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Brian Davis

Bloomington, IL

Paddy's Garage - Managing Director and Chief Mechanic · 2014 to present · Bloomington, Illinois Dedicated to the preservation of vintage and modern British motoring technology and heritage.

Interests: Mini Coopers, Austin-Healeys, Photography, The Smoky Mountains, Blogging and Social Media

Recent Activity

Bugeye Fuel Pump Conversion - Mechanical to Facet Electric Pump

I’m converting Ms. Scarlet’s fuel delivery from the mechanical pump to an electric one. When the engine mounted pump is no longer needed, many will replace it with a simple blanking plate over the mounting hole in the block. I’ve opted to use the old pump as my “blanking plate”.... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Week 20 in Paddy’s Garage: This was a busy week preparing for the “Official” First Start in 3 1/2 years!!

Week 20 in Paddy’s Garage: This was a busy week as I wrapped up a ton of tasks in preparation for the “Official” First Start in 3 1/2 years!! Install oil/water gauge Install wiper switch wires Install dash supports Install horn boss & center logo Add 50/50 coolant Install vac... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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EAST Group for Scarlet's First Startup!

The EATS (Easily Amused Touring Society) group stopped by for Scarlet’s first start-up post-rejuvenation We accomplished starting, idling, 60 lbs. oil pressure, working mechanical tach & Ignition light! She does seem to have a fuel delivery issue, but that’s an easy fix #whenifixsomething #msscarlet #bugeyesprite #wdydtyst #DIYCarMaintenance Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 19

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 19 Paint 5 degree timing mark Install fan & pulley Install Oil Filter Adapter Install heater box Install Vac. Advance Set/Check points gap & Install distributor Install Generator Install exhaust manifold down pipe Install copper cap for manifold & solder Install intake &... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 18 - Continued with the recommissioning of Scarlet, the 1959 Bugeye Sprite:

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 18 - The week started with a Motoring Monday meeting of the EATS Group and work continued with the recommissioning of Scarlet, the 1959 Bugeye Sprite: Install wiper motor. Install starter solenoid, starter cable & battery cable with grommet Shorten copper oil pressure... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 17 - brake lines, clutch slave cyl. and remote bleeder have been installed. The week was highlighted with two trips to Springfield.

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 17 - brake lines, clutch slave cyl. and remote bleeder have been installed. The week was highlited with two trips to Springfield. Fabricated new brake lines Installed clutch slave cyl. & remote bleeder Fabricated and installed new copper lines for clutch & brake.... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 16 - Engine paint is complete and work has begun assembling brake lines, clutch slave cyl. and remote bleeder.

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 16 - Engine paint is complete and work has begun assembling brake lines, clutch slave cyl. and remote bleeder. Completed painting the engine Fabricated new brake lines Installed clutch slave cylinder & remote bleeder Painted misc. black parts Installed steering column Next week... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 15 - Engine bay paint is complete and re-installation of the front suspension has begun!

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 15 - Engine bay paint is complete and re-installation of the front suspension has begun! Completed painting the front frame and bulkhead. Installed front dampers. Installed front suspension. Next week will be a short “Work Week” as we head South to attend the... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 15 - Engine bay paint is complete and re-installation of the front suspension has begun!

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 15 - Engine bay paint is complete and re-installation of the front suspension has begun! Completed painting the front frame and bulkhead. Installed front dampers. Installed front suspension. Next week will be a short “Work Week” as we head South to attend the... Continue reading

Posted Nov 13, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 14 - Prime & Paint Engine Bay

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 14 - Last week was a short “Work Week” as we headed north to Put-In-Bay for the vintage sports car race reunion. I finished sanding and stripping the front frame and applied primer and first coat of paint to the engine bay. #whenifixsomething... Continue reading

Posted Nov 12, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy's Garage - Week 13 - Stripping, Sanding & Suspension (RH)

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 13 - I finished sanding and stripping the front frame (in preparation for painting the motor and bay) as I continued rebuilding the RH brakes & suspension. Completed the RH control arm/swivel pin rebuild. Stripped undercoating from inner fender. Applied red top coat... Continue reading

Posted Sep 17, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Bugeye Lug Bolt Safety - Determining Correct Lug Bolt Length with Minator Wheels

Basic Wheel Bolt Information: Stock Bugeye lug bolt length = 1 1/2" with original front drum brakes Stock Bugeye lug nuts are conical/tapered/cone shaped Minator chrome wheel nuts = 3/8' - 24 with 1 3/16" threaded closed end nut Why do I need to measure my lug bolts with non-stock... Continue reading

Posted Sep 14, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Week 13 - Bugeye's Undercoating Removal Day!

