50 Years of MGB and Still Making Memories

Inside: • Readers Rides • What Might Have Been-MG/Auston Martin • Wipers: Tough Love Silver Metal • Rewiring Your MG • North Meets South-A NAMGBR Event

Vol. 22, No. 4 July / August 2012

50 Years of MGB and still making memories. THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MGB Driver is the official publication of the North American MGB Register, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and expanding interest in Britain’s most popular sports car—the MGB. The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are warned that they attempt any mechanical or other modifi- cations described herein, entirely at their own risk. Membership in the North American MGB Register is open to all, with no restrictions. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chapters will be pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are $30 per year. For membership details or further information write to: NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. Box 55 Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR 6 2 6-4 2 7 1

CHAIRMAN: Richard Liddick PUBLICITY Jeff Taylor 5237 Glen Arm Road COORDINATOR: 1645 NW 23rd St. Glen Arm, MD 21057 Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 (410) 817-6862 541-753-0777 [email protected] [email protected]

VICE-CHAIRMAN: Kim de Bourbon CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess PO Box 293 COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 Westerville, OH 43081 (570) 994-5748 (614) 899-2394 [email protected] (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] SECRETARY: Denny Elimon 103 Woodcreek Court TECHNICAL John H Twist Mahomet, Ill. 61853 COORDINATOR: 4571 Patterson Avenue SE (217) 649-6925 Grand Rapids, MI 49512 (708) 221-6435 - Fax (616) 301-2888 [email protected] [email protected]

TREASURER: Dave Mullen REGALIA Connie Wyckoff 5266 Woodridge Drive COORDINATOR: 10975 Aspen Trl. Newburgh, IN 47630 Zeeland, MI 49464 (812) 853-5108 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] [email protected] COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR WEBSITE Rick Brown COORDINATOR: 7146 Snowberry Loop EDITOR: Robert Rushing Brooksville, FL 34602 MGB Driver 5444 Sutherland Ave. (352) 650-5135 St. Louis, MO 63109 [email protected] (314) 614-4671 [email protected] CONCOURS Bob Gloyd COORDINATOR: 19692 East Garden Drive ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon Centennial, Colorado 80015 & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 Phone - (303) 263-8189 COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 [email protected] ART DIRECTOR (570) 460-6370 [email protected] SERVICE Bruce Wyckoff RECOMMENDATION 10975 Aspen Trl. EDITORS EMERITUS: Ken Smith COORDINATOR: Zeeland, Mi 49464 Kim Tonry (616) 748-0580 [email protected] FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 61. The North American MGB Register is affiliated with the MG Car Club of England. The MG Car Club was founded in 1930 and is the original, factory supported, and approved organization for all MGs, with the club headquarters situated in Abingdon-on-Thames close by the birthplace of all MGs. The North American MGB Register is a 501(c)7 Not-For- Profit Corporation. MGB Driver Magazine ©2012 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “MGB Driver Magazine” — Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this MGB Driver ©2012-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. Editor’s View Chairman’s Chat appy Anniversary MGB! It’s ue to the deadlines we face hard to think that the first MGB with the production of the Hrolled off the line at Abingdon DMGB Driver, I am going do my fifty years ago and it’s just as hard to Robert Rushing best impression of an odds maker and Richard Liddick believe that the last one rolled off the Editor reliably predict that MG 2012 was Chairman line thirty-two years ago. Time flies as MGB Driver a smashing success. I would like to NAMGBR fast as the wind through your hair at thank the Peachtree MG Registry for office skills and can spare a 1-hour or speed. ety of articles that will hopefully help hosting our 21st Annual convention. so a day, you are the person we need to We take a look back in this issue at keep your car on the road for another Dillard, Georgia is a fantastic location, step up for the Secretary position when what might have been if the proposal fifty years of anniversaries. old friendships were renewed and new Denny’s term expires in October. The from Aston-Martin to buy MG had Now for a bit of sad/happy ones made, along with a good time same can be said for the position of happened; get a glimpse of the new news… My car was in for a heart (cam) being had by all. There will be more Vice Chair, although this position MGB50 book that’s being published, transplant by John “The MG Doc” about MG 2012 in the next issue of the does not require the same amount of and the first celebration of the anni- Mangles at All British Car Repair when MGB Driver. time as the Secretary’s, it is vital to the versary in the UK. We also have a vari- it got hammered during a massive I am sure that most of you remem- smooth running of the organizing. hail storm that unexpectedly swept ber the signs with Uncle Sam pointing If you are interested in seeking one in on us here in St Louis. It looked and the caption reading “Uncle Sam of these positions, please contact me, On the Covers like someone parked my car on a golf needs you”, well your club needs you, Denny or Kim, we would be happy to driving range for a week. The whole that’s right, imagine if you would a explain what is involved. Don’t forget, Front: George Carrasquillo assist- front of the car was covered in dimples picture of John Thornley pointing at we are a member run club, we have no ing his daughter Michelle into his and the top got several rips in it from you, saying The North American MGB paid staff and except for professional MGB for the trip to the church. the baseball-sized hail. Luckily, the Register needs you. We have two very services, we are all volunteers. Emily Winiker photography. windshield was spared. Good for me important positions that are open in Finally, I would like to remind ev- that the B was at the right spot for the up coming election and they are erybody about the Pittsburgh Vintage repair and should be looking more the position Secretary and Vice Chair. Grand Prix coming up July 8-22. This Back: MGB magazine ad from 50 beautiful than ever in time for MG years ago. For the past few issues of the Driv- is a NAMGBR Regional Event, for more 2012. Thanks John – you saved my er, I have talked about these open posi- information or to register go to www. baby (again)! Robert tions hoping that two or more of our pvgp.org Also coming up is the return 2300 members would consider throw- of the University Motors Summer Page 13-14 Readers Rides ing their name in the hat. I have talked Party this August 17-19 and for those by Klienschmidt & Holmes with a couple of interested parties, but of you that really want to celebrate Page 19 Firing Up the M-Type as far as I know, no one has presented the MGB’s 50th birthday there is the us with a Letter of Intent seeking By Connie Ness, North Carolina MG Car Club bash in the U.K. at Blenheim Palace on either of the two positions. With that September 23. Check it out at www. Page 21 Got Her to the Church On Time said, I can tell you how much the club mgb50.com By George Carrasquillo, MG Car Club-Long Island Centre needs for the membership to step up to the plate and volunteer. If you have Safety Fast! Page 25 MGB - Serious Competition Richard by Robert Rushing Page 27 North Meets South - A NAMGBR Event By Jim Bull, Paradise British Car Club Page 34 What Might Have Been: MGB by Auston-Martin Images and article submitted by Don Scott by way of Rick Feibusch

The Inside Line Page 40 Wipers: Tough Love Silver Medal Photos and article by Dave Burns, MG Car Club of Toronto Page 47 Rewiring Your MG Images and article submitted by Dave Braun, Minnesota MG Group

4 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 5 From the Secretary From the Treasurer s you read this article hopefully, ell, since driving weather has everyone will have fond memo- hit our area, it has become Aries of MG 2012. We extend a Wharder to be setting at the special thank you to everyone, espe- computer doing the Treasurer’s work. Dave Mullen cially to the Peachtree MG Registry Denny Elimon I have been trying not to follow the Treasurer club for hosting our annual conven- Secretary old adage of “all work and no play NAMGBR tion. I am certain all participants en- NAMGBR makes Jack a dull boy,” so I have been niversary t-shirt is a classic and can be joyed the event and especially the of- name in nomination, by submitting a able to escape several times, drive and worn for years. ferings of the surrounding mountains letter. Letters of Intent present infor- lunch at “Patti’s” at Kentucky Lake On the Treasurer side, with new and the good old country hospitality. mation on the background and history with car club. Plus, participate at a tech member enrollments and cost sav- We all recognize the time and effort of the candidate and are published in session at Tucker Madawick’s garage ings on publishing the MGB Driver, that volunteers give to host our annual the Sept/Oct issue of the Driver. Ballots in Bloomington, Indiana, and join finances have remained stable leav- convention. Plans for MG 2013 are are mailed to all affiliate clubs to vote several cruise-ins locally. This article ing the register in a strong financial being finalized and will offer another for their NAMGBR officers. The elec- will come after the fact, but we hope to position. The volunteer officers and great location for our next convention; tions results will be announced during be away for a couple weeks to Myrtle coordinators have worked hard to keep information will be posted in future the Annual General Meeting held in Beach and then to Dillard for the NAMGBR in the black. editions of the Driver. Corvallis, Oregon. Don’t miss this op- NAMGBR convention and car show. I hope to see everyone at as many The driving season is now in full portunity to represent your organiza- If you were unable to be at MG of the area, regional, and national swing. There are plenty of events listed tion; it’s a very rewarding experience. 2012, you still should be able to get events driving their favorite British in the MGB Driver for everyone to Did members enjoy the Driver NAMGBR’s 21st anniversary t-shirt cars. enjoy. The clubs that set up and host now delivered packaged, in a poly bag? and other regalia from Connie Wyck- Dave these events would love you to attend We are proud to provide your publica- off, Regalia Coordinator. The $15 an- and support their activity. Recently, I tion in the protective bag after several explored the calendar and discovered attempts over the years to find a way that there were enough events posted to protect them from the elements. that an owner could attend one almost Hopefully, we will not continue to re- monthly. As owners and club mem- ceive calls that the Driver was received bers, we need to support these events. soaking wet, like many of the last edi- If you have not currently listed tions delivered to Canada. Let us know your membership with affiliate club, what you think – we appreciate your they need your support. Members can comments. list their membership with two affili- As always- feel free to contact ate clubs. me if you have questions regarding We are still actively seeking volun- your membership, club affiliation, teers to fill the Vice Chair and Secre- NAMGBR members, address change, tary positions. These offices are impor- email changes, publication delivery, tant to the continued operation of our or general information. Once again organization. If you are interested in please remember to list your member- finding out more about these offices, ship number on all communications! contact either of the current officers Membership numbers are listed, on for information. The office terms are the back of each Driver for two years, with a two-term limit. Anyone interested can place their Denny

