Treasures or Trash

[gonzo]

It's easier to start collecting than to stop. So when you see that older gentleman with a wagon full of tasty Healey bits to give away - it happens sometimes at car venues - refrain...
There's a reason why he was smiling.

 

[ahealey1004]

I find this topic timely and interesting, perhaps not for the same reasons as some of the other posters here. My wife and I have a toddler who is almost 2 years old. Prior to him entering the picture, I never gave a second thought to buying a car project, or parts, or collectibles at a feverish pace. I've also benefited from others (thanks Jon R!) parts collections to help with my 100 project. But all that changed when our son came along and I started realizing what others had warned me about- spare time for car projects seems to have evaporated. I'm now focused on quality family time, thinning the herd on non-Healey projects, and trying to include some father-son bonding while mig-welding patch panels on a rusty 100 wing! Fortunately my son loves sitting in Healeys and pretend-driving, so maybe he'll catch the bug like I did and he'll have the benefit/burden of choosing what to do with my stuff when I'm gone.
Interestingly, I found the attached article in some Healey publications- they were given to me along with some parts I bought a few years ago. While there's probably not an appetite (nor budget given Bay Area real estate prices) for a parts center like back in 1973, the concept to preserve and help other AH owners out is alive and well in forums like this.

 

[roscoe]

How could I not give this guy a good deal on some things I wasn't going to need in my lifetime. Plus, the guy's name really is Austin. It was also good to see a person considerably younger than I who I could tell was very likley to actually finish a rebuild while he is still young enough to have fun with it. Austin, be proud that your son will be one of the few who knows how to drive with a manual transmission.

 

[ahealey1004]

Awww shucks Jon, thanks for the kind words. By the way your engine is still at the machinists, I'm not sure what is taking them so long other than it seems like during Covid they say they've been swamped (I guess lots of folks are working on their project cars). But it's given me time to consider and save for an alloy cylinder head, so that's a plus! And yes, my son just seems to love all things mechanical so he'll learn how to drive a manual, and maybe he'll even master my double-clutch technique. For now, he's learning the basics- like how to identify an early BN1 rear axle from a later hypoid type rear axle (see pic)!


Have a great weekend!

 

[roscoe]

Proof of what I've always believed. You need a funky hat but you do not need pants to be a Healey guy.

 

[ahealey1004]

Haha so true Jon! I'm finding out with Covid and working-from-home, pants are optional on Zoom calls!