1969 Sprite. Month: 8

[AvionicsTech]

Been away from home since this past summer, just thought I'd share with you all what I've gotten done since I've been back. It seems like every time I make progress I find 10 new things to work on. Hopefully, now that I'm back home, I'll be posting these videos more often.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Ben,

I'd take bearing out just to lube and clean. Really simple, just take note of the way they are oriented when they come out. New rotors are fairly cheap or just get them turned. If you go that far make sure you test condition of front end, wishbones, etc. Take a look in the back of the MOSS Catalog on detecting wear and tear on Sridget Front ends. Also you need to carefully inspect the wishbones for cracking. Lack of grease causes these parts to lock up and end result is cracked wishbones underneath all of the grease. Lots of PB Blaster on Bleeder screws multipole times before you try to do anything. Leard there is a treick using I believe a 1/8" drill bit inserted into bleeder screw before you attempt to loosen. 1/8" drill fits into bleeder and prevents bleeder from collapsing or breaking off. Sometimes heat helps as well. Be sure to replace both front and rear hoses. Limit is 10 years max, Spridget BMC Manual calls for 2 years or 24k miles. These hoses collapse internally and there are no apparent signs of collapse. Had issues with Front Brakes on my '68 pulling and not braking properly. Discovered issues with front hoses that were 12 y.o. and < 10k miles. Back hose collapse also affects rear brakes, found that first time around, no fluid getting to rear wheel cylinders due to collapsed hose. Slow and steady and your '69 wil lbe back on hte road.

BTW - Nice Wheels!!!

 

[AvionicsTech]

I didn't mention it in the video, but I had attempted to bleed the brakes a while back and found that I could get nothing out of the rear bleed nipples. Had no issue getting them to open, but as with so many things on this car, I had my PB blaster at the ready anyway. Suspect a collapsed hose to the rear, but I've already been planning on replacing the brake lines when I reach that stage. Brakes will be the next system I attack, once I get the carbs installed. Thanks for your advice on the suspension, I'll give the wishbones a thorough inspection too when I take apart the hubs.