Finally some time to work on overdue Bugsy Projects

For the first time in well over a year I am in between Kitchen Remodel and Bath Remodel Projects,awaiting flooring to arrive,and I had some time to start work on Bugsy last evening on a long overdue replacement of Brake Master, Hoses, Fluid, Adjustments, et al. Got Bugsy up on jack stands and out came Brake Master and Clutch Master. I managed to get all out and not get fluid everywhere. Man was that fluid dirty. Last time it was changed was a long, long time ago. Will bleed and flush everything and make sure there are no leaky rear wheel cylinders as I go through it all. I cleaned up some paint issues under the MC, so easy when car was painted with Rustoleum to begin with and let things dry overnight. About to head back out to the garage decked out in winter wear to reinstall both masters and to see if I can get hoses changed out this afternoon as well. It's been 12 years since hoses were changed. Way overdue I know and I noticed some braking issues with front brakes pulling this summer when I drove Bugsy in August. He's been parked since for safety reasons and this was the first spare time I've had to work on him.

And of course forecast for this week calls for 56 Monday, 65 Tuesday, 54 Wednesday and Bugsy is up on jack stands. Time to get busy on Bugsy there is a wallpaper steamer for the kitchen in my near future that is calling. My wife realized I needed a break from the remodeling project and getting time to problem solve and playing with Bugsy puts me in such a better mood. Time to get busy.

Might as well do rear cylinders and calipers while your at it, Jim. Pulling to one side usually isn't cured till you do. I personally like Dot 5 fluid but I'm sure that the mere mention of that will bring on a barrage of controversy. Fitted it to my MGB when it first came out in the 70's. A friend now owns that car and has no brake issues---I don't believe they have ever even been bled!!

Kurt.

Kurt,
New Brake Master installed. Clutch Master I'll leave as is after cleaning out. All buttoned back up. Had to fight one of the brake lines as I cross threaded and had to fix with a 3/8 x 24 die. So will be interesting to see if I got it cleaned up properly or will need to replace the line. Appears I may have had a leak there as threads on the brqake line were corroded. Can I use some kind of Teflon or plumbers tape if I get a fluid leak there?

On tonight's agenda, replacing front and rear hoses. I have wheel cylinder kits so I will take a look at the rear wheel cylinders and likely replace seals. I'll make sure no leaks, adjust rear drums, and adjust E-Brakes and button things back up. Goal is to make everything safe before Bugsy goes up for sale in the Spring. Gotta make room in my one car garage for a BE that is coming home in March.

Jim_Gruber said:

Kurt,
Can I use some kind of Teflon or plumbers tape if I get a fluid leak there?

.

Click to expand...

Nope, the flare does all the selaing. Asking that question while in school would have only assured a 3 1/2 pound text book speeding in your direction propelled by an old cranky German.

"VHAT DID YOU ZEY" ...SWOOSH.....

Work on Bugsy slowed to a dramatic halt after a productive session Tuesday night. Was not feeling all that well when I was suddenly overcome with a severe wave of nausea. That passed and I attributed it to a bug. Same thing came back Wednesday evening and about 2:00 AM I went to the ER. Diagnosis GallBladder Red and angry and full of gall stones plus a 9 cm gallstone in my 7 cm bile duct. Not a good situation. Surgery late Thursday and then another endoscopic procedure on Friday morning to remove the stone. The miracles of modern medicine and technology. One to two weeks before I can return to work and the weight restriction says no work on Bugsy for at least 2 weeks. OVerall not much pain but they did need to catherize me after surgery and that's the worst part of the recovery. Catheter comes out today and I can resume almost normal life again.

On a positive front, I do believe I've found a Buyer for Bugsy my '68 Sprite with a BE Bonnet. Details still being finalized but Bugsy may be on his way soon to the Northeast. $ and a 5 speed as part of the deal will help to fund restoration of a '59 Bugeye in pieces which I purchased. Need to make room for Bugsy II. Come on Spring, Hey it's now 45 days until it's officially Spring. Let's get those winter projects in gear. We will survive what has turned into a crappy winter in the last 2 weeks.

Good news 2 - Son In Law volunteered to recruit a couple of friend to install hardwood floors in kitchen which was planned for next weekend. That is excellent news as well.

Get well! Gallstones are nasty.

Thanks JP. Once I get well, coming your way in March to pick up Bugsy II.