Tim's New Toy

THE HARDTOP IS NEARING COMPLETION

2012-12-20T19:00:00.000-05:00

John blocked the hardtop shell today and due to some rather pronounced imperfections, it will be necessary to apply primer for the second time. The final paint will be applied on Monday, as scheduled.

Check it out Monday...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

PAINTING THE HARDTOP SHELL

2012-12-19T19:12:00.002-05:00

The major repairs are complete on the hardtop shell. Previously, John had applied fiberglass resin to the topside of the shell.

Today he applied several heavy coats of urethane primer to the topside of the shell. Blocking and possibly more primer will happen tomorrow in preparation of final painting on Monday. The top will be painted Old English White to match the "coves" on the car.

Later...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

HARDTOP STRUCTURE IS FINISHED

2012-12-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

The hardtop frame was a bit "blemished" to say the least. We have straightened, welded and filled all the imperfections. Today, John applied the finish paint.

The paint closely resembles the original finish.

Tomorrow, we will be applying the gel coat to the shell.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

HARDTOP RESTORATION CONTINUES

2012-12-13T19:00:00.000-05:00

Tim asked that we complete the hardtop by spring so we are "working it in" among the other projects in the shop.

In the photo to the left, you will notice the aluminum frame has been primed and fitted to the hardtop shell just to confirm the "fit". It was necessary to straighten the frame and actually weld a fracture near the rear mounting bracket. We have a great fit...all is well.

Two more coats of resin have been applied to the topside of the shell in order to preserve the structural integrity. With the application of fiberglass cloth and resin to the underside, the top is now ready to block and prime and paint.

Later...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

TOMMY'S TOPLESS CARS AND ME

2012-12-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

You haven't seen much of me in this blog...I was always the one taking the photos. But be certain, I was there every day. I thoroughly enjoyed restoring Tim's Healey. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to accomplish my dream...to launch Tommy's Topless Cars.

As a kid, I was always interested in cars, especially convertibles. I enjoyed the wind blowing through my hair. Now most of my hair is gone, but I still enjoy the wind. At some point in my life I planned to own a company that bought, restored and sold convertible sports cars. It took over fifty years to realize the dream, but I finally did it with the help of some very talented, dedicated people.

When Tim asked me to restore his Healey, I was so excited and that excitement never dissipated. As the restoration progressed and more and more people seemed to be genuinely impressed with the quality of the work, I began to ask myself why I hadn't made this my life's work.

Our goal was to complete the car by November 2, 2012 and enter it in the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance. To my delight, this beautiful car won two awards on Saturday; the Chairman's Parade Award and the People's Choice Award. All our efforts had been rewarded handsomely.

A special thanks to my team. Great job guys!

What's next for Tommy's Topless Cars? We have a few MGBs in various stages of completion in our shop and we put them aside temporarily in order to finish Tim's car. Now we can focus our efforts on them. However, we are continuously searching for our next major rotisserie restoration candidate, whether it is a contract job or just for the joy of it. If you own a car that you would like to have restored, we would like to be considered for the job. Obviously, we have the expertise. If any of my readers are aware of a unique British car that is in need of full restoration, contact me at tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com.

I remain...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY WIFE

2012-12-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

My wife Sandy has always been supportive of all my endeavors. The restoration of Tim's Big Healey required a great deal of my time. I worked at least six days per week, 10 or 12 hours per day for 10 months. Yet, her only concern was that I was pushing myself beyond my physical capabilities. I don't know, maybe she was enjoying the "break".

At any rate, Sandy was always ready to help in any way she could. She ran errands for me, accepted part deliveries, brought lunches by the shop and prepared many, many late night meals. She never complained. She was always interested in the progress of the restoration and often proof-read my blog posts. In short, I am blessed.

Thank you Sandy, for always being in my corner.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

INTRODUCING BILL MOORE

2012-12-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Bill Moore has been a good friend for several years now. I dare say Bill is not as afflicted with British sports cars as some of the rest of us, but he is a motor head and we do stick together.

Bill was in charge of parts cleaning for Tommy's Topless Cars. It is certainly not the most desirable job in a restoration, but it is very necessary.

Bill was a good match for this job because he is a very patient individual. He would degrease, wire brush and sandblast until every speck of old paint and rust was completely removed. He would not release the part for painting until it was perfectly clean.

Bill also helped strip the original finish from the chassis and various body parts...yet another grueling job.

Bill also missed the final photo shoot due to a scheduling issue.

Bill, you should be very proud of the work you did on Tim's Healey. Without your attention to detail, it would not be the "show winner" that it is.

INTRODUCING DON HURST

2012-12-08T19:00:00.000-05:00

Don and I have known one another for over fifty years. We attended the same high school and shared many interests...among them, British sports cars. And you know what happens when you become afflicted with British sports cars. At any rate, shortly after I was awarded the contract to restore Tim's Big Healey, I asked Don to work with me for the duration of the restoration.

