I agree with Mark's calculations etc and say why not replace the frame after say 10 years or so. I think they do get tired and bend. I have been thro the sort it process also when I noticed the upright bobbins on my +2 had been pushed inwards and protruded quite a bit into the engine bay with a bit of fiberglass damage also. My inspection did not show any rust damage to the uprights but they were getting thin. I got round it by making good the fiberglass at the same time refitting the bobbins.I then made a brace which spanned between the two turret mounts and secured using a bit longer bolts. It was between the ears though and about a year later someone made me a daft offer which was taken up. It was a great car that +2 though. I owned it for best part of 5 years. Wish I still had it. Reg' Number was 1053K. Anyone seen/heard of it? I would have loved to keep the Reg' Number. What would that be worth now?
Driving thro my home town on day in my S130 I noticed a nice looking red +2 with the bonnet up.I stopped for a chat. Brand new owner was fitting new Vac pods for the headlamps.Had a wee look at the car and noticed Both the upright mounting were folded into the engine bay quite a bit. Bodywork was quite badly damaged. The cars camber on the front was way out. Visibly too much. There were dexion angle iron 'Braces' from the turret mounts (bolted), to the
chassis x member/Vac tank, to which it was attached with selftapers. No wonder the headlams did not lift. What to do here? New owner was gushing with enthusiasm and well happy with his car. Do I tell him? (Car was dangerous and he was driving around with his wife and son in it.) I took the decision to tell him. He was gutted and very thankfull I had stopped and spotted the
chassis was goosed. He had been driving on the motorway the day before at he said over 100 mph. Scarey!!
He did not keep the car long, about a week in fact. My doorbell went one night and in marched a couple of guys I knew who owned a Local car parts / acces' shop. They were looking for advice as they were thinking of buying 'a nice +2'. You guessed it.. Same car! I told them of its problems and sheepishly they admitted they had in fact bought the car. They sold it to a Sailor based in nearby Rosyth Naval base. Never mentioned the
chassis problem and told the guy to come and see me for any help. What should I do here? Tell him or not? I told him and he sued the Guys for the price of a new
chassis, which he fitted in his driveway one out one in. No refurbing at all...!! Resulting car was not very good.. But he did it in less than a week.
Great fun!!
As Mark said. It is not difficult and gives a great chance for a refurb' during the process. Not a bad Idea after a few years running.
Alex B.....