Reached a Milestone Today

[Rob Glasgow]

In March, I finally got the frame down off the rotisserie and today I installed the engine and transmission. It feels good to reach this point in the restoration. Still need to do all the body work, but at least it's back on the ground and looking like a car.
BTW, I just listed my rotisserie and engine dolly for sale in the AH classifieds if anyone is looking for those items.

 

[Randy Forbes]

Yep, that's a Big Step; congratulations!

 

[Keoke]

Yeah and you updated the fused electrics too----

 

[Keith_M]

Looking good!

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Keoke, Yes I added the seven fuse panel. I always though two fuses were not quite enough and had problems over the last 50 years so I went this way.

 

[blueskies]

You have made a lot of progress in a short time; it's looking good! Did you do a complete rebuild of the engine? I assume that you did not do a test run of the engine before installation. I may make up an engine/transmission stand similar to the one in your picture to test my engine before installing it in the BN4. Since it has not run for years, it is a bit of an unknown quantity. It might make sense to test it first. I had never seen a wooden rotisserie before; how did that work out for you?

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Blueskies, i had the engine rebuilt about 15,000 miles ago so it's in great shape. I did put in a new clutch disk simply because it it was so easy to do at this point. The rest of the mechanicals are in decent shape since I've been driving and maintaining the car for the last 52 years. So my restoration was limited to some rust repair to the outriggers and lower body panels. Of course new paint and interior. I promised my self when I retired, I would restore this car since I've owned it for so long. It took me a few years to get the courage to begin, but it's been so much fun.
the wooden rotisserie worked perfectly. When I built it, I didn't have a welder so I went with wood. I recommend it completely. I can't imagine trying to a restoration without using one. I took the frame to the sandblasted guy mounted on the unit and he was delighted to be able to rotate the frame as he stripped the frame. It was so handy when I painted the primer and base and clear. There are so many cracks and crevices on a Healey frame. I guess that why the paint jobs from the factory were so hit and miss. They couldn't flip them over.....