Ft. Knox

6 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 7 Photos provided by Dave & John Watson Barton Also I’ve been watching the weather-related events taking place back East and started to wonder just MGB Registrar how many classic cars especially MGs ell my plea for an original were destroyed or damaged during copy of the “Your Mother the horrendous storms. If you have Wouldn’t Like It” advert we any stories please let me have them. W You may recall me asking if one of our ran on page 12 in the March/April issue of the MGB Driver brought a swift members could help Adrian our Abing- Ken Smith don correspondent drive the Old Route response from Mike Mann down there MGB Registrar in Mesquite, Texas. As a result I now 66 in an MGB – a long shot at best, but have a beautiful framed copy under Mark Brandow of Quality Coaches in Minneapolis has offered his 1973 glass hanging on my MG office wall! should be published in August just in MGB for Adrian to drive, and Mark However, this action did not come time for the huge MGB bash at Blen- will drive with him in his TF! What without cost as the sender dearly want- heim Palace. If the turnout at Gaydon a great offer (Thanks Mark!). All they ed a copy of my Last of the Abingdon for MGB50 in April was any indication need to do now is to sort out dates and Classics MGB Limited Edition book, then this should be the mother of all times. But don’t we have some great so I had to have a short run reprinted. MGB meets. By the way did you know members! Several other people wanted copies, Blenheim was the birthplace of Win- Also I would like to thank those including Heritage, and these wishes ston Churchill? who expressed interest in helping me have been fulfilled. However, I have MGB50 at Gaydon in April, Don Hayter at MGB50 out with the MGB Register database just two copies left over which I will attracted over 450 MGBs on a cold entries. I am currently compiling a sell to the first two people who con- wet Sunday and Don complained he Traffic Car of the Year Award in 1962. list of duties relative to this position tact me and send me a $25 check for hadn’t time to take any photo as he The award in the form of a steering and will mail them shortly, to those Cancer Research. If you are interested was constantly being asked questions! wheel now resides at the MG Car interested. email me. The only difference between In the States, Don’s book will sell Club’s HQ in Abingdon. Latest Registrations received. the reprint and the original is that the for $24.95 and contains 78 color and Still talking about books, I have received a copy of the 50th Anniver- William Drinkard - 72 MGB AL new copies are spiral bound. B&W photos many never seen before. Stanley Lee - 80 MGB ID Talking of books, I had a note You can pre-order the book at Ama- sary MGB book published by Heritage Mark Astbury - 66 MGB NY from Don Hayter who tells me that zon.com. Don also reminded me that and the two main MG clubs in the UK. George Partlow - 78 MGB PA his book Don Hayter’s MGB Story, the MGB took the Canada Track & A separate review appears elsewhere in Michael Weekes - 72 MGB/GT & 79 MGB NC this issue. Kelly McNutt - 79 MGB IN In other news, it appears a chap in David van Wyck - 74 1/2 MGB/GT MI England opened up a foreclosed house Michael Westland - 70 MGB/GT ON and in the garage found an unregis- Martin Smith - 73 MGB QB tered 1980 MGB/GT Limited Edition John Engel - 65 MGB MN – first registered in 1981. Question is Reginald Carter - 72 MGB VA what would you do with the car? Re- Until next time enjoy the MGB’s store it? Scrap it? Less that 30 miles on 50th! We’ll be with you all in spirit! the clock? Let us have your views! Ken

Ken & Barby with their MGB LE at North Meets South NAMGBR Regional Event. 8 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 9 Letters to the Editor

Marty Sschulze’s photo., remembering a beautiful trip in 1967, and gas at $.31 a gallon. Robert, The May/June 2012 cover imme- Hi Robert, diately reminded me of this photo of my We’ve corresponded a few times, and 1965 BRG MGB, photo by me, Highway I’ve submitted a few articles. I sure do 6 on the way to Ely, Nevada, August 18, appreciate the fantastic job you do with 1967. It is hard to match the feeling of go- the magazine. It is awesome. I absolutely ing cross country and back, as my friend love John Twist’s technical articles, and and I did in this mostly top-down car, do- of course, tremendously admire John as a ing about 11,000 miles in fourteen days, person. What a fabulous treasure he is to and generating a lifetime of memories. our hobby and to this organization – his The car performed flawlessly, gas Rolling Tech Sessions blow my mind! was $.31 a gallon, and with sleeping on As great as the Tech Articles are, they the side of the road most nights, the entire need to be organized. A couple of times, trip cost us about $150 each - for EVERY- (and I just betcha a new air cleaner this is THING, including FILM! happening to everybody), I’ve said, “John I was no stranger to British cars, hav- Twist answered a question about this. ing owned a ‘63 Sprite, ‘65 MG Midget. . . let me go find it”. So, I start digging this ‘65, and a ‘67 MGBGT. Then I got through the old magazines, and imme- married! 20 years later, ti was the ‘69 diately get off-track re-reading great old MGB I still own. Thanks always for the articles, and/or pouring through many excellent magazine. of John’s previous answers to other great —Marty Schulze, early NAMGBR member questions . . . and never finding the one I since about 1990 was looking for. I’ve even started my own EXTREMELY crude index, but it doesn’t That is a great story and a great go back far enough to do any good. Plus, photo – it’s kind of amazing how I’ve only become a NAMGBR member little things have changed in that about three years ago . . . for shame, eh? area over the past 45 years! So, drum roll please . . . . Maybe there 10 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 11 is a person out there who would enjoy in- on to expand the catalog. dexing/cataloging all of John’s ex-articles, and then keep it up-to-date? There are Robert, folks who love to do this kind of thing, and Three cheers for the plastic bag! Readers Ride — Alan & Terri Kleinschmidt are extremely good at it. I don’t happen to Don Peery be one – I just have the idea – wink wink). Maybe then it could be posted on the Robert, web or sold as an updatable CD. There’s a AbFab issue! The new printer read lot of options as to how to handle it, once my mind: Now it’s in a wrapper. Excel- the hard part is done. But WHAT A RE- lent! SOURCE IT WOULD BE! John’s expertise The article on the BMTA was spot on. and experience are so much easier to un- And I loved the photographs. Super job! derstand than reading through a manual, Thanks, —Skip Harris of which I have several. For example, I would gladly pay more in dues to have ac- I figured that would be a big cess to this “new section” on the web site. hit with everyone. I got my per- Could be called the “Inside Information sonal copy in the mail and was from John Twist” section! really pleased with how much better condition it was than with the tabs. Anyway, thanks for the consideration. Who says there’s no such thing as —Steve Kirby progress!?!

Steve I couldn’t agree with you Robert, more. We have a lot of great tech tips out there from John and from Bob An update on the Pittsburgh Vintage Mason before him. It would be great Grand Prix: as of now, it looks like around his car spent 17 years in a garage the tank and after all those years of if someone had the time to get them 40 to 50 MGs of all types will be racing. before being rescued by us in slumber, she started and we took a organized so we could add them to —Greg Prehodka November 2008. The previous short ride around the block. our new website in the member’s MG Vintage Racers T owner stated, “I don’t know what’s Since then, she has travelled over resource area. The new CDs of back wrong with it! It was just like it ran out 30,000 miles including a trip to MG issues we have out is searchable so it We’re really lucky that the or- should be easier to find related tips of gas and I had it towed home.” It had 2010 with the Illinois Flatland British ganizers picked MG as the featured indeed run out of gas as the points in Car Club. We installed an overdrive or full articles on specific tech topics marque for such a major event. It’s to group together. It would also help great to see that we’re going to not the SU fuel pump had stuck. A couple transmission last fall, which should identify shortfalls in our knowledge let them down! of taps with a screw driver handle and make the trip to MG 2012 much more to request some articles be written the pump started ticking. We cleaned enjoyable.

12 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 13 Readers Ride — Ian Holmes Photos provided by Ian Holmes

saw your appeal for more Readers but other than that right now it Rides. Attached are some pictures doesn’t need anything else. The strik- Iof my 1976 MGB that I call “FG” ing twin white stripes along the length named for my late father as I bought it of the car as well as the body colored with some of my inheritance when he bumpers were done by a previous passed away. I bought it in November owner and cause admiring comments of 2010 in the condition you see it. It’s wherever it goes. So much so, I jok- in excellent shape and I don’t have any ingly call it the most beautiful rubber great plans for it other than to keep it bumpered MGB in Minnesota – so far, running in the condition it’s in. no one seems to want to dispute the OK, I might lower the ride height, claim.

14 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 15 2013 Annual General Meeting Thoughts John Childs land. The Hilton is the host hotel for San Diego MG Car Club NAMGBR’s 2013 Annual Convention being held from July 17-21, 2013. efore you read fur- A limited number of rooms are ther let me say that being held for Thursday, Friday, and Bthis is not a comment Saturday nights, October 25-26-27, for or against keeping our 2012 under the group booking code cars “stock” or “modified” of “NAMGBR ANNUAL GENERAL – I’ll be upfront and say that MEETING” at the special rate of $109 mine is pretty well modi- plus tax. fied and will probably be The schedule for the weekend is a “tinkered with” until I push “Meet-n-Greet” and informal dinner up the daises. By Tony & Lynne Burgess However, and I may be Convention Coordinators on Friday night; tours of the facilities and 2013 show grounds on Saturday wrong in my assessment, but it would seem that more lanning is well underway for morning; the Annual General Meeting from 1:00 to 5:00pm; then dinner on North American MGB owners NAMGBR’s 2012 Annual General strive for and do an excel- Meeting (AGM) which will be Saturday evening. P If you have any questions regard- lent job of keeping their cars held this year at the Hilton Garden ing the AGM, please contact Tony Bur- “stock” than do MGB owners Inn, on the grounds of Oregon State back in the land of warm beer University in Corvallis, Oregon - about gess on 614-899-2394, MGOHIO@AOL. COM or [email protected]. and pasties (Cornish Pasties) 90 miles (2 hours) south of Port- and I have long wondered why is that? From my own background of being born on the “other side of the pond” – the 1960’s were a time of immense growth in motorsport with the BMC Mini’s not only 1963 promotion to enhance your MGB. taking the fashion world by storm, but winning the Monte Carlo Rally, and bands but grew to legendary status, then rally after rally, and seemingly just in my neck of the wood we had every race possible. Add to that the Downton Engineering / Janspeed / MGB, Austin Healey, Lotus Cortina, Richard Longman / Oselli Engineer- Hillman Imp, Midget/Sprite, Triumph, ing, and many more all specializing in and Ford Anglia all being raced and the A and B-series engines and other rallied – it seemed that every manu- marques. facturer was represented in some form In those heady days, no self of motorsport. New tracks were being respecting “lad” would keep his car opened up, old ones refurbished, and stock for any longer than he could many old WW2 airfields were being afford to – although generally on ap- released by the RAF which immedi- prentice wages this was by necessity all ately became unofficial race-tracks DIY using second-hand parts, bor- for anyone who wanted to “give it rowed (permanently) tools from your some welly” (translation: floor the gas Dad, and with clueless friends to help pedal..) with the heavy lifting. Along with this growth in motor- Those were also the days when sport came a number of performance the UK Motorway network was still “a tuning companies. Many of these good idea” but had not been built out companies started out as one-man- and fast sweeping “A” and ”B” roads

16 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 17 (derived from roads the Romans had built or from before) made life exciting with every trip taken driving as fast as was humanly possible. In addition, Firing Up the M-Type as this was before the law mandated a Photos provided by Connie Ness minimum amount of tyre tread you had to have on your tyres (i.e. read we had none or precious little…) you learnt all about car control (especially in the wet) pretty early on or that was the end of your driving career. I have no idea if the 1960 and 70’s produced a MGB driver in the UK that was different from a MGB driver in the US. I know that in the UK the roads were generally pretty narrow compared to American roads and with just two lanes you needed as much engine power as you could get, good handling, and courageous overtak- ing skills – these were all paramount when showing off to the girlfriend or to get to the Pub before “last orders” were called – perhaps it was those more day they left Abingdon all those years basic “needs” that drove the desire to ago. modify ones car as soon as you could I must admit it gives me immense afford to! pleasure to see those cars, they are So is there any conclusion? – no wonderful to look at, and I appreciate not really – to me it’s refreshing that the time/trouble and money it takes Paul Linney, left, smiles when Rob Orander fires up the engine in his 1929 MG M-Type for the first we have MGB owners that have never to get them to be in such outstanding time. Linney had been advising Orander on the engine rebuild. grown up and still “tinker” - and MGB condition. In addition, it’s a huge bo- owners that love the originality and nus for me to be able to see where the By Connie Ness you will not do a thing to start it until take great pleasure in keeping their heck that part that I took off my car North Carolina MG Car Club . . . until . . . I have proved that you cars looking like (and better than) the many years ago was meant to go!! have oil pressure. Because if it starts e called Paul Linney “Old and you don’t have oil pressure, you’ll Number One” because ruin everything you’ve done on the Whe founded and was the internals,” he warned. “You wait and first member of our club, the North you wait and you turn it over when it’s Carolina MG Car Club. But he really ready to turn over, with the distribu- earned that nickname as the club’s tor removed so no sparks can make it elder statesman who knew more about start until we see the oil pressure gauge MGs than anyone else. He shared that jiggle from 0 to 30 lbs. Only then can knowledge freely, helping many with you put the ignition together and wait their MG restorations. for noise.” On the last page of his memoir, Last summer Paul’s health took a “Making My Marque: The remark- turn for the worse and in September he able life of a straight-talking limey,” moved into an assisted living facility Paul shares a story about advising club in Raleigh. His health was failing, but member Rob Orander on rebuilding his mind and wit were as sharp as ever. the engine in his 1929 M-Type. He re- On February 17, Rob trailered his called one day in Rob’s garage caution- M-Type to where Paul was living. He ing him to contain his eagerness to was ready to crank up the engine, un- hear the engine make noise. der the supervision of his MG mentor. “When it comes time to start this Paul’s wife, Maxine, helped Paul out engine, if I’m around, I’ll be here. And to the parking lot in his wheelchair. 18 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 19 Got Her to Church on Time Photo by Emily Winiker Photography.

