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Howdy all,
I'll try to make this brief and get to the questions, but first a bit of history. When I got my TD it was "resting" for about 13 years. I've had it close to 8 so we're up around 20+ years the car has been sitting. I never started the car but took care so that when I tried to, I did not ruin anything. She never started but did turn over and oil pressure built up to about 50 psi and all valves went up and down which I thought were good signs.
Car is just about as original as I can tell. 58 year old tattered paint and interior, southern California car all it's life and owned by one lady from '56 till I got it. Paint is worn, engine is greasy, all wood is perfect.
I was working on this and that here and there. I removed the carbs which were totally gunked and not moving at all. Then I took off the manifold and then the thermostat housing and pipes, grille radiator and bonnet! There I admit it OK?. The reason I did this was because I noticed that the front engine mount was like runny roofing tar as were many of the other rubber bits up front. Hmmm do I pull the engine to replace all of them, why not.
That was two years ago and then I got attacked by B's. Literally attacked by MGB's and now own 1, 2, 3, ...7 oh and a Midget. So put down the B's and start playing with a real car right. Tonight I'm in the process of pulling the engine to clean it and clean the engine bay. If I'm going through the trouble, I want to check it out, make sure the clutch is OK, look for obvious leaks...NOW TO THE QUESTIONS.
Do I flip the engine and check the bearings?
Should I clean and paint the engine and the components?
What else should I do while it's out?
I ask about the painting because, the car is very original and I am not restoring it. Will it be devalued? I've had people tell me not to repaint anything and to drive it as a rolling time piece. Trust me it's tattered from baking in the Cali sun but it's very solid and not rusty or rotted. Some would look at it and say why are you driving this heap. I like that fact that it's the way it left Abingdon. Would I like it perfect, sure who wouldn't
Luckily, I've collected many new and used parts over the years but now that I decided to start this up again I am on a ZERO dollar budget. I may be able to spend a few bucks on gaskets and stuff but nothing major if it come up. This is not going to turn into a restoration...yet. I'll really need to save when it comes to tires and brakes which I do not have.
Sorry for the lengthy post I just wanted to give some history and fill you guys in.
Cheers
Vince
I'll try to make this brief and get to the questions, but first a bit of history. When I got my TD it was "resting" for about 13 years. I've had it close to 8 so we're up around 20+ years the car has been sitting. I never started the car but took care so that when I tried to, I did not ruin anything. She never started but did turn over and oil pressure built up to about 50 psi and all valves went up and down which I thought were good signs.
Car is just about as original as I can tell. 58 year old tattered paint and interior, southern California car all it's life and owned by one lady from '56 till I got it. Paint is worn, engine is greasy, all wood is perfect.
I was working on this and that here and there. I removed the carbs which were totally gunked and not moving at all. Then I took off the manifold and then the thermostat housing and pipes, grille radiator and bonnet! There I admit it OK?. The reason I did this was because I noticed that the front engine mount was like runny roofing tar as were many of the other rubber bits up front. Hmmm do I pull the engine to replace all of them, why not.
That was two years ago and then I got attacked by B's. Literally attacked by MGB's and now own 1, 2, 3, ...7 oh and a Midget. So put down the B's and start playing with a real car right. Tonight I'm in the process of pulling the engine to clean it and clean the engine bay. If I'm going through the trouble, I want to check it out, make sure the clutch is OK, look for obvious leaks...NOW TO THE QUESTIONS.
Do I flip the engine and check the bearings?
Should I clean and paint the engine and the components?
What else should I do while it's out?
I ask about the painting because, the car is very original and I am not restoring it. Will it be devalued? I've had people tell me not to repaint anything and to drive it as a rolling time piece. Trust me it's tattered from baking in the Cali sun but it's very solid and not rusty or rotted. Some would look at it and say why are you driving this heap. I like that fact that it's the way it left Abingdon. Would I like it perfect, sure who wouldn't
Luckily, I've collected many new and used parts over the years but now that I decided to start this up again I am on a ZERO dollar budget. I may be able to spend a few bucks on gaskets and stuff but nothing major if it come up. This is not going to turn into a restoration...yet. I'll really need to save when it comes to tires and brakes which I do not have.
Sorry for the lengthy post I just wanted to give some history and fill you guys in.
Cheers
Vince