Evil temptation lurks. Pls advise.

[911cop]

For the first time (well, that might be an exaggeration) I seem to be running out of steam with old sports cars. And, it happens to be my first Healey, '59 and blue over ivory, that is sitting in my nice barn, with power, lights and a floor (the barn, that is. The car isn't quite as sound.)

Sure, the Healey may be a good basis for a complete resto, but it's nonetheless very needy, having not been run in 25 years and being pretty much a basket case. The body is the problem, keeping progress anywhere else to a minimum. As therapy I visited a Ducati motorcycle dealership and was awed by new exotic alloys, wonderful desmodronic valves, and flawless, expensive paint. It was very tempting. All in, with new riding gear and touring bags, a brand new Multistrada could be had for the price of the Healey's bodywork, or less. And it isn't even English.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Chris,
I would suggest taking a break. Go on to something more exciting. Working endlessly on something that your heart isn't in will just make you hate it. I have done much the same. Switching from old English cars to American cars, to motorcycles, house remodeling, a few other things, & back to old English cars. If you can, keep the Healey for a while. You might surprise yourself by getting interested again, after you get tired of the bike, or too old to put up with it. Or maybe get rid of the car & get another less needy one some day.
Good luck,
D

 

[Randi]

everyone's soul needs nuturing. If you do not have great enthusium at the beginning of this-including an emotional attachment for the car.....consider local talent. We often swap enormous chores for title work or legal documents or newly discovered projects. When great progress is made it frequently renews the spirit to take over the reins or reaffirms the decision to unload and change direction-we have 40 cars - been there done that!!!Good Luck with how ever & what ever you decide. Randi

 

[anthony7777]

911cop,ducati-healey,ducati-healey,perhaps you need to just get it out of your system,buy the bike and if you survive the three week "wow i have a new toy" break in period,you can then get back on track with the healey project.ducati,hmmm a heck of a diversion,i gave up bikes in the late 70's but must admit ducati!a horse of a different tune.good luck. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif

 

[911cop]

Anthony 7777 seems on track...I think I'll buy it. A Ducati won't take up much space in the barn, and I can still keep the imobilized Healey, too, for another day...

 

[soren_ak]

sounds like an idea /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif - i hope for you that u find joy in handeling booth. - shuld you deside to get rid of the healey though, I culd be interested - if so, or prehaps in a while or years u have consideration about selling it, please let me know and prehaps make you an offer /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif -
soren_ak@hotmail.com

 

[nevets]

I went thru something similar

Not too long ago I had 3 Brit cars, my very nicely restored BN6 (Kurt Tanner), a very sweet and well sorted S1 Elan, and a partially disassembled-for-restoration TR4. I finally realized I didn't have the time for all 3 so decided to downsize the collection. No trouble finding a buyer for the Elan...though for a while I agonized over keeping it and letting the Healey go. But it really hurt to see the unfinished TR4 project go (went to a fellow in the UK). For years I pecked away at it but my heart really wasn't in it, and although it still bothers me to have given up on the project, I'm glad I did...especially when I consider all the money I didn't spend and the all time I gained to enjoy other things. So follow you heart...get the bike and as others have said, reconsider the Healey project later. Best of luck with all your machinery.