Journal of the North American MCB Register

Vol. 2, No. 2 MarchIApril, 1992

@CLUB North American MGB Register PO.Box MGB, Akin, Illinois 62805

Head to Head- MGB GT vs. Triumph GT6 THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER

The"MGBDriverWis the official publication of the North American MGBRegister, anon-profit organization dedicated to maintainingand expanding interest in Britain's most popular Sports Car-the MGB. THE EDITOR'S VIEW The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifications described herein, entirely at their As we stand on the threshold of the new Summer MG season we have a great own risk. deal to look back upon since the MGB Register was first envisaged. However we also Membership of the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restriction. have a tremendous amount to look forward to in the coming months ahead which Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership and the local areas and NAMGBR promise to be some of the most exciting (certainly for your Editor!) in a long, long Regions will be pleased to welcome you to their events. time. The MGB was reborn with the introduction of the Heritage bodyshells and now For membership details or further information write to: it can safely be said that the MGB 'spirit' which was prevalent in the early 80's in the NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER U.S. is also reborn-and the Register can modestly take a lot of the credit for this. P.O. Box MGB The many letters, photographs and reminiscences received from people who Akin, IL 62805 I personally have known forover a decade, and who had apparently dropped out of the MG scene tells us that the spirit was not dead-just dormant! It needed Or call the toll free hotline: 1-800-NAMGBR-1 stimulating with a fresh new approach which your hard working executive have OFFICERS NAMCBR strived to provide, including better communications, better technical advice, bet- CHAIRMAN: John H. Twist TECHNICAL Bob Mason ter financial accountability, and above all a better 'approachable', responsive, 614 Eastern Ave. S.E. COORDINATORS: 5 Leslie Court commitment to the needs of the membership. We wanted you back-and back you Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Fairhope, AL 36532 have come! (616) 245-2141 (205) 9285366 This year we have the very FIRST National Convention of the Register at MG VICE-CHAIRMAN: Bruce Wyckoff Bob Daniels (engines, etc.) CANADA '92 in Peterborough, Canada, and I urge you not to miss this event. We 3693 63rd Street (518) 372-4566 promised you an exclusive and we are delighted to announce that our first honorary Saugatuk MI 49453 member-DON HAYTER-who designed the MGB-has agreed to be with us as our (6 16) 857-28&1 Glen Towery (V8s only) (302) 734-142 1 keynote speaker. You will see the announcement of his visit elsewhere in this issue SECRETARY: Jerome Rosenberger of the "Driver" but we look forward to Don beingwith us in this, the30th Anniversary P.O. Box MGB SERVICE Ken Blahnik year of the MGB, with great delight! We would also like to express our appreciation Akin, IL 62805 RECOMMEMlATION 1633 Fern Drive to our friends at Moss Motors, the Roadster Factory and Victoria British for making Manitowac. WI 54220 (6 18) 627-2292 COORDINATOR: the visit possible. Please support them! TREASURER: Rock Yarrington A reminder now that the "MCBDriver" does not put itself togetherwithout your 5450 Astor Lane #204 REGALIA: Edna Carol help, so please send us more of your technical tips (all ours are 'home-grown', not Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 P.O. Box MGB Akin, IL 62805 lifted from an EBS!), your articles and photographs, your MGstoriesand we'll try and (708) 4285470 get them into the"Driver"-and thanks toall of you who commented kindly upon the COORDINATORS OF THE REGISTER ELECTRONIC Dan Zebarah last couple of issues. We're getting there but there is still a long way to go yet! The BILLBOARD: 1327 Austin people who work on the "Driver" are crazy about MGBs-the assistant editor drives PUBLIC RELATIONS: Ken Smith Lincoln Park, MI 48146 P.O. Box 2645 (313) 3824715 continued on page 35 Goleta. CA.~-~--- 931 17 (805) 562-8146 I CONVFNION Jeff Powell COORDINATOR 910 Hirsch - -- USED PARTS Geor:ge Sullivan ~~~~~ I Melrose Park. IL 60160 EXCHANGE: 1101 Carwnter N.W. I mnQ\ \ 0 "",-. Grand ~a~ids.MI 49504 1 (616) 45&3033 ADVERTISING: Barby HillSmith P.O. Box 2645 Goleta, CA 931 17 THE REGISTRARS OF NAMCBR

MGB: Caroline Robinson, 614 Eastern Avenue S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, (616) 245-2141 MIDGET: Bruce Wyckoff, 3693 63rd St., Saugatuk, MI 49453, (616) 857-2884 1967 MGBGT Special: Gregg Purvis, 2285 Pavillion Walk, Holland, MI 49424, (616) 399-4645. 1974 1/2 MGBs: Steve Harding, 191343 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19803, (215) 446-2073 MGB V8s: Curt Downing, 1355 Notch Road, Cheshire, CT 06410, (203) 888-1448 MGB LEs: Judy Estrada,1266 Bowdoin St. S.E., Kentwood, MI 49508, (616) 455-901 1 MG1100/1300s: Thomas K. Gaylord, 3180 Verdun Drive, N.W.,Atlanta, GA 30305, (404) 261-5083

The North American MCB Register is affiliated to the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in 1930 and is theoriginal factorysupported, and approved ;rganization forall MCs, with the Club Headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MCs. FROM YOUR SECRETARY EXHILARATION By the time this "Driver"reaches you, Spring should be well on its way in most SAYS of the country. You've probably removed the hard top unless you have a BGT and are thinking about which of the many MG events you want to attend this Summer. You can't attend them all of course, but if you have not attended one of the larger meets held every Summer let me encourage you to do so. I have heard many people say that 'this' show or 'that' show is just to far to drive and sosummer after Summer they sit at home and their MG languishes in thegarage! Why not get out this year and see for yourself why 500toa 1,000MGowners converge at certain meets-some of them driving over 2,000 miles just to get there!-many of them planning their vacation around the trip. This Summer we will be holding our first NAMGBR convention, hosted by the MG Car Club of Toronto. There will be activities for everyone-they even have a day camp for the kids-a shopping trip to downtown Toronto for your spouse or 'significant' other-and Don Hayter ex-MG Factory as guest speaker. This promises to be the BIGGEST MG meet of the season, so why not take a second look before you decide it's 'too far' and see for yourself why MG drivers are the friendliest people around! With the last issue of the "Driver"you all received a questionnaire from your Service Recommendations Coordinator, Ken Blahnik. I hope you all took a few w minutes to complete the form and drop it into the mail back to Ken. This question- naire is an important part of our plans to support MG drivers throughout North ExHlmRATlorr. IT'S THE nruNG you 4sDRNIM YOUR CWSIC BRITISHSPORTS CAR ON America. We need reports from you on which repair shops out there know what THE OPEN ROAD. IT'S WHAT SEPARATES ME CARS THAT WE SELL SPARES FOR FROM ORDINARY they're doing and which shops do not! We DO NOT take payments from parts TRANSPORTATION.EXHILARATION--IT'S JUST ONE OF THE REASONSWE'RE THE OLDEST AND suppliers or service shops to be on our recommendations list. The only way a LARGEST SUPPLIER OF BRITISHSPORTS CAR SPARES. service or parts supplier will make the lists is through our members first hand recommendations. So if you haven't returned the form to Ken-mail it today! It may FREEILLUSTRATED PARTSCATALOGS prevent a fellow MG driver from making a big mistake by handing over his Abingdon OURFAMOUS, COMPREHENSIVE CATALOGS MAKE flNDlNG THE PARTS YOU NEED EASY. classic to the wrong mechanic! MG EDITIONS COVER MG TC-TD-TF, MGA, MGB OR MIDGET. The "GO GETTA MEMBER campaign is well underway and drawing interest from old and new members alike. It's now time to announce the winner for the first *TI-IELARGEST, MOST EXTENSIVE INVENTORY drawing-the lucky member is: WESTOCK THE OBSCVREAS WELLAS MECOMMON. WE'RECOMM~D TO INVE~NGOUR Marilyn Chapman RESOURCES INTO RE-TOOLING OBSOLETE PARTS. Long Meadow, N.W. Grand Rapids, Michigan *FREEQUARTERLY NEWSLEITER who joined us on New Year's Eve! and Marilyn will be receiving the prize of a FILLED WITH HUNDREDS OF SPECIALLY PRICED SALE ITEMS, NEW PRODUCT RELEASES, TECH TIPS, super Halon Fire extinguisher shortly. If any of you need more 'We Can Help You' FEATURE ARTICLES,BRITISH CAR NEWS AND EVENTS. cards, give me a call on the 800 number and I will mail them to you. Lastly I would like to thank all those members who have written or called praising the good work being done by the Register-it is always nice to feel our Moss Motors, Ltd. Toll-Free in the USA & Canada efforts are appreciated-but remember, it's even more important to hear fromyou 7200 Hollister Ave. P.O. Box 847 800-935-6954 if you have a problem or are unhappy with us! We want to help YOU! Goleta, California 93116 24 Hour Worldwide Fax "Safety Fast" 805-968-1 041 805-968-691 0 Jerome Incidentally, if anyone is in any doubt about which North American MGB organiza- MOSS~.MOTORS~LTD tion is really affiliated to the MG Car Club in England, then look in the February, 1992 issue of "SafetyFast" under 'Where to Write' in the United States! Contact me for THE LEADING SUPPLIEROF BRITISHSPORTS CAR SPARES FOR details on joining the original MG Car Club-founded in 1930 by John W. Thornley- who is still President! MG TRIUMPH AUSTIN-HEALEY JAGUAR

4 5 CHAIRMAN'S CHAT - John H. Twist

Dear Fellow Enthusiast!

