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It's the little things!

Lin

Jedi Knight
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It’s the little things!
Progress has been slow in the last few months, as the car has been at the restoration shop for body panel fitting ( I am using new aluminum wings) and preparation for painting. One reason for the slow down was my own desire to put oil cooler vents in the front shroud and to create a carb/master cylinder access panel. Unlike the panels you often see on rally cars, I wanted something that would appear as original bodywork, fitting flush in the shroud rather than sitting on top. My body man said he knew just the fellow to do the job. The fabricator had quite a portfolio of work including panel creations from scratch for Ferraris, Talbot Lagos and other rare vehicles. He certainly seemd more than qualified to take care of my humble Healey. You have to wait for people like that.

I just got the shroud back and I must say that I am pleased with the work. Little things in the grand scheme of a total restoration, but moves in the right direction. Isn’t it funny how some of these “little things” provide needed gratification in a long process?

I concluded some time back that the placement/look of the front vents is all a matter of personal opinion, as long as they accomplish the mission of getting air into the cooler. In my collection of images from cars with vents taken at shows and races, I have seen about as many variaties as there are cars. My fabricator did hit what I wanted spot-on, so I am pleased.

So, I am happy and so is my wife - since as usual she received another piece of jewelry to match the expense the bodywork!

Just thought I would share the news of a little progress along with some images which may be found at:

https://homepage.mac.com/linwoodrose/PhotoAlbum35.html


Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye
 
Nice job! I especially like the flanged oil cooler openings (my "flange" is a separate piece of stainless steel with screen riveted between it and the shroud).

So, may we assume that you're going with Webers too?

ct3.jpg
 
I am currently planning to upgrade the original HD6 carbs with 2" HD8s. However, in addition to making things easier to get to with the HD8s I wanted to plan for webers now. Didn't want to have to cut that panel after the car had been painted. I don't know if I will ever switch, because I like the SUs just fine, but I am ready if I change my mind at some point down the road. Thanks for the comment on the flanged edges of the vents. That was a feature I insisted upon and I am glad that I did.

Lin
1960 BT7 in restoration
1959 Bugeye
 
Isn't it unbeleaveable what a good metal worker can do. They are truely gifted.
 
Yes Jack,they really are.And very artistic too. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

Planning ahead for Webers is very good. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Stuart. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif
 
Well Randy, I see you don't like getting dirty either and put that fuel line filter where it will do the most good.I also see that Bosch blue body coil.Not many peple know about that little fella unless you have been a Volvo Nut.---Keoke-- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
Hi Lin,
FYI, some Weber conversions require pedal box modifications to get everything in. I can’t remember who has a “bolt-on” conversion but Denis Welsh’s needs some cutting/ welding before it will fit.

P.S. Did the motor mount issue get resolved?
 
How many Healey owners wish they had that carb access panel?!!! Nicely done.
 
Greg,
Thanks for asking about the motor mount issue. Because I gave up the car to get the bodywork done I had to quit the work on the motor mounts. I think I got things resolved, but I need to come back to it. I will keep you posted on how things ultimately turn out.
Lin
 
Greg/Lin, there should be no issue with the motor mounts except that the bulk of them available from the usual suspects are made incorrect. A correct set can be obtained from BCS in Stocton made for them in the UK. These match the original mounts O&M dimensions.Where the engine rests in the bay is an uncontolled variable and not cast in concrete.--Fwiw---Keoke
 
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