Twas the night before Christmas, and I was certain
not a Healey was stirring, even with side curtains.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that new parts soon would be there.
The Healeys are nestled all snug in the shed,
While owner s dream of summer days ahead.
Some up on blocks, some in car covers,
some donating parts for the benefit of others.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew in a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
was hidden by the dust from the objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but eight tiny Sprites and a 3000 this year!
With the driver enveloped in smoke so thick
I could barely tell it was old Saint Nick.
Chugging and popping, his coursers they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
On Bugeyes, On Sprites, that I keep fixin,
or next year its back to Comet and Vixen!
Hmm, Healeys or Reindeer, he thought while stopping,
they both have merits, and they both have droppings.
As quick as a Healey s water will boil,
As fast the crankcase will drain of oil,
Up to the housetops the little Sprites flew,
the 3000 shedding parts, as they all will do.
And then in a twinkle, I heard on the spire
the squealing and slipping of each little tire.
I knew as I heard their Yuletide jingles,
I was going to have some well oiled shingles!
He was dressed all in fur, from toe to ear,
a bad choice in a Healey, even this time of year!
Sweating profusely, he jumped from his ride
and down the chimney with gifts at his side.
His eyes how they twinkled, still teary from smoke.
His face regained color, as he thought with a joke,
the Healeys are fun but look at my clothes,
what once was red, is now black rose!
And where is my trademark round little belly
that shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly?
Always there proudly as I made the rounds,
One night in a Healey and I ve lost forty pounds!
Less chubby and plump, but still a jolly old elf
I laughed when I saw him; I drive a Healey myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but Healey parts he did toss
from Welch, Cape, Hemphill, and Moss.
All the stockings were filled and he turned to reflect,
I sure hope I got those part numbers correct!
Up the chimney he rose, ready to depart,
he said the Healey prayer: Lord please let them start .
I was amazed when they started on the first try,
and like the down of a thistle away they did fly.
But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight,
Healey Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
(written by Tom M. of the AHSTC
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Like us on Facebook!
So we finally bowed to peer pressure and have created a Facebook page.
Feel free to like us on Facebook!
Feel free to like us on Facebook!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Studebakers and Triumphs and Jensens oh my!!
Hey all,
So the challenge of late has been what to work on first. As the outdoor temperatures finally drop here in Phoenix to liveable levels, car season kicks into high gear. The challenge with a garage like mine is what to work on first!
We've been whiling away at the electrical issues in the TR8. I had the Lucas alternator professionally rebuilt and undid the GM altenrator conversion in the hopes that that would solve my alternator woes. Well, it almost did! Turns out the rebuilt Lucas has a bad diode. So, it charges the car great when it's running, discharges the batter insanely quickly when off. I've temporarily installed a battery cut-off switch, and that's keeping the car running until I can pull the alternator to return it to the Alternator shop. Next is having some Catalytic converters installed into the exhaust, and theoretically it should be on the road.
I've been, well, uninspired with the Jensen Healey of late. I think it's more the project than the car. It's sat too long. Short of pushing it around, not much work has been done. It's mate, the blue Jensen Healey reminded me this weekend that it needed a new fuel pump (when it wouldn't start). So it's time for an aftermarket fuel pump there.
My latest and greatest successes have been with my old Studebaker. I went through and replaced the Exhaust tonight. We had to make our own exhaust gasket because the one supplied didn't fit. I learned something new today. Autozone supplies uncut sheets of feldpro exhaust manifold gasket material. You can use it to cut and trace your own gaskets in an emergency! Her Exhaust is now in, and short of one flare connection on the brake lines, is roadworthy. So, I have to remake one double flare line. This isn't suprising. It's actually a common occurrence with home equipment and brake lines, particularly double flares.
Once she's rolling again it's time to get Mum's Spitfire into the shop and redo her brakes. The temps may be dropping, but that doesn't mean we have less to do around here! I hope all's well in your garage and that my friends in the north are getting their last drives in before the snow and salt drive their classic from the road.
Jody
So the challenge of late has been what to work on first. As the outdoor temperatures finally drop here in Phoenix to liveable levels, car season kicks into high gear. The challenge with a garage like mine is what to work on first!
We've been whiling away at the electrical issues in the TR8. I had the Lucas alternator professionally rebuilt and undid the GM altenrator conversion in the hopes that that would solve my alternator woes. Well, it almost did! Turns out the rebuilt Lucas has a bad diode. So, it charges the car great when it's running, discharges the batter insanely quickly when off. I've temporarily installed a battery cut-off switch, and that's keeping the car running until I can pull the alternator to return it to the Alternator shop. Next is having some Catalytic converters installed into the exhaust, and theoretically it should be on the road.