Spring is nearly upon us! My service background demands that I caution you about returning your MG to the road from Winter storage. Prior to startingyour MG, spin the engineover until you haveoil pressure, THEN start it! Even a minute's running without oil pressure does thousands of miles of damage to the rod and main bearings. Simply disconnect oneof thelowtension leads to the ignition coil (White or White/Green-or-White/Black) and spin the engine over until the oil pressure starts to register. Then, fit the wire back onto the coil and start up the engine. In this manner you can avoid engine bearing wear! You must also begin the Summer's driving with clean engine oil! If you stored your MG with dirty oil (don't be embarrassed-many owners do this!) then run your MG for a short time, ensuring that it gets completely hot, then drain that old oil and fit a new filter. Use Castrol20W/50 GTX! If you stored your MG with clean oil, then SHOWROOM QUALITY changing it will not be necessary until mid-Summer or 2,000 miles, whichever comes first. ! COMPONENTS FOR YOUR Now a hint about changing the oil in your MGB-lift the front left of the car-the TRIUMPH OR MGB driver's side-just a little higher than the right. This will allow the oil to drain more The Roadster Factory supplies OEM or OEM-quality components at compet~tiveprlces for thoroughly from the sump, then let the oil drip for half an hour to get as much sludge Triumph and MGB sports cars. Our service, as well as our parts, is second to none. Call today as possible from the bottom of the sump. Wipe the sump plug to remove all those for our free parts catalogue for your specific model. bits of metal and remember to dispose of the old oil properly. Used motor oil is now TWO LEVELS OF TOLL-FREE ORDERING: TRF is proud of its unique regarded toxic waste by the State of Michigan and probably many others-take the dual-level telephone sales service. Level One, (800) 678-8764. is for those of old oil to your local filling station! you who know TRF part numbers for the parts you require or who need to re- quest one of our free catalogues. Level One servlce a ava~lable24 HOURS PER Now to other matters ... The NAMGBRis ademocratic organisation, and towards DAY, from 7:00 A.M. Monday through 6:00 P.M. Saturday. that ideal each chapter has a vote at our AGM-but what about our members who Level Two, (800) 234-1104, is for those of you who need part number do not belong to a chapter? How are they represented at the AGM? Within our by- asslstance In choosing the correct components for your cars. One of our Br~tishcar profes- laws we have a provision for a Regional Coordinator from each of ten regions across sionals will help you to find just the parts you need from our $I I million inventory. Level Two North America-three in Canada, six in the USAand one for Mexico. The coordinator servlce is available from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday, 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 from each Region is an elected official, selected by NAMGBRmembers of that Region. P.M. Friday, and 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: When you need advice in working on your car, our Technical We currently are attempting to have this last constitutional requirement Research Department, (814) 44-91, stands ready to share our years of experience In satisfied by next October's AGM, and for the first year of operation, these officials work~ngwith Triumph and MGB sports cars. Techn~calasslstance is available from 8:00 A.M. will be appointed by the Board. After the AGM we will devise a workable method by to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Fr~day,and from 12:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturday. which we can easily elect these officials (by mail ballot.) We are therefore actively FAX ORDERING: You may place orders or communicate w~thTRF by Fax, (814) 446-6729, seeking volunteers to act as Regional Coordinators in time for the next AGM. 24 hours every day of the year. To be considered for this position you must: 1) Live in the Region you would represent. 2) Plan to attend the next AGM-if at all possible. @-3 Bodeter ~artnrg 3) Be a member of NAMGBR but not an official within a NAMGBR chapter. POST OFFICE BOX 332. ARMAGH. PENNSYI VANIA 159713- TRIUMPH TR2 THROUGH TR8. SPITFIRE. ~f6:MGB & MGBCT The Regional Coordinators' main objectives are to encourage NAMGBR mem- bers to DRIVE their MGBs (of course!), to sign up new members and toencourageand coordinate activities within their Region. We have aworking club!, an exciting club!,agrowing club! and an active club!- please contact Jerome, our hard working Secretary or myself if you are interested in becoming a Regional Coordinator. Enjoy the SpringtimeDRIVE your MG! "Safety Fast"

John 6 YOUR LEADING BRITISH MOTOR HERITAGE DISTRIBUTORS IN THE UNITED STATES For All Your MG Needs M & G VINTAGE AUTO 265 ROUTE 17 P.O. BOX 226 TUXEDO PARK, NY 10987 Toll Free 800-631-8990 IN ASSOCIATION WITH In N.Y. 914-753-5900 FAX 914-753-5613 Catalogs available upon request,

North Amerlccm MGB Register MGT - MGA - MGB We run a body shop, do component ARE PLEASED TO SPONSOR THE VISIT OF: rebuilding and restoration, and have a Showroom of Vintage cars. FORMER CHIEF D0 N HAY T E R @yg:g:AyAE~~- ) INVESTMENT IN A LEGEND TO Authon/cd Mo\\Ut\lnbulor MC CANADA '92 FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO, CANADA

JULY 9 - 12,1992 CATALOG (ORGANIZED BY THE MG CAR CLUB OF TORONTO) pGB 120+ PAGES OF DON HAYTER, former Chief Engineer of theMG Car Company, and the man I PARTS/ACCESSORIES responsible for the design of the MGB will keynote the awards banquet at "MG I / CANADA '92". Starting at the Abingdon Works in 1956 and one of the last to leave in We stock repair1 on parts and accessories- 1980, Don will bring a special insight into the workings of the factory to the 17,000 sq. ft. wa participants of "MG CANADA '92". 1 I "9, Don will attend the entire festivities and all the participants will have the ~nowledgeabdpersona&ed<6r&e for'b, er 16 years-not just opportunity to ask questions. The North American MGB Register made Don their order taker$-- first honorary member in 1991. i \ This visit is made possible by the unique cooperation of the three leading Computerized i&tL. e re11 you aooot stock availability British Motor HeritageDistributors in theunited States-THE ROADSTER FACTORY, our prices are comb vith "the bi! MOSS MOTORS, LTD. and VICTORIA BRITISH LTD. who have underwritten the cost R- of the visit. 1 Save money! Free shipping on maillin oraers accompanied with a C check or money order.--Call for detail!

~usaca//-~u~~our SEVEN ENT\ERPRISESdiLw products, pricesandservice! 716 Bluecrab Road - HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 9 AM - 6 PM SUPPORT YOUR HERITAGE SPECIALIST! Newport News. VA 2360 (eastern) Sat. 9 AM - 1 PM BACK TO BACK-

The MCB CT vs. The Triumph CT6 The first car we sampled was a 1972 MGB GT which behaved exactly as a good 'B' should-solid, dependable and reliable-unless modified it is never going to set the pulses racing, but at the same time it is always going to do what is asked of it. Although the Triumph GT6 and the MGB GT both came from B.L., they were The driving position is good for taller drivers-the shorter driver might find the aimed fairly and squarely at the same buyer. Peter Nunn and Matthew Carter try to seating position just a little too low-while most of the controls werewell positioned. decide which is today's better buy ...... The exception on the car tested was the fascia mounted overdrive switch which made it near impossible to slip from overdrive third to direct top in one movement, Marque rivalry is nothing new. What about MG versus Triumph as a subject for without letting go of the steeringwheel. The gearchange itself was excellent. On the discussion? There's a bone of contention for you. For years we haveseen sometimes road theLB'is surprisingly comfortable-unlikeso many sports cars which jar every friendly rivalry between supporters of the two famous marques and in the interests bone in your body! The steering was neither particularly light, nor particularly of classic car preservation that may be no bad thing- although some die-hard MG quick, so it's perhaps just as well that the predominant characteristic is understeer. aficionados still blameTriumph management for the eventual demise of MG and the That's in the dry-in the wet, experience of old has taught us that the level of grip Abingdon works. The 'which is better' argument is especially pertinent when one at the rear falls somewhat short of the mark expected of a modern tin box. compares the evergreen MGB GT coupe with the popular Triumph GT6. Although the engine and exhaust make all the right noises-you can tell a 'B' There's no denying these two GT Coupes do share a number of characteristics, exhaust note from a mile away!-the car was hardly overendowed with power. It both cars blossoming initially duringBMC1sextensivesixties sports car program. By was perhaps in this respect that BMC, or BLorwhoever they were at that stage made the time the seventies arrived, both the BGT and the GT6 had been developed to the their second biggest mistake (the biggest was closing Abingdon!) When new the point where newer examples were stylistically and mechanically superior to the MGB was rightly regarded as a sports car-but as it grew older, development stood originals, the GT6 in particular benefiting from a redesigned rear suspension in July still. All around it cars got quicker, both on the straight bits and the twiddly ones- 1968. The BGT, on the other hand had to soldier on substantially unaltered way past a brief flirtation with the MGBGTV8 showed what could be accomplished-but they ... its prime if only the mid-engined AD021 replacement had been allowed to go never did anything to pep up the standard MGB GT, and compared to other sports ahead...... !! cars of the day the B's performance was regarded as old fashioned. Although the MGBTourerwas launched in July 1962 it wasn't until October 1965 that the closed GT coupe version was released. Styled by Pininfarina in Italy, this continued on page 12 new threedoor hatchback adopted the roadster's 1798cc engine together with a large percentage of stock components taken from MG's best selling sports car. However a deeper windscreen and door glasses plus a subtly altered floor pan, complemented the standard Salisbury back axle. All synchro gears were standard from October 1967. Options included overdrive and automatic transmission. Only cosmetic improvements were made between the Fall of 1967and October, 1971 when the so-called Mk 111 (the factory never referred to the cars as such) appeared. Front grilles, exterior and interior trim chopped and changed, but no mechanical or sheet metal alterations tookplaceuntil the 1975 model year's rubber bumpers took the MG public by storm (or maybe tempest would be a better word!) Around 30,000 Mk 111 GTs were produced which make the GT6 Mk Ills 13,042 production total seem pretty small by comparison. Announced in October 1966,the GT6 was much more than a Spitfire with a hard top, although three years earlier Michelotti had created a special Spitfire coupe GT prototype, which strongly resembled tiie car that was to follow. The first GT6 was powered by a different version of the u~biquitou: ; Triumph 'six' which pushed out ,.I 95bhp @IN) at 5000 rpm. Later versions (me mK... 11.. was introduced in July '68 and the restyled Mk I11 in October of 1970) featured 98bhp @IN) versions of the same unit but the torque remained the same at 117 Ibs/ft (gross). The MkIII GT6 which survived until the close of 1973was fitted with the uprated rear suspension that transformed the cars somewhat dramatic handling! more of this later!) Of the three basic GT6 'types' it's widely accepted that the Mk 111 is by far the best of the bunch-but how does it compare to the MGB GT-is it really a better car than its Abingdon rival? The Classic GT - The MGB. 11 MCB CT vs. Triumph CT6 - Continued from Page 11 BUSINESS CARD PACE

