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February 26, 2005
IMHO, this is not a good idea.
There are some things that a "Shade Tree Mechanic" can do, after all,
I are one, but there are some parts to the LBC that might be better
left to a "British Car Mechanic."
As far as your list, Wouldn't a simple "I'll pay you $50-$100, you
look it over, turn it over, try to start it, check brakes, etc, and
1. tell me what you think, and 2. give me an estimate as to what you
think it needs, what the parts and labor to do will be, and if agreed
to, final price will be within 10%.
I can get some parts through my local NAPA, and since he works at a
parts store, he should be able to get some parts there too. I don't
feel that a mechanic should be limited to sources that he probably is
not famililar with for parts.
I also feel that "a man has to know his limitiations," and SU carbs
are definiately one of those. Over 90 percent of mechanic's out
there today won't touch SU carbs and I would be hesiatent to tell
a "Shade Tree Machanic" to tear into mine. They are simple, but
different from other carburators.
(2) electronic ignition.... Make it run first, it was running 2 years
ago. Don't add aditional problems into the mix. A "Shade Tree
Machanic" would be more apt to be able to set/clean a simple set of
single points, and adjust the timing, if needed, than install
electronic ignition to a car that might have "Prince of Darkness"
problems to boot.
Brake Fluid.... You are half right. Brake fluid, DOT 3, does slowly
eat rubber, especially british 'natural" rubber, but that can be
minimized by driving you LCB at least monthly. Other wise, I have
heard that you can count on rebuilding all you wheel cylinders, slave
cylinders, and master cylinders, every two years. I think what you
are refering to as far as the brake fluid, was the recomendation to
use Castrol but I think somebody had a financial interest it that.
Most people use DOT 3, and some use DOT 5, I do. I don't think that
scylicone (DOT 5) disolves the rubber, does cause it to swell tho. I
like it because it doesn't absorb water, thereby rusting cylinders
and lines.
The above is just MHO, and others may agree or disagree.
Bob, Troutdale, OR
"Robert Webb" < rw@... > 36215
Posted on February 26, 2005 05:59 PM
Posted to category(s) Braking System | Carburetor | Cooling System | Engine (internal) | Exhaust System | Ignition System | International | Lubrication System | Miscellaneous | Tuning | Wheels
