Chronicle of a Tiger Repair
Part III
The finished Tiger of John Logan Sr. on display
Part II is here.
Article and photos by John Logan Sr. and Doug Jennings
First published in Rootes Review, February 2005
The first month we discussed how the Tiger was damaged, disassembled and dipped. Last month we discussed some of Doug’s methods of straightening and preparing the surface for paint. This month we describe the painting and reassembly process.
The Color Coat
Before Doug and Steve could start painting the car, I of course had to decide the color I wanted. After attending the 2005 Detroit Auto Show and seeing the entire selection of new, wild show car colors, I decided I would stick with red but I wanted something brighter then the stock Carnival Sunbeam red or Guardsmen red. I chose the Corvette Victory red.
The doors, hood and trunk lid are now removed for painting. The bottom and interior surfaces are painted with a two-part PPG acrylic enamel paint called Delstar. Steve then sprays the outside surfaces with a PPG Base Coat – Clear Coat acrylic urethane paint called Concept.
Final Assembly
All the carefully stored parts are found and installed on the body in a sequence that eases accessibility. For instance, it’s much easier to install all the brake and clutch cylinders and lines when there is no power train in the way. Doug has done this so often he doesn’t need a written sequence but us amateur restorers should have one.
The “Repair” has proven successful
When the car was finished, I drove it 200 miles, from Dayton, Ohio to Dearborn, Michigan in 3-1/2 hours with only a five minute delay for a loose electrical wire. In the last six months it has traveled 2400 miles to various events, including a 900-mile round trip to the United XXV held in Alexandria Bay, New York.
During the summer of 2005 the car received first places awards in its class of many Sunbeams, in the two largest All British judged shows in Michigan. It got a popular first place in its small class in our June, 2005 Shelby American Automobile Club show. It has been on display in several collector car events and in cruises in the Detroit area throughout the summer of 2005.
The re-assembly with required adjustments is similar to the following sequence.
| 1. Under dash items such as wipers and vents |
17. Alarm |
| 2. Rear wiring harness | 18. Cruise control |
| 3. Fuel tanks and lines | 19. Steering column |
| 4. Brake cylinder and lines | 20. Wheels |
| 5. Power train with front cross-member |
21. Exhaust system |
| 6. Rear suspension | 22. Interior panels |
| 7. Driveshaft | 23. Carpet |
| 8. Radiator | 24. Brake fluid, coolant, oil |
| 9. Door and trunk seals | 25. Battery |
| 10. Doors, trunk lid | 26. Check electricals |
| 11. Heater | 27. Top fitment |
| 12. Side windows and mechanisms | 28. Start engine |
| 13. Dash pad | 29. Hood fitment |
| 14. Windshield | 30. Align front end |
| 15. Front wiring harnesses and all lamp assemblies |
31. Road test |
| 16. Instrument panel with attached wiring |