December 2007
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Austin Healey Club of Oregon Officers/Representatives 2007 President: Betty Hand 503-693-9293 hand92bb@peoplepc.com
Vice President: Jeff Mach 503-364-6789 mach@toast.net
Secretary: Cecilia Magnuson 360-834-0136 magnusons4@comcast.net
Treasurer: Linda Adams 541-416-2347 ladams1284@q.com
Advertising: Joe laws 503-636-5817 jflaws@att.net
Activities: Mark Schneider 503-643-7208 mandmschneider@ comcast.net
Editor: Jack Jakobsen 503-432-8777 editorjack@comcast.net Regalia: Carole Trenko Jaci Koeber Carole: 503-643-2387 Jaci: 503-244-3731 hostacdt@yahoo.com koegeoja@hevanet.com ABFM Representatives: Doug Auburg Jeff Mach Doug: 360-694-7769 Jeff: 503-364-6789 dauburg@wa-net.com mach@toast.net
Membership and Charity Chairperson: Skip Monaco 503-245-0174 tomsimport@ipinc.net Inter-Club Coordinator: John Wilson 541-933-2016 johnhealeylane@worldnet. att.net Librarians: John Carter Jeff Mach John: 503-579-6599 Jeff: 503-364-6789 jc9821@msn.com mach@toast.net
Cover The cover car this month is a 1955 AH 100S (AHS3502) owned by Stanley Bauer. The car was the second 100S (out of 50) produced and began its life racing at Sebring. It was just rebuilt in 42 days in John Wilson’s shop by Steve Pike and one assistant from Australia. Following rebuild the car was driven by Steve and Stanley Bauer to Stanley’s home in Beverly Hills, CA. Photo taken by Steve on the Pacific Coast while enroute to LA. Thank you: Doug Auburg, Jim Averill, Jeff Mach, Tom & Skip Monaco, Steve Pike, and Mark Schneider for your contributions to Healey Northwest. Healey Northwest
Editor’s Notes: Well it is time to say “Good By”! After three years this time and three previously, I need to move on and at least put the “newsletter time” into finishing my Healey, I have enjoyed working with all of you in producing Healey Northwest. Please remember that without your input there is no newsletter, so I am gratefully “Thankful” for what you have provided to your newsletter during the years I was producing our publication. Through the years I have had input from many individuals, but I particularly want to thank Mark Schneider and Jeff Mach for the many quality articles and photographs they provided during the past three years. Sheila and I will not be able to attend the Christmas party this year due to another commitment, but we will be thinking of you and want to offer our sincere best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and for a healthy and happy new year. May we have Peace on Earth! Jack
Contents: Editor’s Notes Current Club Activities Other Car Events November Membership Meeting Minutes Membership Update/Charity I Can See Clearly Now I Can See Clearly Now - Part 2 Photos of AH 100S Rebuild This Month in AHCO History Healey Meets LaMans 2008 Activities 2008 Classified Ads
3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 16 16 17 17
December Meeting: Date: December 15, 2007 Program: 6:00 p.m. Christmas Party at Eastmoreland Golf Club, Portland. You can count on the usual fun events. See page 4 for further details.
December 2007
AHCO Activities
Healey Northwest ©2007 AHCO The official publication of the Austin-Healey Club of Oregon, Healey Northwest, is usually published monthly for the benefit of it’s members. Articles which appear in Healey Northwest express the opinion of the author and do not express the official Austin-Healey Club of Oregon position on any subject unless specifically noted. We do our best to insure accuracy, but can not be responsible for any errors or omissions of fact. Contributions are welcome on any subject related to Healeys, AHCO, Club members, or of general interest to the classic car hobby. Material from Healey Northwest may be reprinted in other publications, provided credit is given to the author and source, and if reciprocal article use permission is offered by that publication. For U.S. Postal submission, please address articles or correspondence to: Jack Jakobsen Healey Northwest Editor 160 SW 89th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97225-6804 For other communication: phone 503-432-8777 or e-mail: editorjack@comcast.net AHCO MEMBERSHIP Membership in the Austin-Healey Club of Oregon is available to anyone with an interest in the cars bearing the Healey marque. Individuals need not own a Healey to join nor is membership restricted to any regional, national or continental boundaries. Members are encouraged to participate in all Club activities. Winter activities are normally indoor technical sessions or social events. Summer activities are normally outdoors involving tours and car events. Calendar year membership is available in person at any meeting or by mail for US$25.00 per individual or couple (add US$10.00 for international mail). Checks should be made payable to AHCO and sent to: Skip Monaco, Membership Director 7710 SW 89th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97223 Publication Deadline Contributions to Healey Northwest are due to the Editor by the 15th of the month preceding publication to ensure inclusion in the month’s newsletter. Healey Northwest
Calendar Editor’s Note: Some information or dates may change after originally published. Check the calendar each month for current information or visit our web site: http://www. healey-oregon.org