The biggest initial difference between the BGT and the GT6 comes when you sit in the cars. With its high roofline and large glass area--despite the high waistline-- the MG feels positively cavernous when compared to the Triumph. Inside the GT6 it's a case of anyone over 6 ft. thinking again! While the BGT makes a pretense at being a four seater by providing a rear bench seat, the Triumph admits to being nothing more than aclosed 2-seater with a little more room for luggage than its open cousin. Shorter, lower and narrower, the GT6 does feel more cramped than the BGT, Moore MG's a feeling not helped by poor rear three quarter visibility. This is a pity for there are Sales, Restorations b Parts aspects of the car that are years ahead of where the BGT was. Take for example the gearchange. With its lever mounted overdrive switch (adopted eventually by MG some four years later!) it is as sensible as the MG's is fussy. Then there's the steering which is more positive that the B's as well as having that incredible turning circle. 781 7 Loisdale Road But it is perhaps the engine that offers the biggest advance over the MG. Bldg. B14 Springfield, VA 22150 Granted both units have very similar outputs, and the Triumph is only quicker (703)550-0233 Dale E. Moore thanks as much to its better shape and lower weight than anything else-it is the simple smoothness of the old Standard 'six' that gives the GT6 its edge in this department, for aswell as being smoother and quieter at speed, it also has theability to slog at low revs without snatching or fuss. All is not rosy however!-while the BGT's handling is a little uninspiring, it wins 1 over the GT6 thanks to its predictability. After Triumph almost got it right with the MkII and early Mk 111 models, costs decreed that the lower wishbone rear suspension Connell's set up had to go, to be replaced by a swing-spring arrangement as used on contemporary Spitfires. While it was nowhere near as bad as the early swing axle MG Service arrangement-it was by no means an improvement. The result is a car that feels nervous when pushed and which might catch out the unwary. Its ride, too, is vastly inferior to the BGT, no doubt due to its stiffer springing designed to counteract any 2302 East 38th Street tendency for the chassis to flex. It's worth while noting that B.L. kept quite quiet Indianapolis, IN 46218 about the suspension change, so if you ever consider buying a Mk 111 and want a (West side of Wilson's Auto Parts) lower wishbone car, check carefully! The changes took place in February, 1973from Phone: 31 71545-6108 chassis number KE2000001 onwards-and interestingly no motoring magazine ever had a road test of a late Mklll! When it comes to running costs we think the MGB GT would have a slight advantage, mainly because of the plethora of parts for the 'B' from the various specialists, although the Triumph picture is getting better, thanks to the efforts of the Heritage Licensed suppliers, also insurance costs are likely to favor the MGB owner. When it comes to day to day maintenance points go to the GT6 thanks to that splendid wide opening hood,and woe betide anyone who has to jump start a BGT (512) 626-3840 with the two six-volt batteries hidden away under the next to useless rear seat! So although, when both cars were new, the general reaction seemed to be in favor of the cheaper, better looking Triumph, we are inclined to feel today, when it comes to cheap and cheerful character motoring, it might be a case of age before MG COSAS beauty, or sensibility before style. Maybe we are getting sensible in our old age but PARTS BUY SELL TRADE we'll go for the MGB GT!

JIM & ESTHER UDKLER 24027 CROSSLAND Owners SAN ANTONIO, TX 78264 World's Leading Supplier MC TRIVIA QUIZ ANSWERS Of British Car Parts! 137 BHP at 5,000 RPM. MGB advertisements in the early 1970's! Created by the company's ad agency at the time--Dorlands. Peter Brown 1972 when 39,393 were built. There were a further threeexperimental V8s built but technically these were not counted as production cars. 1967 1966, 1967 and 1968. 1964,1966 and 1967 (We said MGBs-not MGCs or Sprites!) 254.81 M.P.H. and driven by Phil Hill. About 220 pounds. September 1st to August 31st. However the continually changingemission regulations were drawn up by calendar year and the B's had to be altered to comply with end of the year deadlines, so the model year distinction eventually became very confusing! No one got them all right! ...but the first nearest correct entry received was from Phil and Dallas Smith of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The prize of an S.U. Carb Tuning Kit is on its way to them. Well done Phil and Dallas! Due to the pressure of space, no quiz will be published in this issue but, as someone once said, "We'll be baaaack!" MGA + MGB + MGC + Midget We take the guesswork out of product availability and cost. Our low selling price is on the same page as the part you need. MG Parking Only We also stock a wide variety of OEM and reproduction parts Signs plus accessories to help "Keep'em On The R~ad."~ $15.00 each Call For Your Free Catalog Today ! 9" x 12" Aluminum Painted White with MC octagon in Order 9 to 5 Black and White 7 Days A Week or Black and Red Toll Free - All USA & Canada

Add $3.50 for UPS or 800-255-0088 $5.00 for UPS 2nd Day Air " Worldwide Orders 91 3-599-3299 California Residents add 7.75% ALL OTHERS WL BE TOWED Sales Tax. Worldwide Fax 91 3-541 -8500

Send 50% for Color Brochures. British Motor Heritage Approved Distributor Dealer and Club Inquiries Invited. E& E ENTERPRISES P.O. BOX 652 FAX (714) 795-7351 VICTORIA BRITISH LTD. CALIMESA, CALIFORNIA 92320 All Other Business (714) 795-5414 P.O. Box 14991 Lenexa, Kansas 66285-4991 MCs and Murphy's Law of Quantum Mechanics MORE BUSINESS CARDS Preston Douglas

Murphy's Law of Breakdowns: EVERYTHING IN AN MG CAN GO WRONG and EVENTUALLY WILL! MG BMW Corollaries: The probability of breakdown is inversely proportional to: vOLvO 2-CARS 1. The convenience of the hour TOYOTA Taos Garage (i.e. they usually occur at night in the dark.) TRIUMPH CLASSICS 2. The variation of temperature from 72°F (i.e. they occur at 100°F or -2"F!)

Murphy's Law of Spare Parts: NO MATTER HOW EXTENSIVE YOUR SPARES STOCK YOU WILL NOT HAVE A SPARE OF WHATEVER BREAKS! 836-4141 206 ATRISCO S.W. Corollaries: 1. If you do have a spare it won't fit ...or DON TYRACK ALBUQ., N.M. 87105 2. You can't find it..or 3. It's broken too!

Murphy's Law of Repairs: FIXING SOMETHING ON AN MG WILLUSUALLY CAUSE SOMETHING ELSE TO BREAK! Corollaries: 1. Studs will usually break off just before the torque wrench clicks. JOE CURT0 INC. GENUINE 2. Any mucking around in the engine bay will open at least one Specializing in S.U. Carburetors connector (and pull off one hose.) and British Car Parts 3. Stopping a leak in one place, will cause a leak elsewhere in Mail: 230-22 58th Ave. the system. Bayside, N.Y, 11364 Contrapositive: MG leaks are mandatory! @ Ship UPS: 193-12 69th Ave. 4. If it works, don't fix it, you'll only make it worse-and break Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 something else into the bargain. SPARES 5. If it doesn't work, but the MGB still runs, pretend it's working and see 4. above! (71 8) 465-4829

Murphy's Law of Rust: NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO, YOUR MG WILL CONTINUE TO RUST! Corollaries: 1. Waxoyl only makes it rust slower. 2. Rain makes it rust faster. SALES 3. Don't let anybody kid you-it rains in Arizona!! 4. When it rains the top will always leak somewhere (see Rule 3.) BRITISH T'SHOP INC. ;:;;rE 5. MGs would rust in a bloody vacuum!

(For our British members substitute Sod's Law for Murphy's Law!!-Ed) MG, TRIUMPH, TVR, JAGUAR

TOM & JOYCE LaMARCHE 165 ROUTE 82 OAKDALE, CT 06370 (203)889-01 78 Notes from the LIMITED EDITION Registrar Legendary Limited Editions... Judy Estrada

I'll bet all you Limited Edition owners were beginning to wonder if the production numbers would ever be published! It's not that they are a closely guarded secret- the question is now that we are giving them to you-will I still get all those phone calls asking for the numbers? This gave me the excuse to talk on the phone for hours to some really nice people! The followingarethe production numbers for the6,668 1979-1980Limited Edition MGBs produced for the North American Market. I will not take all the credit for the research of this information, most of that honor goes to our Chairman, John Twist who kindly passed them on to me. 1979 MODEL YEAR VIN NUMBER PRODUCTION DATES OUANTITY GHN5UL 492071-GHN5UL 493517 March 1979-June 1979 1,447 GNH5UL 498441-GHN5UL 499300 June 1979-December 1979 860 1980 MODEL YEAR VIN NUMBER PRODUCTION DATES OUANTlTY GWDJZAG 503521-GWDJ2AG 504563 June 1979-Sept 1979 1,043 GWDJ2AG 508071-GWDJ2AG 509957 Sept 1979-March 1980 1,887 GWDJ2AG 520041-GWDJ2AG 531469 March 1980-Aug- 1980 1,429 GWDJ2AG 522999-GWDJ2AG 523000 August 1980 2 LEs on Parade at John Twist's. The last two cars were symbolically given numbers higher than any other issued to an MGB, although they were in fact built approximately two months before Abingdon production ceased. The prefix system changed with car #501000 (not an LE!) These were NOT the last MGs to be produced-the last 1,000 LEs were reserved for the British market, and were finished in Bronze and Pewter, not Black. The interior of our LEs were either Black or Tan. According to the information I have, there does not seem to be any particular sequence to the interior color, I guess they would use whatever was at hand. The same is true of engine and body numbers, they also do not run in any sequential order. Another interesting point is the dash plaques on the Canadian models which are numbered from 1 thru 250-of 250 (Example: #1 of 250). Peter Dhama our Canadian connection owns one of these and is trying to locate the remainder of these Canadian 'specials'! The very first Limited Edition 'B' (GHN5UL 492071) is owned by Troy Bell from Vancouver, British Columbia, and has been patiently waiting for me to provide these numbers! Troy is MG President of the Canadian Classic MG Club. So we now have information on LEs from 35 States and Canada and an interesting sideline. This last Summer at the University Motors Summer Party, I saw the LE that was next produced after mine--kind of exciting if you're into numbers! If you would like toadd to my ever growing list of statistics please send meyour MGB LE's VIN#, Engine#, and Body#-also your phone number so I can call you if I need further information. Remember there are over 6,600 LEs out there-and I need your help!! I See you at Peterborough in July! Judy The LE formerly belonging to Bob Mason. 18 19 LETTERS TO THE REGISTER As you know, we have 800 numbers up to the ying yang and can get parts no matter where stranded, BUT try finding a qualified mechanic in the boonies! Hell!- Dear Register, I spend alot of time on the phonewith Bob Mason, and also act as ago-between, when As an MG owner since 1949 (Y-Tourer,'52 TD and numerous'B's), I have been I have a breakdown out of civilization, with a redneck mechanic, who couldn't fix a thinking about what's down the road for MG. I do not see any current car that fills light bulb! the need for what many of us want today, a well built, reliable vehicle that we as Anyway this is a service we all need and we can carry around the hit list when owners can not only maintain, but repair also with reasonable equipment. I do not you all publish the same. want all the totally unnecessary gadgets such as electronic door openers, trip Many thanks and keep up the good work! guides, digital display dash boards, loud-mouth speaker systems, automatic Ronald E. McCowen, FL transmissions, remote trunk openers, etc!!! Can I suggest that the MGB Register through the MGB Driver start a contest among members for the submission of a new MGB+!body shape (side and frontal), engine and tranny specs (16 valve- five speed), and obviously must pass all The next letter is printed as received!..... emission control standards? I still do all my own work, including engine rebuilds (on '70 and '72 MGBs, Subaru Dear NAMGBR, Brat and Plymouth Horizon), BUT the cars sold today require electronic and other Hello! I just received your material regarding the MGB Car Club-how do I get equipment way beyond reach of most of us. I spent years in the auto repair business, a P.O. Box# like the one you have? While I admire Morris Garage's products, so what do you think of the contest idea? especially British Racing Green MGBs 1 am not in a position to own one at this time. Joe Randolph, MO I have never owned an MGB and must admit that up to now I have never had plans to do so. The high cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts prevents me from (Thanks for your letter Joe-am I right in thinking that you are one of our more affording coverage for any kind of car. mature members?! Personally I like the idea-it's not new but the more we keep I couldn't say how I managed to get on your mailing list actually-perhaps from banging away, the powers that be who own the precious MG logo might take note. the BMWCCA a very similar organization for similarly afflicted fanatics! Until However I think we'll ask the Register members if they would be interested in such recently 1 have been amember-a necessity when owning, operating and maintaining a design competition, and if the response is positive, I think we can arrange a super one of BMW's most cherished products, the 2002tii (although BMW in Munich has prize.-Ed) all but forgotten this legacy) I really love this little car, I'm sure as much as you and your membership appreciate the MGBs. Now I'm a denizen of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; whose insurance I don't have to pay! I'm not planning on losing my driving ability however Dear Register, as I may yet own a classic again someday. I have friends who let me use their I've belonged to several MG clubs in the past (including an organization for American cars sometimes; an Oldsmobile Delta 88, or '69 Chevy Chevelle-these are MGBs!) but I have to say that in the short space of time I've belonged to the NAMGBR #%$"@*&"% TANKS that can't get out of their own way! I feel very I've learned more about the how and why of my MGB than I ever did before. The uncomfortable ...dangerous in fact ... behind the wheel of an ungainly tub such as "MGBDriver" magazine is everything I envisaged from a National MGB organization these. The only reassurance I feel is that whatever I might hit would lose! and the technical content is superb, also I have used the technical 'hot-line' a couple On the other hand, sometimes during my work I must drive the company vans, of times and found a very sympathetic ear! I can't wait to attend my first Regional either the Econoline orthe newer mini-vans. I hate these hugevans with novisibility, Convention and meet other fellow MGB addicts-keep up the good work! power brakes, power steering, auto transmission and marshmallow handling and Derek Johnson, PA suspension! I feel I have absolutely no control of the vehicle whatsoever and I have become panicked many times when at highway speeds (55-65 mph) I feel the van (Thanks Derek-you now have the whole of the executive, and committee nearly flip over on a normally gentle curve. The mini vans are much better-but still blushing!-Ed) flaky. The brakes, for instance, always skid on moist pavement, even at low urban speeds. I really NEED to FEEL the road when I drive! Although some of you may not consider the 2002 a genuine sports car, I can certainly empathize with you MGB Dear Register, owners for driving a more responsive and FUN car! As a NAMGBR member I recently corresponded with the new service coordina- tor, regarding members recommending 2 or 3 mechanics that could repair MGBs etc. Great idea!-they could also rate them. continued on page 22 20 21 Letters to the Register - continued horn page 21