Orander trailered the car to the assisted living facility where Linney was living so he could hear it make noise.

While Rob readied the car and a crowd When oil started to squirt out of the gathered, Paul pulled himself closer tiny holes on the cam’s rocker arms, to the M-Type so he could see the oil they knew everything was getting pressure gauge. lubricated. “Let’s crank it!” Rob announced. Now he could confidently crank He spun the motor over for just a few ’er up. The M-Type roared to life and seconds while he and Paul watched exhaust shot out the back. The crowd the needle. Didn’t move. Tried again. clapped and cheered. Paul smiled. Didn’t move. After a few minutes, Rob put his The solution was to pressurize arm around Paul’s shoulder. “At that the system. Rob was prepared for this. point it was non-verbal. I hugged him. He had a tube attached to a one-liter I didn’t know if this day would ever garden sprayer filled with motor oil. come. I can’t believe we started with He unscrewed the fitting for the oil a box of parts,” Rob said. “Just seeing pressure gauge and inserted the tube. him smile was enough. Coming from Rob pumped the garden sprayer inject- Paul that meant a lot.” George and his MGB waiting to take his daughter to the church to get married. ing oil into the system, while he and Eight days later, Paul Anthony By George Carrasquillo the wedding. Paul watched the top of the motor. Linney passed away. MG Car Club-Long Island Centre I washed and waxed the car a month before the wedding, then cov- t has been said that British cars are ered her with furniture blankets. This not reliable; will not start when was necessary in case of falling objects Itime is of the utmost importance. in the garage. Going over of the basics Intermittent electrical problems will a week before was a must – filled the occur when you least expect it. So tank, checked the oil, topped off the think about what a shock it was when water, and parked her in the garage till my Michele said that she would love the day of the wedding. it if I drove her to her wedding cer- Well, the day arrived and, with emony in my MGB. Well, not so much no working gas gauge or odometer, I shocked as thrilled that she showed me stopped for gas on the way to pick up the confidence she has in my mechan- the bride. Yes, I forgot I filled the gas ical abilities. tank before I parked the car. It took .27 Knowing that I alone maintain gallons, which came to a little over a the car and, if an event as important dollar, and headed on to pick up my as this should go astray because of an daughter. MG episode, I knew there would be Arriving at moms there was a spot hell to pay. So that is why I took special in front, so I parked and went inside. precautions leading up to the day of When they told me I took someone’s

20 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 21 Photo by Emily Winiker Photography. spot I said I’d move it when we left. It was at this time that I thought this may be a bad idea, for it is hard to drive with tears Book Review: MGB 50 in your eyes. Seeing your little girl so grown up and so beautiful makes you an emotional ball of putty. Some time passed and it became apparent that we are call- ing it close. As I helped Michele down the stairs I recited the MG prayer, “I hope it starts…I hope it starts.” Once outside I proceeded to stuff this beauty in my car. Got in, turned the key, she fired up and off we went. As we made our way toward the show the traffic was bad; a ten minute ride became twenty. The MG came in handy with the roads so packed. Weaving and bobbing, it was in the zone as if it was on my own track. We got there on time and without any major mishaps. After 50 yeas of MGBs, it’s still the best way Praise the MG gods for a to get to the church on time! glorious day!

By Ken Smith, MGB Registrar test. Profits will go to the MacMillan Cancer Support charity. s part of the celebrations of Not cheap, at £15 plus postage the MGB’s 50 Anniversary, the from the UK, but a “must have” for any AMGB50 Committee comprising MGB aficionado! Order from: Motor- representatives of the MG Car Club ing Classics.co.uk. (or either of the two and the MG Owners Club have pro- major clubs) duced their own collector’s book on Side bar! I must own up and admit everyone’s favorite sports car! that there are words of mine in the Professionally designed and print- book alongside those of Don Hayter, ed on high quality paper, it highlights Anders Clausager, Peter Browning, in over 50 pages, the more fascinating amid several other luminaries con- aspects of the car’s development and nected with the MGB’s history. It’s its competition exploits past and pres- a great read, and a lovely tribute to ent. The book has great graphics by Britain’s favorite sports car. Get your Stephen Legge of One Hat Design, and copy today! I must also thank David super photos – some never seen before. Savidge, of British Motor Heritage for It also features the B’s various deriva- sending me an advance copy to review. tives, plus the original Autocar road

22 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 23 Early Celebration for the MGB’s 50th MGB - Serious Competition MGB fans gathered at the British Motor Heritage Trust Museum in Gaydon to begin the early celebration for the MGB’s 50th anniversary. Here are a few (or couple) of photos from the event. The official the much more expen- celebration is September 22-23 at Blenheim Palace. Photos by Dave Barton and John Watson. sive Porsche 911S and 911T cars became popular it has faded away, not being able to match the superior speed of the German machines. Before Group 3 was introduced in 1966, an MGB won the Guards 1000-miles at Brands Hatch the previous year; drivers were John Rhodes/Warwick Banks. “In 1966 Timo Makinen/Rhodes were ninth overall in the Targa Florio, winning By Robert Rushing the GT section outright, while Roger En- ever/Alec Poole were an astonishing third think we all forget how renowned overall in the Ilford Films 500 at Brands the MGB was in its day in motors- Hatch behind a 7-litre Cobra and a Ford Iports. I had forgotten this fact when GT40! Julien Vernaeve/Andrew Hedges I found this little gem of a book at a won the GT category in the Spa 1000-km used book sale. “The World’s Racing and Enever/Poole also won the 84-hour Cars” by M.L. White, published in Marathon de la Route at the Nurburgring. 1971, was pretty eye opening. While It was undoubtedly the MGB’s most suc- flipping through the book, I came cessful season in racing. upon the G.T. Cars Group 3 section. “The following year Enever/Poole In it were just four cars: the Corvette won the 2-litre GT class in the Monza Stingray, the Ferrari 275GTB, the 1000-km, also finishing 10th overall and Porsche 911, and the MGB! That’s right first overall in Group 3 section of the Spa – the MGB. Here is the text of what was 1000-km. Best achievement in 1968 was written in the book: a second in class in the Spa 1000-kim, “The MGB had a remarkable run of Roger Enever/Pete Brown sharing an MGB success in Group 3 GT racing, but since GT entered by J.C. Bamford’s team.” The book didn’t even mention all the successes at Le Mans and Sebring and the extensive wins in club sports. Think of all the sportscars that were made in the 1960’s that weren’t mentioned at all – Triumph, Austin-Healey, Fiat, Alfa-Romeo, Sunbeam, Aston-Martin, on-and- on – a lot of serious names that never had the racing (nor sales) success of our brilliant MGB!

24 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 25 North Meets South — NAMGBR Regional Event

Larry Long reading the Ken Smith Day Procla- Ken Smith showing off his proclamatio. mation By Jim Bull event was called Paradise British Car Club “North Meets South” as a quick glance at the map will highlight NAMGBR Regional Event was U.S.101, which connects these two held May 4-5 along the beauti- areas. Aful California Central Coast at The club which suggested the Pismo Beach. This event is held every meet was the Paradise MGAs, the two years and is known as North Meets forefather of the current club host- South and carries a most interesting ing North Meets South, the Paradise history, which we will provide before British Car Club. The club itself providing more information about transitioned to an all model MG club this fun filled weekend. in 1989 and one of its members, Ken Back in the 1970s, long before Smith, from Santa Barbara, was influ- the formation of NAMGBR, another ential in having the club affiliate with similar sister organization was formed, NAMGBR shortly after NAMGBR’s for- the North American MGA Register. mation. Naturally, the most popular Two NAMGAR affiliated chapters, one example of a British sports car in our from the San Francisco Bay area, and club has been, and most likely always another from the Los Angeles area, will be, the popular and famous MGB! decided to have a meet. This event was The first North Meets South to be held held in San Luis Obispo, roughly half with cars other than MGAs was held in way between the two metropolitan 1990, as the club returned to San Luis clubs and away from the congestion Obispo, just a few miles north of Pismo and concrete of the big cities. Beach, for a larger and expanded week- www.pvgp.org Anyone who looks at a California end event. map can easily determine why the Through the years, the event has

26 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 27 Barby and Ken Smith listening to the proclamation he is about to receive. grown, and follows the basic format Luis Obispo, with scenic locations and each other year. The club hosts a reg- interesting places featured. One year istration party on Friday night, with the club featured a Hearst Castle Tour, MGB pick up. a goodie bag full of product samples, with a visit to the famous Hearst Castle discount coupons for parts, and a dash of William Randolph Hearst fame. where we parked on the owner’s lawn tion to our own club member, Ken plaque. Along with some friendly con- This year we returned to Pismo Beach under giant oak trees. Smith, editor emeritus of the MGB versation, food, drinks, beer, and wine, for the third time, with our host hotel MGs were the primary marque in Driver, current MGB Registrar of everyone has a chance for to meet old sitting atop a 100 foot tall ocean bluff attendance, with everything from a NAMGBR, co-editor of MG Classic and new British car friends. overlooking the Pacific. The registra- 1932 MGJ2, to a 1996 MGF, imported Magazine, as well the author of several The next morning features a car tion party was held on the fourth floor from Canada by way of Japan. Of the other books on MGs. After the reading show, which has grown to as many as open patio, with breathtaking views 78 MGs at the show, 48 were MGBs, of the proclamation to a large crowd, 150 cars. The show always features a up and down the coast. By accident an thanks in part to the advertising the event was named “Ken Smith people’s choice car show ballot and a antique bi-plane entertained us with provided us as an affiliated chapter of Day” and Ken was presented with the catered lunch is offered. After lunch, aerial acrobatics and we watch loops the register on the “Where 2 B” page of Proclamation. comes a scenic rally which ends at the and dives at the same time a mother the MGB Driver. Recognized regional After 200 of our participants host hotel, followed a few hours later whale and her baby swam past us in events feature larger fonts in red, enjoyed a tasty barbeque lunch we by the awards dinner and the presen- the ocean below! The next day we which make the event stand out. The were off for a scenic wine tour poker tation of car show and rally awards. drove a short distance to the private register thus helped bring MGBs and run rally among the lush coastal hills, Some of our events have featured 2000 acre “Thousand Hills Ranch”, Midgets from all over the state of Cali- crowned with majestic oak trees and themes, such as a western fornia and beyond to our event. We the beautiful award winning vine- theme, or a luau, with were honored to have folks drive from yards of California’s southern wine everyone wearing Hawai- the Reno British Car Club drive all the country. After the rally time was left ian shirts. One year we had way from Nevada, but Jennifer Orum, for a walk on the beach, a visit to lo- a Back to the Future theme of the Canadian Classic MG Club trav- cal shops, a swim in the pool, and a and the Delorean Club was eled by herself in her trusty 1970 MGB return for the awards dinner, attended invited and came with 22 Roadster all the way from Vancou- by over 150 people. The crowd, from Deloreans. That year we ver, British Columbia! We were also 70 different cities and involving 19 had a rally with Back to the honored to have John Stevenson, from different car clubs was presented with Future trivia questions. Paradise, Newfoundland, Canada, information about NAMGBR and the The event is usually join us with his never imported into advantages of becoming an affiliated moved each year to a new the U.S. MGF. John is a member of the chapter of our fine national register. location within our club MG Car Club-UK and has suggested we If you live on the west coast please “territory” which encom- rename our event East Meets West! consider joining with other register passes three counties, Ven- A special feature of the car show members in two years at the 2014 tura, Santa Barbara, and San MG Midgets at the car show. was a “Proclamation” and presenta- North Meets South!

