1970 IIa 109 ex mod build thread

[masonater]

I started this project in February 2010 with a 109 that has been in the family for about 20 years. It spent its ex mod life on Nantucket island where the salt gave it a real beating. It was getting to the point where I either save it now or it would have been beyond repair and required at least a new frame and much more im sure. I have never done a restoration before but have always been obsessed with rovers and wrenching on them. I figured taking one apart and putting it back together would be a great way to learn.

Anyway this is the start of my build thread. I welcome any criticism or questions. There is no way I could have made it to where I am now had it not been for this forum and the folks on it. February of last year it was running and driving perfect before I started taking it apart. I spent each and every day until end of May wrenching on it. This year my quest started up again on new years day 2011 and I have been going ever since. Currently I almost have a rolling chassis (waiting on tires) and I have now taken on the bodywork and wiring process.

Some background info on the rover: 1970 IIa 109 ex mod with 46,000 miles. Started life as an ambulance but when purchased in 1990 it was fresh off the boat with no more ambulance box. It was converted to left hand drive and had a pick up bed and soft top added. It was also still camo though not for long.

[masonater]

Removed soft top and some other small bits, started to see what i was getting my self into.

[masonater]

Started the long fight with rusty old nuts and bolts removing the seats, seat box, and floor boards.

[masonater]

next came the bed. Not nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be. Started to see some of the rust I was up against...

[masonater]

Then on to the front wings, this is when I found my new friend the cut off wheel.

[masonater]

Rear crossmember in very rough shape

A few years back i removed a beach sticker and with it came some metal revealing how bad it really was.

[rbbailey]

RV-4, Citabria, Pacer, a Skymaster, something sporty under the cloth... oh, and a Series 109. .......I could live in that hangar and be happy for the rest of my life. So. Cool.

[masonater]

RV-4, Citabria, Pacer, a Skymaster, something sporty under the cloth... oh, and a Series 109. .......I could live in that hangar and be happy for the rest of my life. So. Cool.

RV-8 with a 540, 240z under the cover, and i live up in the loft

[rbbailey]

RV-8 with a 540, 240z under the cover, and i live up in the loft

Too... much.... to.... comprehend. What a collection!

I'm just hoping to get my IIa up and running some day. The Pacer is actually the plane I want to buy -- but each of those birds would be on my short list, although to fill it out, I'd have to add a Cessna 180 and probably a Maule.

[TSR53]

RV-8 with a 540, 240z under the cover, and i live up in the loft

Exceptional build thread, very nice shop hanger too! We like your powder coated brake lines. Very nice to have your loft right off the tarmac, lucky you - test the 240Z and all the other goodies.

Since you gurus are straying off-topic I might as well chime in... Great to see all the pilots come out the wood work. Getting ready for flying season soon with piloting my electric powered RC Sailplanes. My hanger is filled with a 2 meter and several 2.35+ meter planes; Radian, DG-1000, ASK-21, Ventus and a Discus.