WAITING FOR FAVORABLE WEATHER

We have cleaned the Healey from bumper to bumper and now it is time to take a few photos for the trophy case.  I am so proud of this car.  I still have dreams about it.  This Healey has become a part of me.  

Tim will be sending a transporter for his Healey on December 4th.  Until then, I can feast my eyes on it from whenever I wish.  

We are expecting favorable weather tomorrow, so hopefully I can take some great photos of Marilyn and me for my next post.  Oh, that's right, you have never seen me on this blog.  Well, my friends, you are in for a real treat...

Stay tuned,

Tom McCurry

SHAKE-DOWN CRUISE

I took the Healey through its paces today.  Wow, is it strong.  It had been years since I had driven a Big Healey, but I suppose it's like riding a bicycle.  It was absolutely a wonderful ride and the Healey performed beautifully.  I should have take a photo or two, but I was much too excited.

Now that the test drive is done, we will remove the wheels and clean the suspension components and wheel houses...again.

I will be taking a few days off for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend so I will probably not post again until next week.  

Happy Thanksgiving!  We all have so much to be thankful for.

Tom McCurry

HARDTOP RESTORATION BEGINS

Tim purchased an original hardtop at the Hilton Head car show.  It has lead a rough life so it needs to be restored.  Of course it needs to be painted, the aluminum trim needs to be straightened and polished and it has no headliner at all.  I have my work cut out for me.

So today, John began work on the fiberglass top and I began to assess the condition of the frame and fasteners.  It appears that there are a few pieces missing.  The good news; Moss Motors has all the parts we need.

Photos will follow tomorrow.

The archive listing of this blog contains detailed step-by-step photos and narratives regarding this restoration since it began late last December.  Please direct any comments and questions to tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry 

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

NEW SIDE CURTAINS

One of the most characteristic features of the early Austin Healeys is the side curtains.  It certainly wasn't that roll-up windows had not been invented (LOL), just that the curtains are unique.  I suppose the English just couldn't let go of the idea.  Whatever the reason, they define the early Healeys.

Side curtains are constructed of aluminum frames and plexiglass panes.  The tracks are lined with felt and a rubber gasket almost seals the curtain to the windshield frame and the door.
The installation of the side curtains is a bit difficult for one person.  It explains why most of the unrestored Healeys you see are severely scratched around the curtain mounts.

The archive listing of this blog contains detailed step-by-step photos and narratives regarding this restoration since it began late last December.  Please direct any comments and questions to tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry 

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

CONVERTIBLE TOP FITTED

We have experienced cooler temperatures for the past week making the installation of the Healey's convertible top a bit more difficult.  Ideally, the top should be fitted outside in the hot sun.  This makes the vinyl more pliable.  

After installing the snaps around the backside of the top, it was stretched to meet the front bow at the windshield.

At that point we noticed the top had not been sewn correctly across the front.  Gus repaired it and the top was now ready for final fit.

The photo to the right shows the top properly fitted at the windshield.  The few visible stretch lines will be removed by the heat of the sun.

All in all, a great fit and a great look.

The archive listing of this blog contains detailed step-by-step photos and narratives regarding this restoration since it began late last December.  Please direct any comments and questions to tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com.

Later...

Tom McCurry 

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)