My 404C resto begins!

Mike Tippett

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The last three weeks I have been taking my 404 C apart at my home garage in anticipation of getting the restoration underway. The restoration will be done by Coachwerks in Victoria BC, a shop that does excellent work: Coachwerks | Classic Car Restoration in Victoria BC

At this point the car is at the media blasting shop in Sidney BC, mounted on its cart. I also have a lot of NOS 404C panels there right now too. Once the shell and NOS parts return to the restorer in Victoria, the restoration will commence, probably several days from now. I will post some updates once in a while.

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Note the KF2 Injection engine, now on the stand in the photo

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The NOS panels being dropped off at the blasting shop a couple of weeks ago

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The car is on its cart at Coachwerks December 10th

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In good company: a P1800 under plastic, a 914/6, an Austin Healey 3000, a 911 and a 300 SL

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On the flatbed, taking a ride to the quick strip facility in Sidney BC, December 10th
 
Very nice, Mike. Looking forward to seeing the finished work.
 
At least the shell looks to be in better condition than many of our local cars.

I would assume the hull has corrosion in the "standard" 404 sedan places.
 
A great project and one that we'll all be following with interest.
 
Yes Rob, "the usual" areas plus a few more that Pininfarina invented (like the hood latch area). But they're so pretty, all is forgiven!

And thanks Peter, FIVEDOOR, Richard and WLB.
 
Good to see Mike, if anyone deserves a restored 404C you do - like others I will follow your progress and wish you well. You certainly should have the contacts for any parts you may require :approve:

Cheers
Chris
 
Great to see some progress Mike, you deserve to be driving it soon, Thank you for all your assistance to myself and others

Cheers
Colin
 
Have been distracted, finishing a nice 403 as a paid job.
cab except for hood is 99%

all the best for Christmas
 
On January 6, 2017 I dropped a payment off at the shop and had a look. Progress was restricted by the slowness of the stripper doing the replacement panels, specifically those for the the floor and chassis bits. Now they're all there and the work has begun, the first step being a cutting away of the floor elements. In about three weeks the lower portions should be done.

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NOS panels on the shop floor - the other half of the new floor is behind the photo field of view.


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Cut away floors


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The original floors on their way to recycling!


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404C on its cart....300 SL behind.
 
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Hi Mike,

Great to hear you've finally got a start on your coupe.
Like others have said, I really appreciate the assistance you have given me over the last few years.
Looking forward to seeing progress post and images.
Enjoy the journey.

Cheers

Dan
 
I stopped by the shop today to drop off a new front crossmember and rear jack mount I just got this week from Joern Haarmann....*

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Left front floor partially reconstructed, rocker panel/sill on this side is being made in the shop because I only have one in NOS for the other side of the car.

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Front left detail of floor under reconstruction

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The car seen from the front

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Reconstruction of the left floor (work in progress) seen from inside the car.
 
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Front suspension arms and Panhard rod mount are ready to go. All new hardware is available and new bushings are in as well.
 
Looks great ,Great to see the photo,s of professionals at work keep them coming ,are the new floor pans the same as sedans and utes ? were they easy to find have you been collecting parts and planning for some time.
Marty
 
Hi Marty, the pans are the same as the sedans and I bought them in 1988 to restore a sedan but then in 1989 I got this C and so they're being used now. The front and rear fenders (guards) were really hard to find, almost word of mouth and I got those 24 and 10 years ago front and rear. They may not even use them in this restoration! I may see the car again later this week in which case I will post more photos of the work in progress.
 
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