Dick,
The correction order should be: 1. get the front end alignment first (if you
adjust the steering wheel first, it will move out of its correct position
slightly if the alignment is adjusted); 2. then adjust the steering wheel so
that one of the spokes (the other two will be at 4 and 8 o'clock if it's an
original or Derrington wheel) is at the 12 o'clock position "when the front
wheels are in the straight ahead position"; 3. adjust the trafficator so
that the lever is at the 12 o'clock position.
If you would like details for doing items 2 or 3, let me know. I've done it
several times on several cars.
Vrooom vroom,
John
----- Original Message -----
From: <RAHosmer@aol.com>
To: <healeys@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 9:49 AM
Subject: Steering and Cleanup
> First question:
>
> I've been through the shop manual, but am unclear on the sequence of how
> to
> achieve a properly centered steering wheel, and "trafficator" (I know that
> isn't correct, but everyone knows what it means). The car is a 62 Tricarb.
> Alignment has not been professionally done in years, but, the car tracks
> well,
> doesn't vibrate, etc. I have the adjustable column with a Derrington wheel
> on a
> specially machined hub. The wheel is "off" by about twenty degrees (in
> other words
> about half of what I could easily get by rotating it to the next bolt
> (nine =
> 40 degrees each). The trafficator is off, in the same direction, by about
> twice as much. At one time, everything was in proper alignment. What is
> likely to
> have shifted? Certainly an alignment check IS in the cards, but what does
> one
> do first?
>
> Second question:
>
> The engine compartment and underside have MANY MANY years of grease and
> dirt.
> While the engine runs fine (smooth, plenty of power, doesn't burn oil) and
> a
> rebuild is not imminent, I do want to be able to "tinker", and perform
> maintenance, without turning completely black. What is considered state of
> the art
> for cleanup, that will NOT be destructive to the old wiring, heater
> trunking,
> etc. I'm thinking more of the sovent/brush/rag approach, rather than steam
> cleaning, for example. The car is VERY original, and I want to keep it
> that way.
> For example, my ORIGINAL fuel pump works just fine (or did until I wrote
> this -
> better go check).
>
> Thanks in advance!!
>
> Dick Hosmer
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