[Healeys] Healeys

[Tom Mitchell]

Hi Doug,
 I installed magnetic third brake lights, a Toyota transmission and
Alternator for a variety of reasons
1) In some cases my old one parts needed extensive work, yes I could have
gotten them fixed. 
2) All mods are reversible, which means no cutting or modifying existing
structure, wiring etc. 
3) Safety (third brake light) and reliability, transmission and alternator. 
3) I wanted my wife, sons and whomever to be able to drive it, without
worrying about a non syncro 1st gear, or worry if someone could see that
they were braking in time. 

I drive my car (I have two BJ8, one all original waiting for time and money)
anywhere and everywhere, Vermont, NC, Ohio, Chicago, upstate Michigan, I
don't hesitate to drive it. 
I've lent it to friends for weddings; I've let a group of five teenage (19
yrs old) girls drive it around town. They (Healeys) are meant to be driven
and enjoyed and I think the mods assist in that. I have all the original
parts, except where a friend has borrowed my overdrive many years ago and is
still using it. 

I don't want a kit car; it's not the same nor is it MY HEALEY!    

Tom Mitchell
1965 Austin Healey BJ8 Mark III
Ann Arbor, Michigan

-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces+3000mk3=bighealey.org at autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces+3000mk3=bighealey.org at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
Douglas W Flagg
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 11:08 AM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Healeys

As John and Keith know I am a very opinionated New Yorker, and that will
probably never change. As Mr. Bill points out I'm not winning any
popularity contests, but that comes with the territory. I would, however,
like to throw out a question which is, believe it or not, related to the
list. Why do you own a Healey, or perhaps, why do you want to own a
Healey? It seems that recent discussions (over the last few years) have
begun to focus on 5 speed Toyota transmissions, air conditioning, stereo
systems, and more recently, power steering and fuel injection along with
a myriad of other "modifications' which, to me (just my opinion) detract
greatly from the form and function of a classic, period, sports car. I
understand safety issues such as radial tries, detachable third brake
lights, seat belts and the like, but would really like to have an
understanding of the thought process to "modernize" your Healey. So as
not to exacerbate my plummeting ratings let me preface by saying this is
an honest question and not meant to insult any particular list member. If
you want the "looks" of a Healey, but the technology of a "modern"
automobile, why not buy a kit car with power steering, anti-lock brakes,
power steering, air bags(?), etc. This way you have your classic Healey
to enjoy for what it is, and the "kit" car for the serious, everyday,
modern highway driving. To quote Ed "A curious mind needs to know".
Thanks.

Doug