Bugsy roared to life today for the first time. After
dragging home my new '68 Sprite several weeks ago,
Bugsy fired up for the first time. P.O. had
transplanted a 1098 engine from a '66 Sprite which had
never been completed. Well it was almost done but lots
of things had not been reconnected or as I discovered
were just plain missing. Car is fairly rust free, or
as rust free as a 32 year old LBC can be without a
complete frame off restoration.
Lots of things turned out to be real PIA's. Pedal box
was out of car and clutch line was missing. P.O. did
find the pedals and pedal box but was missing all of
the screws, springs, etc. Took lots of time back and
forth to Sears hardware. I'm getting to be on a first
name basis with everyone there just finding
replacement screws, nuts, and bolts. Purchased new
1275 clutch slave. Turns out this won't fit on a 1098
rib case tranny without notching the back of the
engine block. Another new tool to buy. Bought Cutoff
tool kit at Lowes $32.95. Cutoff tool wouldn't fit up
there but I was able to use a grinding stone to make
it work. Sparks, dirt, rust, and various other crap in
the face. Ski goggles really came in handy. After 30
minutes of grinding the task was done and everything
fit. Now to find a hydraulic line to connect from
7/16" fitting at slave cylinder to the 3/8" fitting on
the MC. It just isn't made. Finally was able to get a
66" line with 7/16" fitting on both ends. Need to cut
one end and flare the line. Another new tool, flaring
tool, tubing bender, and tubing cutter. Just putting
in the hydraulic line has added over $100 of new tools
to my garage. Finally today after weeks of scrounging
parts, head scratching, and cogitating I was able to
get enough parts reinstalled to chance starting it up.
After finding out that the fuel line hose clamp was
never tightened. Boy that fuel pump can move a lot of
fuel in a hurry all over the floor of the garage. I
discovered that this LBC is typical of most other
LBC's. After running engine for perhaps 8-10 minutes,
nice small oil leak oil directly under drain hole in
bell housing. I thought that hole was just to let
accumulated rain water out, no it was actually
designed as an oil drain. I'm convinced of that. I'll
assume this is the classic leaking rear main bearing
seal. Now is this something to worry about? Enough to
think about pulling the engine and replacing before I
put car on the road or just keep adding oil and
changing the cardboard under the car on a regular
basis. How will this drip, drip affect the "new
clutch" P.O. installed. Major problem our is the
clutch design such that oil flying around in the bell
housing won't affect it?
Lots of project still to complete before car goes on
the road.
First and foremost will be a thorough check and
replacement of brakes all around. Discovered LF Brake
hose hanging down under car. Reason, no LF caliper.
something else the P.O. forgot to include with the
car. I was able to source a used one locally now just
need time to install. Also need to replace rear slave
cylinders. Definite leaking signs.
Future plans include installing a Bugeye Bonnet that
I'm buying from a friend. Hence the Bugsy nickname.
Yes its been used before and if necessary I'll adopt a
Bugsy II, Bugsy III, etc. pseudonym for the purposes
of this list. I'll have a fairly good hood, wings,
grille, lower fascia, and a straight bumper to sell.
Presently car is mostly BRG and primer in spots. Car
will be repainted either BRG or perhaps Honda S2000
Screaming Yellow. Looking for offers on complete front
clip. Hood, fenders, grille, lower fascia, and bumper.
Hopefully I'll be able to complete rest of repairs
needed, bodywork over the winter and ready for
painting in the Spring.
Drop me a note if you're interested in the body parts.
Photos available.
Jim Gruber
Dayton, OH
Bugsy? - Future MKIII/IV Bugeye
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