Started the weekend with the distributor.  I have had to modify the base plate as the one I bought was incorrect, not unsurprisingly.

All back together and looking good.

When I try to fix the drive shaft to the distributor I realise there isn't enough clearance and so I will have to drill it in a different location and fit a new retaining spring.

I drift back to the wiring and create little mini looms for the dashboard interment lights, lovely work.

All ready to connect up.

In a bid to future proof the car I have added two little fuse boxes to provide safe power to the things I'll need to enjoy the car.  One box is switched and one live permanently.  Now what I need is:

Halogen lights  (2 relays)

Capacity to have an electric fan  (1 relay)

Double USB charging port for iPhones

Cigarette lighter

Capacity to have a radio

All in all I decided a long time ago to incorporate this lot into the wiring from the start so that I don't have a lot of odd wires running around.  I have run the required wires to the front of the car and hidden them with cloth loom tape.  I don't think it will stand out to the casual observer once the car is finished.

The dash all wired up and complete, very pleased.

I then fit the choke cable.

 Only to discover that it is too short.  Then I realise that I have fitted it in the wrong place, flaming idiot.  Time to sit on the sofa.

Spent the morning soldering and connecting the wiring loom to the dashboard instruments.  Very enjoyable.   I didn't't think to take any photos though for some reason.

I also loaded up the knobs for the dashboard with white paint and left them to dry.

 I realise that I don't know what leads to connect to each of the light switch that is operated by your feet to switch between high and dipped beam so I put a post on the forum.  Nobody has come back yet and it occurs to me that I could actually work it out if I could be bothered.

The bonnet lock pull has turned out well but the choke is less good.  A bot more practice needed.

Yesterday I spent some time on my motorbike so only got to the garage in the afternoon.  I polished the dash, again and then fitted it and the gauges.  It looked wonderful only to the realise that I had damaged it during the installation process.  Off it came and then out came the rubbing down paper and off I went again.

I contemplated buying some Healey horns but by the time I did they came in at about £100 and they are not the original type either.  eBay is my friend, two horns for £11 delivered.

Today I did a few bits of soldering and then headed off to see John to get my distributor put back together.  It took a bit of fiddling but we got there in the end.  Getting closer to starting that engine.

A lovely day in the garage, if a little cold.  I gave the dipstick and fan another coat of paint and thinned it a little this time so that it would flow a little easier and it worked.  I finished off the wiring at the front by mounting the wires to the brake switch and routing the headlight section of the harness along the top of the cross member.  Then I began fitting the radiator.  It went in remarkably easily.  So in my English car I now have a Chinese made radiator to compliment the Polish oil filter.

The newly painted fan looking wonderful.

I then fitted all the hoses.

I know I have the distributor to sort out but I can't actually think of anything else I need to do on the front end to get the engine running other than fill it with oil and water.  Oh, and the choke cable but I need the dash on and all the gauges done before that will happen, anyway, happy days.

I'll finish with a lovely red dipstick.

Had a lovely Saturday in the garage pottering about.  Started by sanding down the fan and dipstick before painting them Flame Red.  It had two coats and looked lovely.

Then I set about neatening up the boring harness now that I had the tool to install the bullet connects. It was a therapeutic job but took ages, as ever!

Tomorrow I think it is time for the radiator to go in and the hoses to match, can't wait.

Whilst I have not updated this for a few weeks I have been in the garage on the odd occasion.  I have made progress with some of the ancillaries such as the alternator disguised as a dynamo and fan belt are on.  

I fitted the new spin off oil filter and was somewhat amused by the oil filters label of made in Poland sitting at the very top of the filter.  I can't imagine much on this car is made anywhere other than the UK, how times have changed.

The wiring taking shape along with an additional cable to supply the halogen bulbs and the fan if/when one is installed.

I fitted the fuel pipe and flexible hose to the carbs.

Here are the overdrive relays.  I am very conscious that these are where the parcel shelf will be and as I have used the equivalent space on the other side for a fuse box and relays I will have to work something out.

So I am future proofing the Healey.  I want halogen lights and the option to have an electric fan if needed.  I also want to have a pair of USB chargers and a cigar lighter.  All of this needs either relays or a fused supply that is safe to use so I have put a fair bit of thought into the wiring.  I also don't want a lot of extra wires in the engine bay so I have gone to some length to hide them all.

I finished the dash, again, and again I am unhappy with it, but I suspect I will put up with it.

I managed t get a copy of the BN1 wiring diagram from the Austin Healey Experience and then printed it at work and got it laminated, this will be handy.