Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[jensen541]

Hi Folks

I thought you might like to see some of the progress I have made with 541 chassis over the last few months.

I had the components made up a welded them into place keeping as much of the original as possible[/b]




Then the final chassis was sandblasted, seam sealed and painted





There are still some minor points to rectify and the rails for the roof section to make up but essentially and mentally its finished. Thanks to all for encouraging tips on heavy duty welding, you were right I enjoyed it.
Merry Christmas too everyone
Brian

[peter scott]

Hi Brian,

Looks like you're making good progress. Do you have any "before" pictures?
What are your plans for the body and mechanicals?

Did you ever find out what car your friend's pre-541 front suspension came from?

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Greeney in France]

WOW i wish all my welds were that consistently good
_________________
www.OldFrenchCars.com

We do these things not to escape life but to prevent life escaping us

[jensen541]

If you are sure you want to see this horror show!

Most of it just needed scrapping.
What on earth were people thinking that they thought the rear spring hanger "repair" was safe?


Forward spring hanger







As you can see it was a big mess. There was so much bodge and secondary repair work that it was difficult to determine what was factory. 541 owners are not blessed with a manual so there is lots asking, measuring and visiting before you dare start. I did have some invaluable help in that respect.
The big straight 6 is nearly stripped down before evaluation and rebuild.
[/b]

[peter scott]

[Rick]

amazing stuff

Rick
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[scott_budds]

Wow well done those weld do look good and the chassis as a whole now looks much better than the chassis with a few holes you started with!

I have to admit I wasnt sure which model the 541 was but after a quick peep on google I can now say what a nice looking car. I think a few of the Jensens look like Astons which I hope is no bad idea?

Keep up the momentum

Buddsy

[Jason]

holy moly ...and I thought I had my work cut out
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"people with money buy a Rolls Royce, people with taste buy an Alvis".

[Ray the rocker]

Having seen the "after" look from your original photos---The "before" pictures really show the effort and dedication you put into this resto.
I can only assume the same will apply to the rest of the project.
Good luck !!
Cheers---Ray the Rocker....

[jensen541]

Thanks for the kind words chaps.

I will of course continue to put the same effort in on the rest of the restoration, I don't know any other way! Thing is I'm a sucker for a rusty heap and find it difficult to walk away.

Judging by the other vehicles on here there is every bit as much dedication and skill that go into your cars. That why I like this site better than single marque club sites, there is a hands on approach that you don't always find everywhere.

Hope it continues.

[Rick]

I don't suppose you have any pics showing the complete car, prior to dismantling? it'd be interesting to see how good/bad it looked before being dismantled

Rick
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Home:https://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk
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OCC & classic car merchandise (Austin, Ford ++):
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[jensen541]

Here you go Rick

These are all taken on the day I collected her complete with original West Brom number plate. And I've just noticed I've had her 4 years!!

[scott_budds]

Looks not too bad there!! I am glad you got the model with the small "darts" (dont know what else to call them) on the rear that are not too big. I saw when I was looking up Jensen 541 one I think it may be only on the 541R that had really big darts on the side at the back that looked a bit too much IMO. I think small ones are cool but looks like some one was getting carried away on the press tonnage!!!

Buddsy

[jensen541]

Hi Budsy

You're right, I much prefer the back end of the 541 too.
When it was tested back in mid 50's in Austin's windtunnel at Longbridge it was shown to be extremely aerodynamic and in fact had the slipperiest Cp factor tested there. So I can only assume for the 541R (as you correctly pointed out), the 'bumps' were an attempt to increase the figures. Especially as they were fitted (supposedly) with a newer engine version.

Brian

[peter scott]

Now is it more aerodynamic with the radiator shut off or not?

Must say I have a soft spot for the 541. My father had a wealthy friend with one and I can remember being very impressed by a run in it. Then some years later in the mid 60s my dad told me I could probably have it for peanuts. We went to see it and it was covered in green mould inside and out,
didn't have any carburettors and looked a right mess. Even I was sensible enough to realise that it was well beyond my 17 year old's ability to resurrect it.

Also at that time my sister's boy friend's dad had CV8 and that also left a strong impression on me. He took me around the block in it and one part of the run consisted of a resaonably steep hill that was four lane but a 40 limit. Anyway, from a standing start at the foot of the hill we were, for the only time in my life, doing the ton in a 40 limit by the top of the hill.

Very impressive.

Peter
_________________
http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon