Geoff,
My plan was to drive and work on it this summer (at least got to drive it).
You should be able to take care of all your problem items.
1) alternator wiring: wiring can be replaced, with a few inexpensive tools
like a wiring repair kit (about $20) and a soldering gun (if necessary, and
use hi-temp solder).
2) cables: you can buy bicycle cable at a bike store, and make new choke
cables. That's what I did, cost about $10.
3) battery hold-down: never use bungee cords. My '70 engine bay got really
messed up from a battery spill. Although my spill was from forgetting to
bolt down the battery, the effect is the same if a bungee cord were to
snap. You should be able to find a tray somewhere, or get one from our
dealers.
Fred - So.SF
BADROC
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
>Subject: alternators, cables and batteries, oh my.
>Author: "Geoff Rainville" <grainville@ecrix.com>
>Date: 9/5/2000 10:32 AM
>
>My plan was to drive the '66 1600 for the rest of the nice weather and then
>work on it this winter.
>But it died, so I've accelerated the time line here. Or, at least, will have
>if I can get some advice from you wise sages of Roadster repair.
>
>-Alternator: the wiring pigtail that goes to the voltage regulator has a
>wire completely worn through. Do I need a new alternator, or can that
>wiring be replaced? If a new alternator, can I find one that pops right in,
>or am I doomed to rewiring?
>
>-Cables: One of the choke cables has broken (aha...those rough cold
>starts...this could be a clue). What's the recommendation on that? The hood
>release cable is about to go as well, which means that the only way to get
>the hood open will be to drive over the railroad tracks, which actually
>seems to work well.
>
>-Battery tray: The dead, old, rebuilt, too large battery from the PO was
>sitting on what seems to have been a cut-up plastic dustpan (yeah,
>really), and was held in place with a bungee cord (see alternator, worn
>wires, above). I'm going to replace with a Miata-spec battery, and have
>found the tie-down clamps, but no tray. Is there a suggestion for that?
>
>Thanks in advance for the advice!
>
>--Geoff "no honey, you can put your car back in the garage soon, trust me"
>Rainville
>
|