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Ok seasoned vets: steer me in the right direction

timbn2

Jedi Hopeful
Offline
:::deep sigh:::

i want to keep things "original" on my bn2 as much as possible, but i also want to be prudent and smart about it. as you know, sometimes those two don't play well together!

i have this original fuel pump that i am having fun "restoring". its small but its the first real project on my resto that i have undertaken and it gives me pride to do it.

HOWEVER....all the new parts needed to get it back in shape will cost me just about as much as a "new" pump from moss which i know to be more reliable than original, not counting the purchase cost to get the "original" one to begin with.

So, when do i implement "prudent and smart" vs. "keeping it original"?

Okay "been there done that" guys, steer me true!

thanx, tim
 
I don't see a whole lot to be gained from keeping the fuel pump original, since it's not visible on ordinary inspection. This is a big reliability item. When the fuel pump goes, the car stops. It will not be great comfort to be on the side of the road with an "original," dead fuel pump, wishing for the alternative. Is it possible to convert this pump to a solid state pump? If so, you may be able to have the best of both worlds. Absent that, I'd go for a new one.
 
Only you can make the decisions.
Concours or practical.
Driver or trailer queen.
The only "true" is totally original.

If you plan on driving a lot of comfortable trouble free miles, "some" things are best upgraded.

To complicate the issue, it's one thing to modify a relatively plentiful, low cost car & an entirely different matter to modify a relatively higher dollar, less plentiful car.

No easy answer.
D
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/savewave.gif TimBN2:

Chuck that antique thing up on the shelf and purchase a SU electronic look alike. Any time a thing can look absolutely original, is more cost effective and represents a more reliable component go for it.---Keoke- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cowboy.gif
 
Re: Ok seasoned vets: steer me in the right direct

keoke, ya forgot to tell him he can put the "original" pump on ebay to defray the cost of the more dependable look alike! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/lol.gif
 
IMHO purchase the new one and keep the other for "Show and Tell" at car shows. Most likely the "resto parts" you purchase won't fit it anyway.

Consider this, if you bought the car new, you most likely would have replaced some wearable items like fuel pump, water pump, hoses, belts etc anyway.

Good luck with your restoration. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
I replaced my original fuel pump with an electronic lookalike unit last Summer. I then had the original rebuilt to work and appear as new. It's my backup pump that I keep in my spares box for road trips. Best of both worlds.

Randy
'66 BJ8
 
Randy Harris said:
I replaced my original fuel pump with an electronic lookalike unit last Summer. I then had the original rebuilt to work and appear as new. It's my backup pump that I keep in my spares box for road trips. Best of both worlds.

Randy
'66 BJ8

THAT is a fantastic idea... thank you Randy, and everyone else for your replies.

i want a reliable driver and since i never had big plans for showing, i will go with the smart and prudent way and do all the "good idea" upgrades.
 
I recommend that you plumb in a second pump either new, original rebuilt or aftermarket. All you need to do is hit a switch and you are on the backup pump. It also acts as a theft deterrent if you use an on - off - on switch.

I drive more than I "show" so I also have an alternator, a spin-on oil filter adapter (superior K&N filter with anti-flowback) and a Toyota 5 speed.

I still use points. I carry extra water and pump, fuel and pump, points, condenser, hoses, belts, starter, bulbs, and and and......

Usually I end up sharing my spares more than using them. Maybe when I get older I will get a very original BN2 and a trailer. Until then I will drive my car nearly anywheere any distance in confidence.

Did I mention I also have AAA. hehehehe

The more you drive your car the more you will know what to carry and what to replace.

Aint this fun?
 
Tim--

If you're concerned about originality from the point of having the car stand for Concours I have been on four or five BN1/2 judging teams and fuel pumps do not get checked or even looked at. About as close as we come is to listen for the characteristic SU ticking when the ignition is turned on.

If this is an exercise in keeping the car as original as possible then you must make a decision between practicality and your goal--but if it's about Concours then get the modern SU and sleep easy.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thankyousign.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thankyousign.gif---Michael---Keoke- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif
 
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