28 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 29 Midget Register Basic B: Time to Alternate

By Bob Swetzer Midget registrants have some of these MGB Lucas alternator. MGB generator. kits, let me know and I will send them t has been a bit slow this past winter, to you. Images and article by Jim Lunson the MG T-Series generators to about 43 but we have now added another Here are our new Midgeteers: MG Car Club-Washington DC Centre in the last MGB alternators, to about Isix Midgets to the register. I put Dennis L. Taylor - 1977 Midget 1500 110 in modern cars. Quite a spread! together a Midget registration kit that Craig & Kimberly Kuenzinger - ver the past few months I’ve The difference is due to advances in I keep handy to drop off in any new 1979 Midget 1500 been discussing various things electrical technology that have oc- Midget I spot. It includes a registration Larry & Connie Cordeiro - Ofor the MG in order to get curred over the past 60 years plus in form and a stamped, self-addressed 1969 Mk. III (Re-registration) more heat in the winter and prevent response to the demand for the extra envelope. With a couple of new cars Ralph Brown - 1969 Mk. III overheating in the summer. One key Jay L. Cohen - 1974 Mk. III (Photo attached) appliances used in cars that require all having shown up in Tucson, this element is to make sure the generator/ this more power. Just consider driving should pay off. If any of our current Stanley J. Lee - 1976 Midget 1500 alternator system in the car is strong at night, in a cold rain storm. You are enough to drive those cooling fans, using the headlights and taillights, upgraded blowers, and even an electric windshield wipers, defroster blower, water pump. rear window defogger (MGB/GT), dash The generator/alternator produces lights, spark plugs, and probably the the electric current for the car, operat- radio too; all at one time. That takes a ing everything from the headlights lot of electricity. Of course, going back and wipers to the spark plugs inside in time through the MG models, many the engine. It also recharges the of these appliances did not exist, low- battery which gets partially drained ering the demand load. Add an electric every time the car is started. Without cooling fan and heavy duty blower recharging, the battery would not have and you have a big load to supply. sufficient charge to start the car the The big breakthrough came in next time you used it. The generator/ the mid 1960’s with the invention of alternator is a large heavy element the alternator to replace the genera- with a pulley that is driven by a fan tor. Until then, generators were the belt directly off the front end of the only power source. They required a crankshaft. The pulley spins a shaft as big heavy copper wired central shaft the motor runs and this rotating shaft (armature) encased in a big heavy generates the current. copper wired coil cylinder (field) to Generators and alternators are operate. With advances in electronic rated by the maximum electric current technology, diodes and rectifiers they can produce, the quantity being became available and a new method to amperes (amps) that come out as it produce electrical current was devised. spins. This varies from about 8 amps in Without going into all the electrical 30 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 31 ern alternators usually have only one connection point, so the one or two brown main feeds hook to this connection as well as the dashboard light feed. Some alternator kits even include a plug to convert these wires on the MG harness to match the one-point connection. There are two items to be careful with in making a switch. One is to insure the battery is fully charged before making a switch. Modern alternators, with Bosch alternator. AC Delco alternator. their sensitive electronics, ity to the cars. As with a lot of things pulley so the fan belt will not fly off. can be overloaded if re- MGB Lucas alternator. on our MGs, it is a trade off of much A new pulley should be about half the quired to completely charge a battery diameter of the crankshaft pulley so the instant they are turned on. They tricks that these elements permitted, improved function vs. the lost of the the alternator will spin about twice the need to adjust to the loads used by the suffice it to say that the alternator original look and operation of the speed of the engine. Modern alterna- car they are installed into. The second allowed for a tremendous boost in out- cars. Three modern upgrades for our tors are much smaller than even the important item is to make sure the put for the same work by the engine. cars are for electronic points which last MG Lucas units so there is usually feed to the light on the dashboard By the mid 1970’s, further electronic fit inside the distributor so there is no conflict with other elements on is connected as this light serves as a advances made for an internal voltage little appearance difference; electronic the engine. Several MG parts suppliers ground balance for modern alternator regulator to be built right inside the al- voltage regulators that fit inside the offer alternator conversions kits that fit circuits. ternator, further increasing efficiency. original box and electronic fuel pumps right on. As a final tip, with a generator, And since then, more advances have that not only look the same, but even The other consideration in put- and especially if you have an alterna- made for even higher outputs, while retain the ticking noise. Converting to ting a modern alternator is the wiring tor, it is important to check this dash making for much smaller and lighter a Lucas alternator will not be the same, connection. To do this change, one light every time you start the car, units that take even less energy for the and converting to a modern unit is an must understand the wiring system. before you start the engine. Make sure engine to turn. even further change to appearance. MGs had two, three, or five wires it lights. A burned out bulb or bad con- MG was as quick as any manufac- I am waiting for someone to design a connected to the generator/alternator, nection here can interrupt the circuit turer to jump on this new technology. modern alternator that fits inside the depending on model. These wires in- through this light, and a modern al- The first MGs to use an alternator was original generator body to provide cluded either one or two brown wires ternator needs this feed to balance the in 1968, with further advances in the advances without destroying the for the primary electric feed; a yellow/ charges inside it. Alternators can be 1972, 1974, and 1978; the last two ver- appearance. brown wire to feed the indicator light quickly killed, even on a modern car sions using an internal voltage regula- There are several manufacturers of on the dashboard; and possibly two if this bulb burns out and the circuit tor in lieu of the external mechanical modern alternators that have a model wires to go to an external voltage regu- is broken. The alternator stops putting one used previously. These units were for a nearly exact fit to the various MG lator. The voltage regulator consists out electricity and car dies when the modern for their time, but have proved engines. These include Bosch and AC of two large mechanical relays, one battery becomes fully drained, but to be less than great units. They are Delco. I won’t go into the exact models sized for voltage and one for amperage. the little red light never comes on to large and heavy, take a lot of energy to needed as they vary in shape and bolt These relays serve to cut out part of the give you any warning (it’s burned out, turn, are rather fragile, damaged by a on layouts for the different MG en- generator/alternator operation if the remember). You are suddenly stranded heavy jolt to the car (big pothole), and gines, but there is one made for every voltage or current exceeded safe levels on the side of the road. The first reac- can quickly burn out their electronic MG. A local alternator distributor can for the car. And remember, pre-1968 tion is that the alternator failed, when controls if overworked (charging up a tell what will fit each car. Just make cars used a positive ground system in fact, the bulb burned out, disrupted dead battery). sure it is a new model and not a rebuilt which needs to be reversed at the bat- the circuit from the alternator to the So the simple answer for us MG Lucas unit of the ‘70s versions. The tery and tachometer if you are making battery and this caused the alterna- drivers is to ditch the old generator/ main considerations are to get the bolt a switch. tor to stop working. Always check alternator, add a new modern high spacing correct lengthwise so there is Modern alternators have a built in this light. And happy converting to a efficiency alternator. However, it no bending stress put on the alternator voltage regulator so the two wires for modern electric masterpiece for our involves a tremendous loss of original- housing and that the pulley fits and aligns perfectly with the crankshaft this feed are no longer needed. Mod- old MGs! 32 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 33 centerfold

What Might Have Been: MGB by Aston-Martin

Images and article submitted by The consortium which comprised This Russet Brown RHD, home designed by William Towns, designer Don Scott by way of Rick Feibusch of Alan Curtis (Chairman of Aston- market MGB Roadster was first regis- of the DBS, DBS V8, and AMV8 as well Martin), David Wickens (BCA), Peter tered DOL 341V on the 13th Febru- as the Aston Martin Lagonda. In June t is one-of-a-kind, and for sale! DOL Cadbury, Lord George-Brown, and the ary 1980 by BL Cars Limited (Sales & 1980 Keith Martin – Project engineer 341V is the Aston-Martin MGB Norwest Construction Group went Marketing), Longbridge, Birmingham. for Aston-Martin – was presented Iprototype built by the Aston-Martin public with their plans to save Abing- DOL 341V remained with BL until it with DOL 341V with the instruction consortium alongside their bid to don and made it clear they wanted to was sold to Aston-Martin Lagonda Ltd to build the car in just six days, with acquire MG from British Leyland and acquire the rights to the MG marque of Newport Pagnell. the help of Steve Hallam, Martin and has a unique place in MG history. name and the MGB. The Aston-Martin MGB was a small team of trimmers and fitters

34 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 35 set to work to transform the MGB and spoiler, Small chrome grille, Rear be a black day in BL’s history, because into Williams Towns’ interpretation. panel with fog & reversing lights, and it committed the company to closing John Symonds of Pressed Steel Fisher – 14” Wolfrace alloy wheels. Abingdon for good. where the MGB bodies were produced Just seven days later – one day DOL 341V remained in storage at – was placed in charge of the Aston- over schedule – the finished car, Newport Pagnell until it was sold to a Martin MGB project. The Aston-Mar- resplendent in BL Silver Sand Metallic private owner in July 1984. In August tin MGB had a unique specification was wheeled out of the Aston-Martin 1997, a long standing MG enthusiast which included - Tickford sport seats, special projects workshop and the purchased DOL 341V at circa 1,093 Astrali 13” four spoke steering wheel, consortium launched the Aston-MGB recorded miles and was committed to GT windscreen and surround, GT side to the press in June 1980. Sadly nego- the continuing maintenance of the windows, Tickford hood, Black side tiations to buy MG failed and it was to MGB’s originality and unique history. moldings, modified front bumper

36 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 37 DOL 341V is complete with fascinating detailed history including the it’s original MGB driver’s handbook, various vehicle records from DLVA Swansea, BMIHT Certificate, A bound book detailing Aston-Martin’s propos- als for the acquisition of the MG Car Company, and a bound book detailing Aston-Martin’s product concept for MG Cars.

