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Progress: oil in, horn honks only when it should

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drooartz

drooartz

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Another day of mighty struggles, another group of things to cross off the list. Today was devoted to getting the engine a bit closer to being ready for starting up. First up was a very simple but fiddly job of putting some lock washers on the manifold studs. If I had small hands and fingers, it would have been very simple. However, that's just not how they built me. Still, it got done and then I popped on the new air filters for a beauty shot.

air_filters.jpg


Once that was done it was time for adding some oil to the engine, transmission, and differential. As it was still a bit cold today, it took a while for everything to flow as it should. Still, after a short bit of work there was oil in all the right places. I also took a moment to bleed the clutch again -- it feels good, so I think I'm in good shape there.

Next up was an attempt to solve the issue I was having with my new steering wheel and the horn. When I test-fit the new wheel it fit fine, with one *major* problem -- the horn worked just fine, but it worked all the time! The hub for the steering wheel was making contact with the ring that sits on the steering column to activate the horn. Not good. I looked at my factory wheel, and noticed that there was a groove in the bottom of the hub; a groove that my new wheel didn't have. So out came the trusty Dremel tool and a few grinding discs, and after quite a bit of work the new wheel fit properly and was not making the horn go all the time.

steering_wheel_hub.jpg

<span style="font-style: italic">It's not very pretty, but no one sees this part</span>

It looks like the wheel hub was not quite machined properly when it was made, but it's working fine now. Once again, the Dremel tool rides in to save the day!

The final test was to do a complete install of the wheel, including tightening it down all the way to make sure it wasn't still rubbing anywhere. A few moments to get it centered and tightened down, and all was well. It sure looks good, and really makes the car. A small detail, to be sure, but the rosewood really stands out against the white and black of the rest of the car.

wheel_installed.jpg


One more step closer!
 
Man, I love that steering wheel. Cool touch to keep the Sprite horn button.
Where'd you get that beauty?
 
jlaird said:
https://www.pbase.com/mdlempert/sprite

All custom made and takes forever, I could not wait.

Drew, I am becomeing more impressed with your work all the time, keep it up guy.
Click to expand...


All I can say is WOW! I want one bad. Patience is something one
must have when dealing with artists and these wheels are ART!
Now to convince the wife to allow the expenditure.
:wink:
 
Jack's got the right link. Took a couple of years, in the end, to get the wheel finished up. I wanted something very specific, and he was able to do that. I'm not going to be doing this all that often, so it was worth the wait to get exactly what I wanted.

jlaird said:
Drew, I am becomeing more impressed with your work all the time, keep it up guy.
Click to expand...

I'll be more impressed if the car actually stops and shifts. I'm sure it will run, as that's all Hap's doing. :smile:

Getting close enough to taste it now. Still need to finish up the fuel pump wiring and exhaust, and then I'm essentially ready for the first start. Maybe a couple of weeks depending on the gig/rehearsal schedule.
 
Another note on the wheel -- mine's the small hub Derrington style. I needed something with a smaller diameter to gain a bit more leg/knee room. Does make a difference.
 
I'm gettin' a kick outta this. You're a true right-lober, Drew. It's what makes these cars so special... owners with the ability to make 'em work properly. Even after half a century. :thumbsup:

... BTW, when the wheels are straight ahead, the center spoke points due "south".
 
DrEntropy said:
I'm gettin' a kick outta this. You're a true right-lober, Drew. It's what makes these cars so special... owners with the ability to make 'em work properly. Even after half a century. :thumbsup:

... BTW, when the wheels are straight ahead, the center spoke points due "south".
Click to expand...
I'm just diving in and doing the best I can. It's good for me to be so far out of my normal environments (music and programming). One can get complacent just doing what you know. Besides, if I break it I'm at least learning how to fix it next time. I call it conquering the fear of the unknown.
grin.gif


The steering wheel it set the way it is on purpose, Doc. The turn signal light shines through the slot in the wheel (and it's durn bright, anyways). With the evenly spaced spokes this leaves one with a clear view of the gauges. The pictures I've seen of the original Healey accessory wheel have it this way, and it makes sense to me. Besides, I just like it that way. :smile:
 
Drew has it correct, you can see the guages.
 
Lots and lots, like 250
 
Oh, now I know for sure why I don't have one. This was much cheeper, course looks it as well.
 

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Re: Progress: oil in, horn honks only when it shou

I admit I got mine for a bit less than the current price as it took so long to get done (got it at the old price). I just about got one just like Jack's instead, but in the end wanted the smaller hub, even spoke spacing, and to be able to keep the original horn push. The Moto-Lita style wheels are very nice as well, and Moss' Tourist Trophy wheels (I'm thinking that's what Jack's is) are a great deal.
 
Looking Great Drew!, nice progress - your patience & method is impressive, if it was me I wouldn't sleep till I had that motor fired up, I would probably have to redo half the work & bugger some stuff up in the process, but I can't control myself when things are that close, I wish I had your patience ! Keep it up buddy !
 
Drew said:
The steering wheel it set the way it is on purpose, Doc. The turn signal light shines through the slot in the wheel (and it's durn bright, anyways). With the evenly spaced spokes this leaves one with a clear view of the gauges. The pictures I've seen of the original Healey accessory wheel have it this way, and it makes sense to me. Besides, I just like it that way. :smile:
Click to expand...

'k then.

Ya gonna rotate the tach so's redline is at the 12 o'clock, too? :devilgrin:
 
DrEntropy said:
Ya gonna rotate the tach so's redline is at the 12 o'clock, too? :devilgrin:
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Now that would just be silly, Doc.
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grin.gif
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Nononooooo, Drew! On th' contrary... it allows ya to "see" the redline wifout takin' yer eyeballs off what's out over th' bonnet. Peripheral vision will show you it's time to SHIFT! :wink:
 
In that case, I just might. :smile:
 
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