By Lawrie Alexander One of the less popular aspects of wire wheels is that they tend to go ‘out-of-tune’ and need occasional straightening (or ‘truing’). This is caused by the spokes stretching and by the spoke holes wearing, both of which result in a change in spoke tension; This causes the rim to run out-of-round. Consider that…
During an engine rebuild, be sure and check the condition of the head studs. They should be straight, with the threads clean and tight in the block. They should not have damaged threads or be ‘stretched—this occurs after being torqued and re-torqued, used and re-used (a common event in a 30 yr. old engine). This…
Despite their solid appearance and considerable weight, cylinder heads are actually rather fragile. A brand new head will be ruined in a short order if improperly installed. This guide is reprinted from BMC’s Gold Seal engine instructions. Never attempt major repairs without a workshop manual. It is important to avoid the re-use of very old…
By W.A. Ramoska This is the story of how a ‘parts car’ became a Jaguar (JCNA) concours winner. All the work with the exception of the chroming and sewing of leather was done by an average guy (myself) in my garage. I found what was to be my ‘E’ in a garage in Akron, Ohio….
Weber carburettors have recently become the hot set up. Why after being around for years has the down draft now come into its own? The answer is simple. Confusion over installation and tuning has shrouded the Weber in mystery, relegating it to the domain of the wizard mechanic and performance fanatic Now, thanks to the…
By Chris Nowlan Everyone knows sports cars are fun to drive but few sports car owners really enjoy the full performance their cars were designed to provide. XKE’s, Bugeye Sprites, and everything in between were designed with driving pleasure as the first priority. Sports cars are meant to be driven. The styling that we’ve all…
From Moss Motoring 1986 by Norman Nock Stockton, CA Does your Austin Healey smoke? Burn oil? Have less than 15 pounds oil pressure at idle? Have less than 45 pounds oil pressure at 55 mph? If you have the smoking and oil pressure problem, here is a diagnostic procedure that could save you an engine rebuild…
Although the installation of an MGB top is fairly straight forward (and clearly detailed in a couple of the books we sell), many people prefer to have it done professionally. But what if there is not a good ‘top shop’ near where you live, or if you’d rather not pay to have it done? For…
Lucas wiring systems as used on virtually all British cars since the 1930’s are a source of frustration and bewilderment to a great many sports car enthusiasts. In fact, Lucas wiring is clearly engineered around a standardized color code and cable size formula. This system is used on all British sports cars and once understood…
Most of us who have owned British sports cars, especially those fitted with drum brakes, have experienced the frustration of brake fade. That helpless, empty feeling after a series of high speed stops of pushing harder and harder on the brake pedal only to have die cars low down with the agility of an ocean liner….
