Martha's Vineyard Classic
Car
Austin Healey Restoration
On The Vineyard spring arrives late due to the
lingering cold ocean water that surrounds our island. Islanders patiently
wait for this time of year as the cold damp spring holds on. It is
the calm before the storm and we get to enjoy a few nice spring
days before the onslaught of tourist season.
Part 3 of 3
The assembly has progressed though it is only temporary. I have
to make sure all the panels fit together due to the major overhaul
of inner support panels. The white area is where most of the hidden
front damage had occured. The top front part of the cowl is susceptible
to small dents due to the softness of aluminium and damaged caused
by those who lean hard in this area. A fender cover is a necessity
when working on the engine or you might have the same damage as I
discovered on my Healey. I always get great satisfaction spraying
on a fresh coat of primer as it tends to bring the project together,
at least temporarily. I had to replace the lower front fender panels
and the rear dog legs. When I stripped the paint I discovered lots
of old fiberglas that had been applied prior to my bondo fix. It was
a mess and time to add new metal as this project would have only a
minimum of bondo fill
THUMBS UP!!
Yep the old Healey
started fine. A little exhaust smoke from all that mystery oil, though
it cleared up quickly. A happy but fleeting moment as the SU carbs
were about to give me more problems. The years had taken their toll
on the carb seals and gas leaks were about to appear. Not a major
setback though a few more weeks will pass as I have to order new parts.
WELL THATS ALL FOLKS!!
at least for now. Project will be on hold for
another few years.
November 2000 and the project continues. It was
time to start the engine after several years of being idle. I added
lots of mystery oil in the cylinders as the engine had been rebuilt
some ten years ago and I didn't want any problems in this area. well
here we go!! Ready to attempt the big moment. Quick start spray to
help ther engine along, and a trusty fire extinguisher by my side.
I almost burned this project up the last time I tried to
start it. I choked the SU carbs a bit much, they flooded and gas from
the overflow was dropping on the manifold. My lungs got a workout
and saved the day. I am not interested in repeating the performance.
Gas smells a little stale, but its only in the carbs. The gas tank
was removed during the project so I'm using a rubber hose and quart
jar for a gas reserve. Chris is standing way back, think he doesn't
trust the old guy after the last incident. I never will live that
down.