I've been, well, uninspired with the Jensen Healey of late. I think it's more the project than the car. It's sat too long. Short of pushing it around, not much work has been done. It's mate, the blue Jensen Healey reminded me this weekend that it needed a new fuel pump (when it wouldn't start). So it's time for an aftermarket fuel pump there.
My latest and greatest successes have been with my old Studebaker. I went through and replaced the Exhaust tonight. We had to make our own exhaust gasket because the one supplied didn't fit. I learned something new today. Autozone supplies uncut sheets of feldpro exhaust manifold gasket material. You can use it to cut and trace your own gaskets in an emergency! Her Exhaust is now in, and short of one flare connection on the brake lines, is roadworthy. So, I have to remake one double flare line. This isn't suprising. It's actually a common occurrence with home equipment and brake lines, particularly double flares.
Once she's rolling again it's time to get Mum's Spitfire into the shop and redo her brakes. The temps may be dropping, but that doesn't mean we have less to do around here! I hope all's well in your garage and that my friends in the north are getting their last drives in before the snow and salt drive their classic from the road.
Jody
Sunday, August 29, 2010
TR8 Trials and Tribulations redux
The gear reduction starter arrived for the TR8. As a side note, I'd never tried one of these before.They are SO much easier to work with as they are very light. The car also spins up really well.
Between the installation of the gear reduction starter, and a final round of diagnostics that determined that the battery truly was bad (despite the new diagnostics machines at Autozone saying it was good), the charging system was now working fully on the TR8. Good times!
Flush with my successes I opted to take her on the road for a 1600 mile round trip to Jensens West. Some time after midnight on Thursday I hit the road heading towards L.A. Some time around 2 A.M. I was stranded on an off ramp near Tonopah with a bad water pump. After a miserable night trying vainly to get the car operable I managed to limp home with a final rescue coming from SWMBO and the baby.
Luckily enough I just happen to have on hand one of the last British Leyland bossed NOS water pumps for my car. I bought it in a lot of parts from a local Triumph enthusiast who had been holding on to it for many years waiting for someone to have a use for it.
Saturday I tore down the cooling system and found a lot of corrosion. The thermostat housing was half eaten away.The heater core had to be bypassed because the pipes were gone. The old aftermarket radiator hoses had their internal springs rust away to nothing. In many cases I was pouring brown mud out of cooling pipes on the car. This is why you NEVER put straight tap water into a car. Always use R.O. water. No one ever seems to listen to this advice, because every old car I fix has similar problems.
The gasket for the water pump was torn, so I used Ultra Blue (from Permatex) to make up gaskets for the water pump and thermostat housing (I couldn't find a ready replacement). Also, every existing rubber hose and hose clamp were tossed and replaced. If at all possible, never re-use hose clamps. Their failure rate rises dramatically every time you retighten them.
Put everything together again this morning. Also used a different alternator pulley to realign the belts a little better. Now the car is happily vrooming about again!
I'm presently sitting next to two boxes of A/C bits for the car, but I'm holding off on those while awaiting stock exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters. Emissions first, cold air second.
Cheers!
Jody
Between the installation of the gear reduction starter, and a final round of diagnostics that determined that the battery truly was bad (despite the new diagnostics machines at Autozone saying it was good), the charging system was now working fully on the TR8. Good times!
Flush with my successes I opted to take her on the road for a 1600 mile round trip to Jensens West. Some time after midnight on Thursday I hit the road heading towards L.A. Some time around 2 A.M. I was stranded on an off ramp near Tonopah with a bad water pump. After a miserable night trying vainly to get the car operable I managed to limp home with a final rescue coming from SWMBO and the baby.
Luckily enough I just happen to have on hand one of the last British Leyland bossed NOS water pumps for my car. I bought it in a lot of parts from a local Triumph enthusiast who had been holding on to it for many years waiting for someone to have a use for it.
Saturday I tore down the cooling system and found a lot of corrosion. The thermostat housing was half eaten away.The heater core had to be bypassed because the pipes were gone. The old aftermarket radiator hoses had their internal springs rust away to nothing. In many cases I was pouring brown mud out of cooling pipes on the car. This is why you NEVER put straight tap water into a car. Always use R.O. water. No one ever seems to listen to this advice, because every old car I fix has similar problems.
The gasket for the water pump was torn, so I used Ultra Blue (from Permatex) to make up gaskets for the water pump and thermostat housing (I couldn't find a ready replacement). Also, every existing rubber hose and hose clamp were tossed and replaced. If at all possible, never re-use hose clamps. Their failure rate rises dramatically every time you retighten them.
