So, I realized (when someone brought it my attention) that we had build up but no resolution about the Jefferson 500 race at Summit Point. That would be because Chip got sick and was unable to attend. Sorry about that. I wish I could write and tell you about his wins, but maybe next year.
MGB On Deck
Here’s a MGB that came to us recently. It’s waiting its turn in the shop for some freshening. I haven’t spoken to Chip to learn exactly what he’s going to do for it, but I’ll keep up the commentary as it goes along.
XKE Clutch Enhancement
So, a while back, if you recall, we had a little hiccup with the E-type. The hiccup was that the replacement clutch slave cylinder wasn’t the right size. When we bled the clutch, the first pedal depression saw the pedal go straight to the floor with no resistance. Not only that, but the clutch wouldn’t disengage. You had to literally pump up the clutch. The reason is that the replacement slave cylinder we ordered did not have the correct size rod extending from it. That’s right, we needed a longer rod. Seems that E-type slaves did not remain the same throughout production (big shock, I know). Chip called some XK specialists and ordered up the correct size. I snapped a photo of the slave while it was on the lift so you can see the part about which I’m speaking.
With its new (greased) ball joints, original specification jute carpet underlayment, and clutch slave cylinder, this E-type will be blasting out into the wild blue yonder once again.
It’s Quiet
The mechanics went racing. When they come back, we’ll have more news. -Ed.
TR4A Rear Frame Repair
So, after speaking to the 4A owner, we have removed the rear end and driveshaft as the first steps in replacing the rear portion of the frame for this car. It’s a good time to remind folks of the structural weakness that can lie beneath pretty paint and a great example of problems that come with age. Work in progress below…
Here, you can’t see the rear end and the driveshaft. They’ve been removed. Once the new metal goes in, I’ll try to capture it in photos and share.
Austin Healey 3000 Updates
While this Healey has been waiting on it’s rebuilt distributor, we have tended to some other odds and ends. There is refinished wood to go on the dash, and shiny chrome mirrors to mount on the fenders. Measure twice, drill through your valuable metal fender once.
New Dash Piece
Marking The Fender For Hole Drilling
Austin Healey 3000 Mirror Installed
We conferred with the owner about mirror placement prior to drilling the holes. Do-overs are quite time-consuming after you put a hole in the fender, so we do what we can to avoid them.
Jefferson 500 at Summit Point – May 17 – 20, 2012
See that? It’s a sticker for the Jefferson 500 vintage races at Summit Point. Chip got that sticker on his 510 racecar last year. This year’s event is coming up May 17-20, 2012 at Summit Point Raceway. Chip has raced there for years and is looking forward to another round. It’s a great event and sure to be enjoyable for vintage race fans. Check here for further details.
Intertype Printing Press Problems? No Sweat…
We’ve probably all had the experience of slaving away on our Intertype Printing Press when something goes awry. Should this happen to you and you’re in the Richmond area, never fear. Prior to landing at UK, Dean rode herd on some of these. He’s a general mechanical whiz.
The ol’ whiz himself was standing in the audience during a Field Day of the Past one year while someone was explaining this donated machine. The presenter made a comment similar to, “Now, we just need someone who knows how to run it to show us what to do with it.” Dean said, “Uh, that’d be me.” Dean Tetterton… Triumph Rebuilder/Press Operator. So, here he is…
TR4A Out Of Storage (cont’d)
Just a few more tidbits on the 4A for those interested.
Here’s a picture of the deteriorated fuel line. The black rubber line was just installed and is plugged. Below is another view:
The rear portion of the frame showed some weak points from rust. Take a look:
The suspension rubber has seen better days also. All of the hydraulics will be re-done as well. The driver’s side front suspension is below.
If you know what you’re looking for (or Chip points to it for you), you’ll see that the bushing is split and partly missing. We’ll tend to the fuel system first and get it running and then work on the hydraulics.
TR4A Out Of Storage
We just received this TR4A into the shop and it’s been sitting for some time measured in years. When motors don’t run for a while, they get used to it. Let’s see what we’ve got so far.
Dean checked on the carbs and the slides were frozen, as in won’t budge — not even a little. Underneath, the fuel line broke open when he touched it to see if it was still good. The bright side is that the broken fuel line accelerated the process of emptying the old gas from the tank, which had to be done anyway. We’ll also need to do the brakes. After that, we can see if this TR4A is interested in cruising again.