By the way there is a garage nearby called Morris Garage, and a local restaurant to a truck garage near Tallahassee. The folks there were marvelous and had the chain called Matt Garret's uses the MG moniker and pictures of old MG cars. generator rebuilt, but despite my warning of positive ground, sure enough it was Keep on DRIVING! wrongly polarised, which successfully wrecked the voltage regulator! Eric S. Wegweiser, Allston, MA Several 400 mile trips to Tallahassee later, we eventually towed the MGB to Montgomery and have been sorting it out ever since. It now has two even newer six (We know this is the MarfAPRIL issue of the "Driver" but this letter really came volt batteries, a successfully rebuilt generator, and the usual array of tappet rattles into us as above--no fooling! Maybewe haveacloset embryo MGB driver here!-Ed) and wind noises!-but she really is a pretty car with her British Racing Green body and new interior, wire wheels and overdrive. She is totally original except for the more modern oil filter (the original was ghastly to change!) and hose clips. We have been most impressed with the level of commercial support for MGs Dear Register, here in the United States and feel that we can get any parts quickly. Thanks industry! Enclosed is my membership application and a check. I am a British Royal Air Our only real problem here is that in a small green car with the steering wheel on the Force Officer serving in the USA for three years on an exchange posting with the right-we are mistaken for mailmen! Finally does anyone know where we can get a USAFand I have brought my MGB GT over with me! Technically it is registered in my speedometer for a '67 MGB GT with overdrive--or at least get one rebuilt? wife's name-it has recently been rebuilt and is to the full U.K. specification, with the Mike Canavan steering wheel on the right hand side of course! As 1 am covered by the NATO Status of Forces agreement, and will re-export the (Get in touch with Bob Castanetta at Nisonger Instruments, Inc. Mike-they are MGB on completion of my tour in 1994,l am running the car on British licence plates! in New York and their address and telephone number is: Nisonger Instruments, Inc., ONP 951 E, I hope the details given on my membership form does not confuse your 570 Mamaroneck Avenue, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, (914) 381-1952-Ed) computer! I have been delighted to note the number of British cars on the roads here, and particularly the level of parts support from thevarious suppliers,and apart from the huge distances it is almost as easy to run an MG here as it is in the UK. Yours Sincerely, Wing Commander Michael M. Canavan, AL

(Editors note: Welcome Mike! and for the interest of other Register members we have further details on our expatriate member and his GT): "The car was purchased in the U.K. by my wife, Jan, in February of 1985. We had been shopping for some hardware and saw the MGB in a car park with a 'for sale' sign. LOVE BRITISH CARS? The youngsters who owned it had just bought a house and were too short of money to advertise the car! There had been two former owners since January, 1977, and we ended up paying about $800 for the car. magazlne devoted It was in avery tatty condition and needed an immediate $1,000 spending on it. exclus~velyto all The drive shaft was installed back to front, one light did not work, the fenders were Br~t~shcars, fmm plastic, the brakes were at best in an 'interesting' state and so on. Fortunately we classlc to contemporary lived in thevillage of Houghton, where Syd Beer and his son Malcolm own Houghton .CLASSIC Mill Garage, and they have maintained the car ever since we bought it. By 1987 we were posted to Yugoslavia and the MGB was getting very shoddy. The brakes had $31.95 TWO YEAR failed once and my wife drovedownhill to Beer's to get them fixed!! Therewere really *RESTORATION *ROAD TESTS only two choices-scrap it or rebuild it! We chose the latter and for the 3 112 years Overseas $34 95 U S we were in Yugoslavia, the Beer's quietly undertook a full rebuild. From Yugoslavia we were posted to the USA and decided the car would come Charge by phone! with us. The 'B' traveled from Southampton to Jacksonville, Florida on Wallenius Lines. On theway back from collectingthecarat Jacksonville to return to Montgomery, the generator (which had not been rebuilt!) gave up the ghost and we had great drama making progress. The twin batteries were wrecked as we ran on them alone, *

23 PRELUDE TO "BLACK MONDAY" a personal reminiscence by Alan Davis Spectacular! The MG Works fire engine, and floats from the auto workers unions, In the Spring of 1979,theH.Q. of the MG Car Clubsent out information to Centers also joined the long line up which snaked around this historic town. The fabulous regarding pre-arranged factoryvisits. Luckily the Devon &Cornwall Center decided MG record breakers, EX-135, EX181 and EX254 were displayed to the crowd on to take advantage of the offer as no one had any ideathe MG Factorywould beclosed trailers, and the pride and enthusiasm of the townsfolk showed as they cheered in just a few months. their favourite models. Eventually the gigantic parade terminated at the MG Works We met other Club members undertaking the tour with us at the 'Magic Midget' Sports Ground, where the MG hot air balloon often seen in U.S. television commer- pub in Abingdon for lunch. We browsed around all the old MG pictures and cials for MGB was lifting an MGB way above the enthralled crowd! At the same time photographson display in this unique establishment. However at 2:00 p.m. sharp we a free fall parachute team dropped in amid coloured smoke and gained even louder reported to the MG factory where a retired assembly line worker was assigned to applause as they landed smack on their mark! show us around. Many of his old colleagues were still working on the line and shouted greetings to him, or stopped for a chat if they were able. The atmosphere BLACK MONDAY! September 10th 1979 was incredible--all the workers were interested in their work and they all seemed most enthusiastic about MG. It seemed many weresecond generation workers, their Little did this enthusiastic crowd know that within hours a bombshell would fathers having worked for the company before them. drop on theirworld of enchantment. Clutching our precious bottles of 'Old Speckled At the end of each work period the MGBs were pushed forward, by hand, on Hen' beer, our Jubilee posters and programmes we slipped away to the West their little'dollies'to the next bay forthenext operation. This meant that everyone's Country having seen something the like of which would never be again. task had to be finished, then the whole line would move one bay, and the operation Within days, whilestill on a 'high' from the weekend's activities we learned that would start all over again! This of course meant that until everyone was finished the workforce had been given their pink slips and told the MG Factory would be nothing could move &n. While we were there one chap was struggling under the closed! Many workers received the news of the closure from a radio reporter at the dash, to fit some difficult part. The whole of the factory was waiting to move on, a famous No.3 gate of the factory! We were stunned! We could not believe how such slow handclap started and many shouts of "hurry up!" or "Get on with it!" Eventually a thing could happen-how such an enthusiastic and dedicated workforce could be the poor man emerged, red in the face and embarrassed, and with a loud cheer the axed and cast aside with the stroke of a pen. To break up such a dedicated and bogies were pushed forward, with the attached (soon to be) new MGBs for the competent unit with its attached history must have been oneof the biggest sins ever process to continue. I bet the same man dare not always be last! committed by modern big business. A large chunk of our heritage was destroyed The afternoon was full of nostalgia and the atmosphere something I will always overnight, and could never be replaced. remember. After the tour we had a look around on our own and unearthed a prototype 2 litre MGB in the Special Development Shop--however we were evicted (Editor's note: Alan has been in the auto trade for over 33 years and has a very quickly when our cameras appeared. What a day! quarter of a century of "MG enjoymentw-as he terms it-to his credit! He now owns and operates the Tamar MG Center in Cornwall, England. In our next issue read about the storm that erupted among MG fans and the 'Save MG' protest march that GOLDEN SUMMER stopped the traffic in London!) Our Center was asked to help with cars for the Abingdon Parade which was to be held to celebrate 50 years of MG in Abingdon, and we were able to provide a 52, the ex-Works Cream Cracker with the VA engine and Glyn took his Z Magnette. The first week of September had been chosen by British Leyland, for seven days of festivities which really turned out to be the biggest occasion this quiet little market town had ever seen! Barbecues, football matches, dances, a huge fair, and various other activities brought together MG workers, townspeople, component suppliers and other local industries. A party of 150 U.S. MG dealers and their wives were hosted, and a spectacular display by the top aerobatic team of the Royal Air Force added glamour and excitement to the week, which culminated in a giant parade honoring MG which took place on Sunday, September 9th. The parade was led by 'Old No.1' and all models of MGs, Rileys and Healeys were represented, intermingled with over 70 carnival floats and marching bands. Follow- ing 'Old No.1' were bicycles, Vintage, Triple Ms, T-Types, Y-Types, MGAs, MGBs and oh!-the whole range of Abingdon machinery! Abingdon Carpets (another major Ironically, "Old Number I"leads the MG parade on employer in the town) had a car completely covered in carpet which looked September 9, 1979, leading a group of MGBs which would cease to exist after today. A SWARM OF REAL "KILLER 'B'S"!

