Morning Ben, and the rest of the list for that matter,
> Good day list,
>
> I thought that it was about time that I asked a few of my burning questions
>and balance up the seemingly TR
> dominated list.
>
> I recently bought a Herald 1200 and defected from the Mini list dreaming of
>greater exitement, a sun-tanned head in
> the summer (see point 1 below) and the prospect of working on a car which
>didn't require yoga classes to get at
> its vital organs.
Tell me about it, just changed the rear suspension cone on our '76 Mini,
what fun!!! :-)
> The previous owner fitted a 1500 dolomite engine with twin carbs and a
>sptifire radiator and so begin my
> questions:
>
> 1, Most importantly, could anyone confirm or destroy a supposed myth that it
>is possible to easily unbolt the roof to
> convert a Herald saloon into a convertible during our long balmy English
>summers.
Yes, it IS possible, Yes, it IS fun, Yes, the doors DO fly open all the
time during the topless driving, and usually afterwards to. How do I
know, ask my girlfriend, she was NONE to pleased once when I picked her
up from work in her NEW converted Herald. Some women have NO sense of
humour(NO comments about needing one being with me please!!) :-)
Also, on a heavier note, IF you have a smash(touch dashboard that you
don't) you will probably find the insurance void!!! I know I did it, I
was(am) stupid, I sinned.......I was young!!!! :-)
>
> 2, I quite like the high pitched whine reminiscent of a launching aeroplane
>which accompanies the engine noise but
> what is it caused by? Suggestions so far have been the gearbox/transmission
>or the air intake.
>
I think it's a mixture of the entire drive line, nothing to really worry
about unless it excessive, ALL Heralds(and their owners :-)) whine to some
extent, it's their nature and characteristic! :-)
> 3, Is there any difference in 1500 Spitfire engines and 1500 Dolomite engines?
>
I think the Dolly engine is slightly less powerful, although I couldn't be
certain.
> 4, Whats the deal with leaded/unleaded petrol with these engines. I have been
>told that its OK to use unleaded as
> long as the occasional tank of leaded is used to lubricate the system. I
>currently err on the side of caution and fill
> up with alternate tanks.
I have now done approx 62,000 miles in my Spit, mainly using unleaded,
with an ocassional squirt of lead with no real problems. Although I do
notice a slight decrease in performance if I go too long without lead, I
mean the car not me!!! :-) I would say that 2 tanks unleaded to 1
leaded would be fine.
>
> If there are any Herald owners out there, I hope you can help.
>
Hope I have, I dare say you will get some more response too. Good Luck.
Rich
TSSC Leicester Area Organisor, and owner/Nurturer of 76 Spit 1500, 73 Spit
MkIV, '71 Herald 13/60 Estate(With useful sunroof), '69 Moggy Minor, '67
Herald 1200 Saloon(The girlfriends really), '66 Austin A40 Farina, and a
partridge in a Pear Tree!! Oh, and the girlfriends Mini!!! Also, '96
McLaren F1 LM, (Honest!) :-)
Cheerio
Rich
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