Embedded Files
The Moke finally failed its MOT in September 2014 and had to be taken off the road with a SORN made to DVLA. As I had recently retired, I had the time to rebuild it to the best of my ability ! Unfortunately, the kitchen windows and kitchen units needed renewal followed by a holiday in Australia and New Zealand.
The strip down did not start in earnest therefore until June 2015 and I was lucky in finding Mike Thomas of Mistyle (Lynch Lane, Weymouth) to undertake the extensive bodyshell repairs and repainting.
Strip down reveals very poor condition of bodyshell - lots of filler !
The stripped down shell with lots of rust removed was loaded onto Simon's truck & along with other items plus new body panels from 2003 Moke Club clear out, all taken to Mistyle in Weymouth in Sept 2015
Whilst the bodyshell was away, all other components were cleaned up, overhauled with new parts where required prior to painting. All carefully labelled ready for reassembly.
September 2015 : Bodyshell rebuild by Mike Thomas (Mistyle). Very professional approach with photographs sent on a regular basis to report progress. These photos were given to me on completion on a CD as a record of the work. A selection are shown below and were all taken by Mike Thomas. These really do not do justice to the amount of painstaking work that Mike put into this project. He had rebuilt numerous Minis but this was his first Moke and although it looks basic, it is in fact quite complex and not really the best of designs !
Cradle and jigs created to allow work and to keep bodyshell alignments.
Above : Panel replacements were made using the 2003 Moke Club clear out ones and also additional panels purchased from Leo at Moke Panels who fortunately have all Moke panels and are based near Bridgwater in Somerset (about an hour away). Mike managed to reform some panels including the original front panel.
Below : Floor panels all welded into position; preparation for painting and first primer coat applied. Mike had re-crafted the new Portuguese rear panel bought as part of the Moke Club "clearout" so that it has rounded bottom corners. It does have 6 flutes instead of the 4 flutes on the original English rear panel - but only Moke experts would spot this !
Above : Final coats of paint (colour was changed to VW LA5C Surf Blau (2c) by Rainbow Paints). Mike Thomas produced a really good finish. Finished in August 2016. Sadly, Mistyle no longer trades but I do hope that Mike has been able to use his great skills without the hassles of running a business.
Below : The surprisingly complex construction and rather poor design of the English Moke - I reckon about 35/40% of the panels were renewed during the above reconstruction. This diagram is from the original body parts manual which I was lucky to buy for £9 in 1993 !
Below : August 2016 - The bodyshell returns home and my re-assembly starts.
Bumpers were refitted to allow strap securing
The Moto-Lita steering wheel from 1970 was refitted after repair by a local saddlery.
The passenger grab handle was mounted back to front but I have not changed it !
Above : Engine overhauled and reassembled on subframe with new suspension cones. 1995 wiring harness still in good condition so refitted. We lifted the bodyshell over the front subframe / engine - a lot easier than an engine hoist.
The Moke finished with a almost new hood bought for £15 in 1996. The quarter lights (Portuguese) were purchased in 1995 but not fitted. I fitted them this time as they greatly strenghen the windscreen and combat the dreaded Moker's cold shoulder - important for an OAP !
Overall, a very enjoyable project with a satisfying result which will hopefully result in a long period before the next rebuild !
Google Sites
Report abuse