Dennis Trowbridge captures the 'B' MaCic in Chicago, 1991.

26 THE MGB GARAGE Hints and Tips to Make Your MCB Run Better and Safer!

Problem Backup Lights? LateMGBs use twostylesof brake master cylinders. Theonly difference is in the Have you ever followed a car down the road whose backup lights were on? Have internal workings. One type uses a wide piston seal, while the other is narrow. Be you ever had your backup lights fail to come on when you engage reverse gear? Both sure you have the correct rebuild kit before you begin reassembly. Late MGBs use conditions can becaused by the reverselamp switch which is installed on most cars. two types of clutch masters also-both types look the same but the internals are It is round, aluminum in color, has two spade terminals for the wires and is usually different. One type has a ring machined into the cylinder near the mounting flange located on the upper part of the transmission in close proximity to the shift lever. or two circles stamped into the cylinder. Both markings are external and knowing It is usually a simple task to remove the switch and check for continuity with an which master you have makes ordering parts easier. ohmmeter. If your reverse lamp has stayed on-no matter what gear you are in-the cause may be obvious when you inspect the plunger. Whatever the reason it is a Starter Problem simple matter to straighten the areas of the rim which are crimped, and to remove 1 recently had occasion to answer a question regarding a problem where the the top cap and inner pieces. Clean and lubricate the plunger, clean the electrical starter on an MGB disengaged from the engine while the ignition was in the start contact and springs, and reassemble the unit. This simple procedure can save you position. The engine stopped cranking, but the starter made a 'whirring' sound. a substantial amount over the cost of replacing the reverse lamp unit. MGBs use two different types of starters. From 1964 to 1967 the starter is an opendrive device-meaningthat thestarter drivewhichengages the flywheel sticks Shocking News out from the starter motor end plate. The later type is the closed version that has The Armstrong lever action shock absorbers fitted to MGBs and Midgets have a cone encapsulating the drive. The later type is much stronger because the shaft a tendency over time to lose their fluid. Shocks should be topped up every so often that the drive is on has a support bushing at the furthest end. The early type has no with the proper type of fluid, such as Armstrong shock hydraulic oil. An effective such support and can 'whip' if the motor bushings are worn. This is often the reason substitute is motorcycle fork oil, available in various weights (try 20W or 30W) why some early 'B's have binding starters. which contains 'seal sweller'. This can often stop slight seepageand a small pull The starter drive is a clutching mechanism that utilizes a screw drive and aone- trigger oil can with suitable spout makes topping up easy. way clutch. When the drive is worn it will declutch and fail to engage the flywheel. To correct the problem thedrive must be replaced. This is also a good time to check Brake Lights or replace the starter motor brushes and both bushings. You could also get arebuilt On 68-80 MGBs and Midgets, the correct adjustment for the brake light switch unit or have your starter rebuilt by a qualified rebuilder. (Jim Pelletterie) is critical. If the switch is not screwed in far enough the brake lights will be on all the time, whether the brake pedal is depressed or not! If the switch is screwed in too far, it can press on the brake pedal and create enough pressure that the calipers and brake drums may heat up and cause the brakes to lock up. Restorations by White Post Steering Rack Boots Complete or partial on any year car. Contact us for more information. The steering rack boots, (also called bellows) on the steering rack assembly serve two purposes. To keep the dirt OUT and the lubricant IN! Some racks use Brake Cylinders Better chassis grease but MGs use 90W gear oil. During normal lubrication maintenance the Than New boots should be checked for cracks, cleaned of accumulated dirt and then sprayed with silicone lubricant. Time and materials for this little bit of maintenance i~ a In+ Sleeved with brass to standard slze. less than replacing a rack ruined by neglect! Fully guaranteed. Wheel cylinders, caliper - $40 per sleeve. Master, slave, Brake Seals clutch - $50 per sleeve Send dis- Now most of our cars are getting older it's a good idea to renew the seals that assembled cylinders, housings only, to. operate the hydraulics. The brake master cylinder and the clutch master cylinder White Post Restorations along with the clutch slave cylinder are no more important than the brake calipers One Old Car Dr~ve or wheel cylinders. Upon disassembly and inspection of the cylinders, look closely White Post, VA 22663 for pitted or gouged cylinder walls. If this condition is found, replace the entire unit instead of trying to rebuild it. Brakes are too important to trust poor quality parts. 703-837-1140 MASON'S MUSINGS Our Technical Coordinator Holds Forth! - Bob Mason correct the crankcase problem itself, rather than use a band-aid approach by First, thanks for all your letters and phone calls. When writing however, please disconnecting hoses and plugging pipes. I myself have a 1974 112 BGT as 'from the remember to include a S.A.S.Envelope for a quicker and more accurate response, factory' which runs quite well with the HlFs and yours should run the same if (you know how the Post Officeis!) and our first letter this month comes frdm San everything is in good condition. Pedro.CA And now to your suspension question-your lower control arm problem is probably caused by incorrect sized washers being installed on the pivot arm. There Dear Bob, is a "neck" at the end of the threaded portion on each end of the pivot arm. The I finally got smart and disconnected the crankcase vent from my HIF4 carbs, on correct size washer is designed to sit on this neck so that no matter how much you my 1974 MGB, capping the carb connections of course. tighten the securing nut, you can only compress the rubber bushing just the proper All along I noticed oil at the T-connection and the hoses; and the blow-by (l amount-whether the original factory type or the later V8 bushing. If your washer never looked before) appears to be white smoke! I put an old fuel filter at the end of just barely fits over the threaded portion it will not sit up on the 'neck' (step) and the hose and got clear vapors (?) and water from the well tuned engine. leave excess space for the lower control arm to slide forward and back. The proper My question: What is the approximate composition of the blow-by? Are there size washer has an outside diameter approximately the same size as the outer any truly recoverable fumes? What would you suggest is the best possible set-up? diameter of the control arm itself. With the proper washer the bushing(s) are Venting to air or exhaust (MGA/early MGB); to intake ('64268 MGB) with or without compressed enough, so there will be no forward/rearward movement. a filter and/or expansion container, to carbs with filter? I don't have to tell you that the "B" ran better immediately, idles smoother, runs quieter, has more pep and power (most noticeable in 3rd gear)--even seems to shift to overdrive more smoothly! (it seemed to jerk into O/D previously.) Finally on this question, is there increased manifold vacuum, that would draw from the evapora- tive loss system (fuel vapors only) and thus make it more effective? On another subject entirely, I've found that V8 A-arm bushings always shift forward; or better said the arms drift back, being lower, and rest against thewashers Pivot and bolts. This is metal to metal horizontally even though the weight rests on the Arm bushing vertically. I've reinstalled them with equal spacing all round, but they have drifted back again-what is the problem here? Octagonally Yours, Dwaine Sharpe (P.S. Where is the oil in my carbs going?)

Dear Dwaine, R~GHT!- Factory washer sits WRONG - If washer is here it Phew!! What a lot to get through! First there is nothing to be gained by on this step. cannot compress the bushing. disconnecting any of the factory installed emission parts, assuming they are doing their job properly-they do their job as designed and take little away from the Finally it is normal for the oil level in the carbs to drop. The owners manual says performance of the engine, Also I understand that Californian inspectors frown on check and top-up this oil level every 3,000 miles. The damper tube must be disconnecting these items?!! lubricated and this is a straight drop to the carburettor venturi, sooil will always be The crankcase must be ventilated, or otherwise normal pressure buildup will lost every time the engine is in operation. I hope I've answered your questions and create oil leaks 'somewhere'! If of a whitelclear vapor it is probably from a coolant thanks fdr the comments on my car! leak, or from normal humidity buildup within the engine that is not burned off during Bob short trips. If a bluish color, probably from bad oil control rings. A filter on the crankcase does nothing except decrease your wallet and make others wonder why ...and now to a few other matters-A first time owner of English cars purchases a filter has been installed! a 1974 MG Midget. Proud new owner and girl friend take a400 mile drive to thesunny If the engine appears to run better without the vent hoses connected to the beaches. While there, new owner purchases two new front tires for the return trip carbs, this probably means that the excessive blowby vapors from the crankcase home. Tire company tightens wheel lug nuts with air impact wrench. Twenty miles were disrupting the proper fuellair mixture to the carbs, but there is no connection from the beach the right front (new!) tire goes flat. New owner has greatest difficulty whatsoever between this problem and your overdrive engagement. The best set up in removing wheel nuts. When replacing wheel nuts, new owner twists off three of for your car is that as delivered from the factory, which means that you should the four studs, even though not using much force. New owner is now stuck at roadside, on a federal holiday 380 miles from home! 31 Technical Coordinator - continued from page 31

Good Samaritan Jaguar driver sees unhappy Midget, driver and girl friend sitting at side of road and stops to render possible aid. Jaguar driver has an MGB friend in town 20 miles away. Jaguar and Midget drivers see MGB friend-who makes several telephone calls and locates local club memberwho is parting out MG Midget and who will provide studs and nuts to stranded new Midget owner. Jaguar driver returns new Midget owner back to stranded Midget and girl friend, and soon new Midget owner is once again on his way home!! The moral of the story is two fold. Firstly do not allow anyone to use an impact air hammer for the removal or installation of wheel lug nuts especially on thesmaller models, such as the MG Midget. Secondly-isn't it nice that the English car fraternity I 1340 Hartford Avenue, Johnston. Rhode Island 02919 (401)831-8850 will still stop to assist those other English car drivers who are in possible distress? I

