1962 MGA MkII
This is MGA arrived for a total restoration. Upon the initial all-around inspection the car turned out to be quite solid. Even though the dash shows signs of wear, its in suprisingly great shape. The rest of this roadster needs to be inspected and assessed. K&T will bring this MGA back to its original condition down to every detail with hand-crafed body work plus expert electrical and mechanical know-how.
The engine, well, the years have taken their toll. Once it is pulled, we'll determine what needs to be done to bring it back to top shape.
The body is in good shape with unmolested metal, giving us a solid platform for a total restoration. It's this combination of owner care and a bit of luck that delivers a most favorable starting point for any restorer to begin the process.
After the chrome, lights, and windshield have been removed, the tub is lifted off the frame, then wheeled into our body shop for stripping down, repair, sanding, etching and priming, all the necessary preparation for a fresh paint job. The engine and frame stay put for a more intimate inspection and overhaul.
This engine is about to be removed and broken down for that overhaul. Even though the engine is pretty solid mechanically, it needs attention. Even with a lot of owner care over the years, nothing prevents the seals, gaskets and piston rings from wearing down.
While the body tub is getting the full treatment in our body shop, we roll the frame and engine out into the sunlight. The frame looks a bit oxidized, but nothing jumps out at us as unusual. A good solid frame is nice to see on an MG with so much history.
Back in the body shop, the process of paint removal begins. The door is just starting to get a bit of a grind on the bottom. This process will continue until all the paint is removed. Under the door you you can see the rocker panel has been removed.
We could tell upon the initial look at the body that the rocker panels would have to be replaced. Not too uncommon on an MGA of this vintage. Here the new panel is in place.
As stripping continues, previous body work below the surface of the paint is revealed. You can't expect a 40-year-old car to be pristine. The integrity of this previous work needs to be inspected closely to see if it needs to be redone.
There are times when body parts just have to be replaced, because it's less expensive to do so than the fix them. This rusty pillar was removed and replaced.
You're looking at the backside of a door hinge pillar. This pillar was fabricated and welded in place with plate reinforcements for door stability. When you hear a nice, solid sound when a door closes, you know your restoration was done right.
After panels have been through metal restoration, the need to check and double check for good fit becomes very important. This is a preliminary fitting of all the panels. They have to be just right before they go off to paint.
After the main body has been straightened, more panel fitting is needed. Everything must match up nicely before the pieces can be prepped for paint.
Body pieces primed ... and yes, a final fitting will be done before they are sent off for paint. This is the last chance to check the fit. Once they are painted ... too late!
At left, the tub is ready for priming. Above, the tub with its final coat of primer, ready for the paint booth.
While the tub and body panels are off getting their beauty coat, the renovated and strengthened frame gets primered and painted with a tough coat of glossy black.
Quite a transformation with a freshly painted tub, engine and other components. It's great to see the car shine again.
