Galv Chassis?

Hi All,

I have a 1974 SWB Series III Petrol 2 1/4 that has a less than perfect chassis. I have toyed with the idea of learning to weld and patching it up, i have also thought about getting a galvanised chassis. Has anyone recently changed their chassis to a galv one that could shed some light about how emotional the process is, where to purchase one from etc. I will mostly be tackling it myself on weekends. Also I have seen some chassis with the option of having a removable gearbox x-member, can anyone inform me as to the benefit of this, is it just so you can remove the gearbox if needed? Are there any issues with bi-metallic corrosion when using a galv chassis, do i need to replace all the bolts/fixings etc? I know some of these issues have been touched on in previous threads so apologies if it bores you!

Your help/advise would be greatly appreciated

Go to Richards chassis for the galv one. They are the best quality.....even redrill all the holes after glavising so you don't have too.

You will need twice the space that you think you'll need.

Make a list of those things that you want to replace. Suspension bushes, fuel tank, copper brake lines, wiring loom and stick to it......don't get distracted.

Take it apart in as large a lumps as you can manage. Keep the engine and box together, back body as one piece and wheel out the axle with the springs and/or steering gear still attached.

two people can just about get an 88" done in a looong weekend, leaving minor fettling/wiring/bleeding brakes/clutch etc for the evenings of the following week.

do it in as big lumps as possible, eg:
roof, side panels, rear tub in one
bulkhead with all wiring, steering, windscreen, pedals all in one
axles complete with shocks, springs
don't split engine & gearbox
front wings, front panel, radiator all as one.

I helped a mate do his in a weekend - it is just about manageable.

however - problem with this is you then see the rusty footwells, and decide to change the UJ's, and - oh, might as well fit a new exhaust, and change the brakes ... wouldn't it be nice if it had a new coat of paint too ... and suddenly it turns into a year-long rebuild!

Thanks for the help, i will deffo make a list as I can see exactly how easy it would be to get distracted!