Esmerelda

Restoration projects and Austin related chat in here please
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troutrunner
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Esmerelda

Post by troutrunner »

This is a restoration of a van called Esmerelda, it will be quite apparent who is doing the job when you look at the first photy :thumbs: The van belongs to a long term club member and friend. :cheers:

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Pleny of rust to go at :D
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That's all for now, I'll leave some of the fun for Neil and James, as they have more photy's :thumbs:
Paul
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beko
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by beko »

I know it'll turn out great and it's in safe hands but that looks a huge amount of work
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Dinky
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Dinky »

Theres a lot of work there but well worth while. One bite at a time will eat an elephant.
Bryan
1957 Austin A35 2 door Deluxe "Thomas"
1958 Austin A35 4 door "Dinky" Highly commended Heap of the show 2013 still surviving despite the owner!
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A40FARINAGURU
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by A40FARINAGURU »

there appears to be a very suspicious person lurking in the corner of the top photo :whistle:
Nick Bayliss

Club's A35 (Saloon) Registrar, South Midlands Area Contact

Email, a35@austina30a35ownersclub.co.uk

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Neil Evans
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Neil Evans »

Very early days yet. We're currently just stripping it down so that we can do a full appraisal and get a rough idea of how bad it is (it's bad.... :whistle: )
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WAC_Paul
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Esmerelda

Post by WAC_Paul »

The idea of taking on a project like this and the challenge involved always seem as exciting to me as it also fills me with fear. A very brave thing to take on.

I dread to think of the cost of it all. I know how much my car has cost that was far more solid than this. But if you did these things on cost alone a lot of cars would have gone to the scrap yard, probably mine included. I could have certainly bought a saloon completed in comparable condition for less than I have spent.

Looking at this I would hazard a guess you might buy 2 good vans for the cost of this repair.
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Dinky
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Dinky »

I am reassured that if that if Esmerelda can be saved then my one should be a doddle.
Bryan
1957 Austin A35 2 door Deluxe "Thomas"
1958 Austin A35 4 door "Dinky" Highly commended Heap of the show 2013 still surviving despite the owner!
Member of the Southampton and New Forest Group
This is a psychic screen you will believe me to be far more important when you see it
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David Swain
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by David Swain »

Are my eyes deceiving me, or is James starting to catch the hairiness from Neil.............
I see what you meant when you said my Van would be easy in comparison now.
Good luck
David. :cheers:
David Swain. Member No. A1743
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A30 van 55 'R.G. Swain', A35 4 Door 59 'Little Gem', A35 2 Door 59 'The Rev' '+1'
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Neil Evans
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Neil Evans »

Hairiness is little short of essential in this cold hole.... :whistle:
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james1985
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by james1985 »

Its my Winter plumage!!! Also since ripping the bathroom out 5 weeks ago I am still yet to finish the tiling and so cant fit my new mirror, hence the lack of mirror has meant a lack of shaving!! on the plus side I have saved money I would have otherwise spent on razor blades :D

I think we have established, well and truly, that this van is quite a mission, however the rust is mainly confined to the panels below the roof line :thumbs:

Cheers

James
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A40FARINAGURU
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by A40FARINAGURU »

just thought Esmerelda was the name of the pigeon in the film the Sandwich Man (Michael Bentine)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNUNnESL0VE a great film :rol:

see the scene from 36.38 to 44.38 mins it is hysterical
Last edited by A40FARINAGURU on Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Nick Bayliss

Club's A35 (Saloon) Registrar, South Midlands Area Contact

Email, a35@austina30a35ownersclub.co.uk

Connected with A30/A35's for 63 years

A30/A35 Member A1372 (since 1981)
brianmekon
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by brianmekon »

The rust looks rampant. I,m sure it will be no bother to these guys. Look forward to more photos and how you tackle it. :thumbs:
MG Midget xsu 499s. 1977(died after going round clock 3 times)
MgB GT nsn 579m. 1973
Austin a30 uyj 698. 1955
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troutrunner
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by troutrunner »

james1985 wrote: however the rust is mainly confined to the panels below the roof line :thumbs:
Apart from the roof vent :whistle:
Paul
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Craftyman
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Craftyman »

Wow looks a bit like the rusty worm has had his fill!
But I'm sure you guys can turn it around, so best of luck and happy austineering!


there seems a new theme here naming vans after film characters !

Regards

Kev in Thurso owner of lassie!
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Neil Evans
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Re: Esmerelda

Post by Neil Evans »

This van will be restored whatever as it's quite an important survivor. Just how significant I'm still waiting to hear.... Just don't expect to see it at Winchester....

More photos...

Front outside

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Radiator support panel

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N/S door

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Bottom of back door, inside.

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N/S rear quarter

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O/S rear quarter

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Even the dashboard has suffered

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Club Technical Information Officer
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Father of the club's only love child
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