Showing off some of the projects I started (and a couple I finished :) )

I left my previous job for reasons I'm not allowed to go into (to protect them!). Suffice to say, that I have some skills that I would like to carry on using. Over the last couple of years I have gradually been acquiring certain pieces of equipment that will allow me to offer welding, light fabrication work and bead blasting to well, I think my target customers are going to be people with Projects in the Shed (or Garage!)

As I'm going to offer services, I think it's only reasonable for you to see some of my work (I'm not offering to build chassis unless you're really desperate and have complete plans)

I have, over the years, embarked on a few projects of my own, some a great success and some I admit didn't get finished but most of the preparation work and metal work was (the reasons for not finishing were due to the first line above).

Anyway, this was my first project I started on 6th July 2002

The chassis was built by me from scratch using modified plans of Ron Champion's book (Build a Sports Car for Under £250). The plans called for live axle but I wanted independent rear. I also wanted the chassis four inches wider than the book plans. It got registered at the beginning of 2006 and by October, I decided it needed more power so spent "six weeks" (read "the following three years") adding a pair of turbos, fuel injection, modified Renault 5 GTT intercoolers etc. This was great but before I could get it running properly I had oil pressure failure and replaced the complete engine with a really low mileage 3.9 V8 (was 3.5). I also welded up the rollbar/cage (I had the tubes bent to my dimensions), fabricated engine mounts, all the suspension wishbones and all the bodywork (fibreglass and aluminium).

Next I got started on modifying a Reliant Scimitar - the plan the to remove the body and front/rear suspension

Weld in independent units from an RX8

Then stick the body back on, bolt in a Lexus 4.3l V8 mated to Mazda RX8 box but I got completely deflated when someone stole the gearbox off the drive.

Sadly, that was as far as it went.

I wanted a quick project, so bought a Velosolex which needed a lot of work, but which was, 99% complete. Pictures speak a thousand words so here are some pictures of as I got it, strip down, repaint, nickel plating the steel and polishing the aluminium: 

This is what bead blasting can do

These are indeed off the same bike, the one on the right was subject to sanding and polishing (by machine buffing wheel)

This was after I started preparing the metal for plating though as you can see on the right, with a bit of love and attention it came out really nicely (still got nickel  plated though)

I was pleased how it turned out - I can't find the pictures with the front mudguard and engine fitted

There was also a Suzuki GSXR750 that was repainted in black from the rough Rizla colours in was in and then a Beetle - new chassis, mid-engined V8, RX8 front suspension etc etc - here's a link to the final video. Spur of the moment madness meant it ended up in a skip and I've regretted it ever since!

I also fabricated a two axis rolling hoist in my garage and a road trailer that I used to move the Scimitar body/chassis around.

VW Beetle Resto Video 4 - YouTube

So, if I can be of help, please get in touch with what you need doing.

simonsmetalfab@outlook.com