I went out on a cruise today which was my first car related activity of this
year, due to unfortunate circumstances that kept me unable to participate in
much of anything of a recreational nature. While the cruise was good and
the weather nice, I have had to conclude that this will also be my last such
activity with the car for some time. Not unlike Bill and his 1959, I don't
think I can take it out to play any more in its current condition.
I did suffer another tire blowout today, but I was lucky and although I had
an unnerving case of tread separation, the tire remained inflated and a safe
stop was made. The real problem is the prodigious loss of oil and the high
fuel consumption. In essence, and I have known this for some time, I need a
ring job. It was suggested to me at the time that I remove the engine from
the car last summer, when I removed the heads when one of them was cracked
and I wish I had. Now I am going to have to do it all over again, only more
so. What an expensive failure my malfunctioning thermostat turned out to
be. If only, if only, if only.
Regrettably, my financial situation will prevent me from getting this task
accomplished any time soon. Ah, poor me. I know I am not the only one
going through hard times. I could not even find a shop that would do the
heads on my car so I may not even bother asking about an almost total
rebuild. I lack the equipment and the experience to accomplish this task on
my own. What truly frightens me is the amount of "might as wells" that will
come with this project. Getting the transmission rebuilt comes to mind.
I guess the good news is I will finally be able to fit that spin-on filter I
want so badly. I will be able to keep the car alive and will still drive it
once in a while. I just won't be able to go very far in it. Things could
be worse.
Hugh
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