December 15, 2007 - Annual Christmas Party The Christmas Party will again be held at the popular Eastmoreland Golf Club, 2425 SE Bybee Blvd., Portland. Please note that the date is the third Saturday of the month. The agenda for the evening is as follows: 5:00 – 7:00 PM Party and Charity Auction Setup 6:00 Christmas Party Begins 6:00 – 7:30 Social Hour, Silent Auction 7:30 – 9:00 Dinner 9:00 – 10:00 Charity Auction 10:00 – 11:00 Auction Purchase Pay Table 11:00 PM Christmas Party Ends If you were unable to make your $10.00 per person co-pay by November 30th, that does not mean that you can’t attend the party, it just means that you will not be able to have dinner but may still participate in all of the other activities. We hope to see you all at this annual event. Directions to the Eastmoreland Golf Club: Traveling north on I-5 Cross the Marquam Bridge Stay in the right lane crossing the bridge Take the off ramp marked: “Central Eastside Industrial District”, At the bottom of off ramp turn right, Go 1 block, turn left onto Taylor, Go 4 blocks, turn right onto Martin Luther King, Traveling south, MLK merges onto Grand, Traveling south, Grand merges on McLouglin Blvd, Turn right onto SE 23rd Ave, Turn Right onto SE Bybee Blvd, Cross bridge over McLoughlin Blvd Turn left at entrance to Eastmoreland Golf Club. Traveling south on I-5 Take Exit 300B marked: OMSI (brown colored sign). Stay on ramp to intersection with Martin Luther King, Turn right onto Martin Luther King, then continue Continued on next page ....
December 2007
using the directions shown on page 4 under traveling north. January 12, 2008 - Oregon Food Bank Tour Jack and Sheila Jakobsen have arranged the outing this month, which will include a tour of the Oregon Food Bank located at 7900 NE 33rd Drive, Portland. The tour will be followed by our monthly meeting at the Food Bank. We will then adjourn to McMenamins Kennedy School for a tour and no host lunch. The Oregon Food Band is a major supplier of food for the needy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The facility is a wonderful example of the use of green and recycled materials and technology in building and facility design. The facility operates with a minimum of paid staff and many volunteers. Recently the OFB has been experiencing a serious shortage of food for the areas most needy families. The OFB is one of the charities AHCO supports financially. The Kennedy School located at 5736 NE 33rd is an old Portland elementary school that has been converted into a great meeting facility that includes rooms for meetings, various food service areas, and a concert facility. You can even spend the night in one of the converted classrooms. Much of the old decor and pictures from its days as an elementary school are still hanging on the walls. Perhaps you will see the picture of a friend or relative. Following lunch we will receive a guided tour of the facility. Schedule: 10.00 a.m. - Meet at entrance to Food Bank 10:15 - Food Bank Tour 11:00 - Monthly meeting 12:15 p.m. - Meet at Kennedy School - Lunch 1:30 - Tour of Kennedy School Directions to Oregon Food Bank: North or South Bound on Hwy. I-5 take Columbia Blvd. off-ramp. Drive east on Columbia Blvd. to 33rd North Bound, the first 33rd Street exit, then continue on 33rd to 7900 NE 33rd Drive. Park in the front of the building. Directions to Kennedy School: Drive South on 33rd Dr. to Columbia Blvd. Stay in the right lane. Take 33rd Ave., South Bound. Continue on Healey Northwest
Other Car Events January 12 - 20, 2008 B-J Car Auction The 37th Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction will once again be held in Scottsdale, AZ. As you may be aware, several of our members attend this event each year. If you want to see a world class car auction, this is the one to see. For more info go to: www.barrettjackson.com/eventschedule/ April 27, 2008 All British Auto Jumble The 12th Annual Autojumble will once again be held in the parking structure at Montgomery Park, Portland, OR. This is a British parts and car sale that is always fun. More to follow. May 16 - 17, 2008 ABFM Vancouver, BC While this fun event is still in the planning stages, you can put it on your calendar now. Held annually in the beautiful Van Dusen Gardens, both the cars and the gardens are a treat to see. Stay tuned! May 31 - June 8, 2008 British Car Week This is the 12th year running for this annual event. Time to take your pride and joy out and use it for all your activities. Let the uninformed see what they are missing. For further info go to: www.britishcarweek. org June 29 - July 4, 2008 Conclave 2008 Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Sprite, the 2008 International Conclave will be hosted by the Austin Healey Club of San Diego. For more details see the January 2008 issue of HNW. July 13, 2008 Forest Grove Concourse d’Elegance Here we go with #37 of this “elegant” event. It is always a thrill to see the many beautiful cars, trucks and cycles of all descriptions. We should make an effort to have a real Healey showing for 2008. More to follow as details become available. Continued on page 7 ....