This Aston-Martin MGB is totally original having covered a mere 6,800 miles from new – a totally unique and a fascinating glimpse at “what might have been.” You can purchase the car through Nutley Sports Cars at http://www.nutleysports.co.uk/Aston- MGB-Silver.htm 38 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 39 Wipers: Tough Love Silver Medal

Removing the center accordion vent tube to gain access to the wiper boxes. challenge given the close confines be- Then remove the glovebox, discon- Photos and article by Dave Burns it is such an ugly job up behind the hind the dash and the need to loosen nect the tubing from the wiper motor, MG Car Club of Toronto dash. This winter I decided to bite the tiny nuts on the wheelbox assemblies and pull out the rack. Reach under the bullet. in order to remove the tubes. The trick dash and loosen the two small 3/8” ’ve written a series of articles in My car is a 1973 B and thus has is to take it out in three parts and to nuts on the wiper box plate to free the my local news letter about MGB three wiper arms attached to three remove the vent hoses to gain a little tubing from the driver’s wiper box and Iprojects that I hate to do – these are wiper boxes that protrude through working space. remove the box. Similarly remove the the fiddly tasks that are so frustrat- the cowl from behind the dash. The Here’s how I did it. Start by discon- tubing from the passenger side wiper ing. For me, the silver medal goes to threads that hold on the exterior bezel necting the battery then remove the box and remove the box. a job that I just recently completed – and nut are part of the wiper box blades, undoing the bezel nuts, bezels, Remove the plastic, accordion replacement of the windshield wiper housing and when the threads corrode and rubber seals from the wiper boxes. vent tubes from behind the dash box mechanisms while the dash is still the only fix is to replace the whole in the car. When I was at MG 2010, my box mechanism. The wiper boxes are wipers fell off in the rain due to the joined by a tubing sleeve system that bezel nuts popping off some very cor- contains a toothed rack that is driven roded threads. When I restored the car, by the wiper motor that is located I knew that the threads were corroded behind the glovebox. Getting it apart (as they often do), but I procrastinated and out and reassembly is the real and didn’t want to replace them since

The old bezel nut came off from the corroded The wiper motor with all the old gunked up threads. grease. Pictured through the removed glovebox, note the curved wiper tube against the firewall. 40 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 41 Another picture through the dash, this time of the wiper motor.

New wiper box.

vents. Jiggle the center wiper box out Similarly loosely attach the right hand from behind the dash. Before disas- tube to the new passenger side wiper sembly of the tubes, take pictures from box and reattach to the cowl. Firmly several angles of the tube orientation attach the tubes to both sides of the and attachment to the center box. This new centre wiper box in the correct is important for reassembly as these orientation. (You can’t adjust these tubes are curved. Remove the motor once the box is reinstalled). from its mount. Open it up and clean Reinstall the center box to the A comparison of the old and new wiper tube assembly, below the new wiper tube out old, hardened grease and replace cowl, attach the left hand long tube with box attached. with fresh. You will have to remove a to the driver’s side box and attach the couple of circlips to disassemble. If you right hand long tube to the passenger wish to check the brushes for wear, side wiper box (double check those this is the time to do so, be sure to reset photos you took earlier). Reinsert the the end float to factory specs from the drive rack into the tubes, actuate by manual on reassembly. hand to check for ease of movement Clean the rack of old, hardened and box functionality, and then grease and lube for reassembly. Re- tighten everything up. Reattach the move and clean the existing rubber motor and power and reassemble the bushings and install on the new wiper vent tubes and glove box. Give it a dry boxes with the angle out towards the run without the blades and once it has wiper. Install the small left hand tube parked properly, reattach the blades to the new driver’s side box and reat- and try it again. tach the box to the cowl with a new I won’t tell you to hope for rain, bezel nut, bezel, and new rubber seal. but at least then you’ll be ready.

42 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 43 3 Reverse Switch Repair: Photo Essay By Bob Bentzinger copper contact plate and the terminal MG Club of St Louis endplate covered with oxidation due to electrical arcing (the reverse lamps was getting ready to re-install the draw nearly 4-amps when they are engine and gearbox in my 1974 on). I used my Dremel tool with a wire IMGB roadster so I decided to check wheel to clean all metal contacts. the gearbox switches for proper opera- During re-assembly, I applied di- tion. My gearbox (w/overdrive) has electric grease to the contacts to reduce Cleaning contacts. three switches: a reverse lamp switch, wear and oxidation. I pre-assembled an overdrive inhibit switch (only the switch and tested the switch func- closed in third and fourth gear), and a tion; a low reading from the continu- 4 seatbelt warning switch (only in 1973 ity tester when the switch is depressed and 1974). The reverse lamp switch verifies proper operation. wasn’t working so I decided to try and I finished the switch assembly fix it. with some RTV to seal it and hold the The body of the switch is alumi- works in place and I gently clamped num and is peened over in four places the switch in a soft jaw vice for curing to hold the internal switch assembly in of the RTV. place. I carefully drove the peened ar- To prevent the arcing in the first eas back with an automatic pin punch place, consider using LED lamps to re- and disassembled the switch. place the original incandescent bulbs. I found the switch contacts on the

Applying dielectric grease.

Reverse lamp gearbox switch.

Disassembled reverse lamp switch. Testing the switch. 44 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 45 6 Rewiring Your MG

RTV in place.

This is an example of the full color wiring diagrams available from Advanced Autowire.

Images and article submitted by Dave Braun working your way across the system. Minnesota MG Group When I painted-by-number, I got the best kit I could afford; I studied emember those paint-by-number the instructions to make sure I knew kits that were once very popu- what kind of picture I was doing and Rlar before computers and video how the paint was to be applied and games? The picture’s color fields would cleaned up; I would start in the easi- be outlined in a soft blue on an artist’s est to do areas, leaving hard-to-paint canvas with numbers in each field cor- spaces for last as my skill built; and I responding to the little tubs of acrylic made sure that I double-checked my Clamping the final assembly. or oil paint that came with the kit. Fa- work because it was easy to misinter- cial features, nuances in clothing, even pret a number or color. details in the background would magi- Over time, previous owners may 8 cally appear as you filled in the spaces have butchered the wiring in an at- with the hues. The more expensive the tempt to fix or install a component. kit, the better the results because of the Chemicals can likewise damage the wide range of colors and intricacies of PVC wire sleeves, making them gooey the design itself improved with price. or hardening them so they crack and All you had to do was take your time, expose the copper wire beneath to keep your brush clean, and avoid do- corrosion or shorts. Heat from poor ing adjacent areas so the colors didn’t contact surfaces can also damage bleed together. connectors and cause intermittent Rewiring a MG is like that. It is problems. Dirt, moisture, oxygen can Ready for refitting! as simple as following the codes in all degrade wiring systems and con- the wiring diagram, identifying what nections, including grounds and lamp each component is, and then carefully sockets. If your car’s electrical system 46 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 47 are that they are in black and viding ground sided switch- white, so the colors are repre- ing of components, except sented by numbers or abbrevia- for most lights; the wipers tions, and due to their small and some horns. This means size, they also may represent that power is continuous to components by number code. the component and through Online sources, on the to the switch, and only clos- other hand, often offer dia- ing the ground allows the grams in color, and are avail- power to be utilized. able electronically in PDF form. This means you can print Wiring Colors them out on a color printer in a variety of sizes, right up to tak- Lucas wiring codes are ing the file to a copy shop to be simple and although there plotted in a very large fashion are occasional exceptions and then laminated. While to the color codes, memo- they don’t always follow the rizing the codes is a worth- layout of the car (for example, while practice for someone they may show the rear and rewiring or trouble shooting If you went by the colors, you would be incorrect on identify- front parking lights adjacent a British car. The coming the ground cable. Even the factory provided the supply for electrical purposes) the full mon color code letters are cable in black, running forward to the starter. The red cable is color aspect can make them included here for reference. an aftermarket cable used here for ground. easier to understand. One of Please note that each of these provide a switched source of power. my favorite sources for these codes have sub-codes that are denoted A fuse block with the supply wires on the left and the fused Green (G) is from the White wire diagrams is Advanced Autowire by colored ‘tracers’ but still follow the wires on the right. after it goes through the fuse box. (www.advancedautowire.com). main code traits. Green is switched, and fused. Green is acting dodgy and you are tired of The hardest part about any wir- is a direct feed from the Brown (N) circuits provide power to most of patching it; if you are planning a full ing diagram is figuring out which one battery. It is always hot (un-switched) the gauge functions (including the interior upgrade, restoration or engine applies to your car as wiring changes and un-fused. The only way to isolate infamous ‘voltage stabilizer’); the replacement; or if you are doing other by year and geographical equipment a Brown circuit is to disconnect it from turn signals; heater fan; wipers and major paint or engine bay work; a com- requirements can have an impact on the battery. Brown feeds go to the igni- brake lights. You can isolate the Green plete rewiring of the car may be timely the applicability of the diagrams. tion switch; headlight switch; some circuits by removing the fuse. and in order. Since Lucas was the provider of hazard flashers; the starter relay; the Blue (U) is from the Brown wire The rewiring process is not com- almost all the electrical equipment in alternator and the fuse box. after it goes through the headlight plicated: Find or create a good wiring the British auto industry, it behooved is what becomes of a Purple (P) switch. Blue is only hot when switched diagram; plan for any changes or the automakers to follow certain Brown wire after it goes through the and un-fused. Blue goes to the head- alterations early; order the best kit you standards set by Lucas from the very fuse box. Purple is always hot (un- light dipper where it becomes two can afford from a reliable supplier; get beginning. First and foremost, fuses switched) but fused. Purple circuits important sub codes, Blue with a Red the big picture so you know where it were determined to be a necessary evil go to the horns; some hazard flashers; tracer (UR) to the dipped beam lights; is simpler to work in place, or whether and were minimized, as a weak fuse courtesy and door lamps; and the flash and Blue with a White tracer (UW) to you should remove components to could render a perfectly good circuit to pass switch (yes two 12-volt sources the main beam lights. make life easier; work in the most ac- inoperable. In typical British fashion, in that little dipping switch!) You can Red with a Green tracer is also cessible portions of the car first; adhere if the job was done right, the chance of isolate the Purple circuit by removing (RG) from the Brown wire after it goes to the to workmanlike standards; and double a failure requiring fusing was very low. the fuse. headlight switch. I think this is where check your progress to avoid any Keep in mind that fuses are there not White (W) is what becomes of a someone at Lucas went to lunch, had surprises. to protect the components, but to pro- Brown wire after it goes through the a few pints and come back and mixed Wiring diagrams are available tect the wiring. Grommets were used ignition switch. White is only hot up the codes. This is the code that goes in the factory workshop manuals, liberally in the system to protect wires when switched and is un-fused. All to the fuse box with a tracer and comes aftermarket manuals, and online from from chaffing, and fuses were mostly the components that come on with out of the fuse box as a single color. suppliers who wish to sell you har- applied to systems where an internal the need to run the engine are on So Red with Green is only hot when nesses and other kits. The manuals are fault of a component could cause a the White circuit, including the fuel switched by the headlamp switch and great; they typically follow the layout short. Most of the MGs had between pump; the ignition coil; on some cars it is un-fused. Red with Green goes to of the car and are very accurate. Where two and four fuses. Lucas engineers the overdrive; any feeds to seatbelt the fuse box as mentioned and also the manuals fall short for a lot of folks were also were strong believers in pro- circuits; the radio; and the fuse box to

