Project Pimento Stag

[Phil]

Hi All

Thanks to a client of mine we have had the opportunity to take on a restoration project.

Following a PM to Darren we decided to take on his Pimento Stag
He had taken it on but not done anything with it and realised it wasn't going to happen this time.
So it started with a trip to Southend with Charles and his trailer to pick the car up.


Project Stag by philipmwsmith, on Flickr I'm sure some of you will recognise the car.


Project Stag by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag by philipmwsmith, on Flickr The car had been dismantled then abandoned for about ten years in a garage. there were a few bits missing but mostly complete. As this was the weekend before Stoneleigh we had a quick look through everything we had and stuck screwdrivers into various apertures in the car to work out what we might need to order. This involved scrambling about in the snow so wasn't the most thorough examination.
project stag 021 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr

The dash surround wasn't so hot the seats have had it and the wood for the dash was missing.


So a deal was struck with Robsport for floor skins wing sections etc with collection at the show.


project stag 031 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr

Our initial idea was to treat this car as a fixer upper to get it to a rolling restoration that could be used but not perfect.
Having seen quite how bad it was we decided it would be better to spend more on it to make it considerably better.

So on to Stoneleigh At the last minute a call from Reg to ask if he could tag along. This worked out well as Reg has and needs a Blue badge so we were able to park very close to the entrance, great for returning panels to the car


Stoneleigh 055 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr Of course we also had the Forum meeting at the club stand.
Stoneleigh 023 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr


Phil

[Phil]

Having finished some other jobs we were able to bring the car to the workshop and give it a thorough examination



Project Stag 011 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr

Out with the angle grinder to see what we had. Some pretty unsavoury work had been attempted with Rear wing repair panels bodge fitted over the original rusty wings numerous plates welded into the floor panels, further examination there was a second floor underneath. We sort of hoped it might be hiding gold bars as there is a gap in between but were not holding any breath. We have now ordered sills and various wing repair panels including a new boot floor. once these have arrived we can make a start improving this beast rather than poking holes in it.
Project Stag 057 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag 059 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag 060 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr The Hood appears to be good though
Project Stag 073 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag 076 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
Project Stag 079 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr
IMG_0591 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr Some of the repair work is pretty poor on this car the Right Rear repair panel took ten minutes with the grinder and it feel off but we suspect the work was done when Stags weren't worth very much and filler etc was applied to get it through an MOT. now the value justifies the better work. While we were at Stoneleigh we managed to buy the wood bits for the dash. My father in-law who is in his 80s has always played with wood as a hobby has been drafted in to re veneer the dash its all now fitted waiting lacquer.
Project Stag 081 by philipmwsmith, on Flickr

We did have a go at seeing if the engine would start but while it would turn over we think there is a problem with the gearbox or Torque converter so that's going on the back burner for now while we sort the body. So that's all for now a bundle of parts due next week watch this space.

Phil

[DJT]

You've got your work cut out there Phil, but at least you have room to do it and some willing help.

[Phil]

Hi Dave I should mention it isn't me actually doing the work, making tea ordering bits providing moral support I can do but leadloading a wing is a bit beyond me! But that's why we have Ray because he can Phil

[stagmuffin]

Hi Dave I should mention it isn't me actually doing the work, making tea ordering bits providing moral support I can do but leadloading a wing is a bit beyond me! But that's why we have Ray because he can Phil

between you all I think you will turn out a lovely stag ,wishing you all the good luck you need with a project like this.
Steve

[Phil]

Thanks Steve

Yes there is a lot to do and as usual more than we had hoped. It will certainly keep us busy.

Phil

I have sent you a pm

[m9fdb]

Hi Phil i have only just found this thread and will follow it now.

Good luck with the rebuild and i look forward to seeing the finished car

Cheers
Darren

[martin]

Hi Phil, I'm not surprised Darren decided to let it go, poor old thing. Much respect to you for bringing the old girl back to life, another hero ! Martin.

[mike@thenook]

Hi Phil,

If you had a set of MK2 Alloys with the purchase from Darren they were from me, it would be good to know they will be turning again eventually - It's one heck of a project but worth it!

Cheers

[Phil]

Hi Mike

we didn't include the alloys so not sure what Darren has done with them.

The car is coming along found some horrors but we're getting there. I'll post some more pics later


phil

[iani]

I notice on Photo76 above one of the wheels is under the car when grinding is being done, funny that, I now have 4 corroded alloys thanks to this practice.

[m9fdb]

I still have your set of alloys Mike and a few other Stag parts as I will get another Stag in the future

Cherrs
Darren

[mike@thenook]

Cheers - happy hunting!

[andy p]

darren have you not still got the black stag? and phil ive got an auto gearbox here for that car if you need one

[Phil]

Hi Andy

long time no speak. It's a bit early to know yet a way to go yet. But thanks I'll bear it in mind

Phil