Rubén’s on the Road, after 25 years

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 9:48 pm

Back in 1983 I aquired a limelight green stiletto shell UHK 74K for a school project. It got built back into a car, resprayed red and brother Jon ran it for a while and then I bought My maroon Chamois CNA476C. This I restored with new panels and a full repaint and then learnt to drive in it.

I set up the heathrow area centre and handed it over to the cashmores when I moved away to university. On my first trip back, a couple turned up in a MK1 imp in skye blue which they were trying to sell the number plate off it for £550. I paid them this for the car.

The car was registed new on July 3rd 1963 by Hartwells of Bournmouth, as 5948RU and is the oldest surviving hartwell imp. It came with, but not fited a fabricated manifold for a twin choke weber 24 32 ddc off a citreon ds 19 The car otherwise was basicaly standard apart from extra instruments and a wood rim steering wheel.

Bodily the car was poor but i decided to restore it.
So far its had new inner / outer sills (no drain holes on mk1's)
It needed new floors, so I made the floor pan tool
All 4 wings and front panel still need to be fitted along with rear window inner / outer frames and rear engine bulkhead.
And of cause all new bolt on panels, correctly back dated to mk1.

Edit April 2016 Daughter is now 9, and my son is 6, and the car is still not finished

Kind regards and Happy Christmas
After a 8 hour respray prior to national in 1996

new sills

rear end cut away

new rear window frame

CNA476C in its current state

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:20 pm

Well 18 months has gone by, some of you may be wondering whats happened to this car. Well I now have 2 kids, and even less time, but the family are of on holiday without me in november so I will be able to start the assembly of the shell big time.

To sumerise, the list of parts I have for the shell are:-

Low sidelight Front Panel
Low sidelight LH Front chassis leg
Low sidelight RH Front chassis leg
Front floor
Boot lid
Front Scuttle
LH low sidelight front wing
RH low sidelight front wing
LH Inner outer and heater sills*
RH Inner outer and heater sills*
LH floor*
RH floor*
LH Door (Perfect used )
RH Door
LH Rear Wing
RH Rear wing
RH C post*
Inner rear window surround
Outer rear window surround
Rear shelf
Rear roof trim
RH Engine bay inner wing
LH Engine bay inner wing
Rear body crossmember
Engine lid
* indicates Fenn Lane panel
All in this is 19 nos rootes panels, + 9 of my repair panel + numerous repair pieces for the inner arches. I have a new set, but the car is not bad enough to need these.

Loads of photos will be added soon as the assembly commeces

tim sears · Post by **tim sears** » Tue Sep 29, 2009 8:56 pm

Do you mean Naomi isn't staying at home to help ?

Good luck
Tim

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:33 am

Some more pics from the strip down, I forgot it looked so awful, why did i bother!

As removed from the lockup in 2002

Found this shim in the rear suspension

Shell was lightly sandblasted

Supplied by Hartwells sticker, anyone make me a new one!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 12:26 pm

Hartwell's pug dealer has been bought out, so no issue of copywright, as I am replacing an existing sticker, for my car, and to anyone else that has a genuine hartwell car,

IOW graphics cannot help, any other ideas?

kilty · Post by **kilty** » Wed Sep 30, 2009 5:43 pm

Pop round your local art school, there will be many talented `utes` that can sort you out with the artwork for the price of a kebab!!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 10:33 pm

Well after 7 years of moving it around, I have cleaned the surface rust of the back of the car, ground out the rear shelf and inner wings and cleaned up the new panels and started the reassembly of the shell

All GONE !!!

cleaned up second hand shelf backdated to 63 mk1

NOS 1963 LH inner wing being spotwelded in. This is a very early panel, When i cleaned the primer off, is had been heated up to form it, and had some hand working on it. Prototype part maybe?

NOS 1963 RH inner wing being fitted, note the light cutouts, to suit self tapping screws. another drawing office cockup!

Trial fitting of new old stock rear wings and inner window frame

How I left it this evening, The back end all clamped in place with NOS rear window frame, and new C post, engine lid and crossmember. Looking like it all fits

colin rooney · Post by **colin rooney** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:29 pm

Cracking bit of work well done Jeff

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Mon Nov 09, 2009 7:36 pm

Top work as always

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:01 pm

Hit the prototype inner wing with a big hamer!!!

Everthing now fits, and have the new rear wings on.

Decided not to put complete inner arches on, but made small repair pieces for the arch edge, mainly so the spot welder would work.

