After months of sitting on jack stands, at approximately 6pm,
yesterday evening, TC 2167 rolled out of the garage, down the driveway
under its own power, and own the road for the first time in 25 years!
The drive was 1.6 miles in duration without serious mechanical
failure! The car was sans bonnett and with a 1 gallon red plastic gas
can strapped to the left wing. The adult neighbors all seemed
incredulous. The kids all stopped skate boarding and screamed WOW!
It has taken approximately 12 hours for my idiotic grin to go away. I
have never enjoyed a drive around the block so much in my life. There
are of course still a million things to do (like maybe loosing the red
gas can), but a milestone has been achieved, in great part thanks to
the indispensable help from this list.
The steering was exceedingly stiff and made noises as though the
steering gear box was dry. (This noise was not present when the car
was on the jack stands). The car has what appears to be a Tompkins
Steering Kit installed. I note the TC manual says to shoot GO 140
into the grease fitting on the original top plate. As the Tompkins
Kit does not have that fitting, how does one go about lubricating the
box? BTW, the steering wheel has approx 6" play before the pitman arm
moves. I am guessing that this may be way excessive. (yes? no?) I
can only imagine what that six inches would mean at 50mph.
Again, thanks to the many who have shared their expertise. It was a
hell of a ride. Now, back to work! Regards, Larry and Navigator
Jody.
P.S. If anyone wants a pic of this momentous occassion email me off
list.
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