The project began late December of 2011 and was completed at 8 pm November 2, 2012, the night before the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance. Don was faithful to the project and his knowledge of British sports cars was appreciated on a daily basis.

Rotisserie restorations involve many jobs that are somewhat less than exciting and Don was involved in most of them. His willingness to accomplish the necessary was greatly appreciated.

His knowledge of automotive mechanics and manufacturing processes made him a natural for this project.

Due to a family emergency, Don could not attend the final photo shoot. But his fingerprints are all over this beautiful Healey. Thanks Don for your expertise and dedication.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

INTRODUCING GUS CHRISTOPHER

2012-12-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Interior kits, for the most part, are usually a satisfactory fit. In this case, it was lacking. The workmanship left much to be desired and the patterns were also "off" a bit. But when you have an artist such as Gus on your team, there is less reason for concern. Gus Christopher is in charge of interior finishes for Tommy's Topless Cars.

The original was, to be kind, very tired. Every panel and cover required replacement.

Tim ordered a custom kit which included carpeting and upholstery.

As Gus began to install the seat upholstery, irregularities became apparent. The carpeting was also mis-sized. But not to worry, we have Gus.

We ordered new carpeting and custom fitted it to the car. Gus spent a great deal of time re-sewing and fitting the leather seat covers.

Take particular notice of the carpeting on the transmission tunnel. That is one piece of carpeting...an impressive piece of work.

The finished product speaks for itself.

Thanks Gus, for the great job. You are a true craftsman.

Gus Christopher of Auto Connections

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

843-338-6053*****carautoconnections@yahoo.com

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

INTRODUCING JOHN SAARLOOS

2012-12-06T19:00:00.000-05:00

I have always said that a painter can make a good job look bad or a bad job look good. In this case, John Saarloos has made a great job look even better. John is in charge of paint and bodywork for Tommy's Topless Cars.

John is the most meticulous paint and body man that I have ever known. His workmanship and attention to detail separate him from all others in his field.

The body and frame was completely stripped and primed with PPG epoxy primer.

The body has been blocked and primed so many times that I have lost count. But this process is the only way you can create a perfectly straight surface. Quality paintwork is all relative to the time spent on surface preparation.

The body was also blocked again and again between finish coats.

The result is a finish that requires no apologies. There are no scratches, dents, blemishes or imperfections of any kind.

The only problem with owning a car with perfect paintwork is that first scratch, that first rock chip or that dreaded door ding. When it happens, I hope no one tells John.

Thank you John for all your hard work and dedication to this beautiful Healey.

Tom McCurry
Tommy's Topless Cars

INTRODUCING PAXTON PEARSON

2012-12-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

It is difficult these days to find people who take pride in their work. I have come to realize that the craftsmen are a dying breed. But there are always exceptions...Paxton Pearson.

I have been associated with Paxton for a couple of years now and the more I learn about him, the more impressed I become. Paxton is in charge of metal fabrication and welding for Tommy's Topless Cars.

When we began work on the Healey, we saw evidence of rust all along the lower sections of the doors, rockers and fenders.

Removing the layers of rusted metal exposed a rusted framework.

Paxton, with much attention to detail, reconstructed the latch pillar, wheel house and rocker panel. They were all in perfect alignment.

Beautiful work! You would never know this car had ever been rusty.

Congratulations Paxton, on a job well done.

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

HARDTOP RESTORATION PROGRESSES

2012-12-04T19:00:00.000-05:00

The restoration of the hardtop is going very well. Today, I assembled the aluminum frame just to make sure it still fit together properly after it was straightened. It fits very well, however, there are a large number of minor defects in the aluminum that we must address. We will be painting the frame with automotive grade aluminum paint and clear coat. This coating will closely resemble the original anodized aluminum finish.

John made the necessary repairs to the fiberglass top today. As I mentioned previously, there were many stress cracks. John laid cloth and resin on the weak areas on the underneath side. He also repaired the cracked fins around the side window openings. Tomorrow, the gelcoat will be applied to the topside.

The archive listing of this blog contains detailed step-by-step photos and narratives regarding this restoration since it began late last December. Please direct any comments and questions to tommystoplesscars@yahoo.com.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

RESTORING THE HARDTOP

2012-12-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

Original hardtops for Big Healeys are rare. They are either in very good condition or not. The one Tim purchased was definitely in need of restoration. The aluminum frame, in the photo to the right, was bent, scratched and pitted.

The frame has been straightened, sandblasted and primed with urethane primer.

The hardtop shell has been stripped and fiberglass gelcoat will be applied to repair the stress cracks. Also, fiberglass cloth and resin will be applied to the interior to reinforce the shell.

