[Roadsters] Here's to "over engineering" !!

[Tim]

Kinda verbose but I think it is a good read....

A couple weekends ago, while on a Roadster Run, with a couple other local Roadsters, to the Vintage Races at Elkhart Lake, a wire/connection broke on my upgraded alternator. With the help of a friend, some duct tape and a local guy (who provided a connector in a town with no hardware store) we were able to make a "paddock fix" that enabled me to pretty much enjoy the rest of the weekend and get home just fine. 

Last weekend I replaced the paddock fix with a proper connector, took the car for a drive, and a few miles later I broke the bolt--my first-- on the alternator belt tension adjustor.

Here's the best part: 

Because of the way I have the alternator mounted on the alt bracket and front support there for, I was able to drive home with the alternator in place and the belt just as tight as before the bolt broke. The only reason I knew I had broken something is that I heard the bolt bouncing under the car and then back behind when it made a very clear and loud bell sounding "ding". 

Now I get to try to figure out why I broke a bolt for the first time after two or so years. 

I think I had the belt to tight. Hopefully that will be it.

Tim
Belleville, WI.
'70 SPL AND SRL
Still clueless but always learning