33rd Ave. to 5736 NE 33rd Ave. Parking is in the rear of the building.
For info on AHCO activities for 2008, turn to page 17 ....
December 2007
Austin Healey Club of Oregon Membership Meeting Minutes, November 10, 2007 CTO: The meeting was called to order by VP Jeff Mach at 1:20pm in Applebee’s in Lake Oswego.
auction. She hopes that we will, once again, have a great auction this year.
Thank you: Everyone thanked Alan & Mary Gross for organizing the tour of Medical Teams International and for setting up the meeting at Applebees.
ABFM: Tom Monaco reported that the event was a success and the distribution has been made to the sponsoring clubs. Our treasurer has deposited the check in our account.
Officer’s Reports: OLD BUSINESS Minutes: Minutes of the last two meetings were approved as published in the November Healey Northwest. Treasurer: Jeff read the Treasurer’s report. No one had any questions. VP: No report. Activities: No report. Mark is in LA with his family. All were reminded of the need to get our dinner payments and entree choices to Linda Adams by November 30 in order to have dinner. Members who do not respond will not be able to join us for dinner but ARE WELCOME to attend the Christmas Party to following dinner.
Officer Election: Doug reported that he received no mailed ballots and that none of the offices are contested. Therefore he moved that we cast a unanimous ballot for the nominated slate of officers. Motion unanimously agreed to. The following officers were elected for 2008: President Jeff Mach VP Mark Schneider Secretary Cecilia Magnuson Treasurer Linda Adams Activities Tom Monaco Regalia J. Koeber / C Trenko Editor no nominee found Club Coord. John Wilson Advertising Joe Laws Membership Skip Monaco
Editor: No report. Club Coordinator: John Wilson was not present but he passed along a message that there are plenty of rooms available in San Diego for the Conclave. This updates incorrect information reported at the last meeting. Regalia: Kym Randolph had some items available for sale.
Jeff reported that a member has come forward who has experience in publishing organizational newsletters and is willing to become our editor if we pay $200 per issue. Jeff and the EB will work this out. A membership vote on whether or not to authorize this expenditure was deferred until the December meeting due to a lack of the necessary 25 members to form a quorum. NEW BUSINESS
Membership: Skip Monaco provided a written report. The club currently has 200 members. As soon as today’s election has been completed, she will proceed to get the 2008 Membership Directory published. Charity: Skip asked that people who have items for the Christmas Auction PLEASE GET THE DESCRIPTION AND ITEMS to Skip ASAP so that preparation work can be done. Items delivered on the night of the event add greatly to the complexity of the Healey Northwest
Christmas Party Volunteer: Joe Laws volunteered to oversee the “Healey Feely” contest for the upcoming Christmas party. Meeting Adjourned: 1:41pm Respectfully Submitted, Doug Auburg (acting note taker)
December 2007
Membership Update by Skip Monaco AHCO WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Richard & Jackie Breeden 3617 SW Volcano Ct. Redmond, Or. 97756 Mr. & Mrs. Breeden have a 1957 100-6 & a ‘67 BJ8 Edward Davis & Samantha Hopkins 780 Foothill Dr. Eugene, Or. 97405 The Davis/Hopkins family owns a 1974 Jensen Healey Dan Zents & Stephanie Hart 2040 SE Elliott Portland, Or. 97214 Dan & Stephanie have a 1960 BT7 MK I Member Address ChangeS Frank Fassold 3424 SE Wake Street Portland, OR 97222-5688 Scott and Beth Krane 200 Woodford Road Oswego, IL 60543-4080 Other Car Events, continued from page 5 ....
July 26, 2008 Western Washington ABFM The Puget Sound Automotive Society will again present their ABFM at Bellevue Community College, Bellevue, WA. Stay tuned for details. August 29 - Sept. 1, 2008 ABFM at PIR It is not to early to mark your calendar! Keep watching HNW for more info as it becomes available.
