[Healeys] First Drive in 26 Years and three problems!

[Randy Dickson]

Fellow Healeyoids,

Well, I finally got my 63 BJ7 out on to the road yesterday, after a total
nut and bolt frame off restoration and a 26 year hiatus.  I drove around the
block a few times and noticed a couple of problems.  These problems are
aside from the usual oil leaks which I'm going to work on later.

 

1).  The brakes were pulsing when I applied them.  I figured a warped disc
or drum.  All four were turned.  I got home, jacked up the car. Removed one
front brake disc, installed a new one I had and it bound against the stub
axel or backplate.  It would not turn.  It is substantially thicker than the
old original one and I wonder, it is a NOS Lockheed disc from a long time
ago.  Maybe I have to grind on my backplate or on the bolt heads on the stub
axel.  What is the likely problem?

 

2). Something kept clunking, or I would have driven further.  It sounded
like it was coming from the driveshaft.  Inspection revealed the driveshaft
was fine and new U-joints were installed, bolts tight.  I think that the
problem may be in the rear end center as it seems to have substantial
movement when the driveshaft it rotated.  Maybe it needs to be re-shimmed.
This is about the only thing I did not touch on the car, as well as the
shocks and springs.  I will get to them eventually, but how much is the rear
differential supposed to move when the driveshaft is rotated?.

 

3).  Lastly, two pieces of carpet that I can't figure out where they go.
They are boot shaped or letter L  shaped.  They go somewhere around the rear
wheel arch but I don't know how they attach.  

 

Thanks!  I will have more bugs to work out later.

 

Randy

 

Healey Archaeologist

63 BJ7

60 BT7

06 Mini Cooper S

66 Cobra replica