Well today I decided was defiantly set to be a great day to work on Doo
Dad, so I went over to where it is staying this morning to see what I
can get done today. The plan going in was to replace the gummed up
clutch line and figure out if I really need a clutch or not.
When I arrive at Dick's house (Dick Solomon has been VERY nice and let
me keep my car over there since I have no garage) I got a good look at
the engine bay, and the years of grease and grime were so think, I
decided to take it over to the coin car wash to clean the engine and
underside a bit. Well, after $6.00 in quarters, I got to where I could
see metal and paint (defiantly showing how far off my version of BRG was
from the original).
We got it back to the garage, put it up in the air and had a few
revelations.
Upon cranking the car, we listened for a knock that has only
occurred when I car hasn't started in a while (3 weeks this time). Well
it is there with a vengeance. Sounds like rod bearings.... : ( After
it runs for a few seconds, the car sounds great though.
The rear main leak I thought was fixed, is back in full force.
Looks like the transmission might have a leak as well.
Before I cleaned off the front suspension, there was a little play
in the left kingpin, now it moves 1/8 inch (ouch)
Well the right side had no play, but the the degreasing uncovered a
crack in the A-arm, right where the front fulcrum point is (GASP) I am
sure that was safe!!!
So as you see, I just found out if I had a house I would have to put a
second mortgage on it and soon. Somehow, my wife understands my
obsessions, but in the wee hours of the morning, I lie awake and wonder
why these demons to haunt me.
Anyway, I have had this little bugger for 14 years, it hasn't defeated
me yet.
Today we did cut out the badly rusted front frame arms and get
everything lined up and ready to weld them on next week. Dick made a
couple tubes slightly smaller that we used for sleeves inside, it should
be stronger than original now!!!
I'll start pulling the engine or suspension soon I guess, suspension
just feels like it's going to cost a lot more money. And I'm sure that
the right A-arm is not suited as a core.... But I know that I cannot
drive it with the suspension the was it is. The engine can run like it
is. I still have all the parts for the wire wheel conversion and tube
shock conversion in the trunk of my company car, I guess it all should
be knocked out at once.
Anyone have a cheap rebuildable Right A-arm? Or maybe a complete front
rebuild kit they forgot they bought but just put on the shelf for a
rainy day??? Heck I need so much right now my head is dizzy, and the
body still looks like junk..
Well I'll go. And would you believe that overall I had a good day,
Patton, wondering if he ought to look at the 5-speed kit while I head
toward this MAJOR spending spree.
--
'67 Austin Healey Sprite MKIV
My new improved Spritepage is found at...
http://www.GEOCITIES.COM/TheTropics/Shores/1256/page2.html
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