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
