December 2024

We are moving into the wetter, windier time of year but it’s still dry at the moment, so can we be encouraged to frequent the garage for a little while longer for bit of peace and relaxation?

It’s good to see so much interest in the technical articles that we are running in our magazine now on a regular basis. The Norman Nock articles have been published for a number of years and we are indebted to David, his son, for his permission to publish them. However, with our growing number of new members some of the text can be out of date or confusing unless, like many of us, you are the same age as the cars! Terms like offside and nearside may be confusing to owners reading the workshop manual or handbook, (usually non-existent on your new Toyota Yaris hybrid)! However just think of cars that drive on the lefthand side of the road like we do in Britain and you won’t go wrong! Incidentally the sides of a car, either right or left, are still terms used as viewed from the back of the car.

I hope all those visiting the Lancaster Classic Car Show in November approved of our stand. It is one of our ways to advertise the Club to members, and perhaps more importantly, to attract prospective new members. One of the attractions I like, which is usually at the show, is the practical display skills stand showing such things as panel beating; always great fun on your own restoration!

It is AGM season at the moment so wherever you live please come along for a chat (and usually a small imbibement!) and see a few Healey owners with whom to share your thoughts and ideas.

I read from the latest FBHVC newsletter that Sir Greg Knight has been appointed as President of the FBHVC. Sir Greg was instrumental in setting up the All-Party Parliamentary Group in the early 90's, so to that end he has the same views and aims as the FBHVC, to which we are all members. This is a welcome appointment, which will help voice the concerns of the historic car ovement.

Reading one of the articles from one of the American newsletters, I was reminded that, as you know, HD8 carbs are used on the later MkIII Austin Healeys and some of us are keen to find the source of rough running in this area. This model of carb uses a diaphragm that allows the jet to move up and down, so setting the mixture. It also moves of course as the choke lever is operated, sometimes inadvertently tearing the material, probably a type of neoprene; or if the diaphragm is old and still made of the original rubber compound its also likely to be affected by this new E10 fuel. In any event it is worth changing it if you are dismantling in this area.

With our post still in a delayed state, I'm going to wish you now a most enjoyable Festive Season even if that does mean I'm first off the block so to speak.

All the best,

Happy Austin Healey Driving and of course Keep Overtaking - - - - - safely!