48 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 49 the gauge lamp switch or dimmer. A special subset of the Red with Green tracer is the Red with White (RW) tracer wire that comes out of the gauge lamp switch (dimmer). The Red with White tracer is the instrument lighting circuit. Red (R) denotes the Red with Green tracer wire after it goes through the fuse box. As such Red is switched and fused. Red circuits are the front parking lights; the taillights and the license plate lights. Black (B) wire is a ground wire. Any Enlisting the help of a smaller friend to install the dash lights on an MGB. other color wire with a This harness suffered a failure of the white ignition wire inside the harness when a Pertronix wire Black tracer is likely the later to do so should be avoided. shorted out within the distributor. Only be taking apart the harness in this location can the extent of ground side switching wire for that I’ve wired cars in two ways using damage be determined. component. a quality stock loom from one of the usual suppliers; and from scratch, underlying the braid; their harnesses ing it to the wiring diagram. It truly Wiring Plan drawing diagrams as I went along. The can get bulky. Finally, plan on order- isn’t necessary to start labeling wires trouble with wiring from scratch is ing an extra supply of fresh connec- with their functions. I know some Changes and alterations may need that it is difficult to be forearmed with tors like bullets and single and double people do that, but the labels will fall to be planned early in the project. enough of the wiring codes to effec- sleeves; grommets in the sizes used on off once you start moving the harness There are excellent kits for adding tively duplicate the wiring as delivered the car to protect the new harness as about the car, through bulkheads and relays to lighting circuits and horns; by the factory. I once accepted the task it passes through bulkheads; and all grommets, and besides, once you start and those can be added during the of waking up a dormant MGA which braided ground straps associated with installing the loom, it will be obvious installation but some people may find a previous owner had completely and the project. They are all inexpensive what wire goes where as the wires will it easier to do them last because they correctly rewired, right down to the and will save you from chasing prob- terminate in close proximity to the are well designed for retrofitting into a exact placement of the wiring loom lems in the future. component they serve, and your wir- system. When I restored our 1952 MG and components, except the only color Your harness may not be in ter- ing diagram will tell you the rest. You TD, I knew I would be adding the turn of wire he used was red! Moss Motors rible shape, but perhaps you don’t don’t even have to be a wiring expert signal equipment that wasn’t available (www.mossmotors.com) looms are want to install a possibly defective har- to connect the coded wires to the right until 1953. I also had specific ideas of reasonable quality, although I find ness into a new engine bay or interior places, any more than you need to be regarding the placement of the turn that solder is occasionally clogging a project. In that case, it may even be a great artist to ‘paint-by-number’. signal equipment that precluded the spade connector or the wires are a bit possible for you to clean, repair, and re- Remember, these cars were engineered use of a 1953 harness, so I had my sup- short to make it to a critical compo- place selected portions of the harness for a production line in simpler times, plier custom build-in the components nent without a bit of strain, but overall using correct colors and over-wraps. I and as such, the wiring was logical and for the systems I envisioned according a great job can be done installing their may play with this process on Maggie, straightforward. Do check the new to where I intended to install the gear. harness. For earlier cars with braided the 1970 MGB Wire Wheel Conversion harness in advance for faulty connec- An additional thought is that when harnesses, I like to go to British Wir- that Turned into a Restoration, but the tions; poor crimps; solder overflows; upgrading an interior and installing a ing (www.britishwiring.com) for the focus of this article is starting from and faulty lamp sockets. Repairing new wiring harness, it would prob- looms because their quality and their scratch. these items will be easier now as they ably be a good idea to wire in the radio willingness to customize a harness as Getting Started will never be more accessible. speakers during the process, even if long as you are willing to wait a few ex- Next, go to the car and take they are not part of the harness as sup- tra weeks. But they do tend to upgrade Getting the big picture starts with pictures. A lot of pictures. You will be plied, because tearing up the interior the size of the wire and with the PVC taking the new harness and compar- running the wires days or weeks or so 50 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 51 This picture may prove valuable when reinstalling the wiring at the RH horn while showing the These dual terminal door switches are no longer available. A bit of epoxy cement and some pa- proximity of the wiring to the side marker light and its routing. tience should see this switch back in action! after you remove the entire harness As you’ve been crawling around to gain access for some of the connec- ing, it might be a good idea to replace and you will want to remember such the car, you will have noticed that tions. Remove the center console as the rubber blocks along side the prop things as if the wiring goes under the the bulk of the wires are behind the well. shaft tunnel that contain both the slam panel, or above. Pay special at- instrument panel. Switches, lighting, The final step is to remove all wiring and the fuel lines. tention to any clamps, especially the gauges all require wires so at this point the connections behind the panel Now turn your attention to ones that are thin strip welded into the it pays to spend a few extra minutes and withdraw the harness. Some of components. Order any gaskets that car. They can break due to fatigue, and preparing the work area. I first remove the switches can be tricky to dislodge are cracked or worn and may admit you will want to replace them with the steering wheel because I need the as they have wire clips holding the moisture when you reinstall lights P-shaped clips when needed. Remove seats to sometimes lever out the wheel switches to the panels, but you just or other pieces. Clean all terminals the ground at the battery, looking for with my thighs as I apply the double have to work slowly and carefully, like and connectors with a wire brush and the large cable that bolts to the body hammer stroke to the column. See painting in the lines on the projects I some electrical contact cleaner. Emery or chassis, and don’t depend just on John Twist’s videos (http://www.you- mentioned at the start of this article. paper is another good abrasive that the color to identify it as the ground. tube.com/user/Universitymotorsltd) The wiring loom will likely come can clear up the corrosion and dirt. Then, note how the other cables are for his description of the process. Then out in sections via connectors. If you With a couple of test leads and an au- connected to the battery(s) and re- I remove the seats. The extra room for run into a major problem while loos- tomotive battery, test the function of move them as well. A lot of people get my legs and back as I lay beneath the ening a component, the wire cutters each motor, light assembly and horn. confused when reinstalling their twin panel dismantling the connections is can come out and you can snip away, Switches should be tested with a load six-volt batteries and a mistake here priceless. I use a big old quilt for extra but just make sure it is something that such as a light to assure the switches can ruin a fuel pump and ignition, or padding as I lay on the floorboards. you are planning to replace, and not are functioning properly. Simply us- worse, fry a section of your new har- Again, keep taking pictures! I like to something that you will have to repair ing an ohmmeter for continuity may ness! A group 26 single 12 volt battery carefully remove the steering cowl, the later! Inspect the old harness and look not prove that the switch can carry is a bit easier to manage, and since it switches and wiring that is associated for clues of overheating, chemical con- the load. Components like the brake is not visible, a viable alternative for with the steering column. Be very tamination and shorts. This will tell switch are notorious for showing a lot of cars. Once the battery cables careful of the plastic cowl parts, and you where a better installation practice continuity while having enough resis- are removed it is safe to work on the be prepared to epoxy or reinforce any may help you avoid future problems. tance to current to not allow the pas- electrical system. You may choose to parts that are cracked or otherwise For example, if the wires appear singed sage of the needed current under load. remove some items for bench testing, damaged. Sometimes it is helpful to around the dipper switch, it may be This will cause extra heat and eventu- such as rear lights and the like, so mark remove any straps that hold the bot- a good idea to consider relays for the ally failure of the switch. Believe it or those items for reassembly, and bag all tom of the instrument panel in place, dipped and main beam lights. If it ap- not a lot of these components can be fasteners and mark the bags. or even the speedometer or tachometer pears that the wiring from the engine pried apart and with a little ingenuity, bay, under the car, to the rear is fray- repaired with cleaning and hardware 52 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 53 Opening up the brake switch and cleaning the carbon off the contact disk will allow the switch to pass current while reducing heat and intermittent failures. store items. to dress those old connectors with a It is also a little known fact that piece of emery cloth or sandpaper. Af- incandescent bulb output is reduced ter a making the metal parts brighter, over their useful lives. This is a great a dab of dielectric grease (available time to replace every light bulb on the at automotive parts stores) will ease car! You can also consider LED lights the connection and protect the metal for certain applications like taillights from corrosion by sealing out mois- and the like, but since most of them ture and dirt. The dielectric grease is are made for retrofit purposes, you non-conducting, which means that it can make that change anytime. You doesn’t allow the passage of electricity. can even consider dismantling your The action of making the connection gauges and painting the inside of the squishes out the grease until a secure cans with white paint to improve the metal on metal contact is formed. illumination at night, just don’t expect The grease that is squished out seals miracles! the surrounding contact point from Installing a harness in the boot of an MGB. Now lay in the harness for the sec- moisture and dirt. The grounds are tion of the car you are working with. also important because they can be the harness will likely come with whatever the factory the grommets were in place The rear of the car is a good place to cause of failures and ‘sneak currents’ if your car originally required, so you before the connectors were placed start, because there are plenty of con- each ground is not prepared properly may be making some minor changes on the wires so you may need to snip nections and yet everything is acces- and double-checked. to the installation at this point to ac- or enlarge the grommet holes. A few sible. In the 2010 December From the The next section I like to work commodate your equipment. You will extra grommets will allow you to Garage article I talked about electrical on is the engine bay. Proceed as for also be installing bulkhead grommets experiment. practices and installations. Those rules the boot, but keep doubly in mind in the engine bay. The same dielectric Next, wire up the instrument pan- still apply when installing a harness the potential for heat, moisture and grease that protects your connections el. If you removed it, you probably can from scratch. Even though the new corrosion. Some cars have previously will make a great lubricant to get the install a small amount of wiring first, harness will be bright and shiny you installed Pertronix ignition modules, bundles through the grommets. In but eventually it will have to go back will be mating up to existing relays, and 12-volt coils rather than the bal- the case of sections of the loom with in and you will be working on your lights and controls, so it is important lasted coils favored in the ’70s. Your spade connectors, I’m pretty sure at back in close quarters. A head lamp