Put everything together again this morning. Also used a different alternator pulley to realign the belts a little better. Now the car is happily vrooming about again!
I'm presently sitting next to two boxes of A/C bits for the car, but I'm holding off on those while awaiting stock exhaust manifolds and catalytic converters. Emissions first, cold air second.
Cheers!
Jody
Monday, August 23, 2010
Trials and Tribulations of a TR8
Driving a vintage car as a daily driver may not be a common occurrence, but there are plenty who do so. Generally, you see these cars, after their owners have givent them a restoration. You don't see the ugly, the rusty, the dirty, or the frustrating.
There is always a danger in buying any used car as a daily driver, this goes double for a vintage daily driver. Frequently the previous owners use them only as a pleasure car, or worse, they sit and waste away in a shed. In any rate, they age, and the less an aging car is driven, the more sins it can readily conceal.
After a week or so of pleasure driving it was time to resolve whatever known issues had come up so that it would be reliable on a daily basis. From early driving the alternator had needed replacing. The more I drove the car, the less the battery charged. This is not a good thing. Keep in mind that this is a nearly 30 year old car at this point.
As I started diagnosing the electrical system the more challenges I found. Age, heat, PO bodging, and corrosion had eaten much of the charging circuit on the TR8. Now, normally this wouldn't phase me as it wouldn't be my primary car. In this case, however, it's a totally different story. That paired with my desire to drive has caused these issues to give me total fits over the past few days.
Once the alternator was replaced and the battery would still not charge it was time to start checking the rest of the charging circuit. Initial research showed me that the engine harness had been bodged and subsequently fried at some point. This is not an uncommon occurrence on TR8s. Come pruning, splicing and wire replacement remedied the engine harness. Stil, no long term charging.
And so my attention turned to the negative and positive battery cables. The negative cable grounds out in the trunk of the car. Over time this had corroded pretty badly. A good cleanup improved the voltage drop dramatically. Still no charge. Voltage drop tests returned 0.6 on the positive battery cable.
Utterly frustrated I opted to replace teh positive and negative wires. The negative went in easily. The positive cable requires removing most of the interior on the passenger side of the car. All this done and out, I located the factory spade clip that drew power. These are unobtanium from what I understand. Resuing this was a failure, and I had to create and alternate set of wiring.
Finally, with all of this done, the car ran beautifully, until the aged starter died. Now it's time to replace that. And here I am, still not driving.
There is always a danger in buying any used car as a daily driver, this goes double for a vintage daily driver. Frequently the previous owners use them only as a pleasure car, or worse, they sit and waste away in a shed. In any rate, they age, and the less an aging car is driven, the more sins it can readily conceal.
After a week or so of pleasure driving it was time to resolve whatever known issues had come up so that it would be reliable on a daily basis. From early driving the alternator had needed replacing. The more I drove the car, the less the battery charged. This is not a good thing. Keep in mind that this is a nearly 30 year old car at this point.
As I started diagnosing the electrical system the more challenges I found. Age, heat, PO bodging, and corrosion had eaten much of the charging circuit on the TR8. Now, normally this wouldn't phase me as it wouldn't be my primary car. In this case, however, it's a totally different story. That paired with my desire to drive has caused these issues to give me total fits over the past few days.
Once the alternator was replaced and the battery would still not charge it was time to start checking the rest of the charging circuit. Initial research showed me that the engine harness had been bodged and subsequently fried at some point. This is not an uncommon occurrence on TR8s. Come pruning, splicing and wire replacement remedied the engine harness. Stil, no long term charging.
And so my attention turned to the negative and positive battery cables. The negative cable grounds out in the trunk of the car. Over time this had corroded pretty badly. A good cleanup improved the voltage drop dramatically. Still no charge. Voltage drop tests returned 0.6 on the positive battery cable.
Utterly frustrated I opted to replace teh positive and negative wires. The negative went in easily. The positive cable requires removing most of the interior on the passenger side of the car. All this done and out, I located the factory spade clip that drew power. These are unobtanium from what I understand. Resuing this was a failure, and I had to create and alternate set of wiring.
Finally, with all of this done, the car ran beautifully, until the aged starter died. Now it's time to replace that. And here I am, still not driving.
Friday, August 13, 2010
MaxJax Portable Two Post Lift
So I'm not normally one to ooh and ahh over new products, but this one is really slick, and I know that if I'd had the spare pennies to put down, I would have ordered it within minutes of knowing of it's existence.