The headliner frame, pictured in the photo to the left, has been sandblasted and primed. A few small rusted areas must be repaired before final painting.

Tomorrow the top will be assembled before the fiberglass repairs are made.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

THE FINISHED PRODUCT

2012-12-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

On December 4th, Tim's Healey will be loaded in an enclosed trailer for delivery to his home. So, we took the opportunity this weekend to take photos of "Marilyn" and our restoration team. We were blessed with a beautiful, warm, slightly overcast day. I hope you enjoy the photos...

Awaiting our next project...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

MEET THE TEAM

2012-12-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Behind every quality restoration lies a great deal of talent. The Tommy's Topless Cars restoration team is second to none. We work together very well. Quality is "JOB ONE".

I promised you a personal photo with Marilyn...

With all my effort to assemble the team for the photo shoot, there were two members that could not attend.

From left to right we are...Steve Miller, Paxton Pearson, Tom McCurry, Gus Christopher and John Saarloos. Missing from the photo is Don Hurst and Bill Moore.

WAITING FOR FAVORABLE WEATHER

2012-11-27T18:40:00.000-05:00

We have cleaned the Healey from bumper to bumper and now it is time to take a few photos for the trophy case. I am so proud of this car. I still have dreams about it. This Healey has become a part of me.

Tim will be sending a transporter for his Healey on December 4th. Until then, I can feast my eyes on it from whenever I wish.

We are expecting favorable weather tomorrow, so hopefully I can take some great photos of Marilyn and me for my next post. Oh, that's right, you have never seen me on this blog. Well, my friends, you are in for a real treat...

Stay tuned,

Tom McCurry

SHAKE-DOWN CRUISE

2012-11-21T19:11:00.002-05:00

I took the Healey through its paces today. Wow, is it strong. It had been years since I had driven a Big Healey, but I suppose it's like riding a bicycle. It was absolutely a wonderful ride and the Healey performed beautifully. I should have take a photo or two, but I was much too excited.

Now that the test drive is done, we will remove the wheels and clean the suspension components and wheel houses...again.

I will be taking a few days off for the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend so I will probably not post again until next week.

Happy Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be thankful for.

Tom McCurry

HARDTOP RESTORATION BEGINS

2012-11-20T19:13:00.002-05:00

Tim purchased an original hardtop at the Hilton Head car show. It has lead a rough life so it needs to be restored. Of course it needs to be painted, the aluminum trim needs to be straightened and polished and it has no headliner at all. I have my work cut out for me.

So today, John began work on the fiberglass top and I began to assess the condition of the frame and fasteners. It appears that there are a few pieces missing. The good news; Moss Motors has all the parts we need.

Photos will follow tomorrow.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

NEW SIDE CURTAINS

2012-11-17T17:32:00.000-05:00

One of the most characteristic features of the early Austin Healeys is the side curtains. It certainly wasn't that roll-up windows had not been invented (LOL), just that the curtains are unique. I suppose the English just couldn't let go of the idea. Whatever the reason, they define the early Healeys.

Side curtains are constructed of aluminum frames and plexiglass panes. The tracks are lined with felt and a rubber gasket almost seals the curtain to the windshield frame and the door.
The installation of the side curtains is a bit difficult for one person. It explains why most of the unrestored Healeys you see are severely scratched around the curtain mounts.

Stay tuned...

Tom McCurry

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

CONVERTIBLE TOP FITTED

2012-11-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

We have experienced cooler temperatures for the past week making the installation of the Healey's convertible top a bit more difficult. Ideally, the top should be fitted outside in the hot sun. This makes the vinyl more pliable.

After installing the snaps around the backside of the top, it was stretched to meet the front bow at the windshield.

At that point we noticed the top had not been sewn correctly across the front. Gus repaired it and the top was now ready for final fit.

The photo to the right shows the top properly fitted at the windshield. The few visible stretch lines will be removed by the heat of the sun.

All in all, a great fit and a great look.

Later...

Tom McCurry

Materials and equipment purchased from:

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com)

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com)

Eastwood (eastwood.com)

The Roadster Factory (the-roadster-factory.com)

English Parts (englishparts.com)

Napa Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com)

Coker Tire (cokertire.com)

FITTING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP

2012-11-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Again, best laid plans...Don came to work this morning with flu symptoms so I told him to go home and rest. Gus came by around noon and we laid the convertible top on the frame...again. He had done a wonderful job reworking the top and it appears that it will fit much better now.

We are experiencing some unusually cool weather at this time so we chose to install the top on Monday when the forecast calls for warmer temperatures and the top will be more pliable.

Most convertibles look so much better with the top down, but the Big Healeys seem to take on an entirely different personality with the top up.

Most of the small issues that needed to be addressed have been repaired. We will conduct a test drive Monday or Tuesday...I can't wait to drive it again. Road trip!

