1971 2800 Sahara

[Frederick]

Trust but verify, no problem. Shame, those are not too pricey. I found them at twice that price!

 

[Christoph]

First, the grills to my inexperienced eye, and referring specifically to the chrome/zinc, part were unsalvageable and I had no idea how to replicate the silver. Redone the chrome surround, but primed the grills black. Not to say, I can’t go back and redo it to make it silver, but it looks like a lot of work I am not sure I have the expertise. Would like to keep them silver, but I didn’t see an option,, and the latter ones were black.

Black or grey grilles give the car quite different looks, both are nice. Black grilles come all black, no further work. Grey grilles are painted, underneath is some kind of hospital beige. I very lightly sanded them, taped the vertical slats to keep the black paint that was there and cleaned everything with silicone remover. Someone at the shop offered to spray them, that was gladly accepted. They are a little darker now than original but grey enough. The correct colour is neither silver nor metallic grey but something in between. Taping the vertical slats may get on your nerves.

Secondly, the dash was in fact three pieces. It was a disaster, so I have sourced a very nice one piece or later Dash thanks to Dick very early on in the process.

The better dash is always the better choice. Difficulty is the instument cluster housing. Clusters for the later version are secured from above with one screw through the dash into the cluster housing. Series 1 housings come without the sliding piece with the thread for the screw but with a nose on top. This nose will most likely stand in the way when you try to insert the cluster into the dash opening.

And last, the horizontal grills that came to the car were black. You’re in good shape but I bought some new ones anyway from WN as they were not expensive. I understand your saying they should be painted the same color as the car, correct?

That's how it was done at the factory. In later years, the grilles were often painted black by the owners for a more sporty look or whatever. The W&N pieces come in a light yellow-beige colour, as far as I know. Probably not an option.

Again, I really like that car.

 

[Frederick]

Update on Project:
After a great deal of sanding, priming, resanding, repairing, sanding and priming, etc. etc. add Infinitum the car has finally arrived at the painter. Trailering it was a bit of a white knuckle flight as it sat so high on the jackstands.
I decided to go with the deletion of the real light markers to look more euro. Otherwise it was fairly straight. I gave up on the driver side fender and was able to find a new one through BMW, Monterey awaiting delivery. The vehicle has apparently been pranked in the corner. There was a previous repair,(not very good) rust, and the pendant was somewhat deformed. After looking at the fender that came with the car, the guys at the body shop were pleased with the order of a new one. Basically it would’ve cost more to fix than to get the new one.
Need to source carpet, headliner, and seats, and or seat fabric and Carpet.I may go with aftermarket front seats from Stephen at.GTS Classics, looking at the Monte Carlo for two front seats. Still need covering for both front and rear end. Likely will go with leather.
The rims are being refinished, and should be ready shortly.
The only thing that I’m missing is a rear window gasket. I’ve checked it out and I’m fairly certain I can use a front windshield gasket for the rear by cutting and pasting. (Fortunately, The one I removed is in good shape, and I have a new one as well.)
Should someone know this to be impossible, please speak up, because rear gaskets don’t seem to exist.
Transmission and differential are done at Metric mechanic, but Jim’s head problems. First with sourcing a 3.5 block, and then getting pistons and rods. He now manufactures his own lightweight, pistons and rods, but my motor got dropped out of his production line for the M 30’s. Not really a concern at this point as obviously there’s a lot of work still to be done but it’s very exciting to maybe see it painted and ready to assemble.

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

Great progress Frederick!

 

[Frederick]

Had my master carpenter make a new shift knob. Could make it out of anything of course but we used Sapelo.
A long way from trying it out!!

 

[alprada70]

look great!!

 

[Frederick]

Tires and rims ready to roll. Straightened, balanced and powder coated.They just need a car!

 

[HB Chris]

I thought the Defender was discontinued in 195, that is good news.

 

[Mo Brighta]

Frederick,
Ready to discuss restoring the rear lights? It has been some time since we talked; shoot me an email.

Andy

 

[Frederick]

Had to fabricate one of the corner pieces of the windshield trim. Can you tell which one?
The one on the towel is the first attempt. Still have to polish the bottom piece.