1986 Excel SA Mid life refresh

[Hawaiis0]

Hi Gang

Thought I would move my resto story out of the other thread and time line the story images. Those that followed over the months will see the repeats

So this is how it started

Lots of gremlins today. Initially no start then a rather sticky throttle and seems to have excessive creep in neutral.

A 70 mile trip with a stall in Burford high street and no start for 5 long minutes. A least nothing over took me (they couldn't get past really) .

Engine started then died when engaged drive. a few flicks down the manual gears and I got going - just, and then did same in next 2 miles.

[Hawaiis0]

Thu Feb 01, 2024

In for surgery

[Hawaiis0]

Thu Feb 01, 2024

Surgery stage one complete ! Let's see how long it takes before it goes back in.

[Hawaiis0]

Sun Feb 04, 2024

Thought I'd post a shot of the magic of Pete and his inlet manfold lifting adapter.

[Hawaiis0]

Rotten crash panels



Cut out



New - dont go too thick on the marine ply.



Glassed in

[Hawaiis0]

First paint images

[Hawaiis0]

All the extra bits to follow the body!

[Hawaiis0]

Wasn't the first bit back on but important one

[Hawaiis0]

More bits returning home

[Hawaiis0]

The runaway escutcheon.


Chassis placed home



Bloody fiddly piece. Glue just wouldn't hold it so found some DS tape

[Hawaiis0]

Coverdale Carpet. Must inform them that the parcel shelf is curved for better fit. Placed before glass.



Original screen cleaned up nicely. Ceramic edge remarkably good condition and primed with dinitrol 530.

[Hawaiis0]

Trim panels went on nicely but security may be a worry.

[Hawaiis0]

Rear quarter glass in. Original lower J seals again in very good condition. Glass edge again cleaned, primed and stuck. Didnt know how to apply pressure so used some window suckers.

[Alan_M]

WOW !!!!
Stunning work.
Looks gorgeous, but putting me to shame - I started before you and mine still hasn’t got glass back in.

[Pete Boole]

Fantastic Stu - it's going to be spectacular when finished.

Pete