so i'm kinda having second thoughts about my car..

[joeq]

i'm thinking that it might have been somewhat foolish for me - a guy who really knows nothing about cars - to buy a 40 year old car! i had personal reasons why owning this car was important, but know i'm thinking that it might have been a mistake... that i might need to have a better knowledge of these things to be able to enjoy it more.

it's not like i bought a beat-up one that needs a ton of work - it seems to be in great shape and not in need of much. yet my recent experience of humming along fine and then breaking down has got me a little freaked.

opinions?

 

[RVMAN]

This must be a big Healy right? The way I look at this human/machine relationship is much akin to someone that has become romantically involved with a very high priced "escort"....the good times are moments of sheer delight that satisfy something intangable, yet sinfully thrilling. Conversly, the bad times can bring on the greatist frustration, bordering on dispair. These autos can be a fickle mistress....but perhaps that is part of their charm? Good luck-

 

[aeronca65t]

These cars aren't particularly complicated or fussy...but they are old, and that can be the principle reason for problems.

There are many vocational and tech schools that offer "Basic Auto Repair". You may have to scoot out of the city (maybe LI?) but there's got to be something reasonably close.
Spend some time learning the basics. I grew up understanding cars, but lots of folks learn this "mechanical stuff" later in life and find it very empowering. Personally, I love taking these type of non-credit tech courses...they are usually fun.

 

[joeq]

what a perfect analogy... thanks!

[ QUOTE ]
This must be a big Healy right? The way I look at this human/machine relationship is much akin to someone that has become romantically involved with a very high priced "escort"....the good times are moments of sheer delight that satisfy something intangable, yet sinfully thrilling. Conversly, the bad times can bring on the greatist frustration, bordering on dispair. These autos can be a fickle mistress....but perhaps that is part of their charm? Good luck-

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[joeq]

good idea... in that same vein, have you ever heard of a book on the care and feeding of old healeys? all the books i've seen are either on the history of the car or restoration.

[ QUOTE ]
These cars aren't particularly complicated or fussy...but they are old, and that can be the principle reason for problems.

There are many vocational and tech schools that offer "Basic Auto Repair". You may have to scoot out of the city (maybe LI?) but there's got to be something reasonably close.
Spend some time learning the basics. I grew up understanding cars, but lots of folks learn this "mechanical stuff" later in life and find it very empowering. Personally, I love taking these type of non-credit tech courses...they are usually fun.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Editor_Reid]

Believe me, after over 30 years of owning British cars, the debate goes on. Remember those old cartoons with the little angel whispering in one of the main character's ears, and a little devil whispering in the other? Owning a British car is kinda like that: Some days you think, "Screw it, I'd be better off in every way if I bought a new 350Z." Other days you think, "What a fantastic, never-to-be-duplicated piece of history I own in this old British car."

If bullet-proof reliability and modern comforts and conveniences are important to you, then British cars are not a very good choice of hobbies. If history and character and the pleasure of a timeless design and simple pleasures are your priorities, you can stick it out.

But even after decades of owning old British car, there are still "those days" occasionally... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Hang in there a bit longer. See if the pleasure of the good days doesn't outweigh the sting of the bad ones.

 

[Keoke]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

Joeq, what break down did you have that traumatized you so??---Keoke P.S. If you bought a car in"Great Shape" it is not going to be breaking down every few miles. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

 

[Keoke]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif
Joeq, Books and activities that dwell on the care and feeding of the big healey are; 1} The factory Sevice Manual and 2} The Factory Parts Manual, and then joining a local Healey Club-FWIW---Keoke- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/yesnod.gif

 

[WALTER]

Re: so i'm kinda having second thoughts about my c

If your car is in reasonably good shape and you enjoy owning it, I think you should keep it. Problems can arise with any car, new or old. It seems to me the new cars are generally more complicated and more expensive to repair. It took me a while to feel comfortable on longer trips. Now that I have, I really enjoy my Healey.

Besides......If you can afford a Healey you can afford to have it towed.

