In the age of computer engine management, people seem to have trouble operating the manual choke on their SU carb-equipped Bugeye (or similarly equipped classic car). So we made a detailed video that breaks down the components so choke operation will be come easy to master for all, for generations! Watch below and give us a call for your Bugeye parts needs!
Nick’s Tech Tips: Don’t let broken brakes leave you hosed!
Hydraulics are the number one fault area on British cars, primarily because moisture gets in the fluid and causes problems. The most common repair issue in the hydraulic system is leaking or seized wheel cylinders, master cylinders, and slave cylinders… but there is one issue that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle during maintenance proceedings… rubber hydraulic hoses.
This week, we had a Bugeye up on one of our lifts for a complaint of sticking rear brakes. The car would stop, but the rear brakes would stay applied even after the brake pedal returned. After a few minutes, the rear brakes would release and the cycle would repeat itself. This is a tell-tale sign that your brake hoses need to be replaced. In the below photo, you can see why:
Brake hoses are made of rubber. As with any rubber part exposed to the elements, brake hoses deteriorate over time; standard hydraulic fluid, which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, doesn’t help matters, either. The “fun” part about brake hoses is that they are double-layer hoses, two layers of rubber bonded together. The most common failure point on hoses is not an external rupture and susequent leak; what usually happens is the two layers of rubber separate, the inner layer collapses on itself, and your brake hose turns into a one-way check valve. This allows brake pressure to travel to the brakes and applying them, but not allowing the fluid to travel away from the wheels to allow those brakes to retract. It will feel like your parking brake is stuck on, but in reality, your brake hose is holding the fluid hostage!
When hose collapse happens, brakes will either lock up and stay locked, or won’t engage at all, and of course, that will ruin your day. In addition, locked-up brakes will overheat and cause warped brake drums, can melt the bonding glue used to glue the linings on the shoes, and melt rubber seals in the wheel cylinder and create leaks.
So how do you know when it’s time to change your brake hoses? Well, if you are experiencing the symptoms we have described up above with your brakes, that’s usually a good sign. But alternatively, any time you are doing routine maintenance on your Bugeye, get up underneath and inspect the hoses visually. Excessive cracking, slices, bulging, nylon threads showing, or leakage from the fittings are indicators of failed/failing hoses. It’s also a good idea to change your hoses any time you have to change other hydraulic components, like a wheel cylinder, brake line, or master cylinder.
Even if you hoses look good, it’s a good idea to change them every seven to ten years. Rubber has a natural shelf life of about this length of time, and even if your hoses look visually pristine, they could be aged-out internally, and at that point, you have a ticking time bomb in your braking system. But how do you tell how old your brake hose is? Lucky for us, modern replacement brake hoses have a built-in birth certificate!
As you can see in the above photo, modern brake hoses come stamped with a myriad of data, most of which doesn’t apply to the average mechanic. But what does apply is the numbers I’ve circled. This sequence is a date of manufacture, meaning we know EXACTLY when any brake hose has been manufactured, and thus, we also know its expiration date. This particular hose celebrates its twentieth birthday in two weeks! But no cake for this hose… its birthday present this year is permanent retirement!
No matter your brake configuration, we have all of your hose replacement needs in our online catalog! We even have braided stainless steel lines for added corrosion resistance and for that “race car” look! Click the photos below to order the hoses you need or visit our parts catalog by clicking here!
Bugeye of the Week! Restored and well sorted 1960 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite for sale! NEW driving video!
Robin is this week’s Bugeye of the Week! We have snapped some fresh photos and taken a BRAND NEW driving video! Check out the post below and give us a call if Robin is right for you!
NEW driving video!
This is “Robin” (AN5L 32598), a stunning mostly stock Bugeye with a front disk brake upgrade. Interior is quite nice, paint is strong, engine is fresh, this car is ready for fun! This was a dry Arizona car that began a four-year restoration about 15 years ago. The car comes with a book full of receipts describing all the expenditures. The California owner stripped the tub (as shown below) and had the car painted with a striking base/clear bright red finish. We sold Robin in 2019 to a local collector who put just a few hundred miles on the car. We have just refreshed the hydraulic system to prepare the car for the new owner.
All the usual new parts were added during the restoration that you would expect, including a new wiring harness, badges, bumpers, etc., as well as a new wood steering wheel and leather covered shift knob, all of which still present well. The radiator and heater were recored, and the suspension was completely renewed with the addition of front disk brakes for better stopping power. This week, we replaced many of the hydraulic components, including the master cylinder, rear wheel cylinders, brake hoses, and clutch slave to ensure proper hydraulic function. A fresh fuel filter was also installed.