Rear wings are now on both sides.

Just need to fit the mk1 engine lid hinges to the window frame and fit this.

Next job Front End!

tim sears · Post by **tim sears** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 2:50 pm

He may have some older types

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Two-Team-Hartwell ... 3357438391

Tim

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 6:38 pm

With this panel in the back end is done, bar little things like a battery tray and engine lid hinges. Need to repair and strengthen the original mk1 ones, One of which is in two pieces, having rusted away!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:37 pm

Rust and accident damaged panels removed!

Time to raid my panel store again

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:02 pm

copying the arch edge of the nos original panel

inner arch repair , the rest will be done when the floor pans repaired

nos scuttle clamped in place, dont thimk I will ever see one of these again!!!, should really of been used to make new ones, but................

Front end parts all clamped in place, nearly there!!!!
So far the panel count is over 30 new panels, numerous repair pieces with just the floor to fit. I must be at a point where there is more new metal than old!! Does this still make it a 1963 car!?

Phew, and it only took a week, a very long week, with not much sleep! Lou naomi and william fly back in this evening, so ............ watch this space!

Dave ' Linwood ' Lane · Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:06 pm

You seem to be using up the worlds final supply of NOS genuine panels ( except for mine

) , great work and a worthy car to use them on , worthy person doin the job too

ChrisBenoy · Post by **ChrisBenoy** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 2:28 am

Surely that is the closest to a brand new imp we are going to see anytime soon? Looks like more or less an entire new rear and front end? Impressive restoration either way.

long_gone_John · Post by **long_gone_John** » Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:47 am

Agree with Chris

No new shells (built any year down the line?)... so that's out.

This is a heavily refurbished shell, originally at the '63 Build date.

If someone was to get pikkie... then a skip (next to it) full of the bits cut out (AND... all the rust flakes) STILL qualifies as a '63 car

I also agree that a steel/3D photo set of the panels, as listed in the WSM, is priceless... and WON'T be done again..

Ace...

LGJ

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 7:16 pm

Car moved on a little this week, bare metalled the new front end panels and acid cleaned them, back to shinny steel. Welded the scuttle in, so that tied the front end back together.

Next task is to use the car as a Jig for the front wings I am currently making, any one else want any?, and then weld on my new front end. Car then can leave the safety of the jig, and have the internal bolt in braces fitted, so it can be inverted and have the floor repaired.

Estimated completion date, imp 50 2013!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Fri Dec 04, 2009 8:01 pm

Project Status
30 panels fitted, 5 left to fit!

Low sidelight Front Panel
LH low sidelight front wing
RH low sidelight front wing
LH floor*
RH floor*

Parts fitted
Low sidelight RH Front chassis leg
Front floor
Boot lid
Front Scuttle
lh scuttle finisher
rh scuttle finisher
LH Inner outer and heater sills*
RH Inner outer and heater sills*
LH Door
RH Door
LH Rear Wing
RH Rear wing
RH C post*
Inner rear window surround
Outer rear window surround
Rear shelf
Rear roof trim
RH Engine bay inner wing
LH Engine bay inner wing
Rear body crossmember
battery tray
Engine lid
LHF outer wheel arch edge
RHF outer wheel arch edge
LHR outer wheel arch edge
RHR outer wheel arch edge
Rear seat belt ancher plates *2
closing panel between a post top and inner wing
front grill

johnh875 · Post by **johnh875** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 2:53 am

Why did you change to the 4 lamp front end Jeff?

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Wed Dec 23, 2009 11:20 am

'cos it looks better!

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Tue Jan 12, 2010 11:46 pm

I too have old petrol in my Chamois.

Your short run in your Imp sounds like it was fun, Jeff!

IM

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Sat Feb 20, 2010 9:32 am

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Sat Apr 17, 2010 9:37 pm

New owner pointed to the forum and the club I hope Jeff?

Stolly · Post by **Stolly** » Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:58 pm

You will regret it..........

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 8:35 pm

What are your time scales, Jeff?