Later,

Tom McCurry

FINAL TOUCHES

2012-11-08T19:44:00.000-05:00

Now that the show is over, we are focused on those few items that had not been completed.

Tim had purchased a new convertible top. We had a problem fitting it to the frame because it was not sewn correctly. Gus, our upholstery man, is reworking it and will have it finished in the morning.

The top bow and frame have been fitted and all the snaps have been attached to the new top. The installation should be straight forward.

After the new top and tonneau cover have been fitted, the final cleaning will begin. The roads leading to the car show were a bit dusty, so the undercarriage and engine compartment must be cleaned...again.

Later,

Tom McCurry

MARILYN AT THE CONCOURS

2012-11-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Tim felt that we needed some type of narrative on display that could "tie" his Healey to its personification. Tim's son TJ, my son-in-law, under Tim's direction, developed the poster you see below. It drew a great deal of attention. It was read by everyone viewing the Healey. Marilyn is definitely an attraction...both her and the Healey.

Great job TJ,

Tom McCurry

THE HILTON HEAD CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE

2012-11-05T19:21:00.001-05:00

After ten months of cleaning, repairing, replacing, rebuilding, painting and assembling, we began to prepare Tim's Healey for the Concours d'Elegance on Thursday. There are always last minute details that require attention. After all, attention to detail separates the "mediocre" from the "show quality".

Saturday morning we moved the Healey to the Honey Horn Plantation show grounds in Hilton Head. It was a beautiful crisp day and Tim's Healey was shining brightly as it was illuminated by the morning sun.
From the moment we arrived in our space, we were surrounded by admirers. I spent my day answering questions and guarding "our masterpiece" against purses, pets, zippers and belt buckles...a full time job to say the least.

Marilyn was a hit. Midday she was chosen to participate in the "Chairmans Parade", an honor few achieved. Tim drove his Healey around the grounds with me in the passenger's seat. We were so proud and Marilyn performed beautifully.

Later that afternoon, we were informed by three of the officials that Marilyn had been chosen to receive the coveted "Peoples Choice Award". Tim and I were absolutely stunned.

The Peoples Choice Award, as car shows go, is probably the most genuine of all the awards. No politics involved whatsoever.

Thank you Tim, for giving me and my team the opportunity to express our talent and creativity in such a beautiful way.

I remain...

Tom McCurry

Tommy's Topless Cars

THANKS TO MY TEAM AND SUPPLIERS

2012-10-31T20:00:00.000-04:00

I take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Tim and Jeri Lassiter for allowing us, Tommy's Topless Cars, to restore their 1961 Austin Healey 3000. We have done our very best to produce a quality restoration.
Behind every quality restoration, there are many talented craftsmen and suppliers of quality materials and equipment. I would take this opportunity to thank all these co-workers and suppliers for their dedication to this project.

Our team strived to restore this Austin Healey 3000 BT7 to its original condition. Every nut, bolt, gear, bushing, bearing, tube, wire and fabric on this beautiful car was either restored or replaced. This car is in mint condition...second to none.

Don Hurst, a dear friend and British car enthusiast, was an integral part of this team. He was involved in this project since the first day. His attention to detail has been greatly appreciated throughout the duration of this restoration.

Paxton Pierson, a close friend, car enthusiast and artist with a welder, was responsible for the metal fabrication and welding. His talent extends far beyond the scope of work done on this Healey, but his availability restricted his work to this phase only. His dedication to this project manifested itself in the precision of his work...dead solid perfect.

John Saarloos, another close friend and car enthusiast, is an absolute artist with regard to paint and bodywork. In my experience, painters can either make a bad job look good or a good job look bad. John has made a good job look even better.

Bill Moore, yet another friend, also helped with the restoration. From early in the project, his focus was on parts restoration. He was instrumental in cleaning and preparing for paint, most of the restored parts on this car.

Moss Motors (mossmotors.com) furnished most of the restorations parts for this project. They have warehouses on both the east and west coasts of the US. Quality parts were usually available within two or three days.

Victoria British (victoriabritish.com) was another supplier of authentic restoration parts. Occasionally they could furnish the parts we required in less time or at a better price.

The Eastwood Company (eastwood.com) furnished most of the equipment. This company has been a supplier of quality materials and equipment for automobile restoration. Their customer service people are amazing.

APE furnished the paint and associated materials. Their sales representative, Lonnie, was always available at my request to make sure we received our orders on a timely basis. He also acted a technical advisor for the latest materials and techniques.
Apple Hydraulics (applehydraulics.com) rebuilt the shock absorbers and carburetors for the Healey. Their quality of workmanship is refreshing to say the least.
This Healey will be completed in two days and we are honored to have had the opportunity to restore it. It will be on display at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance on November 3, 2012. We hope to see you there.

I remain...
Tom McCurry
Tommy's Topless Cars