My next project "La Petite Chanteuse"

3 minute(s) of a 82 minute read

While it may look as though nothing is happening, I can assure that you my brain cells are working overtime! Unfortunately not even simple things like body frames just jump together. Anybody who has built one from just a few lines drawn on a sheet of paper, and I am sure that there are not all that many of you reading this can put their hand up for that one, will affirm that there is as much or possibly more "thinking" time as there is actual working time. 

I am sorry but you will just have to be patient, my CNC body frame machine is "off-line". 

Bj.

In an attempt to explain exactly what I am talking about here is a photograph of the frame I built about 10 years ago for a similar Singer Junior. One big problem is that my standards have gone up quite a bit in 10 years.

Bj.

8-28-2013

Another day. A start has been made on the body frame with the main (bottom) rails in place. Sorry nothing really worth photographing. More of the same today.

Bj.

8-29-2013

Hello Joe 

Nice to hear from you again. The Singer chassis was as were Lagonda bolted together in the factory. Rather than Independent suspension the chassis were designed to allow a certain amount of twisting. One reason why many English open cars with aluminium panels tend to develop cracks at some stress points. My Lagonda Rapier is a classic example with this exacerbated because the passenger is given a door while the driver has to climb over the side. This was the standard practice with all sporting Lagondas, even four seater larger cars only had three doors. (2,3 and 4.5 Litres)

Singer relied on the body frame to impart a certain amount of stiffness. Having said that there are just six mounting points for the body. With the engine bolted directly in, the crankcase also lends a great deal of stiffness to the front section of the chassis.

Bj.

Will all the super sensitive people and absolute purists look away now. 

For more years than I care to remember I have willingly confessed that I am a far better welder than I am a carpenter. This being so, this Singer as with countless others of my "restorations", will have a steel tube body-frame. 

Having said that to me at least there is one mitigating reason for my actions. "What would in all probability remain a pile of junk or worse still become fodder for the scrap metal mans muncher, I am "restoring to life" a going and usable vintage car that someone can use and enjoy. 

Once the restoration is completed with paint and interior trimming (upholstery etc), it will take a very keen eyed observer/judge to detect the difference. Having said that it is not my intention to deceive anyone and as with everything else in life I am completely up-front. Often to my own disadvantage. 

Shocked by this revelation? No one is compelling you to continue to follow this thread.

Bj.