The folks at Dannmar have created a true two post list that will fit in the average guy's garage with 8 foot ceilings! Even better, you can take it apart and put it away when you're not using it. This has to be one of the coolest DIY auto restoration tools that I've seen come out in a long time.
They even have a 4 post parking lift that fits within the same space profile. If I had the two of these items I could literally get both Jensen Healeys, the TR8 and the Austin Healey in the garage at the same time! Now how cool is that.
http://www.maxjaxusa.com/
No fianancial interest. Just passing it on.
Cheers!
Jody
The folks at Dannmar have created a true two post list that will fit in the average guy's garage with 8 foot ceilings! Even better, you can take it apart and put it away when you're not using it. This has to be one of the coolest DIY auto restoration tools that I've seen come out in a long time.
They even have a 4 post parking lift that fits within the same space profile. If I had the two of these items I could literally get both Jensen Healeys, the TR8 and the Austin Healey in the garage at the same time! Now how cool is that.
http://www.maxjaxusa.com/
No fianancial interest. Just passing it on.
Cheers!
Jody
Monday, August 9, 2010
1995 Honda Accord LX - $1500.00 O.B.O.
1995 Honda Accord LX - $1500.00 O.B.O.
For sale, 1995 Honda Accord.
Vin #: 1HGCD5639SA048806
Mileage: 155,108
Equipment: Driver Air Bag, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Passenger Air Bag, Rear Window Defroster, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Windows, Power
Steering, Tinted Glass, Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
The Good:
This car is presented in good shape. The body is clean with no accident damage. There are small dings and chips as part of normal vehicle life. Interior is
in good condition, everything on dash works. There are no rips or tears in the fabric. It could, however, use a good detailing. Drivetrain (engine,
tranmission) function well. The vehicle drives smoothly and shifts well. The tires have good tread and a long serviceable life left.
The not so good:
The A/C system works, but does not hold a charge. Needs new O-rings.
The front and rear main crank seals are weeping and should be changed.
The front brake rotors are warped and need replacing.
The Antenna is no longer in the car.
The Power steering pump could benefit from new gaskets. Functions, but has tiny leak.
Comes With:
R134 Leak Detection Kit, O-Ring kit (For A/C)
Front Rotors & Pads (To repair front brakes)
I had intended to repair this vehicle and then sell it (as similar vehicles are bringing in $5K). Instead I recently acquired a very rare 1981 Triumph TR8,
and honestly, when it comes to deciding which car to play with, the TR8 wins hands down.
Email (via ad) or Call Jody at 480-612-5671. Please, no text messages.
Pics: 1995 Honda Accord LX
Dual Listed on Craigslist: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/1888782418.html
For sale, 1995 Honda Accord.
Vin #: 1HGCD5639SA048806
Mileage: 155,108
Equipment: Driver Air Bag, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Passenger Air Bag, Rear Window Defroster, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Windows, Power
Steering, Tinted Glass, Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel
The Good:
This car is presented in good shape. The body is clean with no accident damage. There are small dings and chips as part of normal vehicle life. Interior is
in good condition, everything on dash works. There are no rips or tears in the fabric. It could, however, use a good detailing. Drivetrain (engine,
tranmission) function well. The vehicle drives smoothly and shifts well. The tires have good tread and a long serviceable life left.
The not so good:
The A/C system works, but does not hold a charge. Needs new O-rings.
The front and rear main crank seals are weeping and should be changed.
The front brake rotors are warped and need replacing.
The Antenna is no longer in the car.
The Power steering pump could benefit from new gaskets. Functions, but has tiny leak.
Comes With:
R134 Leak Detection Kit, O-Ring kit (For A/C)
Front Rotors & Pads (To repair front brakes)
I had intended to repair this vehicle and then sell it (as similar vehicles are bringing in $5K). Instead I recently acquired a very rare 1981 Triumph TR8,
and honestly, when it comes to deciding which car to play with, the TR8 wins hands down.
Email (via ad) or Call Jody at 480-612-5671. Please, no text messages.
Pics: 1995 Honda Accord LX
Dual Listed on Craigslist: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/1888782418.html
Monday, August 2, 2010
New LBC added to the stables
So I've been stuck in the "no car to drive" doldrums for a bit now, and I know that I tend to spend more time on my restoration projects when I have something interesting to drive. I'm afraid my Ford Explorer just wasn't interesting enough. The JH is proceeding well, I'm finishing up the interior carpets/vinyl and am just about to reassemble the 5speed rear end for my project.
