Hello list-
It seems I learn more from the mistakes I make than from what I do right.
Perhaps on of my mistakes can help others from duplicating the problem.
I restored a TR3B and a TR6 for concours. Thinking the cars would look more
finished, I purchased Lucas tar top batteries for each. The TR3B was finished
several years ago(1994) and the TR6 was only finished for VTR this year.
The 3B tar rop battery had trouble from the beginning. It would not hold a
charge well, which I attributed to the lack of driving time. I noticed some
discoloration in the engine bay, but thought it was fuel from a leaking carb.
At VTR this year, the fresh Lucas battery in the TR6 spewed over in the heat
and discolored the firewall and its' surrounding area. Fresh car, fresh paint
and fresh battery acid. Not a good combination.
Today, while getting the 3B out for a drive, I noticed something white on the
floor on top of the tranny. Yes, it was from the battery and had created a
hole in the battery box large enough to stick a finger through. The entire
box will have to be cut out and rebuilt. The engine bay of the TR6 will need
a respray if I keep it in concours. Tough to match red!
Both batteries came from The Antique Auto Battery Mfg Co. in Hudson, Ohio.
Buy a Diehard and put a Lucas sticker on it! Please do not repeat my mistake.
Steve Thornton
Bowling Green, KY
"Home of the Corvette"
Triumphs---
1954 TR2
1962 TR3B
1968 TR 250
1971 TR6
Jaguars---
1963 MkII RHD
1969 XKE FHC
|