Poll - Upgrades and modifications

[bighly]

What upgrades have you performed?

 

[Hondo Hernandez]

still have pos ground, have spin on oil filter no xmission mods

 

[Keoke]

[ QUOTE ]
still have pos ground,

[/ QUOTE ]


-------Wait until you want to install a modern radio---Keoke-- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bighly]

This is interesting. Seems like there is a direct correlation of the cost of such upgrades and them being done. Also the size and complexity of the job. For instance, negative ground conversion is essentially an easy freebie, spin on adapter is about 35$ but requires oil draining, followed by alternator conversion at about 200$ and finally the tranny.

I believe originality is also of concern. I rationalize my upgrades (all the above) with the thought that Donald surly would go with this supoerior technology if it had been available back in the 50s and 60s.

thoughts??

BTW I can add a CB or radio now if I want. I have a spare rear seat squab frame (BT7) that I am envisioning as a removable CD changer/stereo/speaker carrier. wheeeee

 

[Keoke]

----- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/iagree.gif,100%. Plus he would have used a V8 ifin he couldah got his hands on one,Often wondered why he didn't pick the Turner V8 one great engine?---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[John Loftus]

[ QUOTE ]
Donald surly would go with this supoerior technology if it had been available back in the 50s and 60s.

[/ QUOTE ]

Negative ground wasn't avail. in the 50's and 60's? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Dave Russell]

The Healeys were built for a relatively low selling price, between MG & Jag. A V8 & everything that goes with it would have raised the price considerably. I built a V8 / BN2 46 years ago. The passenger compartment heat was tremendous, in spite of many attempts to reduce it. Today, there are many good heat control products that were not available then.
D

 

[Keoke]

Yep Dave, but the turner hemi V8 was setting right up under his nose and they are not known to be hot running engines and I doubt at that time if cost would have been much of a factor.---Keoke

 

[bighly]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Donald surely would go with this superior technology if it had been available back in the 50s and 60s.

[/ QUOTE ]

Negative ground wasn't avail. in the 50's and 60's? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

John,
Not sure why positive ground was used. Perhaps it is like logic 1=off 0=on. Boolean algerbra works just fine as long as you stick to convention. Of course most use 1=on 0=off
Positive ground also works just fine as long as we stick to the convention (chassis=positive). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif

 

[RonR]

[ QUOTE ]
Donald surly would go with this supoerior technology if it had been available back in the 50s and 60s.


[/ QUOTE ]

So, no negative ground in the 50s?
No roll up windows?
No passenger compartments that didn’t cause people to sweat?
No glove boxes?
No power brakes?
No ignition key switches that activated the starter?
No spin-on oil filters?
No accurate fuel gauges?


I have a 1960 AH 3000 that is near Concours ready and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Other than internal engine modifications for more power, and attempts to insulate the passenger compartment, I have made no modifications. Part of the fun of driving is the experience of marginal handling, marginal brakes, marginal comforts, marginal conveniences, and more power than any car I have ever owned.

 

[John Loftus]

[ QUOTE ]
Not sure why positive ground was used.

[/ QUOTE ]

There is a theory that positive ground cars will not rust as fast as negative ground cars. That's why all the rust free British cars you see are positive ground /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bighly]

Ron,

So you have a 1960 AH 3000 that is near Concours ready and wouldn’t change a thing. I felt the same way and even won some prizes. I felt that exact way up until transmissions started costing way way too much, the dynamo was too wimpy to handle an extra set of lights etc etc... So as I put well over 10,000 miles a summer on my Healey I just smile at the concors correct cars and appreciate them for the art they are, and for the enthuasium of their owners. I would love to have one of each and may someday. For now I just feel much more confident on trips like the 5000 miler to Nelson and the after tour with the Smitty and the alternator. Both of which I think Donald would and in my conversations with Jerry approve.