Ben,
Congrats on purchasing one of the finest automobiles ever made!!
I can only help with questions 1 and 4, perhaps someone else can help
with the others.
1. Yes, it is possible to remove the roof on these beasties. I know,
I've done it myself. The bolts come out easily, the glue holding the
front of the roof is not so easy. You will also trash your headliner in
the process, but, at least here in California it's definitely worth it!
4. Out here we have no more leaded gas, peroid! Unleaded seems to work
fine, but maybe 30k miles down the road I'll be sorry. I do occasionally
run a lead substitute, but not sure if it makes a difference. Besides,
the sooner I do the valve job the sooner I can put in a new camshaft{:-)
Cheers,
John Matthews
'61 & '65 Heralds
Ben@seiph.umds.ac.uk wrote:
>
> Good day list,
>
> I thought that it was about time that I asked a few of my burning questions
>and balance up the seemingly TR
> dominated list.
>
> I recently bought a Herald 1200 and defected from the Mini list dreaming of
>greater exitement, a sun-tanned head in
> the summer (see point 1 below) and the prospect of working on a car which
>didn't require yoga classes to get at
> its vital organs.
> The previous owner fitted a 1500 dolomite engine with twin carbs and a
>sptifire radiator and so begin my
> questions:
>
> 1, Most importantly, could anyone confirm or destroy a supposed myth that it
>is possible to easily unbolt the roof to
> convert a Herald saloon into a convertible during our long balmy English
>summers.
>
> 2, I quite like the high pitched whine reminiscent of a launching aeroplane
>which accompanies the engine noise but
> what is it caused by? Suggestions so far have been the gearbox/transmission
>or the air intake.
>
> 3, Is there any difference in 1500 Spitfire engines and 1500 Dolomite engines?
>
> 4, Whats the deal with leaded/unleaded petrol with these engines. I have been
>told that its OK to use unleaded as
> long as the occasional tank of leaded is used to lubricate the system. I
>currently err on the side of caution and fill
> up with alternate tanks.
>
> If there are any Herald owners out there, I hope you can help.
>
> Thanks
>
> Ben Barratt
> Brighton
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