Well it is now 8 years since I built the CARCAMEL and it has proved to be a very versatile and reliable machine far exceeding my expectations of a “homebuilt” vehicle. It has been used for carrying all manner of things. SOME VERY HEAVY SOME VERY LONG SOME VERY BULKY SOME… Continue reading Carcamel 8 Years and 200,000 km Down the Track
Austin Healey 3000 bores in a 100/6 block.
Over the years I have been asked many times if there is any good reason why a 100/6 (3.125” bore) should not be overbored to 3000 specifications (3.281”). Back, before I knew better, I believed that there was no good reason not to do so and in fact we successfully rebuilt more than one 100/6… Continue reading Austin Healey 3000 bores in a 100/6 block.
Austin Healey 100 #174 Heatshields
The drivers footwell heatshields on #174 were original and somewhat different from those that I have seen on later cars. These heat shields are installed on all “Big” Healeys to limit the amount of heat that is radiated onto the driver’s footwell from the exhaust manifold and down pipe. The Original Heatshield on the Front… Continue reading Austin Healey 100 #174 Heatshields
Brake Pipe Flare TSB
Austin Healey BJ8 Water Pump Rebuild
Because the only available reproduction pumps are such c**p I have been selling a bunch of Austin Healey 3000 MkIII water pump rebuild kits and many people have asked me how difficult is it to rebuild one of these pumps? The kits cost $US68.65 which includes domestic or international shipping. The following is a step… Continue reading Austin Healey BJ8 Water Pump Rebuild
Austin Healey Steering Lever Removal
One of the difficult jobs when repairing or restoring the steering box or steering idler on an Austin Healey 100 – MkIII is the removal of the steering levers. These levers are fitted on to a tapered spline and without the correct tool can be very hard to release without damaging the steering box, steering… Continue reading Austin Healey Steering Lever Removal
Healey #174..Original Dash Paint…A Real Mindbender
In my continuing efforts to accurately archive as many details of this very early Austin Healey 100 as I can I have spent time gently sanding through the paint on the dash in an attempt to determine its original colour. I want to emphasize that all I am doing here is cataloging what I’m finding… Continue reading Healey #174..Original Dash Paint…A Real Mindbender
Austin Healey #174…What colour was the frame?
One of the things I tried to take particular care to record as I took this car apart was any evidence of original paint. There has been much discussion about what colour the frame and inner body of these early cars was originally. Many owners have reported finding that the frame and inner body, and… Continue reading Austin Healey #174…What colour was the frame?
Austin Healey #174….Unusual Front Fenders
Now that I have had the body panels for this car chemically cleaned I am able to see some details on the front fenders which are rather unusual and not evident on later versions. THE FENDER VENT CUT OUTS First is the strange way that the vent holes have been manufactured (that’s if you do… Continue reading Austin Healey #174….Unusual Front Fenders
Austin Healey #174 Healey Grey??….Paint History
When I received the Heritage Certificate for this car I was surprised to note that the original colour was noted as “Healey Grey”. I have not been a close follower of all the work that people have done on these very interesting “early” cars so was not aware of the discussion that had gone on… Continue reading Austin Healey #174 Healey Grey??….Paint History