To assist in keeping me out there and interested I aquired this little gem of a find.
http://www.theymightberacing.com/MyCars/Triumph1981TR8.aspx
It's a 1981 Triumph TR8 and it goes VROOM! :)
Jody
To assist in keeping me out there and interested I aquired this little gem of a find.
http://www.theymightberacing.com/MyCars/Triumph1981TR8.aspx
It's a 1981 Triumph TR8 and it goes VROOM! :)
Jody
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
2010 Tucson British Car Roundup Photo Gallery
Ok, it's a little embarrasing to note how far behind I am on getting some things accomplished. I visited the 2010 Tucson British Car Roundup on March 6th of this year. I finally uploaded the photos over the weekend.
Without further ado: 2010 Tucson British Car Roundup Photo Gallery
Jody
Without further ado: 2010 Tucson British Car Roundup Photo Gallery
Jody
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Basketcase Rarity: 1960 Jensen 541R Coupe
http://bringatrailer.com/2010/05/08/basketcase-rarity-1960-jensen-541r-coupe/
These were such neat cars. I really want it, but it's way too far away from Arizona. I really hope someone picks it up and restores it correctly.
More on the 541: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_541
Jody
These were such neat cars. I really want it, but it's way too far away from Arizona. I really hope someone picks it up and restores it correctly.
More on the 541: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jensen_541
Jody
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Jensen cars to be built again!
So it appears we have a new attempt to bring back the Jensen marque. Tim Hearley, former chairman of Aston Martin, has acquired the rights to the name. Read more here:
Bid to build sports cars in the Island
On a side note, I recently heard about a cheap MGB for sale....
Bid to build sports cars in the Island
On a side note, I recently heard about a cheap MGB for sale....
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wheels of Britain *POSTPONED*
Due to inclement weather the Wheels of Britain car show that was scheduled for today has been postponed. The organizers were lucky and have managed to get the show held NEXT Sunday, March the 14th, 2010.
Jody
Jody
Friday, March 5, 2010
Triumph Motorcycles new viral ad campaign
Ok, an ad campaign that finally works... This is *really* funny and well worth a friday watching!
Cheers!
Jody
Cheers!
Jody
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Update from Barret-Jackson
I'm presently inside warming up and watching a beautiful Jaguar XK-140 cross the block. Despite the weather this year the attendance for Saturday is very high. Itls been clear and cold here (at least by Arizona standards) and I've seen a much more diverse mix of vehicles than last year. So far the photo count is just shy of 500 and I've covered barely 1/3 of the cars here. As soon as I thaw back out I'll start my next round. My favorites of the show so far are the Kaiser Darrins and the collection of 3-wheelers.
Cheers!
Jody
Cheers!
Jody
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Russo and Steel update!
I just got word from a friend on the ground at Russo and Steel 2010 in Scottsdale Arizona. Apparently the storms and high winds tonight (and proximal Tornadoes) were enough to ravage the tents with unknown damage occurring to the cars held inside.
Who knows exactly what has happened right now? Noone, the local law enforcement has forced everyone from the Russo and Steel grounds.
Similar issues were indicated at Barrett Jackson, but apparently the only cars reported being damaged were vendor cars.
I'll update when I find out more.
Who knows exactly what has happened right now? Noone, the local law enforcement has forced everyone from the Russo and Steel grounds.
Similar issues were indicated at Barrett Jackson, but apparently the only cars reported being damaged were vendor cars.
I'll update when I find out more.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Happy 2010!
Soo, you may have noticed it's been quiet around here of late. The holiday season is not the best time for getting a lot of garage projects done. In fact, about the only use the garage has seen for the past bit is getting all of the Christmas stuff out, and now putting it all back in. That and hiding presents from prying eyes of course.
Additionally, after signing my daughter up for her first season of soccer I had the brilliant (or not so, as my wife would put it) idea that hey, if the kids are doing it, so can I! Well, 5 games in to the season I took a bad fall, strained most of the ligaments in my knee and bruised the bone on the area where I landed.
Since my knee hasn't been terribly interested in bending, well, it's seriously curtailed any possible time I may have spent out there. On a brighter note, it seems to be working much better now, so as soon as I finish my end of 2009/beginning of 2010 honey do's we should be back in action out there!
Cheers! and Happy New Year!
Jody
Additionally, after signing my daughter up for her first season of soccer I had the brilliant (or not so, as my wife would put it) idea that hey, if the kids are doing it, so can I! Well, 5 games in to the season I took a bad fall, strained most of the ligaments in my knee and bruised the bone on the area where I landed.
Since my knee hasn't been terribly interested in bending, well, it's seriously curtailed any possible time I may have spent out there. On a brighter note, it seems to be working much better now, so as soon as I finish my end of 2009/beginning of 2010 honey do's we should be back in action out there!
Cheers! and Happy New Year!
Jody
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)