1962 MGA 1600 MkII
This MGA roadster came in for a total ground-up restoration. K&T brought this classic back to a better-than-new condition, original in every detail with hand-crafted body work and expert electrical and mechanical know-how.
HONORS & DISTINCTIONS
Star Award Winner | Debut Class – 2012 Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern United States, Skytop, Pa.
HONORS & DISTINCTIONS
Star Award Winner | Debut Class – 2012 Concours d’Elegance of the Eastern United States, Skytop, Pa.
Upon the initial all-around inspection, the car turned out to be quite solid. Signs of wear, as you would expect after more than 40 years ... but in suprisingly great shape. The first job is to inspect and assess what to keep and what to replace as the car is disassembled.
The years had taken their toll on the engine.
The body was in good shape with a lot of unmolested metal, giving us a solid platform for the total restoration
After the chrome, lights, and windshield were removed, the tub was 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.
Here the engine is about to be removed and broken down for that overhaul. Even though the engine was pretty solid mechanically, it needed 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 was getting the full treatment in our body shop, we rolled the frame and engine out into the sunlight. The frame looked a bit oxidized, but nothing jumped 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 was continued until all the paint was 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 needed to be inspected closely to see if it had 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.