COOLING CLEANING! 40 YEARS OF BRITISH CAR PARTS From a well respected service facility comes the following tech tip on cleaning your cooling system passages. As with anything else in life there's no guarantee as to its effectiveness, but it apparently does a pretty good job of cleaning a 'normal' (not heavily restricted) system and it certainly shouldn't hurt anything. A routine operation, as stated in your workshop manual is the changing of your cooling system anti-freeze. (You do have anti-freeze in; don't you?!!!) After draining Look No Further! Special lnterest has decided to gen- and flushing with clean water, and before replacing the anti-freeze, add an 8 ounce erously pass on it's savings to our valued customers. package of "Spic and Span" in fresh water and drive the MG for a few days with this We will beat any of our competitors Sale or Advertised mixture in the system. rice. Becoming the largest Regular 'Fast Flush' products are very caustic and if used improperly, or in an older system in poor condition, may create more problems than they will solve. The supplier in the world of - 'Spic and Span' treatment supposedly does a good job of mild scouring of the inner many British Parts lines surfaces of the engine block, radiator, and water pump seal face. was not easy. We will After driving for a few days, again drain and flush the entirecooling system with celebrate this grand fresh water-then refill the system with a 50-50 mixture of good anti-freeze coolant and water. Remember to have your heater turned "ON" while draining, flushing or occassion by passing these refilling your MG's cooling system. savings on to those customers that made it all TRACKING TROUBLES possible. ... and Don't For you home MG mechanics who are trying to find an erratic, electric ignition Forget At Special lnterest "Your lnterest Is Our problem, that usually only shows itself on damp days, (not in Southern California!) ... here is an easy way to hopefully find your problem. Intere~t."~,Keeping your British Jewel running at an Take the family bottle of "Windex" and with the engine of the MGB running, affordable price! spray afew shots on thesparkplugs, oneat atime. Then spray the sparkplugwires- FREE CATALOGS one at a time. If the fault lies anywhere in these areas the engine will start to run rough or 'stumble'. If everything is as before, spray the top of the distributor cap. Thenspray the topof the ignitioncoil and its mainwire to thedistributor-if the fault is there the engine will probably stop. DO NOT douse thesuspected areas with 'Windex'-just agentlespray (misting) will suffice. While you are at it, pull the coil and plug wires out of the coil and the distributor cap, and check the wire ends and coil/cap sockets for any greenish corrosion. If any is found, a good cleaning or even replacement is called for.

continued on page 36 32 There are many of us who carry spare parts around in our MGBs. Just one THE CO-DRIVER'S SEAT (Observations of a true believ experience of being stuck somewhere, where no one stocks your radiator hose- by Mary Weston and you carry one from there on! Of course it is never needed again as long as you MG owners are a breed apart-even former MG owners! Somehow once you are have it and the car-No, next time it will be the wiper blades, the fan belt, no brake an MG owner, you are never the same again. There is a reason for this; it is somehow fluid or some other item you don't have and it's 10 p.m. on Sunday evening! in the experience of enjoying your MG. Sometimes a fellow MG owner will stop to assist, search their trunk, only to find that They are just so easy and fun to drive, even for someone unfamiliar with stick since the cars are of different years, his won't fit yours or vice-versa! When you stop shifts. I learned to drive in a 1968 MGB and all things considered it was rather easy. to assist that MGB with the hood open and antifreeze on the ground, his lower hose Even when I was in the wrong gear, the car wouldn't buck or stall, or otherwise will be different from the one you've been carrying around in your trunk for the past horribly embarrass me. Even the 'no first gear synchro' MGs are great-just don't four years! THINK about putting into first gear unless you are at acomplete stop, and even then Many of us, through necessity or choice, work on our MGs. Ever notice the you are better putting it into another gear (like 3rd) before easing into first gear! Abingdon preference for fine threads on nuts and bolts? When our 1965 MGB was Like the 1968 MGB I learned on, most MGs are convertibles. Convertibles disassembled for restoration, we had half a dozen coffee cans full of 114"fine and 51 (Roadsters?-Tourers?) are fun! Sunroofs and T-tops are no substitute for the real 16" fine nuts and bolts-even the 1/2" bolts were fine thread! And nearly every one thing. At first my hair would whip my face and tangle terribly-no wonder so many had both a flat washer and a lock washer! Ah yes!-working on your MGB out of of us wear caps, or sunglasses or headbands, or ponytails and such. One guy I knew necessity! How many of you have had the experience of having the S.U. electric fuel drove his MGA, top down to the barbershop and insisted that his hair be cut sothat pump die? I know of one person who used the windscreen washer bottle as an "I.V." it looked good blown forward when driving his car! Some of us even look different bottle, while another used the washer pump as a fuel pump! I myself took my wire since becoming MGB owners-1 know I do. Now my hair is short and curly sono one wheel knock-off lead hammer, and pounded the floor in the pump area to limp home! can tell whether it's windblown or not. And the guy with the MGA-he no longer has Can anyone out there explain why cleaning or replacing the fuel pump points never the car, but he still has the haircut! works for long? With the top down you really get to experience the places you drive through. British electrics have been the butt of our jokes for a long time-like referring The sunshine, the aroma of honeysuckles, freshly cut grass, lilacs. Of course I can to Joe Lucas as the'prince of Darkness' and even worse. Even when the devices work do without the 18-wheeler diesels, the cattle feeding ranches and the landfills! Like they may be ineffective. The wipers are too fast for mist and too slow for anything many MGB owners 1 seldom drive with the top up unless it is snowing or raining else- like rain, snow and puddles. In snow they ice upthedefroster only defogs, heavily, or well below freezing. This can have its pitfalls! Did you ever get soaked in it doesn't de-ice! Then the windshield washer antifreeze freezes on the screen at a cloudburst while erecting the stowaway, convertible top? And didn't the rain stop highway speeds, at the same time the heater controls fail to persuade the stuck once the top was up? Did you ever try and wait out the rain using the tonneau cover, heater control valve to move! only to find the seats 'squished' when you sat? And as you drove away, the water on Finally do you know many present and former MG drivers? Isn't it funny that you the trunk lid blew forward onto your back? Have you discovered that you can stay think of them that way? Now that MGs are no longer made, it just makes us more relatively dry driving through the rain with the top down as long as you drove at 40 diehard than ever. MGs have character and maybe they even help us develop our mph or above? And didn't the other motorists look at you as though you were own character as well. MGs convert us from owners to enthusiasts, and enthusiasts nuts?-Ah!-but didn't their children wave??! are a breed apart, who continue to "Maintain the Breed"! Have you noticed how much children seem to love MGBs?-they point and wave-they climb in without opening the door-they make car sounds and flip all Editor's View - continued ti-om page 3 the switches, and they willingly sit in the back-at least the first time! And don't we a 1971 MGB daily and once away from the Macintosh she is no slouch when it comes all have memorable episodes squeezing in passengers? I once sat on the back ledge to getting the starter motor out!-and even our printer's delivery driver-Harry, has of a 1964 MGB roadster, with a six-footer seated next to me-top up! The passenger a 1974 MGB (with Weber) which is in constant conflict with the smog laws in seat was occupied by another six-footer, over 200 Ibs., clutching his Martin acoustic California! Our technical experts own about 20 MGBs between them (Bob & Sue guitar in its case. We were driving him to the airport, half an hour away with all his Mason have four!) so when we say by enthusiasts-for enthusiasts, we mean it! luggage in the trunk. To the credit of the driver the exhaust system wasn't ruined by Your Editor will bevisiting England during May and hopes to attend the MG Car bottomingout! Did you know that it is illegal to have more than two adults in an MG- Club meeting at Silverstone and the National Classic Car Show, in addition to taking and guess how I found out?!!! part in the Norwich Union Classic Car Rally-quite a schedule, but one which will And isn't it amazing what can be fitted into an MGB by a determined owner- be fully reported in themonths tocome through thesepages. We will also bemeeting I don't just mean groceries or luggage or camping and ski gear; I mean gas bar-b-que with Don Hayter to firm up on his visit in addition to meeting with our parent MG Car grilles, entiredrum sets, all thelumber and plumbingsupplies to redo the bathroom, Club personell and the MGB Register in England. All this means lots of news, pictures rockingchairs, living room carpetingand such! A few bungiecords or some rope and and exclusives for you to read-but only here! maybe a red bandana for the overhang should do it! Another word of warning-it is Upon our return we will be seeing you at many of the major MG meetings coast illegal to drive on the freeway with 8 ft. 2" x 4" lengths of wood, and 10 foot lengths to coast, so look for the North American MGB Register booth from Connecticut to of copper pipe, red bandana or no red bandana! The law also frowns on having your California, and come up and say "Hi!" Forget the economy, the election, and get out vision to the right and to the rear obstructed by your set of drums! Luckily it looks there and enjoy yourself! 'WHEREZB'will tell you where it's at! Most important of all so funnyin the MGB that a warning about carrying the stuff is all they have the heart GO GETTA MEMBER this Summer! . to give you! Marcham Rhoade 34 35 >

Technical Coordinator - continued from page 32

(What's all this about Southern California, Bob?? You should see the damp fog off the Pacific we get around here sometimes!!! At least twice a year to my knowledge!-Ed)

