USMC 0802

I replaced the starter as it was occasionally freewheeling. I looked in the binder we assembled (since my dad kept all his receipts) and I put the previous starter in back in 1994 during college in the parents' driveway.



I also swapped out the steering damper since the original unit was knackered - bushings were like gummy bears. Brian at Bair's had one here in 24 hours. Woot!



Check out this nasty thing:



Knackered indeed!



The new one definitely tightened up the steering (read: made it harder to turn the wheel), but hey - I work out and don't need PS!

Of course one of my sons helped with the work, so we had to take it out for a burn. Steering feels rock steady, though we only got to 105 mph...

Found a cool picture spot:


My father's Grand Sport is put away for the winter up north so I taunted him with a couple pics. Shame about the language he used - LOL!




Thanks for looking and keep driving!

leif.anderson93

Ya just gotta love a guy that will work on his back, in the driveway...with SNOW on the ground. Hoo Rah!! Semper Fi
P.S. Hope you had those rear wheels chocked.

csysman

(love your avatar
USMC 69-73 Semper Fi)

warrenmj

I don't know about you, but once I start approaching 100 mph in my '66, the front of my car starts getting light and steering doesn't feel very solid.

USMC 0802

It felt fine, but needs tires in the spring...The damper really helps.

Thanks brother!

Leif,
I make do with what I have...I did put an old piece of carpet down though. Being cold sux.

Yes the wheels were chocked gentlemen, thanks for looking out!

Revfan

Congrats man!

You are doing it right! What did your wingman think of the experience?

USMC 0802

Greg,
We had a great time, thanks for asking! He helped first by directing me onto the ramps and then helping me in removing the damper, which was covered in almost 50 yrs of gunk and grit (you can only power wash so much), but it was "survivor" dirt so I didn't want too much of it off...

It was a class of sorts as I showed him the flywheel teeth interface, wiring (pos/neg), etc. and of course, he carried the old/new starter into/out of the auto parts store and it was nice having another set of hands getting the starter with heat shield up in there.

As usual, the test ride was a hoot and we went 45 miles and stopped at Sonic to make sure we got it right

USMC 0802

I forgot to add...The cockpit view for my son (he's my designated texter and photographer):




He's sitting the very same spot I used to occupy as a wee lad. Except my dad never drove it when there was snow on the ground....

But hey-there's no salt and the engine loooves that cool air!

Frankie the Fink

I actually had to look up 'knackered' and the OP's use of it is spot on...popular word overseas and now a new one in my vocabulary...

There is just something about setting your butt down in a classic car on a cold morning and heading out of the driveway before the heater is really working and the engine is being a bit cranky and then the old girl will settle down, warm you up and take care of you the whole trip. It like the Detroit Dodgers, Mom and apple pie...

Revfan

The Brits say it A LOT! That is where I first picked it up (Stationed at Lakenheath/Feltwell from 97-03.

USMC 0802

I picked up the term from my British mates in Afghanistan.

So true about the nice morning ride, Frank! And in my case, I'm thankful for the awesome heater!

ChattanoogaJSB

Great post! I love what you're doing with your son. My kids are small and I'm starting them out the same way. Nothing beats that view over the fenders.