Q: How do I know if I need a new chassis?
A: There are some obvious signs
- Tight
door gaps
- Scuttle shake
- Hard steering
- Stress cracks in front shroud
and rear shroud
- Compression buckle in main rail between engine mount and pedal box (feel side of
rail- it will have a bulge on it)
- Cracked engine mounts
- Buckle under rear axle
- Outriggers rotted out
- Chassis rails rotted
If you have any of these symptoms your chassis
is failing. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to examine thousands of cars, both restored on original chassis and
those needing restoration. They all had one thing in common- the chassis had failed.
Q: If I see no obvious rusted areas, can I check the deflection of the chassis?
A: The easiest way to do this is to place a jack under the rear outrigger by the rear of the door, slide the jack under
the chassis where the out rigger meets and jack the car up. Check your door gap, if it opens, the main rail structure is worn.
Look at the front tire and rear tire, if they are resting well on the ground this will indicate the torque rigidity is failing.
Q: Why do I need to replace my chassis
when I could repair the original?
A: Please
read the article Your Restoration Starts Here. This will answer your question thoroughly.
Q:
Should the engine and transmission be installed to ensure panel fit?
A: No, while
this seems to be a common practice it is not necessary, if you have a dimensionally correct car. The chassis is the foundation
for the car, if your chassis is sound then your panels should fit properly. Some people will insist this added weight must
be there for the panel fit but if you need to do this then it indicates the chassis is sagging. One has to wonder, what will
happen when a car with a sagging chassis goes over railroad tracks, pot holes, and road dips. My experience tells me, it puts
more stress on an already overstressed, likely cracked, chassis.
Q: Aren’t Healey
chassis suppose to flex?
A: No, they are not. I recommend you look at the article entitled “Specification for Performance” by Donald Healey
Q: What does just the chassis cost?
A: Just the
chassis costs $ 3250.00 + shipping + brokerage. Shipping will vary depending on where you are and brokerage is usually about
$245.00.
Q: I thought it was $8000.00?
A: That is
for our package price, which is outlined under services. We found that many of our customers prefer this package, as it is more complete and makes
home-restoration less overwhelming for them. It can be quite overwhelming completing the car and our package provides a better
starting point for our customers. We have done 100’s of Healeys so we know all of the idiosyncrasies of this automobile.
**NOTE:
A DONOR STRUCTURE IS REQUIRED**
Q: My restoration shop says they can fix what I have got
for $8000.00
A: Remember the parts value is $5995.00 and labour is $2,005.00.
These parts are NEW- not repaired. As well we set up your outer body panels. We not only provide the best price but the best
quality in market today.
Q: What if I need more than what is
in the package?
A: If your Healey requires more than our package
offers, we provide those services as well. We will quote this price for additional work before we start.
Q: Are there any up front fees?
A: No, you pay for the product upon delivery.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email us your phone number and we will gladly call you back on our dime to answer your questions.