Same, Same as a few of you New to BCF

[climbingshuksan]

Came to BCF because I'm doing a "makeover" on my Austin Healey 3000 MKII. I put it in storage 25-years ago, tried to get it on the road in 1995 but had to stop working on it due to where it was stored - a Strata Unit garage. There it sat until 2-weeks ago. It's been moved to a great new spot and now with some time on my hands trying to get it on the road this summer (2013). Top-side engine stuff was completed in 95-carbs, distributor, generator, radiator, lots new bits purchased, etc.

First on the adgena last week was testing the engine to see if all pistons-valves moved after 25-years of sitting (they do). Second, was beginning an over-haul on the brake system - it will be a complete job. Front and rear wheels were pulled. Started with the fronts and now have calipers off with one yet to complete. Rear drums were really tough to get off - think one can of WD40. However, success, patience is a virtue. Likewise every other component frozen and now after lots of WD40, off and being decided on repair or replace.

So - QUESTION - people happy with aftermarket wheel cylinders for their British Cars? Or, is it best to bite the bullet and go with Girling replacements at 3X the cost? Do the aftermarket products FIT properly of are they a fight to the last?

Brakes and drums just went in the machine shop today being turned and relined. Purchased 25' of copper-alloy brake tubing to remake and replace any rusted or weak suspected brake line. Also deciding on what braided brake hoses will be used - thinking Goodrigde so as to have performance if the Healey is taken to the vintage car races this summer.

Background on me - good woodworker, expert mountaineer, but never monkey wrenched beyond oil changes, tune-ups, etc.

 

[Basil]

Now that's how an intro post should look! Welcome aboard! We have a very good AH group here and I'm sure you will find all the help you could ever hope for or your project!

 

[judow]

Welcome and the boss is right.

 

[toysrrus]

Good Day,

"Welcome" back to the "Wonderful World of LBCs" & the "BCF".

As Basil says; Introduce yourself your "New/Old" toy to the Healey Forum & ask away.

Happy Motoring,

Russ

 

[climbingshuksan]

Thanks, much appreciated. How do we know on the forum when you get a reply? On other forums we get an email that says someone has replied to a question or comment?

Work progressing quickly on Healey. I have a great mentor who's got lots of answers, but he'll not come close to the depth of this forum. Lots of hours put in since the introduction. Just have to get piston calipers delivered, build some new brake lines and the brakes are done. We just decided to pull the front discs and have them turned. One rotor came off easily, but a jammed washer on the right side is taking its sweet time. Made a pair of picks today to see if they get behind the washer and move it forward and out. Bearings are in excellent shape. New grease and they will be fine - the 25-year old stuff is like molasses.

QUESTION - was it common for original front calipers to be painted the same as the body colour? In stripping the calipers the near-metal colour was Colorado Red - same as the original body paint. I re-painted them black, but thinking now the original colour might have been Silver. The original colour on the rear brake drums looked like a dull Silver. Healey 3000, 21,000 series.

Cheers

 

[longbridgehealey]

Welcome! Hop on over to the Austin Healey forum with your questions, answers will come at an amazing rate.

 

[Basil]

Thanks, much appreciated. How do we know on the forum when you get a reply? On other forums we get an email that says someone has replied to a question or comment?

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