A Handy Guide for the Do-It-Yourselfer
an article by Bob Horzmann obtained from www.MossMotoring.com September 28, 2012

The following are suggestions for working inside in an environment that you share with your family:
1. Do not use the clothes washer/dryer as a work bench
Talk about warpage when welding – try porcelain coated steel.
While extra holes help clothes dry more quickly, auto parts and black spots are hard to
explain to the fire department.
FYI: Appliance White Rustoleum does not match Kenmore White.

2. Separate shop towels and grease covered clothes from the rest of the laundry. It is a molecular property of grease to never
leave the washer except on other family members’ clothes.

3. If you have a whole car as a project in the basement, have a clearly observable way to get it in and out. This makes it appear
less permanent.

4. Never use the columns in the basement as supports for frame straightening. Columns are strong only when in compression.
They are highly unsuited for side loads.

FYI: It is surprising how light your house is. With a floor jack and a 4X4, one can replace the column and rebend the top tabs
almost as fast as changing tires. Faster with practice.

5. Words of caution about welding in the basement:
Everything that will burn will cost you more than what you are welding is worth.
After finishing welding, wait 30 minutes before rejoining the family. Two reasons: Fire safety and short attention
spans help ensure your survival.

6. Suggestions for when to work:
When there are no witnesses.
When you can pass the joys of automotive work to your spawn without correction from their mother.
When you won’t disturb the neighbors. As if they haven’t noticed the fire truck and police car. Not to mention the yard
from Hell.

Parting words: Always fit the exhaust system before starting. Someone out there will not share your joy.

Tech Session.. MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite ribcage gearbox — inspection & repair WHEN: May 18th, 2013, 9:00 a.m. WHERE: 2807 Davenport Drive West Chicago IL 60185 Rajbinder Sandhu’s garage Contact info: Raj’s home # 630-639-3668 or Seth Jones cell # 847=494-3062 We will be inspecting and rebuilding MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite ribcage gearboxes The one currently in Raj's car leaks and rattles a bit, and Seth has an old one he is hoping to get some salvage parts from. If you are planning a rebuild or have experience to share, come join the fun. ~~Seth Jones