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Finally Operational.......

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M

mxp01

Jedi Warrior
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After much consternation we (my son and I) finally got our 1960 BE operational over the weekend. Its been great to finally get the chance to actually drive the car after a year of ownership.

Now, while operational, the BE still needs a lot of TLC. So, let me ask some questions:

- I have an original steering wheel. I installed a horn button that I got from Moss Europe (including the clips). We have lost the clips and the button keeps falling out. Any advice to keep it in place?

- The speedo (a BE original style) doesn't work. It is stuck on 10 mph. Can someone recommend a rebuilder of these?

- I'm afraid the horn ring cover that goes between the dash and steering wheel might not be original. It has two studs, but the dash has three holes. is this an indication I have the wrong part?

- I have a cool fuel gauge that says "petrol." It looks like the original but is from a Jag. When hooked up it only reads full. Would it be possible to get this to read correctly?

- One last time on tires: I need them, so what size should put on the car? (I have steel wheels.)

Finally: Looking forward the winter, I was considering the disc brakes/strut shocks conversion. Is there a site I can peruse to see how this is done? Does someone offer conversion kit(s)?

Also: As other have commented, my many thanks to the people of this forum. Many have helped with info, directions, and parts to help me get this car on the road. I cannot thank all of you enough for your help. Hopefully, I can have the opportunity to do the same in the future.

Mike Pennell
 
I can't help you with all of your questions and some of my answers may sound glib (sorry), but here it goes:

1. Get a new horn button

2. Palo Alto Speedometer https://www.paspeedo.com

3. No clue, but if it fits then go with it.

4. Get a correct Spridget gauge. I am using the later Sprite gauges in my Bugeye and they work just fine (easy & cheap to find too).

5. 155/80-13 is the size I am using. I think the actual metric conversion is 145/80-13, but the 155's are much easier to find. I like Kumho Power Star 758's, just so long as you don't plan on driving in the snow & ice.

6. Frontline Spridget https://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline



I hope this helps.

**EDIT** I guess I did (sort of) help you with all of your questions! Good luck and have fun with your Bugeye. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif
 
Good luck, and congrats on getting things going again. Don't forget, we all love pictures.

I'll be working on the disc conversion this winter/spring. I got my master cylinder recored for the discs from this chap:

https://www.gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/DbrakeUg.htm

I also gathered all the bits necessary for the disc conversion from a later parts car. You'll need the disc bits and later A-arms from a disc brake car, and it's been recommended to swap to the later rear drums as well.

I run 155/80R13 on my original steel wheels.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif with all the above.
 
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