Christmas Charity Auction 2007 by Skip Monaco Through generous support of Club members at last year’s Christmas Charity Auction we were able to help a tremendous number of people in our region. To refresh everyone’s memory, we donated: $500 to the Coffee Creek Women’s Correctional Institute so that they could purchase quilting supplies at a huge discount. $500 to the Oregon Food Bank to help feed the hungry $500 in medical supplies for the Muscular Dystrophy Children’s Summer Camp which served over 200 children with a dibilitating disease. Our dollars were enhanced by partnering wih Walgreen’s Raleigh Hills $500 worth of art supplies for the Albertina Kerr Art Therapy Center. Our dollars were stretched through the generosity of Craft Warehouse $500 to the Southwest Portland Ronald McDonald House so they could purchase an entertainment center $500 worth of polar fleece which we made into lap blankets then donated to our local Veterans Hospital. In order for us to continue helping these people, the thoughtfulness & generosity of AHCO members is paramount. Please consider donating a nice item or two for the Charity Auction, making some fine purchases the night of the event (Sat. Dec. 15th), or even a cash contribution (which is favored by some) if you can’t make it to the event. By our past performance you can be assured that the money will be spent wisely. In order to expedite the auction itself, please let me know, prior to Dec. 14th (1) what the item is (2) the value (3) make an effort to get the item(s) to me prior to the 14th. As you know, it takes a lot of effort to collect the items, log them in, transport them, then get them on the proper display tables prior to the auction itself. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated by the team. We’ve also worked out a plan to make the check-out process go quicker and more smoothly. Granted, there was quite a line at the end of last year’s event, but most of you said that it provided an opportunity to chat with folks a little bit more. Thank you all in advance for your continued support of this worthwhile Club endeavor.
Healey Northwest
December 2007
I Can See Clearly Now by Mark Schneider
B
ackground We bought our Healey from the original owner when we lived in Richland, WA. Those readers who attended the 2007 Rendezvous know the Tri Cities is a desert climate. This includes very ugly windstorms complete with blowing sand. As a result the windscreen on our BJ8 was scoured and pitted. The windscreen condition grew worse over the years. The glass became so bad that it was difficult to see through it especially if I was driving into a bright light source directed at the glass from a very low angle. For example, driving towards a rising or setting sun that was just above the horizon. The windscreen glass had to be replaced. Each winter, when the car is comfortably nestled in the Schneider garage, I tackle a Healey project. The project last winter was replacement of the original glass in the BJ8 windscreen. Fortunately, I learned that John Wilson had a Pilkington Triplex replacement BJ8 windscreen in his parts stock. I havd heard from several club members that Pilkington windscreens are highly regarded. Before I undertake a Healey project I do as much research as I can to convince myself that I am not launching on a path of self or Healey destruction. I do not adhere to the old adage, “If it ain’t broke I can still probably fix it”. Of course one of the first information sources is the “Austin Healey Workshop Manual: 100-6, 3000”. I strongly recommend that anyone considering replacing a BJ7 or BJ8 windscreen start by reading section PPP.6 through PPP.8 of the manual. Most of what you need to know about the removal, re-glazing, and replacement of the late big Healey windscreen is found in theses sections. Unfortunately, it is the only written information I could find. I also spoke with a number of the usual Healey restoration gurus around the US. At the outset of these conversations I could actually sense the other person initially shudder and then give a sigh of relief when they realized I wasn’t asking them to do the job for me, I planned to do the job myself, Based on these experiences I have written a two-part article for the AHCO newsletter. I hope that I can provide a little assistance to the next poor Healey Healey Northwest
owner that has decided time has come to once again gaze down the road through, not around, the windscreen of his beloved Healey. BJ8 Windscreen Replacement – Three Strategies The BJ8 windscreen is a complex affair compared to the earlier Healey models (See the diagrams in the Moss catalogue). The curved glass surface is housed in a heavy, chromed frame. The metal frame consists of four major segments, a top and bottom bar and two side components much like a picture frame. This frame and glass is mounted on the car body by bolting it to two stout pillars. The pillars are bolted to the car body 9scuttle) inside the front of the doorjamb. This design affords the restorer three strategies: 1. If all one needs to do is replace the glass the windscreen “frame” can be removed from the pillars, the frame dismantled, reglazed, reassembled and bolted back to the pillars. 2. If one needs to completely restore every feature of the windscreen including re-plating the chrome then the frame and glass and pillars all have to come off the car and be totally dismantled. I chose this strategy. 3. Sell the damn car and buy a Miata, Solstice, or BMW Z4 and let the next masochist face your BJ8 windscreen challenge. I’ll assume that at this point that the third strategy is totally out of the question for most of you and I will try to provide a little guidance about the first two. As I said in earlier articles I have written, please be aware that I am no Austin Healey expert. When I write up something for the newsletter I am merely passing on my notes from the OTJ training I have just completed. So be forewarned and I hope the following is helpful. Strategy #1 –Re-glazing Only The following steps will get the windscreen frame off of the pillars and on to your workbench for disassembly and re-glazing and reassembly: a. Remove the windscreen wipers from their splined drives. b. Remove the rearview mirror from the center of the scuttle top liner (that’s the padded top
December 2007
c.