Dear Bob, TO Bsarlng Clips I am trying to find a wiring diagram for a 1977 British Leyland dealer installed Clutch Allgnmsnt Tool air conditioner. I purchased an MGB with this system and both relays are corroded away and disconnected. I am reworking this car for my wife and she feels that she MastU Cyllnder Kit LKL-71534 - 4 19 will need the a/c, so guess I'd better make sure it works properly!! I LSSB-960 - 9 37 Sincerely, Slavs Cylhder Klt Wayne Douglas, KS LKL-71525 - 4 59 Clutch Flex Hole Dear Wayne, I'm afraid you are out of luck regarding finding a wiring diagram unless you are 3 piece clutch kit fortunate enough to find a dealer who installed such units, and ascertain if they might still have one available. As you are probably aware, no air conditioning units were installed by the MG Factory. Some units were installed by the area distributor but most were installed by the local dealerships. From my years working in the parts department of MG 618-439-4444 800-447-4587 . 800-851-9438 ,@@ 618-438-2371 dealers, I know that there wereat least three different units available from different Product lnlormat~on a Orders Only FAX manufacturers. They all did the same thing, but in their own unique way of doing it, and there were probably several more companies that offered a/c units. My best suggestion would be to take your car to a facility which installs 'aftermarket' air conditioning units and ask them to trace your problems. A competent shop should be able to open up your corroded relays and provide you with a satisfactory replacement even though it/they may not look identical. Two of my MGBs had a/c installed when I acquired them and the first thing I did was to completely remove all traces of the a/c! By doing so you open up the engine compartment so that you can see what you are doing when you wish to perform ADULT LONG-SLEEVED HEAVYWEIGHT some maintenance, you also remove the impediment to proper airflow through the RUGBY SHIRT. 59% POLYESTER radiator and you will not have a blockade to fight if you need to do anything behind A AND 50% COTTON WITH 2 BUTTON the dashboard. I feel the British had it right-the most satisfying way to get a/c in PLACKET AND TURN-DOWN an MGB is to simply let the top down! COLLAR AND RIBBED CUFFS. A Sorry I can't be of more helpgood luck! AVAILABLE IN: Bob REDIWHITE A ROYAL BLUE,WHITE KELLY GREENWHITE SIZES: S-XL 710 BURNS CINCINNATI OHIO 45204 513 921 0146 FAX 513 921 2536 800-766-4273 PLEASE!-Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope when writing to our technical staff. 36 TECHNICAL TOPICS John H. Twist 61 4-F Eastern Avenue, S.E. Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 In which our technical wizard tries to get to the bottom of a few MG things! ... Phone (61 6) 245-21 41 Dear John, 24 Hour FAX (616) 245-MGMG (6464) I have a 1974 MGB. My rear side marker lights operate fine with the headlights on-but as soon as I turn the engine on-they go off! What's happening?!! EXCLUSIVE MG SERVICE SINCE 1975 Mark Fagan, Santa Rosa, CA I I Dear Mark, 1 I wish I had a little more information! Do your reverse lights work? Have you had any body work done recently? Offhandit sounds like the major earth connection, at complete Lubrication Complete Tune Complete Test Drive the rear of the MGB, located in the boot under a licence plate assembly fixing bolt Brakes Exhaust Clutch Engine O/D Conversions is either not connected--or has a corroded connection. In this case when you turned the key to ON, (not necessarily starting the Shocks Wheels Electrical engine), the fuel pump would seek an earth by passing some current through the I I sidemarkers and licence plate lamps-you would notice them dimly flashing on and off, perhaps twice a minute at idle. If the lights were on, this same fault could cause the sidemarkers to dim, or go out. Short Blocks Cylinder Heads Engines Rocker Assemblie If this connection is loose or missing (the earth) and your reverse lights are Gearboxes Overdrives Remote Control Housings stuck on, then the sidemarkers could extinguish when the key is turned ON (not necessarily starting the engine.) You should check their operation. When you do SU & Stromberg Carburetters Exhaust Manifolds find the fault please let me know what it was. Remember to double check all the Distributors Starters Dynamos Control Boxes connections at the rear of the MGKthey're really easy-Red to Red; Black to Black, etc. Wiper Motors Brake Cylinders and Calipers Finally if you've had recent body work, I would also suspect crossed wiring- Kingpin Assemblies Differentials body shops are notorious for faulty wiring! Thanks for joining the Register-have a wonderful 1992! "Safety Fast" John Repair Bench Restoration Services 1 Soft Tops Interiors Carpeting Dear John, Rust Repair Paint Detailing What type of tool is used to remove the front grease cups on the front hubs? (wire wheels.) There appears to be a threaded shaft but how is that used to remove the cups? Donovan Earhart, TN

Dear Donovan, COMPLETE The thread is 5/16" X 24 and American Fine Thread. What you need is a tall or SERVICE ON: deep 5/16" nut. One should be waiting for use on the thermostat housing (it TC-TD-TF originally held a clip for the air pump to gulp valve hose!) Thread a normal 5/16" nut MGA MGB MGC onto a long 5/16" bolt, then thread the deep nut onto the bolt. Lock the normal nut MIDGET MAGNETTE 1111 300 against the tall nut and thread this 'tool' onto the stud on the grease cup.Use a pair of vise grips to hold the head of the bolt and pull hard!-the cup should come right I I out. If it does not, use a bit of MG persuasion from a hammer on the vise grips! "Safety Fast", John CHAPTER CHATTER News from the NAMCBR Regions WIRE WHEEL 1650 Mansfield Street Santa Cruz, CA 95062 The HOOSIER MCB CLUB UNLIMITED (408) 479-4495 Our second Annual Summer Rallye started out with the right mixture of sunshine and warm (OK!-it was hot!) weather. We unfurled the Club banner and a large British Union Jack courtesy of Don Green and even early in the morning we salespeople. We distribute for Dayton and Dunlop (the major manufacturers of spline- already had MGs there. We had 14 preregistered entrants but the final count was drive wire wheels),and can, therefore,discuss honestly the attributes of both. Our inventory 26 MGs (and three Triumphs!) attending, and after mingling and kicking tires the is the largest, most comprehensive in the U.S. We offer custom wire wheels for most MGs: rally instructions were handed out with a reminder to everyone to 'keep an MG in made-to-order offsets, rim sizes, polished stainlesssteel spokes,tubeless sealing, and heavy their rear view mirror'.Of course this didn't happen! We then asked if anyone had duty wheels for vintage racing. any mechanical problems which might cause them to breakdown and need assis- We also offer complete truing and rebuilding services and very competitive tire and tance. Everyone in the group raised their hands, to a great roar of laughter! What a tube prices--particularly for MGs. And our inventory and prices on splined hubs, knock-offs, dumb question! and hammersare again--secondto none. We also offer complete kits for conversion from disc Thecourse wassimilar to that traveled in previous years, around Brown County to wire wheels for most MGs. State Park, through Nashville with peoplestaringat the MGs up to Beanblossom and Almost forgot--that wheel in the upper right is our superb alloy reproduction of the Mini- over to Gatesville (Kinda like Batesville..Psycho!) From here we turned south down lite spline-drive wheel (direct-bolt also available). Available only as 15" x 6-- a beautiful Salt Creek Road to 153 and then to Story, Indiana. Pulling29 British classics into the alternative for vintage racing, show, or everyday use. 100 year old Story Inn was great fun. Little did we know it would take 2 112 hours to get everyone served food!-but at least everyone enjoyed the shade, the food and Please call us or write for our free catalog (state model and year of car). Our fine reputation the good club atmosphere. We sorted out the problem with the owner of the Inn and has been built on 10 years of honesty, knowledge, and enthusiasm. We offer no gimmicks assured everyone it will not happen again! Due to a bridge out and a sign "road closed next 16 miles" we amended the route and headed back to Bloomington on Hwy.46, where in a temperature of 96°F we arrived at the Irish Lion pub. Everyone was ready for a pint, a yard or even a Coke! At the end of the trail we all had gotten to know each other a little better through MGB PARTS B deluxe cut pile carpet set wlsnaps ...... $112.00 sharing that MaGic MG camaraderie ...so until we meet again! ....." Safety Fast" GT deluxe cut pile carpet set wlsnaps...... $139.00 B trunk carpet kit wlspare cover ...... $ 54.00 70-80 Door panels, pair...... $ 78.00 70-80 Complete interior panel set ...... $148.00 Convertible top ...... $160.00 Dash top ...... $ 39.00 Weber carburetor conversion kit...... $288.00 Clutch kit, 3 pieces Borg and Beck ...... $ 89.00 62-74 Head gasket set ...... $ 18.00 Piston set, with rings and pins ...... $148.00 Stock cams (exchange) ...... $ 48.00 Street performance cams (exchange) ...... $ 65.00 72-80 Lifter set ...... $ 28.00 62-80 Roadster rear wheel cylinder ...... $ 14.00 314 Front sway bar wlbushings...... $ 59.00 Ma.ior front suspension rebuild kit ...... $110.00 Heavy duty (V-8) A-arm bushing set ...... $ 12.50 Steering rack boot kit. pair wlclamps...... $ 12.00 .Visa, MC, COD .Daily UPS -Call for other parts .Prices good lhru 4-30-92 .Fast friendly service NORTHWEST @ IM- ST* PARTS 10915 S.\V. 64th Ave., Dept. XA, Portland. OK 97219 503-245-3806 FAX 503-245-9617

41 MCB TIMING CHAIN A Warning from Mike McMullen If you've replaced an MGB timing chain or camshaft yourself, you can stop camshaft sprocket from where it is shown. In fact Figure A.ll shows the correct reading here! You already know-perhaps the hard way-the warning this article relative position of the two sprockets' timing dimples when No. 4 cylinderis at T.D.C., conveys; any confusion about the relative positions of the crankshaft and camshaft not NO.^!! sprockets when fitting the timing chain can result in avery unhappy MGB owner! To Another tip: Some parts suppliers provide new timing chain tensioners with make matters worse, 'Figure A.ll' in the engine section of Robert Bentley's "The tensioner bodies that do not provide access through the back, to the internal Complete Official MGB" is misleading. If you're doing this yourself for the first time- cylinder component with an allen key, as described in the manual. Make sure your read on! new tensioner body has a removable bolt in the backof the body, and hexagonal slot Section A.10 "Value Timing Gear and Chain Tensioner" specifies that, "(when) in the back of the cylinder for the allen key to fit. replacing the timing chain and gears, set the crankshaft with its keyway approxi- Finally, remember that if you have fitted the timing chain and/or camshaft mately at the oneo'clockposition when seen from the front. Assemble the gears into incorrectly, you can rectify the problem with the engine in the car. It will be the timing chain with the two marks on the gear wheels opposite to each other, as necessary only to remove the radiator and jack up the engine a couple of inches off in figure A.ll. Keep the gears in this position, engage the crankshaft gear keyway the motor mounts, for the crankshaft pulley to clear the steering rack. with the key on the crankshaft and rotate the camshaft until the camshaft gear keyway and the key are aligned. Push the gears onto the shaftsas far as they will go and secure the camshaft gear with the lock washer and nut." Now maybe this works, but it sure is confusing especially compared with the THE REGISTER USED PARTS EXCHANGE SCHEME relative positions of the "timingdimples" on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets News from George Sullivan when a properly running engine is disassembled with No.1 at top dead center. True No.1 position is verified by: The first year of NAMGBR can certainly be classified as a success-there is a lot (1) Crankshaft pulley marking aligns with notch on timing chain cover. going on and it can only get better! The used parts exchange scheme is doing well and (2) Distributor drive dog points to two o'clock position ...AND I have several members who have parts listed and many lists are quite extensive. (3) Theintake and exhaust valves for No.1 cylinder are fully closed-the rocker However I feel there are still more members out there with parts they wish to trade arms for valves 1 and 2 are not tight up against the valve stem but can be so let's be hearing from you! For a mere $10.00 you can have your surplus parts listed rocked back and forth. for a whole year. Less than a dollar a month enables you to subscribe to the parts At the same timevalves listing but it's up to the buyers and sellers to arrange for the exchange of parts listed. 7 and 8 (No. 4 cylinder) are There are some great buys out there so please don't delay ...send in your parts "rocking": one is just clos- lists or requests for the monthly mailing ...who knows you may just find that elusive ing as the other opens, so part you have been searching for! that the rocker arms are I hope to meet many of those who have participated in the used parts exchange tight up against the valve scheme when we attend "MG '92" in Canada in July. My wife Mary will be driving her stems. Many an MG owner '73 MGB and I will be bringing my '70 MGB. I have just acquired a 1966 BGT so that has mistakenly set the igni- I can enjoy my MG driving experience year round! Should you have any questions on tion timing at what he the Used Parts Exchange please do not hesitate to contact me at (616) 453-6033. thought was No.1 T.D.C. when the timing was actu- Have a great year! ally 180 degrees off for fail- ure to verify that No. 1 (and George Sullivan not No. 4) was at T.D.C. by Used Parts Exchange Coordinator method (3) above. This must be checked because (1) and (2) are the same when either No.1 or No. 4 are at T.D.C. With No.1 at T.D.C., the timing dimples are not directly opposite each other as shown in Figure A.ll. The crankshaft dimple will be located as shown in figure A.ll; the camshaft dimple on the other hand will be 180 degrees from its indicated position, on the far side of the

42

4 "We received this just as we were going to press with this issue of the "Driuer3'andwe hope you find it interesting despite the technical limitations imposed by direct transfer from newsprint. Whether this will come to pass one never knows, bur we are slightly encouraged by mutterings coming out of England. Also the people at "Auto Bild" magazine usually have the nub ofthe matter when they print articles like this. However it will never be a 'new' MGB as they are wont to say-neither will it be what a lot of traditionalists would like to see ...but as Andrew Roberts writes-"The bad days of B.L. are just a memory, and quality is very much the name ofthe game-in a year that might just promise a rebirth of the Octagon", we can only hope that we too can start adding to the demand!"

