Staff Car Sagas
Except he’s not. This resto is going to be done by the book
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The race to restore the second oldest production Marina Coupé in time for the make’s 50th birthday party in summer is on. Extensive bodywork repairs have been conducted in the workshop and component revitalisation has continued on my kitchen table (because warmer). I have managed to secure the services of a paint shop, ACE Refinishers in Alcester, to apply the Limeflower hue and I have also decided to leave the prep to them as well. Given the time available and the standard of finish required it feels like the best way to go.
Metalwork started with the toughest parts of the marathon, Clive Jefferson creating a new front valance as I cut, prepared and ground back the welds. I even allowed myself some non-visible torch action as well.
The pattern offside front wing, bought from Marina Club gaffer Chris Weedon, fitted well, and allowed us to quickly migrate to the most rotten part of the shell, the nearside rear. Using the rear two feet of a pattern sill helped, but sadly the rot went further than the new metal could reach. Reconstructive surgery followed that was easier said than done as it all had to blend in with the new wheelarch panel. A day’s work for two of us.
Next, we tackled the spare wheel well and boot floor. Again, a multitude of compound curves and tight joins got Clive working ferociously with the cardboard templates. After another day though,
the rear quarter was pretty close to what the factory intended.
The offside was in much better condition, but it had had previous work. Judging by the font on the section of biscuit tin that was riveted in to the rear end of the sill, this work was completed at some time in the late Eighties. Still, the light is now visible at the end of the tunnel. Some front floor work on both sides is needed and the rear offside boot corner will have to be replaced. Then begins the mammoth task of digging into and removing the surface rust scabs that cover the car.
Hell’s kitchen
That is pretty much what it looked like. Parts strewn everywhere. When Oonagh, my wife, came home early, I was on my second dishwasher cycle, cleaning rear lights and lenses. The kitchen table was covered in various bits of instrument binnacle as I attempted to reconstruct it quickly before the time that I thought she would be home. She didn’t get cross, but she did go very quiet... which is way worse.
I survived, and by the end of a couple of days had managed to create a pair of rear lights that looked the part and were made up of early original (not aftermarket) lenses. I also had a speedo binnacle that looked original and as good as new.
The Marina is just about on course to be the centre of activity at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show at the NEC. Why? Make your way to the Morris Marina Owners Club and Ital Register stand and all will be revealed. I’ll tell you anyway. The simple aim is to build a Morris Marina – 50 years on from the first time round. With a real deadline to aim at I knew I had to get my ducks in a row regarding paint.
If this is to be an ‘as new’ build I’ll want a shell that looks nigh on perfect – close up. Not only will attendees at the PC Show be examining it closely but also the Marina Club themselves will be casting a critical eye over it. Perfection required, nothing less will do. I had put feelers out and been contacted by reader and enthusiast Dean Keith who currently works for Jaguar Land Rover. With business
‘I’m aiming for a shell that is nigh on perfect – close up’
partner Mark Fairbrother, Dean is set to launch a new business, Ace Refinishing and Hydrographics Ltd and the Marina will be their first project.
Why take the risk with a start up? Currently Dean and Mark are responsible for painting and preparing JLR'S launch cars. So perfection is part of their daily routine. They are a couple of young guys starting out in the classic car world and yet they already have hugely impressive CVS. To me that is the perfect combination. I just need to get the car ready for them to start.
Before lockdown, I invited them down to the workshop to see what they were letting themselves in for. The routine was rigorous and their assessment clearly practiced. At the end we talked through what would be required of me. The completion of the metalwork would be the obvious minimum along with grinding back of welds and removal of front and rear screens. Then, as mentioned, I would have to go around the shell grinding out corrosion from the scabs that litter the Marina’s bodywork. After that the application of Kurust would be required to each scoured scab before handing the shell over to the boys. From there they will strip and prep the surface before cracking on with filling and, eventually, painting.
Both agreed that the car was, in fact, a lot better than had been anticipated and they were complimentary about Clive’s welding (not mine). We all agreed that the Eighties sun roof was a bit of an abomination... I then revealed that I have some secret plans for a Tudor Webasto if I can get the money together (it isn’t cheap, but it is period correct). We all agreed that that would be a good idea, but that we would press on with what we had in front of us before cutting an even bigger hole in the roof.
This is going to be a concours job. Engine bay, boot, everything will be stripped and painted. It is about time I did a proper resto. It has to be said as well, without the support and expertise of the excellent Marina Club, I would not be doing this.