... (snip) ... the positive battery cable is routed from the right fenderwell battery location, across the rear or the engine to the starter solenoid, which is integral to the starter motor, ala MGB/GT.

      After years of service, the insulation on the wire can chafe away on the steel loops that hold it to the rear headbolts (or if those "clamps" are missing, the cable rides on top of the bell housing) and once the insulation goes away, the cable finds earth (ground).

      When it does, it gets very hot and it sags ... and then it burns thru the plastic fuel line.

      That sets the stage for a major fire fed by however much fuel is in the fuel tank at the time.

      Without a doubt in my mind, these days, there would be a recall from the manufacturer.

      Exactly that scenario happened within less than a mile from me to a 1969 Alpine Fastback in about 1979 and I have seen at least 6 other Arrows (Hunters) and Fastbacks (Rapiers) in wrecking yards that (obviously) had the same thing happen to them.

      My simple, "cheap" solution on every Hunter-Range car I work on is to thread the positive battery cable thru a length of heater hose, to double-insulate it where it crosses the rear of the engine block.

      Perhaps this is a big tech-tip to be considered by all with Hunters...

Jim Leach    Pacific Tiger Club     Seattle