Happy Healeying,
Walter

 

[Skip & Lynne]

You are a grown man are you gonna let a CAR beat you. Each time something breaks learn from it, fix it and the next time it won`t be as traumatic. Thats the fun of these things. Hey I also restore antique airplanes ;now think about that breaking down beside the road if you want trauma. A little grease under the fingernails, a cold beer in the garage and the self satisfaction of knowing that it didn`t beat me this time is what it`s all about. Skip

 

[Keoke]

Yeah Skip, but if one of those wing spars that you thought was in great condition folds after a Snap,what chu gonna do! Pitts S2 is my love.-Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif P.S. Ever land a bipe with only the bottom wing intact- WHEW- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[healeygal]

Re: so i'm kinda having second thoughts about my c

If you really love your Healey, hang in there! I've had my Healey for 28 years. When she's running right, I'm on top of the world. When she's off the road for repairs or to track down and a mysterious malady that has debilitated her, I can be found moping around the house mumbling to myself.

Over the last several years, she's had enough work done to get her into shape to go back and forth to Tahoe twice (1200+ miles each trip) and Eureka once (1900 miles) from southern California, and for five of the eight months so far this year, she's been away for engine work and a paint job (coming home next week - I'm going to be so happy). Even with all the money spent and work done over the years, I've learned to expect the occasional lapse - as fellow club members have told me, it's the nature of the beast. I've come to learn that things like the sudden strong smell of gasoline thanks to a stuck float, bolts that vibrate loose and disintegrating rotors are all part of the adventure.

From my own experience, I'd suggest starting out with short jaunts and trips with cell phone and automobile club card in hand. Joining a club was also a big help - tech sessions are very educational, and club members have come to my aid twice in the parking lot of a meet - once at Tahoe and once at Eureka, and I've learned so much and gotten so good, I diagnosed the problem on the latest trip to Tahoe myself!

Sharon
'54 Healey 100

 

[Keoke]

Re: so i'm kinda having second thoughts about my c

Besides if you can afford a Healey You can afford to have it towed. Walter that depends on when you bought your car!-Keoke /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[joeq]

it's not that the breakdown has me SO freaked... it's more like the possibility of it happening again - coupled with the realization that, when it does, i could open the hood and LOOK like i knew what i was doing when i really wouldn't have the first idea where to look - seems to be a little nutty.


[ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

Joeq, what break down did you have that traumatized you so??---Keoke P.S. If you bought a car in"Great Shape" it is not going to be breaking down every few miles. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nonono.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[joeq]

point taken... thanks.

i guess what i'm looking for from posting this is whether or not others have entered into this hobby being complete beginners...



[ QUOTE ]
You are a grown man are you gonna let a CAR beat you. Each time something breaks learn from it, fix it and the next time it won`t be as traumatic. Thats the fun of these things. Hey I also restore antique airplanes ;now think about that breaking down beside the road if you want trauma. A little grease under the fingernails, a cold beer in the garage and the self satisfaction of knowing that it didn`t beat me this time is what it`s all about. Skip

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[joeq]

no - i'm definitely on board with the fact that this is a completely different experience from driving a car with modern creature comforts... and that that's one of the things that makes it fun. i'm just questioning my sanity a bit, that's all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif


[ QUOTE ]
Believe me, after over 30 years of owning British cars, the debate goes on. Remember those old cartoons with the little angel whispering in one of the main character's ears, and a little devil whispering in the other? Owning a British car is kinda like that: Some days you think, "Screw it, I'd be better off in every way if I bought a new 350Z." Other days you think, "What a fantastic, never-to-be-duplicated piece of history I own in this old British car."

If bullet-proof reliability and modern comforts and conveniences are important to you, then British cars are not a very good choice of hobbies. If history and character and the pleasure of a timeless design and simple pleasures are your priorities, you can stick it out.

But even after decades of owning old British car, there are still "those days" occasionally... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

Hang in there a bit longer. See if the pleasure of the good days doesn't outweigh the sting of the bad ones.

