Edward Howell Galvanizers Ltd is assisting part-time Formula One (F1) contractor, Rob Sapinski with the restoration of his classic car collection, endeavouring to overcome the frequent challenge of rusting components. He said: “When I am not working, I enjoy building Land Rover Defenders in my workshop. When restored, they are incredibly fashionable, sought after, and only increase in value due to dwindling numbers.
“Plus, I am doing my bit for the environment – I won’t be discarding it as soon as the engine is faulty or it has done too many miles. Instead, there is endless possibilities to change, restore, and update it. With the help of Edward Howell Galvanizers, and other local companies who have helped, I am restoring these Land Rover Defenders so that they can stand the test of time.
“I have completed many of these projects to date, but often my biggest obstacle is rust. A few months ago, I contacted Edward Howell Galvanizers for help, and I am incredibly grateful that a firm of their stature agreed to accept my Land Rover’s very intricate steel parts – as others have previously been unable to handle them.”
Acid-dippedThe major steel components – including the chassis, bulkhead and axles – are acid-dipped at Surface Processing in Dudley, before Edward Howell Galvanizers collect and galvanises them by dipping them in a large bath of molten zinc at 450°C, which provides them with an estimated rust-free lifespan of more than 70 years.
Mr Sapinski continued: “Jim and the team take great care when galvanising to prevent the thin steel from buckling, and this precision and attention to detail is really appreciated. But my latest project consists of parts that are very small. Luckily, B.E. Wedge Ltd, specialises in centrifuge galvanising and was able to handle these. Centrifuge or spin galvanising follows the same process as general galvanising except that the work is placed in baskets to be galvanised and rapidly removed from the bath before the zinc on the work solidifies. The basket is placed in a centrifuge and spun for several seconds to remove excess zinc from the surface and prevent items from sticking together, ensuring a smooth finish.
“After galvanising, the parts can also be powder coated or painted as specified, to further protect them from the elements. Unfortunately, as many car fanatics like myself will understand, the production quality of this particular vehicle declined significantly in the early 2000s, causing them to deteriorate quicker, before the original model was discontinued completely in 2016. While new models are available, many like myself will agree that these originals were the best 4x4s ever made, and we must preserve them at all costs.”
Jim Lindsay, sales manager at Edward Howell Galvanisers, concluded: “It is a privilege to be supporting Rob again with his latest Land Rover Defender project – it is fantastic to see alternative and exciting parts come through the plant. It is such a thrill to see the finished product, knowing that thanks to the galvanising process, these cars have been given a new lease of life so they can be enjoyed for many more years to come. We can’t wait to welcome Rob back and see what he is up to next.”