29 replies to this topic

[cvanandh]

The body is a bit worse than thought. When we started to scrap the paint, found that there were minor patches and rust which is not a major concern.

The main problem is with the water channel, its quite pathetic to say the least. Its got numerous holes and all these holes were just covered with paste and was then simply painted upon by the previous owner and hence its condition has worsened.

So needs some expert tinker to set right the water channel and hence decided to change the garage from Palakkad to Pollachi, where the guys are found to be better to deal in such tasks

The car will get there in a few days. The cost estimate given by the tinker is Rs 7000/- and the Painter has quoted Rs.18000 inclusive of paint materials.

I'm going for the original Bottle Green color which the car came with in 1964. Going for shades from DuPont Refinish.

I Believe Rs. 25,000 for a complete tinkering and painting is quite reasonable. Will add some pictures when work starts on the car.

Edited by cvanandh, 25 March 2010 - 11:59 AM.

[Andy]

You are really passionate about your Baby, brother. 25,000 sounds slightly on the higher side, for an Amby that is - but not when you love it so much

[cvanandh]

Thanks Eshan!

@Andy: I thought 25k was quite reasonable (from my perspective- do correct me if I'm wrong) since I'm going in for DuPont. DuPont paints retail around Rs.2000 and higher per litre. Also, will try to get some pics when I get down to Coimbatore/Pollachi and then post them so that all can have an idea about the excessive patch that needs to be filled.

Thanks for your comments anyway

Edited by cvanandh, 25 March 2010 - 06:03 PM.

[shreyzee]

@cvanand

nice...congrats

[tejesh]

man-o-man..
What a story it is.. and it feels really good to have the baby we always love..be it a old one owned by the family or a brand new dream machine...

And all the best for the restroation....

[Jasirman]

I know the feeling of getting back something that you didn't want to leave. It's very touching and again congrats on getting back the car. Best of luck on getting it back in shape again.

Oh BTW, I just couldn't resist. You look 'cho chweet' in the first pic.

[vaish]

wow ....its really heart touching ...i really appreciate that you got her back " congrats brother " now you got her back..where is the smile on your face ...show us with a snap ....hehehe kidding ...i hope you will make her perfect for a good run soon solving all problems ..i have no knowledge about automobile functions to help you ...but sure with interior and stuuf can help
take care man ....

[pulsurge]

The pics are so nostalgic! Loved this thread.

[moeed]

Nicely written story. Loved reading it. It must have felt great to get your car back. The car is really well-maintained. The interiors are beautiful too. Do take good care of it and post the photos after the restoration is done.

[cvanandh]

thanks all for your comments. Will update in due course of time.

[Payal Sakhuja]

Wow - Even I had an Amby and have a lot of memories related to it. Just wanted to ask you one thing - What does your Amby mean to you ?? Could you share some memories of your with the Amby also. I would love to hear that.

I also liked your pictures - Can I share them on my facebook page. Please let me know , as I would like a lot of my followers to know more about India's pride !!! :-)

Regards
Payal

[cvanandh]

Hi Payal, thanks a lot. You can very well share my pictures.

[cvanandh]

Guys, sorry for not updating this thread for a very long time. Problem is that the car is still not ready.

Tinkering and mechanical's are now complete and the car has come back to the painter. Some pictures from the tinkering work in progress:










Once tinkering was complete, It has spent numerous days at the hands of the mechanic and complete underparts work has been carried out. The following are the list of spares that are changed:

Suspension Bush kit
Link 4
Distance tube 2
Spacer 4
Lower arm high bolt 2
Torrison bar pin 2
Lower arm pin
Lower arm bush nova type
Upper link bush nova type
Wheel oil seal 4
Wheel bearing two sets

Brake Drum - 4
Brake mass cyl 4
Brake hose 3
Brake lining 2 sets
Wheel cylinder 4

Grease .5 kg
Gel grease .5kg
Brake oil
U clamp
Spring pad
Spring pin
Rear axle bearing

Shock absorber 4

Joint star - 3
Joint bed bearing

Steering box
Rack pinion
Ball joint
Tie rod end kit
Damper pad kit
Ball joint boot

The above set me back by approx 16k. That's not the end, there are some more which I will be getting by this month end:

Timing belt
Timing bearing 3
Fan belt and bearing

Castrol 20-40 Diesel Engine oil
Oil filter
Diesel filter
Air filter
Gearbox oil
Crown oil

and clutch related parts. Will know them only when the clutch is removed. I have decieded to bring up the car in perfect condition without any compromises and so the delay and cost are eventually evident.

Finally, after almost a year, the car was started and made its way to the painter. The mechanical works were started in December 2010 and now the painter has started off with the work. Tried few shades of green and zeroed in on one. Few pictures of the finalized color:

[satyenpoojary]

Is that green allowed on cars... its 'similar' to the military exclusive green right!