401 bodywork advice needed

[dkleeman]

I am the owner of a 1952 Bristol 401 that spent much of its life in Jersey. I have owned it for over twenty years and it is now kept under cover in Cambridge.

The bodywork has always appeared fairly sound although it is possible that it has had a respray at some time in the past. There is the usual sign of dissimilar metal corrosion where the body joins the chassis.

The interior was replaced with smooth (not fluted) leather at some point and this is in good condition, although it is a shame that it does not look original any more. The rest of the interior is pretty sound.

While we were building a new garage this year the car stayed out of doors for about two months and suddenly the paintwork started flaking off over large parts of the bodywork. A major respray is now required.

I would be very grateful for any advice about who would be a reliable firm to carry out the paint work. I am also seeking advice as to whether the body should be removed from the chassis or not during this process.

Daniel Kleeman
[cross-posted to boc.net]

[dkleeman]

Just to update the forum, the car is now undergoing major respray with G & B Autospray in Royston. It turns out that it was definitely resprayed at some point in the past and was not originally cream coloured.