Advice Needed

[mikeg_303]

Hello all..

Long story cut to the very basics..

I have acquired my Dads Austin A40 Farina mk2 saloon, she has been tucked in a garage for many many years being untouched after someone crashed into the front side of him years ago (1971 ish) and as far as I was told it bent the chassis in the crash butttt having a brief look I can't see anything. All who would of know more about what happened and could have pointed to the problems have unfortunately passed so I'm going of stories I heard when I was too young to care

My knowledge is fairly basic but I'm enthusiastic and want to get her running again
Hopefully push her out of the garage after work tomorrow and get some photos
But was hoping on some advice of where to start the journey to her up and running again.

Thank you in advance

[Keith Bennett]

Welcome to the forums! The A40 has no chassis (in the usual sense of the term). Instead, the shell is pretty much self-supporting but "half chassis' are located front and rear in order to bear the main components of suspension and mechanicals.

This means that a side impact will damage the shell itself and can be identified by deformation of, for example, the "slam shut" gaps around the doors. The area of body below the doors (the sill) can also be pushed inwards, and a heavy impact can actually shorten the length of the wheelbase on that side.

Of course, anything can be repaired if enough money is available, so carefully inspect your shell and assess its condition.

Let us know what you find!

[mikeg_303]

Hello Keith,

That's great, and not so great.. that must be what they meant when they said it was bent
Fingers crossed my numbers come up tomorrow then

Would it be alright if I post up some photos tomorrow evening

thank you

[austina40sam]

Please do post photos. We would all like to see them. We also have some very experienced members in this club. Looking forward to seeing the photos.

[mikeg_303]

Here are some photos
I do apologise for the state of it

[mikeg_303]

If there’s an angle or particular part you all need to see let me know
Do you think it’s possible to get running again?

[mikeg_303]

Welcome to the forums! The A40 has no chassis (in the usual sense of the term). Instead, the shell is pretty much self-supporting but "half chassis' are located front and rear in order to bear the main components of suspension and mechanicals.

This means that a side impact will damage the shell itself and can be identified by deformation of, for example, the "slam shut" gaps around the doors. The area of body below the doors (the sill) can also be pushed inwards, and a heavy impact can actually shorten the length of the wheelbase on that side.

Of course, anything can be repaired if enough money is available, so carefully inspect your shell and assess its condition.

Let us know what you find!

Thank you Kieth
I’ve had a good look around (with very novice eyes)
The problem area is obviously the front and having a look at what I believe is the ‘half chassis’ at the front they don’t seem to be bent. Just the shell is in bad shape to say the least

[austina40sam]

Chris Ennis is the best man to ask. Definitely worth doing though

[mikeg_303]

Chris Ennis is the best man to ask. Definitely worth doing though

Thank you for having a look Sam
I’ll look him up
I’ve got to get myself a plan of action

[Mike Hodgson]

Very repairable.
If you decide to repair/restore you will have all the help club members can give .
It would be wise to check the condition of the rest of the body, don't worry re mechanical items they are an easy fix
check condition of floor panels, rear chassis leg around spring hangers ,rear wings (under bumpers),corners of bulkhead (under bonnet)
inner and outer sills .