IM

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:58 pm

Nice! I'm definitely suffering garage envy. Can't wait to make a start on mine.

bazzateer · Post by **bazzateer** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:10 am

Insulate as much as you can Jeff, walls ceilings and doors. A bit late for the floor though!

cov_climax · Post by **cov_climax** » Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:31 pm

is if 4m at the eaves then or are you going to have the first pent-roof imp after the first attempt

impmann · Post by **impmann** » Tue Jul 26, 2011 10:23 pm

Go for it... it would be good to finally see that car back in one piece!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 9:28 pm

Those porsche wings are £700 EACH

The Nun · Post by **The Nun** » Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:54 pm

bazzateer wrote:
HARTWELL MK1 wrote: just needs some doors and insulation!
When the time comes I'm thinking of getting mine from these guys:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTOROLL-ELEC ... 0705979036

If they will sell you that size for £865 then take it, they look ok from the photos, mine cost £1800ish for the same size in 1998! Obviously like flat screen tele's theyre getting cheaper all the time and have come down in price, as long as the door comes down, oh and goes up when you want it to you cant go wrong.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 12:57 pm

Sounds good, Jeff.

I must say, your (almost) chosen colour scheme of white over blue sounds most excellent!

IM

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Mon Aug 15, 2011 9:13 pm

And whilst I'm thinking about making it go, it will also need to stop. However micras were not too common in the 60's, so I broke a brabam viva for the front brakes. The rest went in the crusher

but it was a bit rusty.

Time will tell whether I like this set up or not, But I've got a fair waay to go till I find out

Paint wise I will try Skye Blue Lower Half and Balmoral Grey top at the guide coat primer stage, and if I like it It will stay. I suppose I could also spray a bonnet grey, and borrow vicky morgans car

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:49 pm

Prometheus · Post by **Prometheus** » Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:03 pm

Also not going to use the mk1 wing badge in favour of a stick on number plate ?

Seems a shame. Its one of my favourite things about the Mk1

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:18 pm

And how it looks at the moment!

Although not much looks to have been done, several hours of work has been done on tweaking panels, and making minor adjustments, to make this imp fit together how Lord Rootes wanted them to look! And Yes that is a new sport engine lid in the background!

tim sears · Post by **tim sears** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:40 am

No spot lights.
Keep it clean and pure.
Just my opinion ,but living with 3 females it doesn't usually count for much.
Keep up the good work
Tim

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Thu Aug 25, 2011 11:34 am

^^ Speaking personally, I agree with Tim.

Keep it pure and leave the spotlights off. Obviously that is just my opinion and I am certain that the car will come out looking spectacular, whatever you decide to fit or omit.

IM

impmann · Post by **impmann** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:45 am

Hmmm, nice, but I think if the top was Skye blue and the bottom was slate grey it was look even yummier....

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Fri Aug 26, 2011 7:16 pm

The next weld a thon begins tomorrow

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Sun Aug 28, 2011 8:15 pm

Well not much left to do now,

Heres my TO DO list

Fit the enlarged front airbox

Reinforce and fit the Mk1 engine lid hinges

Repair the floor (Its heavily pitted but not holed, so a good coat of paint will have to do!)

Drill loads of trim holes

Paint strip, phosperic derust treatment and paint

Reassemble

Take to wicked Welsh!

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Mon Aug 29, 2011 8:40 pm

Just spent 4 hours derusting the floor!

Heavily pitted but mostly intact, so this will be repaired rather than replaced

Spent a hour or so with the mig on low power welding up pin holes! to save the floor

The square that is cut out on the lh side, was already patched in the 90's when I got the car along with a cover sill that side. In fact that was the only rot on the car

Should have repaired it and waxoyled it then!

Time for bed

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 9:32 pm

Sounds good, Jeff.

But we need PHOTOS, please!

(Well, I do anyway.

)

IM

TAGORAMAN · Post by **TAGORAMAN** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:52 am

This sleeping friend wouldnt be painted a certain shade of Vauxhall Beaudeax Red maroon pearl by any chance?...................................?

GURNSIMPS · Post by **GURNSIMPS** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 12:25 pm

with an 'imp'related number plate...

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Sat Mar 03, 2012 7:04 pm

Fabulous! The long-awaited return is imminent, eh, Jeff?

Daft as it is really, I'd be losing sleep anticipating that first drive!

Just like when I got mine back from being worked on almost five years ago...

IM

HARTWELL MK1 · Post by **HARTWELL MK1** » Sun Mar 04, 2012 8:02 pm

TAGORAMAN wrote:This sleeping friend wouldnt be painted a certain shade of Vauxhall Beaudeax Red maroon pearl by any chance?...................................?

GURNSIMPS wrote:with an 'imp'related number plate...

Maybe !

kilty · Post by **kilty** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:07 pm

Octo-lamped Maroon-ness.

ImpManiac · Post by **ImpManiac** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:20 pm

Very cool Imp!

IM