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1960 Austin Healey 3000 BT7

Frame off restoration

After talking to the guys at British Car Specialists yesterday I found out that they first sent me catalogs for Austin Healey bits almost a year and a half ago. That means the car's been sitting in storage almost that long. I couldn't believe it! But then, after remembering the shoulder surgery and now the leg surgery, I'm starting to appreciate how much time I've lost on my restorations in the past few years.

While it'll still be a bit before I can physically work on it due to a general lack of space. (I really need a 50 car garage. I asked SWMBO if I could knock down the wall between the garage and the living room for more work space. She gave me one of those looks. I knew I should have done it when I was single and could have gotten away with it!)

But that's just fine, as the most important part of the project occurs before you actually touch the car. Education and planning. I've started my literature review and ordering books in earnest. A little more reading and education and I'll be able to set the proper gameplan for the restoration.

This project is particularly excitin for me because of the car, but also from the fact that this will be the first full restoration that I'll be tracking and documenting on the web. There's something about being public about one's works that helps push the process along faster. I think it has to do with being embarrassed for allowing a project to sit for an extended period of time. I know I'm already starting to be mortified by my lack of progress on the Jensen Healey.

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Page Comments

Name: John Z Page Rating: 10 Date:11/2/2010 10:47:40 AM
New comment
I just read my blog to you of 3/10/09 - yikes. Ive' been on my '60 BT7 project for nearly years now and that's about all I do. I'm glad I didn't know it would take this long when I started, otherwise I probably wouldn't have even started. 2 years and nearly $26,000 and I probably have 3-4 more months. I just got the engine started yesterday and it sound's like it needs some carb care. Actually I've enjoyed the whole thing and will enjoy it even more when I can participate in some of the Healey Club activities. By the way if there is a local Healey Club in your area it is a great source of info/knowledge. Also British Victoria gives a 10% discount for car club members. GET STARTED ON THE RESTORATION!.
Name: David Page Rating: 9 Date:9/7/2009 4:51:29 PM
Hawaii enthusiast
How's your Big Healey project coming along? Just wondering since it appears to have been awhile since you last posted. I'm afraid I've been bitten by the AH bug, and am working up the nerve and finances to start a project. I'm a marine engineer by profession, so I think I can grasp the mechanical aspects. I'm just a little worried about the cosmetics of the body work and interior upholstry, etc.
Name: John Z Page Rating: 10 Date:3/10/2009 6:48:18 PM
Good start
I know how you feel. I just started correcting/finishing a frame off restoration of a '60 BT7 that was started some 30 years ago. After seeing some of the work they had completed I decided to take it all the way back down. I also started by gathering books and reading everything I could find. Moss Motors and British Victoria catalogs are also a good source of info. Stay with it. John
Name: allan Page Rating: 10 Date:1/26/2009 7:09:46 PM
question
Hi- really enjoy your posting, We are 3 complete novices starting to restore AH 1964 300 mk 111. Looking for any kind of guide/road map/book to help us along. Any ideas? Allan

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