Subject: Re: Advice when buying an LG45 S1
Hi Keith,
I have been unsuccessfully searching for the list of 'LG45 buyers checks' I prepared on the advice of the sadly missed John Batt back in 2004 when I viewed my LG45 de Ville. So the list below has to be from memory!
Firstly buying a non runner presents significant risks of unforeseen expenditure into the future so you should factor such risks into the purchase price.
If the car has been previously restored that may be a bonus..or not dependant on the quality of the work.
Do check with the club for known history.
My list relates to a runner but here goes:
The obvious risks are mechanical condition of engine, gearbox and axle. You will have to rely on the honesty of the buyer but do budget for remedial work. Of course visual inspection under the bonnet will identify if everything is there (check both mags are there and of correct type) and give an impression of whether the car was well looked after prior to hibernation.
The most important aspect of an LG45 is condition of the ash body frame which is best checked whilst driving as the creaks and bangs show up quickly. However, you can get under and check the obvious timber sill structures and the vulnerable area of the ash frame around either side of the rear number plate which is often poor. Use a screw driver to prod the timbers. If it sinks in then there is rot. That said, it can sometimes be highly localised and easy to remedy, but check any rot carefully for extent. Lifting the doors from the base can show wear in hinges and more importantly the ash hinge post in the frame. If the door moves at the hinge post it can be a walk away moment as the framework is complex and needs the aluminium panels removed before repairs can be started. Condition of the screen pillars at their base is also one to check. Movement shows up as cracks in the aluminium panels and indicates rot in the A post timbers. Woodworm is also an issue and normally shows up under the car just look for dust. Worm normally attacks the 1936 plywood made using animal glue. So the rear inner arches have a plywood backing that often suffers so does the rear seat back.
Whilst under the car check for original Luvax shock absorbers are they missing and replaced by Andre Harford friction types? Is the Smith jacking system present and complete. (Highly unlikely it will work) What is the condition of the exhaust and tyres? Is the fuel tank clean or showing signs of leaking and/or rust?
Check the wheels and tyres for condition eg rust and loose spokes. The pencil test of the spokes is an easy check.
Condition of the interior is easy to check. Look at the polished woodwork, leather and door panel condition, hood condition if it is a DHC. Also check all the door furniture is present inside and out and finally the dash has all is original instruments.
Externally look at panel alignment but Lagondas are good at hiding body problems so the above checks on structure are essential. However visual inspection of the aluminium panels is important and put your hand under the front and rear wings to establish if there are any large filled dents that show up underneath. Interestingly, if the original under wing protectors are still in place that gives an indication that the wings are unlikely to have been removed.
Does the car sit well on the level, stand back and look for sagging corners. This need not be a major issue as springs can be reset but make sure it is just the springs!
Glass on LG45s if original can show yellowing and delamination. I have seen door glass in very poor condition on quite a nice car. It is a bit of a job to strip the doors down to replace glass.
Brightwork condition is important as it is costly to rechrome. Make sure everything is still there and check condition of the rad shell, slats and headlamps and horns and centre lamp plus front bumper condition.
Finally condition of the wiring will tell you if the car was looked after in years gone by. Has it been rewired in the past? It should have been!
Hope the above helps and I apologise if I have missed anything obvious. Good luck with the purchase.
Best Regards
Mark (Y2 in the register)
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