Just got caught up on this again, hadn't seen quite a bit of it. Your determination is impressive! Devin
Progress update - long overdue... So, I've managed to get the rear fender done, (more or less - still needs the final skim of filler and tweaking to get it spot-on, but I'm calling it good enough to move on...) front fender was next... And as expected, it was a mess! Whomever 'repaired' it last just stuck a new outer panel on (from what, I still don't know) and simply silicone caulked it to the wheeltub. With all that crap cut out, I was left scratching my head with this... I took the advice given on here this time, and cut the old outer panel off, leaving the corners rounded to avoid warpage. I wanted to try a different approach with this wheeltub, so I used some 1/8th" steel wire to 'trace' where the wheeltub meets the fender panel (wing). That would give me something to work towards when building the metal out. Then I started to build up the wheeltub in manageable sections. It sure ain't pretty - but it's solid, and with a coat of Raptor, it should be good enough for me to never have to deal with it again! Then, I fit, trimmed, bent, fit, trimmed, bent... and so on... Until I could weld the fender panel on. I've got to say, the rounded corner meant there was far less distortion in that area, and overall, I think I was a little more comfortable with controlling the heat. Now, it isn't perfect, but dammit it looks like a car again! When I say it's not perfect, I mean that when I was re-hanging the doors, I found they were tight along the leading edge where they had previously fitted. and tight against the leading edge of the rear door... So something has shifted somewhere along the lines, probably due to my keen-ness to get good penetration in my welds and lack of patience at this point - but we're not talking much, so after asking some advice locally, and searching The HAMB (obviously!) I got them as good as I could, and then attacked the offending edges with a grinder and welder until I had even gaps again. Tight gaps: Ground away: And welded to keep everything together before pulling the door off to properly weld... Apart from that, I've had to replace some of the inner and outer door bottoms, both front and back. I used a similar approach with these as I had little to no reference points left once all the filler and rust was gone. I simply 'drew' the shape I needed to work towards with 1/8th" wire, and filled in, back to fresh metal. Again, not the prettiest, and barely worthy of being on here - but much better than it was before I started on it.
After all that, I thought it worth it out to get a better view from a distance. It gets awfully intimate working in a single-car garage, I've learnt! So, here's where we are today (bar some work on the door bottoms)... Nearly ready to attack the other side... At least I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing this time around! Thanks for looking! Matt
It looks like you’re learning as you go, which is good. I hope the other side is in better shape under the wheelwells.
Gotta learn somewhere eh! I think the other side is a little bit better... but I won't know until I get those fenders cut out... Thanks for the message!
i'm still grinning at this!!-had an old riley saloon a little more than 50 yr's ago-had l/h steering though....great work!!
Matt, Keep up the work and keep plugging away at it!! Is the car still driveable? If so even better! While many would run away at such vehicles they don’t bother me nor does rusty floors and trunks, wheelhouses, etc. I applaud your effort! Randy Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Good that you're documenting this with photos as you go. I'd take the inspectors failing report, and all your photos to the person who sold you the car, and ask for him to compensate you "some"; I'd also consult an attorney. No one should have to completely rebuild a car due to someone else's crap workmanship done just in an attempt to cover things/damage/repairs up. Of course take all your photos with you to the next inspection. If that does't work out, maybe some Italian or Sicilian gentlemen can be of assistance? You're doing good, the guy who sold you this should't be doing good at all. JMO. I am Butch/56sedandelivery. Not to sound crude, but every American male also wants a HUMBER, but not all of us ever get one.
That's why my Hillman is built that way (I noticed the fenders don't unbolt)......luckily we don't have safety inspections here.... Keep up the great work and pics too.
I like the car very much, and beautiful work. You must have endless motivation to do all this. I would have called it quits a long time ago.
As ever, thank you all for the kind and encouraging words! I often feel like I’m working in complete isolation on this thing, and the encouragement really helps! Here’s a couple more progress pics... Not much to show, just a lot of filling and sanding, but it’s all progress I guess! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hi Mat..Back in an early life (early 1950's) I was a Jaguar nut ..which I hot-roded...it was Mk5z ..... I brougt a wrecked XK120 and installed all the running gear into it....it was weapon..after that I brought a Mk8 and specked to C type and fitted Mk9 all wheel disk brakes after that I went American Hotrod ...still have a soft spot for Jag's There has been a few Humbers for sale here lately..look real good as they have been sitting in sheds and pretty cheap...I like the super snipe late 50's class car
Great project! As far as drivetrain, that thing is just begging to have a turbocharged 2.3 liter Ford motor dropped in! Back it up with a T5 and you're off to the races!
Nice work and it will be a great car when done. It is a shame you have not qualified for the show "Car SOS" treatment, they would have had it all done in 2 weeks. Hahahahaha!!! Keep up the good work.
if you rearranged the chrome letters on the boot it could spell hamber .turn the letter U upside down
I don't know where to start. Your motivation to tackle this is just...well...unimaginable...but super admirable! And your creativity and workmanship is excellent! Very impressive all around. Congratulations on a job being exceptionally well done.
Well, I don’t know what to say... Thank you very much... I’m just stubborn I guess - don’t want this damn thing to beat me! And it won’t! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So, I finally got to a point where I could asses the overall shape by putting a single colour on. I quickly rolled on some grey filler primer, just to get a better look. Pretty pleased with the results... So I rolled out out with the help of a friend so I can tackle the other side. Once I’ve got both sides more or less the shape I’m after, I’ll put some epoxy primer on to seal everything while I work on the rest, unless anyone thinks that’s a terrible idea? Thanks again for all the encouragement fellas! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Epoxy primer as a sealant is a good idea while you're working on the rest of the car, it'll keep contaminants out of the body filler and also moisture off of bare metal. The bodywork looks good.
out for a spin yesterday and what did I meet a humber it looked immaculate black with good chrome /trim. model similar to yours only with 4 headlights hadn't seen 1 on the road with ages.
Ahh, that’ll be a Supersnipe! They’re getting to be rare beasts these days! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Thanks man! That’s exactly what I’m after... I also might need to move it out of the garage for a time while we extend the house, so I want to make sure it’s protected... Got any recommendations on a brand of epoxy? Thanks for keeping up with this man! Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hi Matt, I'm just up the road a bit from you Nr. Boston (Lincs). Just like to say what a brilliant job you are doing, especially in a single garage. I doff my cap to you sir. Back in the 80s we did a "Hawk" for a friend. Pic ; Charlie.
Looking good! I was looking for some epoxy primer recently and came across "HB Body 989". When I searched for reviews on it I came across a few people in the UK who were using it and they mostly seemed to like it. Could be worth a look.
You can make a very nice two door, with an unusual sort-of-chop - lower the back of the roof and the gutters and reshape it above the rear window to make it less bulbous. You don't have to cut the front or rear glass at all.
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