Bodywork Session 12: Rear bodywork restoration
Today we continue with CRG163’s rear bodywork restoration.
When restoring such vehicles most often than not the day does not go to plan as more issues are found as investigation work continues in relation to CRG163’s bodywork. No stone is left unturned as the vehicle is restored. When further issues are unfortunately found the initial plan at the start of the day is changed accordingly.
Today was no different unfortunately when considering that CRG163 is 55 years old this year.
Whilst further investigating CRG163’s rear bodywork, and especially around the boot area, we discover that there is a wooden section behind an aluminium section above the boot lid that attaches the boot and boot hinges to the vehicle’s body. Unfortunately we discover that the wooden section inside the aluminium section has far deteriorated and as such must be replaced. However to get to the wooden section the aluminium section must be removed.
Nothing is easy of course as the aluminium section is housed behind a body panel that wraps around the top section of the boot lid as well as the vehicle’s rear number plate frame. Furthermore the screws that attached the boot hinges to the vehicle’s body have also deteriorated to the point that each one must be drilled out carefully and then removed one by one before the aluminium section is removed so that the deteriorated wooden section can be accessed and removed. This takes the majority of our day as we methodically move through the process of investigation and removal, documenting each stage through photographs so that we remember how to build back. Some of the photographs of today’s developments are also included on the website.
We also noticed that a section of the offside wooden boot floor has also deteriorated unfortunately. This is also removed in preparation for the new wood replacement.
From what we have already found with the rear of CRG163, the vehicle has had a rear impact collision at some point during it’s service days with Crosville. This is further reinforced as we note crumpled sections within the upper boot area which we begin to immediately straighten. (31.08.25)
The boot area as the panel above and rear number plate frame is carefully removed to get access to the aluminium section behind.
An offside rear corner floor section of the boot floor is removed for renewal.
Crumpled sections are found inside and above the boot area on the offside. We quickly begin to straighten this section.
Crumpled sections are also found within the boot area on the offside of the vehicle.
A quick photo of Sion, seeing peering through the vehicle’s rear number plate frame.
An image of myself within CRG163’s boot.
The aluminium section above the boot lid housing the deteriorated wooden section is finally removed.
The rear area of CRG163 at the end of today’s session which sees the boot section now stripped for renovation.