simondema

I just realized that looking at the Champ I am buying here in Sydney, the engine is black. Looking at the photo I thought it was just dirty. It looks like it has one of the original engines. Simon

Is that so? I thought even the original RR engines were painted in Sky Blue. Had no idea the RR ones were painted black. That's something new I learnt! Thanks

Hi all I have the opportunity to buy 3 Austin Champ vehicles, which would be great for restoration or spare parts. I noticed on closer inspection of the vehicles that the engines are the Austin/Rolls Royce design, and not the straight RR design which was fitted to the earlier vehicles. Has anyone got any experience with such engines and are they any more troublesome than the straight RR built ones? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Regards Simon

Hey RR Brilliant piece of welding, mate. Amazing how this was the Champ's Achilles Heel, as most if not all the Champs I have seen had this part rusted out. Your restoration seems to be coming along really nicely, and I can't wait to see the results. I am hopefully going to look at my future vehicle in about 2 weeks time, and will try to bring it down to Sydney in the next couple of months. Can't wait! Keep up the amazing work. Simon

Hey Jack Wondering whether you have picked up with the Champ restoration. Spoke to someone in Sydney who is willing to soda blast all my Champ for under $2K, including the engine. Seems that soda blast will do less damage to the panels than sand blast. Let me know how you go. Simon

Thanks Clive for your response Depending on the costs, I will look at my options, although I would say using a paintbrush and doing it myself will be much more satisfying. I am currently looking at paint suppliers in Sydney, including Dulux. I believe they have both paints for the body and the engine. I guess what I am more concentrating on would be the correct preparation of the parts, including stripping of the old paint and using the correct primer. The top 2 coats, although important, are not as critical as the proper undercoat and primer. At least that's what I think, although I stand to be corrected. Regards Simon

As a further query to my original question, do most Champ restoration get painted by hand or airbrushed? I was reading that in the army chances are they would get a paintbrush, as airbrushing them would not have been practical. I would guess that once the primer was applied to the various body parts and the chassis that it would only need 2 coats of DOG BS224 paint? The same would apply for the motor? Sorry about all the questions, but not much info out there on paints and painting. Regards Simon

Hi Clive Thank you for your reply. I have followed the various links and now I understand. Effectively then there is no hard and fast rule as to what you paint the vehicle's assorted "bits", although from what I can gather, the fewer the colours the better. I guess if you wanted the Champ in a parade, then maybe the colour scheme would be different. Otherwise follow the KISS principle when it comes to paint: keep it green! Simon

Hi all Was wondering if there is a document which outlines the correct paint scheme for the Champ? I have found the correct colour for the body and engine, but what about all the other "bits"? For example, I have seen some Champs with the trailer socket painted yellow, while others have painted it green. On others, the wheel nuts have been painted white, while others red. What is correct and why such different colours? Any information would be appreciated. Regards Simon

Hey RR Enjoying following the progress on your Champ. You seem to take a very steady approach to it, and I assume that will pay off in the end. I have posed a question regarding the cleaning and priming of the chassis and body of the Champ. How did you do yours, if you don't mind me asking? Simon

Hey Jack Enjoying your restoration thread, mate. Hopefully I will start my project soon in Sydney, although the number of Champs I know of in Sydney can prbably be counted on one hand. There seem to be many more in WA and Victoria. Interesting how on the Champ registry when you look at the chassis numbers, the difference of 1 digit means one vehicle is in the UK and another in Australia! I noticed that my (hopefully future) vehicle originally came from Cairns, and the number above it ended up in Italy. Anyway, keep up the good work. It will look amazing when finished. How will you clean/protect the chassis and body panels? Simon

Hi all Been reading quite a bit about the restoration process for the chassis and body, including panels and accessories for the Champ. Some people have used sandblasting, though mostly for the chassis, and others have used good 'ole elbow grease and used paint stripper atc. I have contacted a company in Sydney who would strip and prime the chassis and all panels for around AUD$1800. They suggested I go and get the engine "Soda blasted" as this is a gentler method and will retain the smooth surface of the engine. The above company also does powder coating, though they suggest a zinc coating should be applied on the metal surfaces prior to powder coating. Does all this sound like the right direction to go in for the Champ, or is there another better method? I have been told by the owner who is selling the vehicle there is little or no rust anywhere on the Champ. The only area is a small patch where the floor meets the side panel (I remember from the past that was always a weak spot). Therefore, is doing all of the above overkill? As this project will take me quite a while to complete, the chassis, body and panels will be stored for an extended period of time, therefore I want to ensure they are adequately protected. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks Simon

Hi all Just joined the forum. Back in 1987 I bought an Austin Champ from a dealer here in Sydney and decided to restore it after having a lot of fun driving around Sydney with it. Unfortunately halfway through the project I had to sell it, as I had to move premises and didn't have room to store it anymore. I am currently trying to find what happened to it, although I think it will be a monumental task, as too much time has passed. I have attached a photo of it taken in 1987 soon after I bought it. I have now been bitten by the Champ bug again and being older (probably not wiser) I will approach the project very differently. There are still quite a number of Champs out here in Australia, although their numbers I believe are dwindling. I have my heart set on one, and I will hopefully go and have a look at it in the next few weeks. Hopefully this forum will help me with my long, but never boring, restoration project! Regards Simon De Marchi