Bob Blayden's Sebring Replica
Under construction in New South Wales, Australia
Bob Blayden is the third Australian to undertake building an Archers' Sebring replica. The basis for his new project is a Leaf Green Bugeye he bought in Adelaide, after a long drive with a trailer in the hope it was what he wanted. The car had been imported from the States, having been built originally in September 1959 and shipped to San Francisco, 3 months later. It bears the chassis number AN5-L/29256 and body number BAE/28924. In the course of the restoration so far Bob has found a 1963 1 cent coin, a 1967 dime, a front door or garage key & a Coors American Beer can opener. They all fell out of the door pockets when he put the body on a rotisserie where it remains at present.
Bob has recently bought a 1275 Midget for its engine, gearbox, disc brakes, etc.
His Sebring kit arrived, by sea, in Sydney on 28th April (2012), and in the following month Bob fitted the coupé top and bonnet: "I have cut out the back panel and am amazed how much room there will be. I hope next week to bolt up the top, cut out the rear window and windscreen for fitting, and also fit the side-screens. It certainly has created some interest with its shape amongst some of my friends."
22 August 2012: "The Leaf Green Sprite of mine is really taking shape at present and I hope to cover the dash & the rail above the dash, also fit the dash over the weekend. I picked up all the interior trim on Wednesday including the seats (look great). I will send you some photos in a few days".
[More will continue to be added to this page as the projects moves on]
Bringing Bugeye home from
Adelaide to Newcastle
stripdown begun
repairs to old damage
removing body filler
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engine and 'box out |
new floors fitted |
off to be sand-blasted |
and back again |
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priming repaired areas |
In the spray shop priming repaired sections |
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Amazing lack of rust |
Inside the tail
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Donor car |
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The essential 1275! |
Newly painted wheel |
Further work is carried out on the bodywork |
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After weeks at sea the crate of Sebring parts arrive in Aus |
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In the paint shop (May 2012) |
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.....and some of the finishing colour goes on. |
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Suspensions fitted and rear window in (18 Aug,2012) |
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Carpets laid |
Roof vent fitted |
Engine ready to go in |
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Bob has just fitted the interior trim which leaves the rust-proofing as the last item on the body. The engine has its bearings, rings, cam, etc in but needs the cylinder head fitting before painting. He has still to connect up the wiring, fit the brake lines, engine and gearbox and then BINGO! So, as they say, watch this space. |
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