Myth: Barn Finds are great cars, will be in great shape and cost little to renovate. FALSE. Let me restate that - VERY FALSE. There are very few exceptions to this. My barn find may or may not be one of these - TBD. The engine was seized, brakes and clutch peddles went to the floor and stayed there, what was put in the fuel tank 40+ years ago no longer can even imitate gasoline, tires are bald, interior in fair-minus condition, repaint is not a Healey color (close but no cigar), battery missing so determining positive vs negative ground is a mystery, glove box lock is shot and won't open... need I go on? In light of all this I couldn't help myself and bought it anyway. At times I wonder what the heck I was thinking. Other times I just imagine what it could be - this is what keeps me going. I decided to not take on too many projects at once fearing it would take too long to get back to it with new parts and I'd forget how it went together. So far I'm ok but expect it will happen somewhere sometime. I bought the car January 29th and pulled it out of the barn and dragged it home about the end of February.
Projects to date:
I'm getting there - slowly. I still have brakes, ignition, interior and who knows what to tackle. If I was a mechanic and paid hourly, my boss would go broke. I'll get there when I get there and not a minute sooner. More later.
Projects to date:
- I found a number of workshop manuals on line (Healey & Haynes) and not sure which was better bought them both. Glad I did, while some sections are word for word the same, other times one has better pics and descriptions which have been helpful
- I found Moss Motors, Victoria British and A Head 4 Healeys. These are great parts sources and also provide very good blown up parts picks - some better than the workshop manuals. Made numerous lists and ordered parts. Brake and clutch master cylinders, water pump, thermostat, valve cover gasket, oil filter and numerous other parts. I've done this a number of times now so I'm starting to really hate shipping charges.
- Pulled the radiator. No one told me how difficult it is to release the bottom radiator hose. I figured out. it I undid everything else so I could move the radiator just enough to reach the bottom hose clamp. That only took 2+ hours. Not fun. I sent it out for reconditioning. It needed one minor repair - Good news
- I mixed 50% trans fluid and 50% acetone, pumped it in each cylinder and let it sit. After a few days I grabbed the fan, rocked it back and forth a few times and it broke free. (easier with the plugs out). More good news
- I finally determined it is still a positive ground and added a battery. I also ordered a better battery box to handle modern batteries.
- I changed the oil and now wish I had a modern spin-on oil filter - that will come later.
- I borrowed a compression tester and found #2-6 are all at 120#. Number 1 tops out wet at 80#. Argh - hopefully this is due to my lack of experience with a compression tester. Barring that, I suspect a stuck valve, bad guide or worse - ring-failure. I've decided to press on and work to get it running as is and see what happens. Fingers crossed.
- I pulled the fuel tank and blew the old fuel out of the lines. I also discovered a rusty trunk floor. I have a new tank to install but first the floor needs attention. I ordered and received a replacement floor panel.
- I cut out the large section of the rusty trunk floor but still have to cut out the right and left corners. I'll need to lift the car and go it from underneath. This project is still in progress.
- I pulled both carbs. A friend used to own his own British car repair and restoration company and has offered to help rebuild these. He's my new best friend!! With the Stay at Home order we now have due to the Covid-19 outbreak, this project will have to sit incomplete. Lord I hope I can remember how these go back on. Fingers crossed.
- Today I pulled the thermostat and water pump. I'm painting both the thermostat cap and new water pump - they may be the prettiest parts under the hood (excuse me - bonnet)for a while. Once dry, they will go back on.
I'm getting there - slowly. I still have brakes, ignition, interior and who knows what to tackle. If I was a mechanic and paid hourly, my boss would go broke. I'll get there when I get there and not a minute sooner. More later.