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First commute!

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58Custom

58Custom

Jedi Warrior
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I got my registration tag yesterday, and today was my first commute in the '69. I drive it 22.3 miles each way over surface roads and a portion of two-lane 50mph highway.

It ran well today but I still seem to have some vibration above 65. I have new tires and the rear U-joint is new, so I'm not sure what the prob is but I need to find it. Ignition noise in the radio was terrible despite having added a 6500mF cap this weekend, so I stopped at a parts house on the way home and bought an MGB cap, rotor and plug wire set. No more noise!

I was well equipped today. I had my hoodie for the drive in with the top down, and sunscreen and a cap for the drive home. It was in the upper 90s on the afternoon commute, but the engine did not get over 200 and mostly stayed between 170 and 190 so I was very happy about that.

The rear end got choppy and loose when making a hard left over some rough road. I figure the shocks are gonna need some service but I'd rather convert to telescopic. Thoughts? Preferences?

Another question: I hear noise from the axel at the tire when I get off the power to shift and again when I reapply power. A clunk noise both times, like the axel is loose or something. I have wire wheels. I plan to pull the wheel this weekend and take a look, but perhaps someone is familiar with this noise and what causes it?

Thanks to all at this here forum who helped me to get this critter on the road. The posts have been invaluable!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]A clunk noise both times, like the axel is loose or something. [/QUOTE]
If its not a wire wheel, check the pinion bearing (where the driveshaft attaches to rear end....it won't make noise under load but will when there's no load to it.
 
Worn Splines... ouch$
 
Don't bother with telescoping shocks, FRONT OR REAR. If you think you need new shocks send yours to Peter C. (https://nosimport.com/) .. he'll rebuild yours to better than new, any valving you want, or if you don't want to be down waiting, do the core charge thing. .. Lots of racers use his shocks NOT tube!

NFI
 
Check the rear spring nuts, if they are loose, you will get a clunk when you let off the gas. A broken leaf spring will do that too and if gives you a rear wheel steering effect too.
 
Jim Kitchen has 5 wire wheels available if you have a bad one.
 
Check U-joints and suspension bushings for the clunking too!
Stick with lever shocks! (recondition if necessary!!!) :wink:
 
I agree with the shock thing. A properly restored lever shock syste, will be all you will ever want once it is freshened up!!
 
Thanks for all the hints.

The second day went like the first, only it was hotter today. Engine did not get over 200. I don't have an oil cooler so I'm pretty happy with it. Tomorrow and Friday are supposed to be hotter, over 100.
 
Under 200 with these temps, you are golden.
 
If it does turn out to be the differential, there are always ones on sale on eBay, not a lot of $$$. I got a really nice 3.90 one, which I keep as a back-up or may one day install, for something like $60.
 
jlaird said:
Under 200 with these temps, you are golden.
Click to expand...

And turning golden brown. I put on sunscreen before leaving work.

Fuel consumption is too high and the rubber sleeve in the filler neck has cracked. So I will give it a proper tune-up and set the rockers and then tune the carbs again and replace that sleeve. This was my shakedown cruise and I now know the car better. I knew that problems would reveal themselves. Oops. Not problems, opportunities.
grin.gif
 
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