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS COORDINATOR Ken Blahnik

Greetings from Wisconsin's lakeshore! For those of you who don't know us, we After we compile all the information, it will be made available to the NAMGBR are Ken and Linda Blahnik, and we own a 1963 MGB that was in pretty rough shape membership-how, we have yet to decide. I'd like to thank those who have when we got it 7 years ago. Today it's a solid and enjoyable car, to the point where responded already, someeven before theHELP formsweresent out!Agood example we are thinking of getting another! is my new friend, Ron down in Florida-it seems that Ron has been out on the road As you may gather, I have been appointed Service Recommendations Coordi- a few times and has run into bad luck-sound familiar? He has had to have his MGB nator. I'm excited about this job as I feel that we have a good membership base, good towed home at considerable expense because he was unable to find service for his leaders and a good club. So how am I going to tackle the task? First and foremost I car on the road. As a result, Ron can see a definite need for this service and I thank am counting upon YOU the membership to send me your HELP forms. If you have him for his three recommendation which are already loaded into the system. more than one recommendation then just Xerox the form, or attach another sheet If we all follow Ron's lead, we will have a good base of service centers and send it along. A11 I ask is that you follow the HELP form format. The HELP form throughout the country, so that no matter where you travel, help may be at hand. was designed with ease of entry data in mind-it follows the format of the database SOplease send in those recommendations and encourage others to do so as well, it I have set up in my computer. will help YOUR club grow! I am looking forward to 'B'ing of service to you! "Safety Fast" Ken 47 MIDGET REGISTRAR'S NOTES MIDGETS AND CANUCKS! Bruce Wyckoff

Well here we are standing on the threshold of Spring... and another MG Midget driving season is about to get underway. The Register and its local chapters have a number of events planned for this coming season, and as always we urge all Midget owners to get out and participate in these events. One highlight you should not miss is "MG '92" sponsored by the MGB Register and the MG Car Club of Toronto, and I will be there along with many officers and registrars of the NAMGBR. This will be an excellent chance to meet many of us and we for our part look forward to meeting you. After all ...this is your Club ...YOU call the shots! We have had a number of new members join us recently and we would like to recognize a few of them right now:

Mark Dodd Jim Patterson Neil Frens Lau Winnie Dayton, OH Indianapolis, IN Grand Rapids, MI Lethbridge, ALB

Jack & Nancy Van Oeveren Bill & Sue Schug Greg Perigo Rockford, MI Pulaski, TN Fort Wayne, IN

Daniel & Susan Donahue Eddy Napier West Allis, WI Northville, MI

Welcome to these latest new members, I always enjoy meeting and talking to all the midgets stake their claim at showtime. Midget owners that I meet!

MIDGET WORLD NEWS I heard from Terry Horler in England that at the"MG World" show, Moss Europe attempted to completely rebuild a new Midget from a Heritage Midget bodyshell, the donor car being a rusty blue Midget. The goal was to rebuild the car between early Saturday morning and 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Terry said this attracted a lot of attention during the two day show. "Frantic work during the last hour and an almost but not quite completed Midget greeted its owner at 4:15 p.m. With owner on board, a turn of the key-and it started!" Terry also noted on display a V8engined Midget and a Turbocharged Midget.

As always, if any of you Midget owners have any questions, please feel free to write or call me and I will try to answer as many queries as possible. If I don't know the answer I will be glad to research your question and find the answer!

"Happy MotorinG"!

Bruce Wyckoff 3693 63rd Street Saugatuck, MI 49453 (616) 857-2884 Would you buy a used MG h-om these guys?-Your hosts at "MC Canada '92''-The Committee of the Toronto MG Car Club.

49 WHERE TO 'B'!

Forthcoming events of interest to MGB Drivers. Please check for up to date information SELL-SEEK-SWAP! before departing to the meet The market place of the North American MCB Register. JULY 8thl9thllOth & 11 th-The MG Car Club of Toronto will host a festival of MGs entitled-MG CANADA '92-for further details write to: MG Car Club of Toronto, P.O. Ads in this section are FREE to MGB Register members-please send ad with mem- Box 64, Station R, Toronto, Canada, M4G 323 or fax 416.537-6334,Don't miss this bership number to P.O. Box MGB, Akin, lL 62805. Other ads by arrangement with the one!--Incorporates The First International Convention of the North American MGB Secretary. Register!

MCs FOR SALE OTHER 1992 Major MG events advised: 1971 MGB GT-BRG, wire wheels, 80K miles, air, recent correct upholstery. Mar 8th, British Car Show, Phoenix, AZ, (619) 939-9652 Needs paint, $3500. Also ... Apr 13th, Moss Motors BRITFEST, Dover, NJ, (800) 235-6954 Apr 24/26th, Kimber Festival, Worcester, MA, NEMGTR 1979 MGB Roadster-72K miles, excellent throughout. Craig (615) 377-3428 Apr 24/26th, GOF South, St. Augustine, FL, (904) 282-1658 1980 MGB Limited Edition-Original owner, new brakes, carpeting, radiator, May 1/2nd, MG Motorists Group-Finger Lakes Rally, (607) 988-7956 clutch, battery, carb and tires. Includes new top and other equipment, plus May 9/10th, Texas MG T Register GOF, Salado Village, TX, (817) 634-1655 original production certificate. $8750. (813) 842-3867 May 16,9th Annual British Car Day, Braseleton, GA (404) 457-4566 May 22/23, Champaign British Car Festival, Urbana, IL (217) 469-2007 1969 MGB-BRG, Black interior fresh partial restoration, rust free, 62K miles, May 31st, University Motors Early Summer Picnic, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 245-2141 new top, tires, chrome, paint. Drive anywhere. $4500. (316)283-4735 June 4/7th, Gold Coast Rally, San Luis Obispo, CA (818) 710-1234 1980 MGB Limited Edition-Like new and in show condition with 20675 miles June 5/7th, Heartland Regional MG Meet, Topeka, KS from new, two owners, original bill of sale and window price sticker. $6000 firm. June 6th, Moss Motors MG Marque Day, Goleta, CA (800) 235-6954 Carl (61 6)684-2 184 June 13/14, All British Meet, Plymouth, CA (916) 626-0803 June 27/28th, MGB 30th Anniversary, Donington, ENGLAND (800) NAMGBR-I Two gems from Arizona! .... July 1/6th, GOF Mk54, Hamsburg, PA, NEMGTR 1973 MGB GT-Custom painted white with rally stripes, sun roof, bra, extra speakers. $4500. Also July 811 1th, "MG CANADA '92"-NAMGBR NATIONAL CONVENTION, Toronto, ...... Canada 1974 112 MGB Roadster-rubber bumper, custom paint light blue, new white July 16119th. GOF Central, Nashville, IN (317) 787-7546. top, new carbs, tonneau covers, bra, $4500. Both these cars have rebuilt July 24/26th, Central Ohio MGT Weekend, Columbus, OH (614) 882-6191 engines with most mechanical and electrical parts replaced. Janice (602) 763- July 23126th. NAMGAR GT17, Kansas City, MO 4260 or (602) 763-8833 Aug 7/8th, Roadster Factory Party, Armagh, PA (800) 678-8764 1966 MGB Roadster-Runs well, body and top good but needs paint. Original Aug 21/23rd, University Motors (Twist's!) 16th Annual Summer Party, Grand Rapids, trans replaced with all synchro type. One owner since 1974. $5000. Pam (209) MI (616) 245-2141 4440123 days. Aug 31/Sept 4th, GOF West, Grand Tetons, WY (714) 676-5532 Sept 23/27th, GOF Mk 55, Cape May, NJ, NEMGTR 1972 MG Midget-The kids won't fit the car anymore-need station wagon! Sept 24/27th, SE Regional MG Festival, Dillard, GA (404) 447-4753 C'est la vie! $1500 or trade. Barbara (415) 5647960 Sept 26th, MGs of Baltimore 'On the Rocks', Be1 Air, MD, (410) 557-7107 1979 MGB Roadster-White, new brakes and many new parts, dependable car. Oct 2/3rd, British Car Day, Fairhope, AL (205) 928-5366 $2500. (503) 649-1646. Oct 214, Abingdon '92, Abingdon, lL, Chicagoland MGB Club (708)858-8192 Oct 9/12th, 9th New England Fraternity Tour, Westminster, VT (508) 679-8252 PARTS FOR SALE Gulp Valves 13H6189-New and original. These are needed to stop engine NEMGTR Events: Please write-Drawer 220,Oneonta,NY 13820. backfire and pass your smog test. Only $112.00 each. Call Norman Nock (NAMGBR member), 2060 N.Wilson Way, Stockton, CA 95295, (209)948-8767 The Register encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to "MGB Driver". Information must include, date, location, and contact phone number. Please submit Complete Carb. System from 1977 MGB-Includes rebuilt carburetor, intake/ events at least 2 months in advance to the Editor, P.O. Box 2645, Goleta, CA 931 17. exhaust manifold, cat. converter and filter assembly. $175.00 obo. Steve (315) L 738-1843 MGB 5 Main Engines-I have three @ $250-$300, good rebuildable cores, or use as is, also have auto trans for sale. (503) 641-221 1 Pressed Steel Company are proud to be associated with the new MGB

PRESSED STEEL COMPANY LIMITED HEAD OFFICE: Cot! LEY. OXFORD Maken of RritainS first prodwtion all-rlel car w~nahctumrsalco of Prc.iculd rclt.igcrlorr and tody in 1926, and have knmajor stlpplierr to the domtic applianw, railasy rolling ,iork, pits- motor industry evcr since. ins of :ill lyw, and c\ecuti\e aircctt.