Today I'm removing all of the old undercoating from the inner fender (wing) areas and part of the frame. Using an oscillating multi-tool, with a scraper attachment, makes quick work of this project. Continue reading

Posted Sep 11, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 12 - Stripping, Sanding & Stopping

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 12 - I began sanding and stripping the front frame (in preparation for painting the motor and bay) as I continue rebuilding the brakes & suspension Completed the control arm/swivel pin rebuild. Stripped paint from battery box, inner fender and front frame. Sanded... Continue reading

Posted Sep 10, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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What's Stopping You? - How to Care for Drum Brakes

A recent Hagerty article titled “How to Care for Drum Brakes” makes some good points. As I’m currently rehabbing my 4-wheel drum brake equipped car, I thought I’d share some highlights. https://www.hagerty.com/.../how-to-care-for-drum-brakes/ Here are a few pictures of my 1959 Austin-Healey "Bugeye" Sprite as she was received. The Hagerty article... Continue reading

Posted Sep 8, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 11 - A short work week at Paddy’s Garage.

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 11 - A short work week at Paddy’s Garage. Remove steering rack Remove exhaust down pipe. Remove steering column. Repair top spring buffer mount. Continue cleaning RH brakes & suspension Reorder extended lug bolts Next week I’ll begin sanding and stripping the front... Continue reading

Posted Sep 8, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Pt. 2 Renovating Scarlet’s Front Suspension – Bugeye Control Arm, Kingpin Assembly & Shocks

I’m returning to work this week on Scarlet’s (1959 Austin-Healey “Bugeye Sprite) front suspension and brakes. In Pt. 1 Renovating Scarlet's Front Suspension, I removed the springs, shocks, control arms, kingpin and steering rack. It’s taken a significant amount of time to disassemble, clean and paint the various components in... Continue reading

Posted Sep 8, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Measuring and Resetting Bugeye Brake Shoes & Drums

Scarlet, the 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite, retains her original specification drum type brakes on all four wheels. There's a lot of controversy as to their effectiveness and many have converted their early sprites with disc brakes that came standard on the later Sprite and Midget models. Scarlet's brother, Wally, has... Continue reading

Posted Sep 7, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Pt. 1 Renovating Scarlet’s Front Suspension – Control Arm, Kingpin Assembly & Shocks

Renovating Scarlet’s Front Suspension – Control Arm, Kingpin Assembly & Shocks Most of my stories about Scarlet, the 1959 Austin-Healey “Bugeye” Sprite begin with the statement: “I plan to repaint the engine bay . . “ and this one is no different. With the Bugeye up on jack stands and... Continue reading

Posted Sep 4, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Bugeye Pinion Gear and Steering Rack Shim

While removing Scarlet's (1959 Bugeye Sprite) steering rack, in preparation for painting the engine and engine bay, I noticed a 3" x 1" metal shim had fallen to the frame as I unbolted the passenger site of the steering rack. I then checked the driver's side (left) to see if... Continue reading

Posted Aug 28, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 10 - Removing, stripping and painting the Bugeye suspension

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 10 - Last week concentrated on removing, stripping and painting the RH suspension. This week I moved on to the LH side; Remove LH suspension - Shock, wishbone and brake assembly as it too had perished bushings. Strip and paint RH wishbone, spring... Continue reading

Posted Aug 26, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 9 - Bugeye Suspension Issues

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 9 - Last week new mechanical issues were discovered in the front suspension so I shifted gears from engine bay paint prep to suspension removal and repair. Parts have begun arriving! Remove RH suspension - Shock, wishbone and brake assembly. Remove spring plate... Continue reading

Posted Aug 20, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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I Learn Something New Every Day – DIY British Car Restoration Lessons

I acquired my first restoration project while attending college in Kansas back in the late sixties. I was a sophomore, working part-time at a nearby truck stop and had amassed a whopping $500. Back in those days that was enough to go car shopping. I saw a 1959 Triumph TR3... Continue reading

Posted Aug 20, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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Bugeye Sprite Front Suspension Inspection - Control Arm Bushings

This week started off with a little setback. Upon removing the right front bottom spring plate, to install the upper bump stop, it was discovered the the lower control arm's (aka Wishbone aka A-Frame) bushing were shot. Here's a quick video that demonstrates the issue. There will be more on... Continue reading

Posted Aug 14, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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This Week in Paddy's Garage - Week 8 -

This Week in Paddy’s Garage - Week 8 - This week Scarlet’s engine bay preparation for paint continues as new mechanical issues are discovered. Clean the gear driven tach drive. Remove bonnet safety latch, bonnet guides and tow bar mount. Paint bonnet latch & guides. Remove RH spring and shock... Continue reading

Posted Aug 14, 2023 at Paddy's Garage

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