position
Outer footwell side in position
Hinge panel and reinforcing panel “gripped” in position
Crossbrace assembly position checked with the original front shroud
Rear bulkhead centre section positioned
Trial assembly
Trial assembly
Checked with rear shroud
“B” Post
“B” Post
Hood mount
Hood mount
Aluminium boot floor and landing plates welded to rear cross member
Boot floor held in position prior to riveting
Front Aluminium arch and mounting plates
Aluminium arch
Both front arches in position
DAS 10 Damper and New Mounts
Front cross brace and arches in position
Alloy scuttle top in position
Strengthened Engine mounts.
Adjustable Damper mounts fitted with the aid of a fixture manufactured from original drawings.
Original panels trial fitted and Shroud put back to the correct shape, also the shroud has been shaped to suit the Grille Surround.
New alloy wing !!!!!
Not Good !!!
The poorly shaped and positioned sidelight platform has been flattened out and my press tool clamped in position.
The finished result.
The rear wings are not that impressive!
A certain amount of reshaping the top wing line is required to make it straight.
