[Staowners] actually driving a '54 Alpine - HELP!

[raymead at comcast.net]

Hello all,

My '54, which I just bought last November (you all might remember it -
the one with the Toyota 22R engine and 5 speed transmission) is finally
being driven with some regularity!!!!   

I had a local English mechanic go thru the suspension, shocks, brake
system, etc., etc (basically everything but the engine/trans) and all was
either in good shape, or repaired/replaced...........

Well, when I started driving it, it was wandering all over the road.

Took it to a guy who everyone swears is the best in the world (well,
in this area anyway) at front end work...........

He did an alignment - toe-in or whatever the heck he said was WAY OUT!

Now it tracks/drives as it should - BUT......................

There is play in the steering wheel.  Not terrible, but more than I would like.

As one of the most mechanically challenged people in the world, my first
thought was to contact Tony Bamfort, talk to him about it, probably order
all the bits and pieces that affect steering, and have my local English mechanic
replace everything.

Then I started thinking - for all of you out there who have been driving/
repairing/restoring these things for years, just how should it drive?????????

Is there "normally" play in the steering wheel?????   (I know it is hard
to define and describe, in writing, "play", but would appreciate any comments..........
(to include any comments re "upgrading" the steering if that is possible).

I really want to drive this car, so I'd like to make that as enjoyable as possible!

tks much,  ray mead (near Scranton, PA)
'54 Alpine
'64 Porsche 356C
'02 Thunderbird
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