http://www.finecars.cc/en/detail/car/40737/index.html?no_cache=1&ret=63
Hi Everyone, I am working hard on Espada 9516. Because of the severity of the accident it was necessary to make parts for the front structure. Bob Huber Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi everyone, Just an update on the hood, it's coming along pretty well. Here are some of the early photos of the frame straightening. I will send more updates in the coming days. Bob Huber Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Turning this into a driver might be quite a chore? Thast dash looks like mit's sagging and coming apart. But it's all there if you want an S1. That last one local here in NJ (S2) was probably a better example. It went pretty quickly.
Way to go Bob! (I took those pics, that's my '48 Buick in the background, Bob is an artist doing amazing work) AR
Not my intention. More than any other Espada this highlights the cars similarities. The color "looks" almost identical.
Hello Everyone,, I'm working on the car everyday so why not post pictures everyday! Well the front is looking pretty good and I'm working on the hood frame to finish that off plus finish the complete hood before I align the outer fenders. Today, I started on the rear body panel and right quarter panel. The plan is; save the upper quarter panel, save the rear body panel and make a new lower quarter panel. The metal on these cars is soft steel. Most likely it was easier on the dies when they stamped it. It pulls pretty easy. Robert Huber Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
One thing that's very encouraging for us Espada owners is that Robert must think these cars are going to appreciate since he's investing a lot of effort in this one. You ditching the rubber bumpers Robert? Were these actually stamped with dies or banged out over wooden bucks I wonder? Anyone know for certain?
It's not courage, it's the encouragement that I'm receiving. I'm having a good time, it's a real challenge but loving it! (Don Adams agent 86) Thanks, Robert Huber
Hi Bob, I was able to get rubber bumpers from Roy Cat's. The outer panels were stamped. I don't know what material they used for the stamps but the sheet metal is very soft. I have a very good article from the 60s on the Fiat Dino coupe. I feel that the Espada was produced the same way. I will scan some photos of the production sequence of the Fiat body. Aaron and I were at the shop this last weekend and we were taking a good look at the car and how it was made. There are so many small parts that are jig welded in subassemblies. Today's cars are designed with higher strength metals so that fewer individual parts are needed. The Espada is a labor intensive body structure. Robert Huber Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Peter, Thanks for your encouragement, I'll be posting a lot of pictures as I am in high gear to get this car on the road. Robert Huber
Hi Robert, I'm impressed by the project and your work being done and to do. I saw this car in person when it was in top condition and it's worth saving it (as any Espada...). Best of success ! Philippe S2 7987 www.lamborghinimiura.com
Hi Bob, If you think about all the Lamborghini's made, the Espada in many ways was/is the Best one of all. I would like to see a change from the Lamborghini "parts cars" to the Smartest Lambo to own and drive. The more we drive them the more people will "appreciate" them. How many Espada's are left? ...Were half of the total production turned into parts cars? How many are sitting in the garage waiting for TLC? Is anyone keeping track? Robert Huber
Hi Philippe, Thanks for your support! Yes, this was/is a really nice Espada. It was going to be a parts car. I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to put her back on the road. Robert Huber
Hello Everyone, If we look at the damaged hood as one piece it looks to be a total loss. The hood skin itself is bad enough but then to see that the steel reinforcement is bent in many places it looks to be a daunting task. So to start with we have to see if we can make it repairable by breaking it down into smaller problems. First there is no way to repair this hood with a reinforcement and skin together. The front of the reinforcement has an upper and a lower panel welded together. Both panels are twisted. I had to drill out the spot welds and weld beads to separate. Now that the lower panel has been separated you can see it makes for a much easier repair. In Bertone fashion there are several flanged (flared) holes that have to be dealt with. By making a wooden buck with the whole pattern I was able to flatten out the panel while still retaining the flanges (flares). I also had to repeat this on the front upper panel. I will send photos of that operation next time. Robert Huber Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Aaron, Yes, I am in the need for some good American made sheet metal as you can see! I will be at the shop this weekend. Dont worry The Buick is safe. LOL Robert Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
