[Healeys] Generator Bush

[R. Price Lindsay]

Thanks to everyone who offered help.  I did get the bushing in with a C clamp
and a home made mandrel -- it worked perfectly.  In the process the bracket
that holds one of the brushes was severely bent (don't ask) and will require
the help of a machine shop.

Before I spend a lot to fix it, I have a question about alternators.  Is it
necessary to convert the car to negative ground?  Are there positive ground
alternators out there that are readily available and inexpensive (a
significant reason to shift to an alternator).  I've seen conversion kits that
cost $500 for the whole deal and those that are $80 for the bracket and $25
for an alternator to attach, but the instructions indicate that the system
needs to be converted to negative ground.  I just put in an electronic
ignition and fuel pump and I really don't want to replace them if its not
required.

Thanks again.

Price Lindsay
'67 BJ 8

________________________________

From: pennell at cox.net [mailto:pennell at cox.net]
Sent: Sat 8/16/2008 2:16 PM
To: R. Price Lindsay; Healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Generator Bush



Price,

I did this many years ago.  Used a combination of C clamp with wood block and
tapping on the wood block.  Soaking the bush with oil suggested by someone is
probably a good idea.  Worked out fine but I did have to do a good bit of
sanding on the inside of the bush once installed to get the shaft in.  Used a
large wood dowel covered with 300 and then 600 grit paper as I recall.

Keith Pennell

> Can I "press" the bronze bush into place with a large C clamp or is there a
better way. I thought about a hammer and flat piece of steel bar as well.
When I removed the old one it seemed a little fragile which gives me pause.