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[Johnny]

Recently a club member who has had no prior experience, indeed no knowledge of Healey's what so ever, bought through a broker a nice older restored Healey. Now this club member is in his mid 40's, wife & 2 young kids, what's my point? Well, the first trip he took after taking delivery the car broke down with him and one of his kids alongside. Did he give up? No, he just had it towed to a shop who fixed the loose ground cable. The next weekend he and his wife arranged for a babysitter and off they went on a long drive, you guessed it, broke again. Did he give up? No, he joined our club and is learning how to repair the car, at least minor things himself. I asked him why didn't he buy a Miata, or another of the nice 2 seat roadster's out there. He said driving one of those cars didn't excite him as much as driving a Healey. You don't hardly feel the wind in your hair, or the exhaust doesn't make any sound, nor do others drool over the car everytime you stop for gas. Moral of all this, don't give up, if you do, (and I've bought a couple of failed project cars from people who've given up,) you'll regret it. But then, I know these cars aren't for everyone. Good luck on your decision, either way.

 

[ynotme2]

Hmmmm.....Seems like we are in the same boat. So to speak. I bought a BJ8 because I loved the timeless design of the car. Bought it and and had it shipped here to my home. Then the first day when I went out to start it, I had gas pouring out of the carbs. Uh-Oh.... Now what. I read the manual and did some online research and figure it was the jet and the carb needed a rebuilt. So I pulled it off. No previous real mechanical skills here. Read Read and Rerad some more. I rebuilt the carb. Said okay that was easy. Got the carb back on after 4 months. Time Time Time. Where does the time go. I started the car up. Baby it was amazing. Had trouble getting the idle right. It sat for another year. Okay let's pay to get this thing up and running. I did. I am so happy I am doing this. More then I ever imagined. Foolish? You bet. Dumb? You bet. But what the heck. Do I want to be sitting on my death bed goind I wish I would have? heck no. Don't worry about it. Go for a ride and enjoy the pleasures the world has to offer. You and I are here for only a short time and if it seems the car was calling you. Then answer it darn it. Good luck

 

[bighly]

Joeq,

Only second thoughts? I have only had mine a little over two years and have thought many times about a new little Beck Spyder 550 replica, Kirkham Cobra replica, Daytona replica......... hummmmm. Problem with most of the really cool roadsters are that they are really way too pricey unless your rolling in the dough. Unless one goes the replica route. The Big Healey for me was an affordable REAL roadster. I was seriously mistaken when I thought once restored it would be 100% reliable. Thought so last night on the way to the dirt track races when the BT7 simply stopped running. Well my experience told me it could only be 1 of 2 things, spark or fuel delivery. I popped the hood, checked the rotor and wires, seemed OK. I pulled the rear seatpan and checked for fuel, yep no fuel delivery. My buddy says, you have a spare fuel pump? Yep I sure do but I may not need it! I couple whacks with a phillips screwdriver handle and splash we have fuel pressure. In less than 10 mins we were back on the road. Wow, even I can do that kind of repair.

Since having met my "mistress" I learned how to the rebuild a front end, replace rear leaf springs, rebuild carbs, rebuild a transmission, replace brakelines and fuel lines. The list goes on, and on. Anyway, do I feel confident that she won't breakdown, no. But each time she does I learn what to do next time, to stay calm, to use logic, and to always carry spare rotor, dist cap, fuel pump, exhast mount and anything else I have that will bolt on and could potentially break in the wild. I wish I could figure a way to carry my spare transmission. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

OK look. To reduce the anxiety of breakdown parinoia be sure you are familiar with your car, carry all the spares you can, and enjoy the ride. Sometimes a breakdown can be an adventure in itself. Today I plan to put quick connects on the fuel pumps wires, and on the spare. I may even try to mount the spare. Anybody know if its ok to run a fuel pump inline but not have it powered on?

Joe did I mention that there are no questions about your car that cannot be answered? Just ask here.

Hope you keep your mistress, I know I will, just for a few more weeks, or well just until after I fix this current problem. See I say that each time I have a breakdown, problem is once I fix her and drive I decide to keep her just a little while longer..... Guess I'm Healey whipped.

BTW thanks for saying what most of us probably think about but usually don't utter the words outloud unless it immediatly follows a knuckle buster and expletative. (sp)

Tracy

 

[Kurtis]

The breakdowns *will* happen. Think of them as impromptu roadside car shows. I've always received some of the most complimentary comments about my car while broken down on the side of the rode. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Kurtis