d.
e.
f.
of the dash board to those who don’t yet speak Healey). Remove the scuttle top liner. This step may require that you find two small screws at either end of the scuttle top. My car didn’t have these screws. Next, locate two metal tabs near the ends of and underneath the edge of the padded scuttle top liner. Bend the tabs back and away from the dashboard. Carefully lift rear edge of scuttle top liner and work the front edge clear from the bottom of the windscreen. Be very careful in this step. There are six little nubs protruding from the demister vents (aka “defroster” vents. Note – more Healey-speak) in the scuttle top. These nubs insert through holes in the metal scuttle. These little nubbies can be difficult to extract and to line up during re-installation. Remove the bolt from the bracket at the center of the scuttle. This bolt anchors the bottom of the windscreen to the scuttle. You may need to consider replacing the expanding nut retained in the center of the metal scuttle. Remove the draft excluder (you know it as “weather stripping”) from the back edge of the windscreen pillars. If this material has never been removed from your car it will be necessary to drill out a series of aluminum rivets retaining the draft excluder. I found SC Parts, Ltd in England was a source for proper replacement draft excluder material. (See the parts and service list at the end of this article.) Remove the eight bolts from the backside of each pillar. These bolts anchor the windscreen frame to the pillars.
a great job. If I were to do this job again, however, I believe I would tackle this stage myself. If one takes their time and works close to the ground (this is really important, gravity being as unforgiving as it is.), such as on the family room carpeted floor, I think most gear heads could install the glass and glazing seals properly. On page ten of this issue of HNW I will discuss the more involved Strategy #2, i.e., the complete windscreen restoration including removal, dismantling of the pillars in preparation for Chrome re-plating. However, before I go there I feel compelled to warn any married Healey owner that pursuit of Strategy #2 will cost you a huge quantity of SPUs. (For the uninitiated these are “Spousal Permission Units”, these are the valuable points we accrue when we do good works around the house. Think about it). Therefore, if your SPU account is currently overdrawn. Strategy #3 may deserve careful re- consideration.
Parts and Service Suppliers for Windscreen Project Heritage Upholstery and Trim Vancouver, B.C. (604) 990-0346 U.S. telephone (360) 332-3022 (www.heritagetrim.com).
SC Parts Group, Ltd. 14 Cobham Way/Gatwick Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 (RX United Kingdom (www.scparts.co.uk)
Harold Wallace – Rivets (360) 834-7336
DAP ‘33’ white Glazing putty
Oregon Plating Co., Inc. Scott Hunt (503)232-7416
R&D Custom Glass Rick Ggugat (503) 844-7308
Article continued as Part 2 on page 10 ....
The windscreen frame can now be disassembled and cleaned up in preparation for re-glazing. The rubber weather seal, as well as other rubber and hardware components associated with the windscreen frame are available from Moss Motors and other British car parts suppliers. The re-assembly of the new windscreen glass in the frame is described in the shop manual, paragraph PPP.7. A note regarding the mounting of the glass in the windscreen frame, I had this done by a gentleman, Rick Gugat of R&D Custom Glass in Hillsboro. Rick came highly recommended by one of the collector car people of Portland and with good reason. Rick did Healey Northwest
Mark’s BJ8 and his photo.
