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.
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.