54 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 55 and small fingers will help, so call in You may decide to connect the a smaller friend or spouse to make batteries and give the circuits a test, those hard to reach connections. This but you can also try a battery charger is a good time to mention the voltage set on low current or a set of small Tech Talk stabilizer. In order to provide an ac- batteries to replicate the 12-volts the John, curate voltage to make various gauges testing will require. Most new battery Thanks so much for your over-the- work, mostly the temperature and fuel chargers require a significant load to phone help while I tinkered with the SUs on John Twist gauges, it was settled that about 10 operate on 2-amps however, so a series my 73 MGB. Your explanation of setting Technical volts would be used, rather than rang- of small dry cells may work better for the float levels was so much better than the Coordinator ing from 12 to 14.4 volts on a normally you. The reason for proceeding cau- way it is described in the Haynes manual. MGB Driver operating system. It absolutely needs tiously here is that the output of the The choke O-rings were available at to be grounded to function, and if it automotive battery(s) may be enough NAPA. The O-ring in the front carb looked is one of the original styles, it must be to melt a wire if you made a mistake like dried cardboard and crumbled upon installed right side up and vertical. The and created a short. Start with the removal. The barrel where it goes was all Mike, electronic ones are usually polarity simpler fused circuits such as anything crudded as well. The O-ring on the back You are correct, it’s a British sensitive, and may suffer if installed off the Green circuit, and then proceed carb was split. Replacing both O-rings, thread. The speedometer drive hous- without a ground. to the more sophisticated circuits. cleaning all the orifices, and replacing ing – accepts the 90-degree drive Finally, you can proceed to the Isolating circuits at the fuse box is a the needles and seats and the float cover or the speedo cable, uses a 3/4 -26 center console. There will be a map good way to proceed cautiously. For O-rings did the trick. Car started right up British Standard Brass thread. The or courtesy light, maybe some heater example, by putting power only at and runs great. Feels like a timing adjust- inside diameter of the plastic housing controls, and possibly an aftermarket the Red with Green tracer wire at the ment may be in order so that’s next on the is 0.542 which appears neither metric radio. You’re on your own with respect fuse box, many of the lighting circuits agenda. Thanks again for all your help and nor fractional. to the radio, so temporary markings can be tested while fused, and that your patience with my questions. When you’ve got your project on the radio wires are probably a good might be a good thing. Nothing is —Ken Oehler completed and operational, please idea if you removed it or designed your more disappointing for a new harness send an article to the MGB Driver -- own wiring system for a new radio. I to suddenly start smoking. It is dif- Ken! Robert Rushing’s email is on page 3. can tell you that modern radios require ficult to repair, and burning wires in a Send your distributor to Jeff a small constant feed to keep their bundle can cause adjacent wires to fail Schlemmer at Advanced Distribu- Hi John, memory function and for that you will now, or later. tor in Minnesota and ask him to fit a I enjoy reading Tech Talk in the MGB want to use a purple wire in close prox- With a bit of effort and a ‘paint- 12-degree cam. Right now you have Driver. I have a few questions: Last sum- imity to the radio. In addition, radios by-number’ approach, your MG can an 18-degree cam in the distribu- mer I bought a 74B with a 72 engine after need to have their speakers set up with benefit from a more reliable wiring tor which makes idle timing a real looking long and hard to find one that was the same polarity on each, so respect system… and you will learn a lot about problem. Once you have it back, set really nice. the markings on the speakers and the a significant automotive system on the timing at 32-degrees BTDC at First on the list of things to do was to radio. Usually a custom connector that your car. As a caveat, if you are unsure maximum advance – usually around adjust the valves and change the oil and comes with the radio is required. You of your skills, enlist the help of a men- 4000 rpm with the vacuum discon- filter. I didn’t feel competent with doing can either crimp the connector leads tor. Even electricity at low voltages can nected. Your engine will perform EX- the valve adjustment myself so I took it to a to the appropriate leads in the harness, cause damage and injury, and while we CELLENTLY! Thanks for the nice note well respected mechanic that specializes in or use bullet connectors, but crimping want to get our hands dirty, we don’t about the HIF O-rings. vintage English cars. I paid top dollar for an is usually fine. want to burn our cars or ourselves! STP filter that I brought to him that I was John, sure was the right part number and much I would like to know the thread size, to my despair the mechanic was not able to both internal and external on a 1968 tighten it down without fear of stripping the MGB speedometer drive. I’d like to put an threads on the stand pipe. He tried one of electronic speedometer from Autometer his Mann filters he had in stock and he had in my car. I can make a threaded adapter the same problem. We had to put the old for their speed sensor that attaches to the Fram filter back on which went on effort- transmission if I was certain of the MGB lessly and tightened down with no problem. angle drive thread size. My gauges check it Later on I tried a Napa Gold with the same to be about .750 or 19mm. A 1mm thread problem. I put this question up on the MGB pitch gauge is my best fit, but I heard there Forum and they told me to keep jiggling or Art and Margie Edinger is a Witworth thread close to that size. I just futzing with the filter and it would eventu- wave hello at Britfest 2012, NJ. don’t know. If you could steer me the right ally turn onto the standpipe. Both me and direction I would appreciate it. a very qualified mechanic could not get it to Thanks, —Mike Conley 56 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 57 happen. Any thoughts? Tube info has already been very helpful, I fluid. The silicone is usually colored ing from the overdrive solenoid wire grom- Secondly, there is an oil leak on the was pointed in its direction by a member of purple. Original and silicone should met or solenoid plate gasket. Should there right side of the engine, ironically near the the MG owners club in Edinburgh not be mixed. Silicone is used only be oil in the solenoid housing or do I need to oil filter which I believe is unrelated to the Thanks Loads! —Gordon when the car is stunningly flawless replace the O-rings to prevent oil entering? above issue. I saw a video of yours that sug- and you don’t want to chance eating Kind regards, —Didier from Belgium gested tightening down the oil filter housing Gordon, paint with normal brake fluid. Yet, to the engine. Additionally, it seems the First, back off the 5/8” nut on the with silicone, there can be problems Didier! oil return line from the oil cooler where it handbrake cable so that the cable from the swelling of seals to constant Yes, change the three O-rings at attaches to the engine is weeping or leaking. itself goes loose and cannot affect the dripping. But, the paint is not dam- the top of the solenoid assembly. Also, What size wrench do I need to tighten the adjustment of the rear brakes. Then aged! We try to use Castrol LMA in inspect the 3/16” ball bearing and fitting? I have nothing in my tool box large adjust each of the rear brakes. Use nearly everything. You can certainly change that if it shoes any signs of enough. Thanks. —Jim Rossol a 1/4” square socket or spanner. Un- use DOT 4 and be relatively assured wear. Sometimes, when the O-rings screw the adjuster all the way, grease everything will be OK. fail, the overdrive will cycle on and off Jim, the threads, then run the adjuster when the gearbox is in direct drive. Use a die or thread chaser (3/4-16 screw in until you cannot turn it – John, J’ai travellez in Bruxelles pour huit ) to clean up the threads on the filter don’t break it off, of course! Then I’m having trouble with oil coming semaines in 1966 pour le supermarche housing. Be careful – and certainly back the adjuster out, quarter turn out of the side cover vent on my 75 MGB. Delhaize “le Leon.” don’t let any bits of metal fall into the by quarter turn until the drum runs It is extreme at highway speeds. I have a tube. That should restore the hous- free. The workshop manual says the lot of moisture (white slime) in the valve John, ing so it will take the NAPA Gold 1068 distance between fully locked and cover. New valves were fitted last year and On your recent video on distributor filter. The nuts on the original filter fully free is 1/4 turn. In practice, it’s I’m wondering if the head gasket might be drive gears, is the gear inserted with the housing and oil cooler lines are 1-inch. usually two quarter turns. Once that’s leaking. There is no smoke coming out of large side up or down? Be sure to tighten the filter housing to all done, then you can adjust the the exhaust so I don’t necessarily think it is Thanks and love the videos!—Jim Munn the block – that is a 1/2-13 bolt which handbrake. blow-by from worn rings. The car is a daily takes a 3/4 wrench to tighten. This is more easily a two person driver for my 17 year old daughter. —Tom Jim, job. Use a pair of vise grips to hold With the engine firing on #1, set Hey Mr. John, the cable from turning, then begin to Tom, the large half topmost. Regards all the way from Mombasa, screw the 5/8 brass nut on the hand- Your 1975 MGB has a PCV system Kenya! I’m rebuilding an MG Midget and brake cable farther onto the cable. that works this way: Filtered air enters John, I would appreciate if you could guide me or After every adjustment (a turn or so) the engine through the 1/2” tube from When rebuilding an 18V MGB engine, assist me with some tips...please...thanks... have your associate pull up on the the charcoal adsorption canister. Dirty the book states, “The timing dimples on —Omar Khan handle. The workshop manual asked air and blow-by exits the front tappet crank gear and cam gear are opposite each for “three clicks” above horizontal. inspection cover and is vented into the other.” I’m being told by others that this Omar, This works well on the RHD drive cars carburetor. This draft keeps the inside is not correct. It is right or not? —John Knowledge is power. Purchase because you can get a good grip on of the engine clean. Terschak several books to assist you. Be sure the handle with your left hand. On the If the tappet cover is blocked, to have: The workshop manual, The LHD MGBs, it’s better to get an angle intentionally or because the metal John, driver’s handbook, The parts manual, of about 30 degrees, as one has to gauze inside has been baked (an When the dimples are next to “The Original Sprite & Midget.” These reach over the tunnel. overly hot catalytic converter perhaps each other the engine is firing on #4 books are available through Amazon years ago), then the engine will leak and that’s the confusion. One would and/or the MG Owners Club in Swa- Hi John, and blow oil out of nearly every gasket expect it to be firing on #1, but it vesey, England. I have a 1963 MGB Roadster and am and seal. doesn’t make any difference. I line My nephew is in Kisii, right now, wondering if you could help me with some If the tappet cover is open and the gears/chain up on the bench to working with an NGO, I believe. Feel information about changing the mineral vented to a carb or the atmosphere, ensure that the marks are next to each free to write any time about specific hydraulic oil in my braking system to a syn- then excessive blow-by is mostly likely other, then fit them to the engine questions. thetic based type of oil. Do I need to change the cause of worn compression rings. (crank key at 12:00, cam key at about all the rubbers in the master and slave Make sure there is no impediment 2:00). When you fit the distributor Hey Guys, cylinders? Are there in other complications? for the gasses to exit the engine. The drive gear, do so with the engine I was wondering if you could give me Regards, —Robin Carpenter milky white is the water/oil mix, again firing on #1 and set the drive gear some advice or point me in the right direc- from the combustion. I doubt there is into the block with the large half up- tion of some information about adjusting Robin, a head gasket problem. permost and the slot horizontal. As the handbrake (parking brake) on my 1975 Nearly all available brake fluid the drive gear slides into the cam, it MGB GT. I am struggling to find any info is now synthetic. There is the “origi- John, will turn anti-clockwise and come to about this. Thanks in advance –your You- nal” type of fluid and there is silicone I have an oil leak that seems to be com- rest with the slot at about 2:00 - 8:00.

58 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 MGB Driver • July / August 2012 59 Remember to get oil pressure BEFORE fulcrum (wishbone) to A-arms, and you start the engine!! shock to kingpin. That’s a LOT of work and will be a good subject for John, a longer video than I can present on Registrars of the NAMGBR I am looking to change the front Sus- YouTube. Changing the bushings in MGB, MGB LE, & 1967 MGB/GT Hammer & Tongs Registrar pension Bushes on my MGB/GT. Can you the kingpins themselves is an even Special Registrar Phil Smith do a video on this please? more difficult task requiring reams Ken Smith 5 Willow Lane Yours, —Maurice Laker and mandrels. That, too, could be a P.O. Box 8645, Goleta, CA 93117 Farmington, CT 06032 subject of a longer video. I’m working (805) 683-2906 • [email protected] (860) 674 1179 Maurice, towards making some longer videos Changing the bushings in- this spring. I will certainly keep these Midget Registrar New Generation Registrar cludes the crossmember to chassis, two subjects in mind. Col. Robert Swetzer James Woolf • [email protected] P.O. Box 1145 Reminder: John Twist will be pleased to answer your technical query; you can e-mail Red Rock, AZ 85245 him at [email protected] or call during his technical hour of 1-2pm (520) 904-3768 Eastern, Monday-Friday. [email protected]

1974½ MGB Registrar Scott Perry 538 Hooper Ave Simi Valley, CA 93065 [email protected]

MGB V8 Registrar Modified Registrar Mike Grieco 701 Verona Ave Ravenna, Nebraska 68869 (308) 452-3090 E-mail: [email protected]

Pull-Handle MGB Registrar Llyod Faust 40 Santa Ana Loop Placitas, NM [email protected]

