Dear Friends,
For those of you who have been following Brave Irene's rebirth, I am pleased
to report that her front end is almost completely rebuilt as of today...a
major milestone!!!! For those of you less current, Irene is +4 # 3872; she
was raced in the 1958 Sebring 12 hr just after being imported through Canada
by "Curly"...an Aussie of colorful background and behavior as I am told.
She came to me with many parts...all needed...and the dreaded "Morgan Scuttle
Shake" much in evidence. As Fred Sisson, Melvin Rutter, and others have
explained to us newcomers, the "Shake" has to be experienced to be believed!!!
I have replaced the bent front crossframe (without having to remove the front
wings or steering box!!!!), as well as everything else except the spindles.
The newer main springs are a challenge....three of us, one of whom
(mercifully) is very strong, managed to horse these longer, stiffer types into
place. Don't even think of doing that yourself without some yet to be
described Sissonesque "TOOL". The original spec springs would have been much
easier as they are nearly 1" shorter. What the heck, the new ones came with
the car!!! As Fred and others have said, this is not the task to do when
you're feeling mellow after a couple of Heinekens, Lone Stars, or other adult
beverages!!!!!!!!!!!! This is one of the most dangerous tasks in Morgan
work...be careful.
What a feeling of accomplishment, though! I highly recommend working on your
front end if you feel the urge, though I'm not looking forward to doing this
job again any time soon. I had my bushings honed professsionally, so I hope
to have many years before another refit....if in my lifetime.
I hope all of you are having a great New Year, following a wonderful
holiday...
Best to all....
Peter M. Burr
aka Grywiz
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