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gcoll , It sounds like you're going to buy it and take your chances that its a good car. My best and sincere wish of good luck . For 45 grand it should have its original paint or very nicely redone original color repaint. It should look and drive like a show car with only minor wear and tear . The door gaps should be perfect and of course it should have absolutely no rust anywhere.
 
Beautiful car Bob! The glint from the rear bumper really sets it off. Nice shot. --elrey
 
<span style="color: #FF0000">- <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] [/QUOTE] gas smell in boot? Time for new gas tank ($400+). <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:] [/QUOTE] </span>


Whoa up there, not necessarily so, my boot stinks of gas, especially when I fill the tank right up and it is down to the rubber connecting piece.

Note to self, must buy a new one when I am at AH Spares.
 
You are correct, of course. Petrol smell could be for several reasons. I just gave the worst--and common for a car of this age--case.

I always fill to the very top of the filler neck, an inch or two below the cap, because there is sometimes up to 200 miles between petrol stations where I drive. The stretch between Caliente and Tonopah, NV--the famous 'Extraterrestrial Highway'--comes to mind (though there is petrol of dubious quality--regular only--at Rachel). I have no petrol smell at all in the boot, nor would I tolerate it.
 
Price too high for me, especially since the brakes need work. There are plenty of cars out there. Keep looking and don't buy the first one you see. When you find the "CHOSEN ONE" , you will kinow.

Pete
 
Price too high for me, especially since the brakes need work. There are plenty of cars out there. Keep looking and don't buy the first one you see. When you find the "CHOSEN ONE" , you will know.

Pete
 
Hey gcoll,
I agree with what everyone else has said and with you being in Alexandria,VA, I would find someone in your area that knows Healey's and have it inspected. If the brakes don't work well as they need to be bled -that's a orange warning flag to me as no big deal to bleed brakes and I sure would if I was selling a $49k car ! If you can drive it up to Healey Surgeons in Tacoma Park, MD would be my recommendation - that is providing it is safe to drive with the brakes. Not sure how far that is but would sure be worth the time and money to have Bruce look at it. For $45,000 I sure would expect it to not have any known issues like you already have discovered. Might be a perfect Healey and just needs the brakes bled but I have bought a few over the years where I fell in lust with them and over looked some issues and really regretted it later !!!
Good luck,
Mike
 
The Millstone Effect. Much like moving in your smokin' hot new girlfriend BEFORE you realize she's got real problems! Mr learn by doing, --elrey
 
Love that - the Millstone Effect ! Remember falling in lust with a 66 BJ8 that drove out great, new chrome Daytons, beautiful paint, etc and then when I got her home, finding all that hidden rust in the inner sills that had such a nicely applied coating of herculiner bed liner on them. I say rust, really meant huge gaping holes held together by rust.
Regards,
Mike
 
I think the price range mentioned suggests a recent (<10 years ago) restoration with few if any problems. If the most expensive problems, like rust, paint, engine rebuilt, etc are in very good order, I would say you are close to a deal. I bought mine like this. It needed only a battery and has basically been a joy since.

Bleed those brakes, give it another drive and close look and go ahead and leap. I think if the car is great, the seller should get to be happy too.
 
If you can drive it up to Healey Surgeons in Tacoma Park, MD

That is a good Idea but he IS right there in VA and CAN take a run over to " White Post " AND TALK TO Billy @ White Post RESTORATIONS.--kEOKE
 
bighealeysource said:
I say rust, really meant huge gaping holes held together by rust.
Regards,
Mike
Click to expand...

Yep, I was lured in the same way, decided to repair a small hole that suddenly appeared in the rear inner wing ( fender) only to find that the sill was shot. On removal it was found to be constructed of fibreglass and rust - copious quantities of both and not much real metal.
 
Buy it! The price is right and with all that's been done to the car it's a steal. Call or email Michael and join the club.

Also visit this Forum often and learn how to include photo's.
 
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