TheSamba.com :: View topic - What's on your short 'to-do' list?

Wed Mar 15, 2006 1:49 pm

I picked up an original Manx SR this past weekend with the intent of a minor restoration. Overall it's in very good shape, save for the pans. Motor runs well, tranny is marginal but serviceable.
After looking at how it's put together I've made the decision to remove the body to expose the frame, thereby enabling a proper pan/perimeter fix for the rust that's existing. Now, since the body will be off, I will be installing all new brake lines, M/C, hardware, shoes, etc. just to be on the safe side, and probably re-wiring the thing just because.
What would be on your short list of things to check/replace on a limited budget? Ball joints? Torsion bars? Shocks are a definate replacement; everything else is up for grabs. Budget probably won't exceed $1K at this point, but you never know.

Suggestions?

Rick

Wed Mar 15, 2006 2:11 pm

Rick,
Here is my short list...probably all will stay under $1,000.00:
1. Replace all brake components: shoes, hardware, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, HARD LINES, and soft lines. So much easier with the body off! $100
2. Replace all cables: ebrake, throttle, clutch. Again, all very easy when the body is off. $30.00
3. "Consider" running new tunnel fuel line line. Easier with the body off and CHEAP. $20
4. Clutch, tranny boots, shift rod/tranny coupler, tranny mounts, and maybe the real seal on the motor while its out. If it is an IRS remove the CV joints, clean, inspect, and regrease. $130
5. Rewire. I have yet to see a decent buggy or kit wiring job on any of the 8 I have done. Gut it all and replace it. Top notch kits are $180...middle of the road 10 circuits are $60.
6. Suspension components: Check and replace. $200
7. Adjust steering box (free!) and replace steering donut. $10
Those are my big things that I feel are best done with the body off. Spend the rest on some fun stuff!

Wed Mar 15, 2006 4:12 pm

lets see some pics

Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:57 pm

I thought the SR's were pretty cool and I wouldn't mind locating one. I doubt if I could afford the current market price, tho. I'm not even sure how rare they are. Anyone have approx. production numbers?

Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:52 pm

you get the SR that was on ebay in new york? looked like it was in good shape if that was the one. going to bring it out for the historical car show at Linvilla orchard in may? few buggys will be there at least.hope to see it in person.

Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:07 pm

Hey 90.
Got more info on that orchard run? like when and where exactly? is it in PA? I'd like to attend.

Wed Mar 15, 2006 7:24 pm

The list is getting shorter - but each item is going to take longer. My $65 dollar PC engine tin just came back I am going to have a lot of time getting it fitted, but . . . ketchup and mustard still are the theme

Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:16 pm

Jimmler - As far as I can tell, original SR's produced by Meyers number less than 700, possibly as few as 200 due to a production run of only a half a year or so. SR2's by Heartland Glass may number quite a few more than that, possibly a few thousand, but i have no info on Heartland.

90volts - Linvilla in Glen Mills, PA? Won't be ready by then, but my Sterling always is! The one in New York is still available to my knowledge. I've got a few emails to the owner - I want to see how his hardtop is mounted. I picked mine up in Georgia. There is one on Ebay right now - an original Baldwin Motion car - b.i.n. for $15K

dirtydeeds - pictures of what? The car? Whose?

jsp - all great points. I had already purchased the brake components. Replacing the cabling is a great idea and checking all the seals are a must, but I don't want to pull the motor unless I absolutely have to. Rewiring is a priority - too many open connections and wires to nowhere.

Rick

Thu Mar 16, 2006 4:22 am

the sterling that was next to us at DCCC? what a small world then! can't wait to see what you do with the SR.
my short list keeps getting longer- paint-paint-paint!
holding up all other work. stopping by again today or tomorrow-hoping for some good progress.
too bad it wasn't an insurance job- apparently it would have been done weeks ago then since that takes priority over customers with cash! :evil:

Thu Mar 16, 2006 6:32 am

That's the one! Which buggy was yours?

Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:11 am

Rick,
The only reason I suggested the clutch/main seal was that you were going to have the body off. A floor jack and four bolts and that engine slide out easier than any other time.

Flaboyjim: Are you mounting that coil on the shroud? My chrome shroud didn't have any holes drilled so I think I had an idea to mount it to the left of the distributor. Will try to get that done this weekend and post some pics. I don't think I have seen anyone do what I am thinking and am interested in some fatal flaw feedback.

Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:37 am

Letterman,

Are you going to paint the SR the same color as your Sterling. That paint looks great.

Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:42 am

90volts wrote:
too bad it wasn't an insurance job- apparently it would have been done weeks ago then since that takes priority over customers with cash! :evil:

Insurance work is repeat business for them. That is always going to be more important than a private walk in.

Thu Mar 16, 2006 7:49 am

jsp - good point. Although the SR is open at the back, it would make for an easier time to access all the bolts and clean the area up. I'll add a seal to my list just for safekeeping - maybe a t/o bearing, too...I have a little rattle when it's in neutral - goes away when I depress the pedal.

dpg - I haven't decided yet. I've got a few paint tricks up my sleeve, but I don't want a match to the Sterling, since they are two different looking vehicles. I might keep the SR 'old school' with a modern twist. Where did you see the Sterling?

Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:47 am

same place. dave was the red siggy. mine was the copper one next to yours. that is awesome paint on the sterling. you do your own painting?(pics don't do it justice)

Thu Mar 16, 2006 12:27 pm

Oh Right! You were in talking with Eric and my wife and I - I remember now! And yes, I do my own painting. I just borrow a buddies spray booth when I need something shot.

Rick

Thu Mar 16, 2006 1:37 pm

jspbtown:

You have my attention, please keep me in the loop - I am looking for something different..

Thanks!

(great looking engine!)

Sat Mar 18, 2006 2:23 pm

Flaboyjim....I posted what I am thinking about under "coil mount idea". I have more pics if you like.

Sun Mar 19, 2006 2:23 am

Finish welding pan.
Start clean up of front end.
Kill cat that marked its territory on my body.
Find a bunch of parts that I need: windshield, axle spacers, headlight buckets, rear cage/bumper ect ect ect.