December 2007
I Can See Clearly Now - Part 2 by Mark Schneider
S
trategy #2 Total Restoration - BJ8 Windscreen In this strategy steps (a) through (e) from the previous article (Strategy #1) must be completed first. You may also complete step (f) but the separation of the windscreen from the side pillars can also be completed after the removal of the intact windsreen/pillars assembly from the car. To pursue the total restoration of the windscreen the steps below are followed: a. Remove the door draft excluder, aka Bristleflex from the front edge of the door jamb. It is only necessary to strip the Bristlefles down to the inner sill/door shut face. Bristleflex is available from SC Parts Group, Moss Motors, and several other parts dealers. (Please, see the list of Parts and Service Providers in the previous article.) b. Carefully loosen the glued edge of the upholstery kick panel from the doorjamb. using rubber cement solvent. If a mild rubber cement solvent is used and the kick panels are not damaged they may be reused and re-glued during the re-installation process. If the kick panels are old they may disintegrate during the solvent treatment. I found Heritage Upholstery and Trim in Vancouver, B.C. has well made replacements. c. Open the car door and locate the pillar mounting plate at the bottom of the pillar. There are four bolts in this plate located near the hinge in the doorjamb. The bolt heads are in the doorjamb space near the hinges. The nuts and washers are inside the cockpit behind the recently removed kick panels. Remove the four bolts noting their proper orientation for later re-assembly. You will note there are two aluminum panels between the pillar mounting plates and the car body. These are called “packing plates”. I know they may look cheap and like somebody’s bad idea of a shim but they are essential to the re-installation. Don’t lose them. Note that the bolts are not all the same length and that there is a bracket from the steering column anchored by one of the bolts on the driver’s side. Healey Northwest
d. Carefully remove the windscreen from the car. The whole windscreen assembly is heavy and unwieldy. You might want to seek an AHCO volunteer for assistance in this step. Also, take special note of the manner in which the rubber weather seal on the frame bottom is trimmed. The replacement weatherseal will require trimming similarly to look correct and to keep rain or wash water from entering the door area and flooding the floor and carpets. Chrome plating of car parts requires special preparation. Complex assemblies such as the BJ8 windscreen must be completely disassembled. Electroplating quality can be defeated if metals of differing electrical characteristics are in direct contact while in the plating bath. I had heard this in the past but considering the intricacies of the windscreen pillar I decided to confirm my understanding. Scott Hunt of Oregon Plating stated all metal components of the pillars and windscreen must be separated including drilling out rivets in each pillar. Even the small anchoring brackets at the center of the windscreen frame bottom must be removed. Moreover the entire mass of the pillars must be broken down. Each of the pillars consist of four individual pieces: a. a large, heavy chrome piece which is connected by five rivets to, b. a stainless steel component that serves as the four bolt pillar mounting plate, c. an internal steel support piece also riveted to the mounting plate by four rivets, and d. the small hook for anchoring the convertible top to the top of the windscreen. These hooks are also riveted to the top of the heavy chromed member of the pillar assembly. The multiple rivets in the windscreen pillars were a concern to me. The concern wasn’t related to rivet removal. I figured I could remove the rivets with a little judicious work with an electric drill, files, and the occasional blunt instrument. Good fortune came my way as I contemplated the disassembly of the pillars. Early on in the project when I was exploring the science of chrome plating with Scott Hunt at Oregon Plating Co., removing the 10
December 2007
rivets seemed easy. However, reassembly of an item whose fit and finish needed to be perfect to allow the exact windscreen alignment seemed rather daunting. I wondered how I could do rivet pounding without ruining the chrome job. Scott had the answer. He merely pointed in the direction of the chrome shop and said, “Let me introduce you to Harold.” That day a rivet expert was in visiting Oregon Plating. So, fortuitously, I met Mr Harold Wallace of Camas, WA. Mr Wallace is one of a disappearing class of craftsmen. Subsequently, Harold removed all of the rivets from my windscreen pillars and then, after the plating process, reconstructed the pillars without a scratch in the new chrome. Harold is a perfectionist. He insisted that the rivet heads be chrome plated. He also polished the stainless steel components of the pillars to a finish nearly indistinguishable from the chrome-plated components. As I said in my discussion of Strategy #1, I had the re-glazing done by Mr Rick Gugat of R&D Custom Glass. He did a very good job. However, I would consider doing this task myself now that I have been through this project once. Ok, so we are now done with the cleaning and re-glazing and re-chroming and riveting, and the windscreen is ready to be remounted. Now comes the truly nerve wracking part of this whole job, the reinstallation of the windscreen on the car. This is the point where the entire windscreen glass erupts out of the newly chromed frame and ends up all over the bonnet and the garage floor. If you have heard very much about Healey windscreens you will know I speak the truth. It can happen. How do you avoid this? As in the first paragraph there are two strategies at this stage, as well. You can try lifting and reinserting the entire windscreen as a unit. That is, the windscreen frame and glass can be lifted over the car and lowered into the original location. If you are really lucky the windscreen will simply slip into position straddling the scuttle with the two pillar mounting points lined up and perfectly parallel with the sides of the car and the four bolt holes through the scuttle. Yeah, Right! The second strategy is the more prudent and the one more likely to succeed without breaking the glass. Install the assembled pillars first. Don’t forget to place Healey Northwest