The interior is excellent, with firm new seat foams and covers, and new carpet throughout. New GPS speedo and electronic tach are attractive upgrades already installed!
The 948 engine was rebuilt with flat topped .040 overbored pistons and a 1098 head with larger valves, as well as larger HS2 carbs which have been completely rebuilt with new throttle shafts and all new parts. A larger exhaust system helps the car breathe, and helps improve performance. The spin-on oil filter is a nice upgrade. Crank damper was added too. The car is peppy, and a lot of fun, with only about 2000 miles traveled since restoration. She still looks new and sounds great.
The original smooth-case 4-speed gearbox was rebuilt as well. This is a very attractive package and a very nice car!
Glass and all rubber is new too, as is the battery (2017) and great 155 radial tires (2018). Lap belts are installed. A nice top bow is included and a nice black top with a zip-down window was fit in 2019. The tonneau is a bit shrunken, so you may choose to have a new one fitted instead. Robin also comes with brand new, never fitted side curtains with the plastic still on the windows!
Please give us a call or email if you would like us to ship Robin to your door!
Restored round wheel arch/split bumper 1974 MG Midget for sale!
Today we are pleased to offer “Elsa,” a 1974 MG Midget that came to us from its latest caretaker in Florida. This last owner treated Elsa to a top-to-bottom restoration that has transformed this car into one of the nicest 70s Midgets we have seen!
We were lucky to get this car from one of our clients who spent a massive amount of time and energy on this nice restoration. The paint is new. The sheet metal is good and restored as needed. The underside is strong and there are numerous new parts everywhere you look.
It’s a 1275 car with a four-speed rib case transmission and front disc brakes, just like when new. The interior alone was a very expensive undertaking and looks great! And the top is quite sharp too. Wire wheels and spinners are also new, as are the fuel tank, fuel pump and stainless steel exhaust system.
[Read more…] about Restored round wheel arch/split bumper 1974 MG Midget for sale!Is an EV classic car right for you?
This is a “charged” topic (pun intended). Like it or not, EVs are the next big thing in the automotive world. Perhaps your neighbor just got an EV, and maybe you’ll be getting one soon too. And EV media hype is likely to stay “amped up” for the foreseeable future, as more and more new EVs come on the market.
Maybe this is exactly why classic cars should stay gas-powered… to stay “classic.” And there is a large group of consumers who fully intend to keep their ICE-powered old car and the exhaust note that comes with every gas-powered vintage car. I own about nine gas burners in my little collection, and I’m with you!
But hear me out, because I believe we should welcome EV classic cars with open arms, also. Our company is still very committed to great gas-powered restorations, parts and modifications, and we expect that gas engines will occupy most of our energies for the foreseeable future. But we also believe that EVs are one of the best ways we can produce the most reliable classic cars on the road. The motors are bulletproof. There’s no transmission to jump out of gear or leak oil. No carburetor issues. And no clutch issues for clients with knee, hip or body challenges… one-pedal driving is easy on the body.
[Read more…] about Is an EV classic car right for you?Best of the best LHD 1960 Morris Minor Traveller for sale! Exceptional restoration with all the best upgrades– 1275 engine, five-speed gearbox and lots more!
NOW SOLD to Bob in Arkansas! Congratulations Bob and family!
This 1960 Morris Minor is something quite special. I’ve owned quite a few of these cars over the years, and this is a particularly sensational example that was the subject of a very high level restoration. Most of these Minors were everyday utility vehicles and now show significant wear. This car, however, was treated to the best of everything during restoration and is far better than when new.
She shines beautifully, and the woodwork is also exceptionally well-restored… the wood and the paint looks brand new. The interior is excellent. The underside is excellent. If you want one of the best, this is your car.
This particular Traveller also has all the right upgrades to make this eye-catching classic into a very usable vehicle that can take-on the modern world. The front brakes have been upgraded to discs, more efficient and powerful replacements for the original front drums. The engine has also been upgraded to a rebuilt 1275 with twin SU HS2 carbs, a great improvement over the original single SU tethered to the 848cc A-series engine that was standard Minor equipment in 1960. Additional reliability upgrades were incorporated into the engine swap, such as Pertronix electronic ignition, K & N lifetime air filters, spin-on oil filter and an alternator (for better charging).
