Listers, one and all.
For the past few years we've had a group of enthusiasts gather in
Madison
WI (USA) for a bit of post-Thanksgiving turkey Sprite dismantling and/or
rebuilding called Save Our Sprites. These "events" take place the Friday
and Saturday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28,29 this year) and are viewable
over the internet through some video magic. (details later) We hope to
improve that this year with faster service for better interaction. In the
past, those who wanted to contribute, but couldn't attend, offered food and
beverage from their locality. We've had some great variety from scrapple to
steamer clams, and many things in between. It all makes for a pretty fun
few days to keep the winter somewhat at bay.
I just got a call from Scott Sprangers offering up his Bugeye for the
supreme sacrifice or resurrection.
Brief overview. Bugeye w/ 1275, Weber DCOE, LCB header, disc brakes
but
otherwise all original ;-)
Engine leaks LOTS of oil. Floorboards fill up. 1 quart per 500 miles or
so. Breather set up is not routed the best, but there could be other
conditions.
Transmission is OK, though on rare occasions it is a little 'notchy".
Also
leaks copiously.
Rear suspension has been bottoming out with some frequency of late.
He's
looked at a few things and hasn't seen any broken springs. It is likely the
spring bushings and radius arm bushings are shot. Maybe the springs, too.
Spring boxes seem OK to him. He is, and will be, soaking fasteners with a
rust penetrant.
I suggested that we could do a compression test and some test driving.
Pull bonnet. Pull engine and trans. Re-seal engine, if that's all that's
needed. If rings are needed, then pull head and re-ring.
Examine transmission for obvious damage. Reseal as necessary. (He is
considering a 5 speed conversion in the future and that may sway him.)
Rebush the rear suspension.
If the project(s) don't get completed, I can keep the car here in case I,
errr, he, needs any parts.
I think the project realistic, if not ritualistic, especially if a
major
engine overhaul isn't required.
If anyone would like specific details on attending, contributing, etc.,
please contact me off list(s)
Peter C.
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