MG 1100/1300 Registrar Bill Fox 998 Northwestern Ave Fairview Heights, IL 62208 [email protected]

100,000 Mile Registrar Jai Deagan 11825 Columbia Highway Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 [email protected]

Original Owner Registrar Bill Hawkins 2301 Kendricks Court Raleigh, NC 27613 (919) 676-8888 [email protected] 60 MGB Driver • July / August 2012

• Our Valued Supporters • • Our Valued Supporters • Supporters Valued Our • • Our Valued Supporters • The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. each of end the at isshown state originating The unacceptable. deems it ad any refuse to right the retains Register The allowing. space issues, two for run cover.) front Ads inside (see Coordinator Advertising Bourbon, de Charles with by arrangement ads other or ness •Busi content. for edited be may and Ave., 63109. MO writing in Louis, St. Sutherland accepted 5444 only or Ads Send ad copy with name, address, phone number and membership number to [email protected] ads. commercial or business no —please, standing good in members NAMGBR to FREE are here Ads Sell • Seek • Swap! • Seek Sell 1600 or [email protected] MO [email protected] or 1600 (314) at Mangles John 426- contact $8500, Asking great! runs and car 714 Kent ness, beautiful cam; har new wiring SUs, HS4 new paint, twin rebuilt exhaust, Peco new top, new tires, new carpet, with 881-6523; [email protected] UT UT 881-6523; [email protected] (435) at (435) or 752-8404 Slobodzian Greg tact $11,500; con transmission. and motor it, excellent Ibought day the like Runs of 1000. out 951 points scored miles; 23k original only with entry cours IL IL (217) at Jim 417-9012 [email protected] or contact $7000; documented. maintenance and repairs All condition. Very good rust. no clean, great, overdrive. Runs electronic window; back Zip-out new stuff. of other lots and windshield, hubs, new splined on wheels New mag carb. and 1979 MGB 1970 MGB/GT— 1974 MGB— 1978 MGB— 1979 – MGB 1970 MGB 1974 1/2 MGB/GT or [email protected] MI MI [email protected] or $1500. (517) asking pictures; 849-0042 e-mail Will restorable. vehicle; very complete chrome; and Englund (541)Englund 997-3356 OR car’s. –Larry the $10,000 not –mine old age ing: - for sell car. Reason bumper top. Chrome Stayfast new with interior and overdrive, new dashboard upgrades; several with engine rebuilt recently AOL.COM SC GT. MGB MDGIGEOFFREY@ decent a Contact for trade or for $6,000 Would sell used. be to needs but well Runs guarantee. no that but correct be may mileage the think me makes which damage sun no has Texas. from ago Interior seven years it purchased was since car the on miles 4000 about 34,636; Ihave put reads cover. Speedo tonneau full found; Bondo no metal bear to down stripped was car fan; electric automatic rack; luggage rear chrome top; Fast Sun English wheels; Edition car’s. Larry Englund (541) Englund car’s. 997-3356 Larry OR the not –mine old age for selling: Reason pers. bum rear re-chromed and new windshield, shocks, tube with suspension rear rebuilt interior, redone overdrive, newer new paint, clutch. Has with A great way to find or sell that hard-to-find part hard-to-find that sell or find to way A great on our website: www.NAMGBR.org/classified Selling or Buying an MG? an Buying or Selling 070812 Take advantage of NAMGBR’s of Take advantage – Black Tulip with overdrive. Limited – Black Tulip overdrive. Limited with – Red, 2000 miles on rebuilt engine engine rebuilt on miles 2000 – Red, Buy/Sell/Trade Classifieds Buy/Sell/Trade Carmine Red/Black – MG 2005 con –MG 2005 Red/Black Carmine Citron; no rust and new paint; new paint; and rust no Citron; Orange/Black, freshly restored CARS FOR SALE CARS FOR or that next project. next that or No rust; recent engine rebuild rebuild engine recent No rust; – Wire Wheels, good glass glass good Wheels, – Wire 070812 050612 070812 050612

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- - - - Dennis Dutton: [email protected] [email protected] Dutton: Dennis space! the MG World. –Ineed offer and Best MG Magazine, MG,sics, MG Enthusiast, Enjoying FL [email protected] (954)1977-80 MGB, 895-1163 $150. Morris John or for beam high and horn, SQB194$100; turn, part MGB, for 1978-79 1978-80 switch and Wiper Midget $150. flash, 37H8521 and MGB 1972-74 signal turn MGB 1972-74 SQB191, $150; switch, Parts wiper Contact: [email protected] SC SC [email protected] Contact: order. working good in Both head. aSpeedo MGB and Welcome.html http://home.comcast.net/~jdmasley/MGSafetyFast/ (651)at 335-2372 MN Jon call then and detail for more website View the at $2000. reasonable avery at Priced MG Magazines MG – Set Seat MGB Switches Lucas NOS switch headlight Lucas NOS Wanted 1973 Midget 1972 MGB 1963 — MGB Custom MGB Windshield - Windshield MGB Custom or (713)or 301-7620, TX [email protected] –Dave obo (713) Renner, $7000 683-0384 charm. and 1963 of patina Texas Lots plates. restored bonnet, on strap down tie leather lamp, fog top. Single needs tonneau, and new interior Partial new exhaust. and tank, gas style correct new belts, new hoses, new battery, ter, new brakes, new mas clutch carbs, Rebuilt around. all shocks and new springs with end front rebuilt tubes; and new tires with wheels wire good five great, Runs included. new. Certificate 1963 since Heritage as registered of production, month 1962, second (GHN3L1864) October survivor built pull-handle early Red/Black, MGB! of the Tartan niversary MN [email protected] embarqmail.com (763) Roger at shipping. 420-8159 rljlolson@ or $985 plus anew seal. with frame the in assembled Triplex New Moss glass frame. arefurbished on (508) 477-5657 MA [email protected] or obo. -$6000 Moore HD block; short spare seats, windshield, spare units, – clutch of new parts loads top; plus hard top soft new tires, MN embarqmail.com (763) Roger at shipping. 420-8159 rljlolson@ or $1125 plus for installation. ready and ing. Complete pip Red Black with rests. head style new teardrop includes set The frames. refurbished on webbing seat over and new foam installed professionally Jack Johnson, (386) 574-6147 Johnson, Jack FL for prices. condition). Call -good (used switches 2(new belts (used); -1975-79); seat gauges/ with dahs (new); bumper 1975-79; rack luggage rubber front Midget Parts - Parts Midget – Clean, runs well, always garaged; well, always garaged; runs – Clean, – Fuel injected, part of estate sale. sale. of estate part injected, – Fuel Just in time for the 50th an 50th for the time in Just convertible top with hardware (new) hardware with top convertible –MGB Driver PARTS SALE FOR New imported custom upholstery upholstery custom New imported WANTED – Parts 30580, 37H8522 – Parts New chrome plating plating New chrome , MG Abingdon Clas , MG Abingdon

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111211 030412 010212 030412 - - 030412 030412 111211 111211 - - Where 2 ‘B Where 2 ‘B Please check for up-to-date information before departing to the meet. The Register encourages local groups and clubs to submit their MG events to MGB Driver. Information must include date, • Aug 25-26 ...... British Car Show, Old Westbury, NY • www.liscots.org location, and contact phone number. Please submit events at least 3 months in advance to the • Aug 26...... UK Car Day, Rochester, NY • www.ukcarday.com MGB Driver Editor, 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or e-mail [email protected] • Sept 6-9...... MG Collier Cup Race, Watkins Glen, NY • www.mgvr.org MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2012 • Sept 7-8...... Brits in the Ozarks, Fayetteville, AR • www.britishironnwa.org • Sept 8...... Fallfest 2012, Bridgewater, NJ • [email protected] • July 9-13...... N A M G A R G T- 37, Dayton, OH • www.gt37.namgar.com • Sept 8...... British Car Show, El Segundo, CA • www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org • July 14...... Brits on the Delaware, Kintnersville, PA • www.tvrccna.org • Sept 9...... Chicagoland British Car Festival, Palatine, IL • www.britishcarunion.com • July 15...... British Car Show, Essex, ON • www.wdmgc.com • Sept 9...... Boots & Bonnets MG Show, El Segundo, CA • www.socalmgclub.org • July 15...... British Car Show, Gettysburg, PA • www.lancomgclub.com • Sept 15...... British Car Day, St Louis, MO • www.allbritishcarshow.com • July 16-17...... Grand Lake Tour, Grand Rapids, MI • [email protected] • Sept 15...... Brits on the Beach, Ocean Grove, NJ • www.pedc.org • July 17-19...... UM Summer Party, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universarsitymotorsltd.com • Sept 15...... British Car Show, Delaware City, DE • www.bccdelaware.com • July 15 ...... British Car Day, Cincinnati, OH • www.bccgc.com • Sept 15-16...... English Motors at Fairbrook Farms, • San Diego County, CA • [email protected] • July 20-22...... British Motoring Festival, Windsor, NS • www.britishmotoringfestival.com • Sept 15-16...... British Car Roundup, Clovis, CA • www.valleybritish.org • July 21-22...... Pittsburg Vintage Grand Prix, NAMGBR Regional Event, Pittsburg, PA • www.pvgp.org • Sept 15-16...... Classics on the Green, New Kent, VA • www.classicsonthegreen.com • July 24-27...... GOF Central, St Charles, IL • www.gofcentral.com • Sept 15-16...... English Motoring Conclave, Arvada, CO • www.thecoloradoconclave.com • July 25-29...... AMGCR Convention, Watkins Glen, NY • [email protected] • Sept 20-22...... Put-in-Bay Road Race, Sandusky, OH • www.pibroadrace.com • Aug...... British Car Day, Dayton, OH • www.mgcars.org.uk/mgccswoc • Sept 22...... British Motor Car Day, Newburgh, IN • www.sirbrit.com • Aug 4...... Pennypacker Mills British Car Day, Schwenksville, PA • www.dvcmg.com • Sept 23...... MGB 50th Anniversary Party, Blenheim Palace UK • www.mgb50.com • Aug 4...... Show of Dreams, Wolfeboro, NH • www.bcnh.org • Sept 29...... MG on the Rocks, Bel Air, MD • www.mgsofbaltimore.com • Aug 11-12...... Classic Sportscar Show, Alden, MI • www.twinbaybrits.com • Oct 6...... Fall Out 2012, Winona Lake, IN • www.nilbmc.org • Aug 11-12 ...... Brits on the Lake, Port Perry, ON • www.britsonthelake.com • Oct 19-20...... British Car Festival, Fairhope, AL • www.sabcc.org • Aug 16-17...... Grand Lake Tour, Kentwood, MI • [email protected] • Oct 20...... British Car Day, Mt Pleasant, SC • www.britishcarclubcharleston.com • Aug 17-19...... University Motors Summer Party, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universitymotorsltd.com • Oct 27...... British Field Meet, Safety Harbor, FL • www.tbahc.com • Aug 17-19...... MG Vintage Racers, Grattan Raceway, MI • www.mgvr.org • Nov 1-4 ...... MG Jamboree, Homosassa, FL • www.fsmgcc.com

Marty and behind Marty is Marybeth Chamberlain from the Keystone MG Car Club, Allentown, PA White MGB posing at the 2012 Britfest in Succasunna, NJ.. Owner unknown. at the 2012 Britfest in Succasunna, NJ. NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P.O. BOX 55 Whittington, IL 62897-0055 Address Service Requested