Herb,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. The driveshaft problem has been
solved already as well as the clutch lever rubber boot and a correct clutch
slave cylinder is on order. I painted the engine and installed the instument
panel (instruments already installed) and started wiring the car yesterday. At
the end of the day I stood back to look over what was accomplished and started
to get emotional, big lug that I am. It's kind of sad when you think about the
car nearing completion. I've had tons of fun searching out parts and child
like joy when I found a hard to get part at a swap meet. You experience
immense satisfaction working on the car when a job comes out right you didn't
think you were capable of. I've been through a career change and have retired
from the Air Force Reserve during the course of this restoration. A lot of
things have happened since I started this car in 1994.
But, through all that, when it is finished I know I'd start all over again
and plan to do just that with a big Healey.
Mike MacLean-60 Sprite
WFO wrote:
> Mike,
>
> Hang in there, it gets better. All your efforts will pay off in time. And
> that "happy Spridgeteer" smile on your face and memories will last a
> lifetime.
>
> WFO Herb
> Keep the sticky side down!
>
> Mike Maclean wrote:
>
> > Tomorrow I start my annual vacation! No train whistles. No weird
> > hours. No management threatening me with my job if I screw up. Through
> > a scheduling screw up and misunderstanding about the kids "off track"
> > dates, I will be home alone with just myself and my Bugeye.
> > YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
> > Actually, Sunday is the regular day off for the job I'm on now with
> > the railroad. That could change by the time I get back to work. But, I
> > worked all day on my car. I intend to assemble enough of the car to at
> > least get a test run around the block before I start back to the salt
> > mines. I still have to install the wiring and drive train for that to
> > happen. I also have to install the gas tank, radiator, make a new fuel
> > line, etc., etc. Today I painted the transmission with the Moss Sprite
> > Midget green paint so I could install it first tomorrow before the
> > engine. As this was a basket case, I guess I didn't notice that the
> > Lockheed clutch slave cylinder that was in one of the boxes (brand new
> > in the box since 1976!) was a 1 inch bore. My car needs a 7/8ths bore
> > slave cylinder. So, tomorrow a call to the regular suspects and get the
> > right one. Anyone on the list need an NOS 1 inch slave cylinder? I'll
> > send it if you send me postage money. It turns out that the small
> > rubber boot that slides over the clutch fork had somehow become brittle
> > and just split in pieces when I tried to force it over the end of the
> > fork. I also tried to slide the drive shaft on the end of my rebuilt
> > transmission prior to installing it in the car it. It wouldn't go. I
> > got a small flashlight to see what was keeping it from sliding in place
> > and found rust and corrosion in the female splines of the drive shaft.
> > It's toast. So tomorrow, more time out to find a new yoke for that end
> > of the drive shaft. Wow, what's next? Maybe I was being too optimistic
> > about the 2 week deadline. You always have to take 2 steps backward to
> > take one step forward with these cars.
> > So tomorrow, I'll have to start some other job on the car while the
> > drive shaft saga plays out. I know, I'll paint the engine with the
> > other can of Moss green paint so I can find out something wrong that
> > will have to be fixed before it is installed!
> > Mike MacLean-60 Sprite
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