Newbie considers jumping off the Austin Healey project car cliff

[Edie Anne Horn]

Two heads being better than one, I thought sharing your questions and
concerns, with minds and knowledge of Healeys greater than mine, would be
beneficial.  I've sent your email it to the Healey Help-line in hopes of
getting you some additional input.

There are three individuals I'm aware of through the club functions that are
"local".  The localist would be Tom Eller (206) 283-1107 in Seattle.  Next
would be Steve Day (509) 662-5374 in Wenatchee, and Steve Tate at (509)
965-0225 in Yakima.  As far as I am concerned, these three are national
treasures, and depending upon what level of restoration you desire, all are
highly skilled.  If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, you may be able to
strip the chrome and stuff before turning over to one of them to work on.  I
know Steve Tate will do partials or complete restorations.  Tom Eller does the
full meal deal, body, mechanical and engine in his shop.  I'm not sure how
much Steve Day does in-shop, but having seen his latest Bugeye restoration, he
knows how.  Another individual who I'm aware of, but operates out of Oregon is
John Wilson (541) 933-2016.  He did a beautiful job for CAHC member Dennis
Saxon on his BJ8, and sold me a boot lid for my Healey.

No matter who you may decide to work on it, three words of advice, document,
document, document.  Photos, diagrams, schematics, and labeling ever nut and
bolt, every piece you take off.  It makes putting it back together a lot
easier, especially months later.  There has been a good series of articles in
the Austin Healey USA magazine on restoration methods by Roger Moment and Gary
Anderson.

Hope this helps, and you get additional feedback from others.

Nick

PS. Our club meeting is thisTuesday, the 24th, at Angelo's -- 601 S.W. 153rd
St. in Burien (206) 244-3555.  The meeting starts at 7:30, but members get
there early for dinner.  A good place to meet and quirie others.  The club web
page has a map if you need one.
http://cascadeahc.homestead.com/Angelos.html<http://cascadeahc.homestead.com/
Angelos.html>



---- Original Message -----
From: Murray Kahn <mailto:murray at gordiandevelopment.com>
To: eagnhorn at msn.com<mailto:eagnhorn at msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 9:42 AM
Subject: Newbie considers jumping off the Austin Healey project car cliff


Nick,



I emailed a couple of other folks in the Cascade Club as well. I'm wondering
if any of you guys may know about a local retired mechanic or private
individual that works on other peoples Austin Healeys? I'm considering a 1968
Austin Healey 3000 BJ8 Mk III Project Car but, want to know what resources
there may be locally to get the work done.



I'm a complete newbie when it comes to cars. I've built many homes, and am
very mechanical. I can weld, diagnose, prep and sand pretty darn well but, to
be honest..don't know a whole lot about car restoration. I'm trying to decide
between buying pseudo project car vs. a great looking driver. My goal is have
a nearly perfect driver (not show quality). I'm a perfectionist at heart so,
anything I get into will be completed right. I've attached a link of a sample
project car that I would consider. Can you give me any advice as to how much
of a project I'm getting myself into? Can you lead me to a trustworthy local
shop? What kind of money do you think we are talking here if I just brought
the untouched car to a shop and said here's my checkbook;  make me a great
looking reliable driver?



  a.. I would consider doing all the mechanical removal myself and delivering
to a shop for: body repair and re-paint.
  b.. I would remove all chrome and deliver to a shop for full re-chrome (or
at least as needed).
  c.. Engine check-out and re-build if need (I can remove and deliver to a
shop as well)
  d.. Full check-out electrical system (my weakest talent, probably need to
complete car at shop for diagnosis and rebuild).
  e.. Full check-out on brakes, exhaust, suspension, the works (rely on shop
for this work)


All your advice would be terrific. Thanks again. I would enjoy talking on the
phone if, that's possible for you.



Murray



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1968-Austin-Healey-3000-BJ8-MkII
I-Phase2-Stored-26-Yrs_W0QQitemZ270245981812QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ22
82QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270245981812&









Murray Kahn

2291 Northeast 60th Street

Seattle, Washington 98115



Phone: 206-227-4352

Fax: 206-676-0016

murray at gordiandevelopment.com<mailto:murray at gordiandevelopment.com>

gordiandevelopment.com

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