the packing plates between the pillar mounting plates and the scuttle. Leave the four bolts on each side finger tight. Before re-mounting the windscreen frame and glass assembly to the pillars, the area at the base of each pillar must be re-sealed. I found DAP ‘33’ white glazing putty worked well. The DAP product has a consistency of modeling clay allowing it to be shaped around the pillar base and to adhere to the underside of the fender, thus forming a watertight seal against rainwater and car washing. The next step is to re-mount the windscreen to the pillars. Here again an extra pair of hands isrecommended. The windscreen must be lowered in place mindful of the rubber weather seal. It can be easily dislodged, especially at the ends. It must lie properly across the scuttle surface. Attaching the windscreen frame and glass to the pillars can be challenging. Having left the pillar bolts loose will help in aligning the pillars with the frame side members. A trick I found helpful at this juncture was to use bolts approximately 1/4” longer than the original bolts to aid in aligning the frame and pillars into the proper position. The metal of the frame sides is heavy and the bolt holes in the backside of these sections are shallow and the threads are difficult to engage. A little extra bolt length can help by assisting in engaging the threads and drawing the frame into proper position. Once all is correctly in line one can then replace the longer bolts with the correct length chrome headed bolts. There is a total of eight frame to pillar bolts for the assembly. Again, allow a little play in the bolts before the final tightening. At this point the job is nearly complete. Gently begin to snug up all of the bolts and screws. As you do this be mindful of the strain and torque the tightening process may be placing on the glass. This is especially true if the pillar mounting plates did not align perfectly parallel with the scuttle sides. I found it best to tighten each bolt a little, move on to other bolts and return to the first bolts for a final wrenching. You may also want to erect the convertible top to check how it fits to the top of the windscreen. Finally, replace the center bolt at the base of the windscreen and snug it up too. Then reinstall the scuttle top liner. Remember to be careful of the little demister nubbies on the underside of the liner. Then must engage the several small holes in the metal of the scuttle. Continued on page 16 .... 11
December 2007
Pictures of the AH 100S Rebuilt by Steve Pike in John Wilson’s Shop
Photos this page and top four next page by Jim Averill.
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December 2007
Steve Pike at work in John’s Shop.
Bottom two photos this page by Jeff Mach. Continued on page 14 .... Healey Northwest
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December 2007
100S Photos, continued from page 13 ....
Stanley Bauer fueling the 100S during their trip to
LA.
Stanley and the 100S at the Pacific Coast.
They made it! Stanley & Steve in LA. All photos these two pages provided by Steve Pike. Healey Northwest
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December 2007
Healey Northwest
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December 2007
This Month in AHCO History
Healey Meets LeMans 2008
by Jeff Mach Ho, Ho, Ho. Historically, it appears most everyone has tucked away their Healey(s) for the winter and the primary activity for December is the Club Christmas party. Thirty Years Ago The Club held its monthly meeting and Christmas party at Don Greenfield’s home in Tigard, complete with potluck dinner and “suds.” Since Don is still a member of the Club, I have to assume hosting the party and that boisterous bunch wasn’t too traumatic. Twenty Years Ago The Club held its monthly meeting and Christmas party at Rex Urban’s new Mini-Motors shop location in Salem. The party featured a display of various Healeys in the shop, dinner fixed in the shop’s kitchen, a visit by Santa, and a slide show. Rex is no longer a Club member, but the shop still stands, he continues in business at the same location, and he’s still partial to Healeys. Ten Years Ago George and Jaci Koeber hosted the Club’s Christmas party at their home. About 60 people showed up, some even in their Healeys despite cold and rain. The highlight of the auction appears to have been a sheer pink nightgown and matching cape, modeled by Gary Jackson for effect and purchased by Tom Monaco. Healey “races” occurred later in the game room. Contrary to popular rumor, the Koebers didn’t have to rebuild the house following the party.
by Tom Monaco Our friend Hans van de Kerkhof is once again planning an assault by Austin Healey on the famous race track in Lemans, France. Hans promises that this event will be even bigger and better than 2006. If you can’t remember, over two hundred fifty Healeys showed up for a few fast paced laps around the track. Hans and his co-drivers drove their Healey at speeds in excess of 150 mph to finish first among the Healeys and 14th overall. Of great importance to Skip and myself was the enthusiasm that Hans showed for our clubs charity work. He donated several posters of this great Healey event to raise money for our charity efforts. He also donated hats and shirts for our annual charity auction. The posters were designed by the wife of Hans co-driver Jaap Sinke and were a very limited production. They have consequently become a real collectors item. There will be a new poster for this years event and we will have a very few for sale. If you would like one, I’ll put your name on the list. In the meantime you must check out their new website www. healeymeetslemans.nl/home.php. Be sure and look at everything on the site. There’s excitement on every page. See Clearly, continued from page 11 ....
