BODY & CHASSIS

Valiant wagons seem more prone to rust than sedans, contributing to scarcity of 1960s Safaris. Rust in the front sub-frames and firewall is pretty much terminal and must be checked with an on-hoist inspection. If the underside of your VE is solid that’s a great start but doesn’t mean the rest of the body won’t need work. The turret and window apertures must be solid, so too the inner sills. Check for any moisture under floor coverings, rusty floor pans and wagon tail-gates that are full of filler. Valiant parts specialists can supply replacement tail-gate skins and some rust repair panels. Re-chromed bumpers cost $800 or used at $250-350 each.