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The joy of a well-sorted LBC!

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vagt6

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I must say, it's a true pleasure to drive a nicely-sorted LBC. My MK III Midget is now practically better than new. Everything that needed fixin' is now fixed. With the exception of a new dashboard (the original one is not that bad, really, and I'm not going to change it anytime soon), the car is darn near perfect.

And, it's a pure joy to drive it knowing it will be reliable and safe. Strangely, my last few LBCs were never in what I'd call perfect shape, so I never really drove them with complete confidence.

This weekend I finally got the carbs fine-tuned. I pulled the spark plugs and they were perfect: just the right color on the electrode and strap, and a tiny bit of carbon on the threads, not too much. Engine starts right up, runs smooth as silk right to the redline. Suspension is mostly brand new (front and rear); engine leaks NO oil; diff has new ring gear; new propshaft; new brakes, etc. And most of all NO RUST anywhere on the car! :shocked:

I'm highly inclined to take a long trip, and probably will do so this summer sometime. I can't wait, it's been a loooong time since I did a significant road trip in an LBC. And in a roadster at that!

All the work, all the endless wrenching and fixing, all the money I've spent. Now it all seems worth it!

Nothin' like it: a well-sorted LBC to drive. I feel very lucky! A great feeling, that . . . I hope you all can feel it, too, someday (if you haven't already). :yesnod:

Sorry, I had to get that off my chest . . . :lol:
 
Are going to join us at the big party next summer?
 
Fantastic to hear you've got it running so well!

I've *never* driven a well sorted LBC. Makes trying to get the Tunebug in shape that much harder, as I don't always know what it should drive like. Making progress, though.

Keep up the reports -- they're inspirational! :thumbsup:
 
Trevor Jessie said:
Are going to join us at the big party next summer?
Click to expand...

what big party is this ? Is the Spridget 50th a go ? haven't seen any update on the website in months...
 
Yes the Midget 50th. I assumed everything was still planned. I'm guessing there will be a flurry of activity and promotion as the summer starts to wind down.
 
Trevor, sure would like to go, but Louisville is a bit of a trek for me.

Wish it was closer . . . :yesnod:
 
vagt6 said:
My MK III Midget is now practically better than new.
Everything that needed fixin' is now fixed.
...it will be reliable and safe.
Engine starts right up, runs smooth as silk right to the redline.
engine leaks NO oil
NO RUST anywhere on the car!
Click to expand...

Mark! Wake up Mark! You're having a nightmare. Reality's not like that.
 
Well then ... sounds like you'll have to arrange for a tow vehicle.

However, if the car is in better than new condition then 500-600 miles per day is doable.

Be honest, do you not trust the car OR do you not think your body can handle the drive? :wink:
 
My car is no where near better than new & I am seriously considering the 400 mile (one way drive) if I bust it up over 2 days it shouldn't be to bad, I stress about driving that far & then remeber I put over 3000 miles every summer & it doesn't leave me stranded so what am I worrying about ?
From my area I can do a "loop" across Michigans upper penninsula & down to the show & then the return will be the ferry across lake michigan & back up ! - If the dates are correct I should be able to make the St.Ignace car show on the return trip.
 
Trevor Jessie said:
However, if the car is in better than new condition then 500-600 miles per day is doable.
Click to expand...

500 miles a day is what I'm figuring on. That's what we aimed at going to LoTO as well. 2000 miles in 4 days. Drive 60 mph, to average 50 mph for 10 hours a day withs stops for gas about every two hours or so. We even did close to 1200 miles one day, coming home. (LoooOOOooong DAY!)
 
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