Now go get the Windex and several sheets of newspaper. Crumpled up newspaper makes an excellent material for wiping off Windex and glass cleaning. Then sit down in the drivers seat, fire that Healey up and go for a drive. How long has it been since you have been able to see the road ahead that clearly? Scary is it?
Happy holidays.
Card at right given to Vets at VA Hospital in Portland on Veterins Day. Design by Glen Enright, printing donated by Copies Plus in Beaverton. Healey Northwest
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December 2007
Activities 2008 by Tom Monaco WOW! It’s hard to believe another year has almost passed. For those of us who have survived, it’s time to plan for next year. On the slate so far: for January a tour of the Oregon Food Bank & McMenamin’s Kennedy School, a tour of Portland Powder Coating ( the biggest and best in Portland), a chat from Hagerty Insurance, an overnite trip to an old bordello, a ride on an antique steam train in Yacolt Wash., and more. In addition to our regular meeting time ( 2nd Saturday of the month), we will also be having some other events. There will be tours scheduled in the summer months of May, June, July & Aug.- and maybe others- for the 1st or 4th Sat. of the month. If you have a favorite Healey road that you would be willing to share, let me know and we’ll put it on the calendar. We also have
many openings for our regular monthly meeting. If you know of an interesting place that you think we would all enjoy, let me know. Don’t forget to plan for: Healey Conclave in San Diego; the Northwest Meet; All British Field Meet; and if you’re really a Healey Nut-”Healey Meets Lemans 2008”. This Club is only what you make of it. No effort expended-no gain gotten. Look for specific times and dates on our own website,www.healey-oregon.org. Hope to hear from you soon.
Classified Ads Vehicles for Sale
Parts for Sale
Austin Healey Mk. 1 Sprite, unknown year, SCCA racer since 1979, all log books included. Currently legal in SCCA Vintage racing. 1275 engine built by Dan Hall, head ported and polished, Cooper S 11 stud modification, Weber and SU carbs included, Rivergate 5-speed kit, custom offset 1/4 elliptic springs, heimjointed suspension and steering, rear disc brakes w/ cockpit adjustment, fire system, front tilt steel bonnet, and much more. Extensive spares package. Asking $14,000 or trade for a very nice street Bugeye. Call Jeff Zurschmeide at 503-330-3010 or check classified ad on www.pdxracer.com (11/07)
Quality Exhaust Headers Improve your performance and your horsepower. Tubular exhaust headers for 6 cylinder Healeys. Finest quality anywhere in the world. Mandrel bent, tig welded with equal length pipes. Designed to fit with the stock dual carb intake manifold. $850.00 per set. Richard Mayor 503-2821596 or (503) 224-1260. (2/07)
1961 Austin Healey 3000. Red, Dayton chrome wires, overdrive. Our driver for over 20 years. Well maintained. $26,800. Skip or Tom Monao 503-245-0174 (11/07) 1959 Bugeye Sprite, green, 948, black interior, steel bonnet, factory hardtop, bows for softtop, side curtains. New tires, hubcaps, brakes, fuel pump, and battery. This is a very original 10 foot car. Restore it or drive it as is. Garaged by previous owner and for the 17 years we have owned it. 2nd place in WWABFM in 1996. $8,500 Contact: Neil Buhman at neilandlois@ comcast.net or phone 425-228-2742 Cell 206-3569242 (7/07 Healey Northwest
Miscellaneous for Sale New Ad: Eastwood bead blast cabinet with professional vacumn built for a bead blast cabinet. The cabinet is 34 1/2” wide by 24” deep by 34” high with a 24” by 24” door on the side. It comes with a inside light kit and the professional quiet vacumn. If you are restoring a Healey, you need this! Original price was over $800 and I`m asking $325 or offer. John Wilson, 541-933-2016 or johnhealeylane@worldnet.att.net Also free, a good 6 cyl. roadster windshield, used but no cracks. Comtact John Wilson. (8/07) New Ad: Big Healey frame rotisserie capable of holding the unit in any desired rotational position. $400.00 Bill Bolton, email tricarb@aol.com or phone 541-895-5576. (8/07)
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December 2007
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Koeber’s Carpets was established in 1963 by George and Jaci Koeber, and continues to be family-owned and operated.
Koeber’s is a full-service floor and window coverings store, offering outstanding service at excellent prices. 6700 SW 111th Ave. Beaverton, OR 97008
503-641-1901 Fax 503-671-0808 CCB #036566
www.koebers.com
Member Steve Rux doing WMC - Autocross. Photo by Jeff Mach.
Austin-Healey Club of Oregon Healey Northwest 160 SW 89th Avenue Portland, OR 97225 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 141 PORTLAND, OR