Inside: • Readers Ride — Flint • MG 2014 Update • Moss Challenge 1 & 2 • Ken’s Corner • MGs in the Holy Land • MG News

Vol. 24, No. 2 March / April 2014 THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER MG 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 MG. 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 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0876 Toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 • www.namgbr.org OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR 6 2 6-4 2 7 1 PUBLICITY Jeff Taylor COORDINATOR: 1645 NW 23rd St. CHAIRMAN: R. Alan Magnuson Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 7754 S. Waco Street 541-753-0777 Centennial, CO 80016 [email protected] 303-400-8076 [email protected] CONVENTION/AGM Tony & Lynne Burgess VICE-CHAIRMAN: Jeff Taylor COORDINATOR: 318 Hampton Park 1645 NW 23rd St. Westerville, OH 43081 Corvallis, OR 97330-1956 (614) 899-2394 541-753-0777 (614) 899-2493 fax [email protected] [email protected]

TECHNICAL John H. Twist SECRETARY: Bruce Wyckoff COORDINATOR: 4571 Patterson Avenue SE 10975 Aspen Trl. Grand Rapids, MI 49512 Zeeland, MI 49464 (616) 301-2888 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] [email protected] REGALIA Connie Wyckoff TREASURER: Dave Mullen COORDINATOR: 10975 Aspen Trl. 5266 Woodridge Drive Zeeland, MI 49464 Newburgh, IN 47630 (616) 748-0580 (812) 853-5108 [email protected] [email protected] Denny Elimon COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR WEBSITE 103 Woodcreek Court COORDINATOR: EDITOR: Robert Rushing Mahomet, Ill. 61853 THE MG DRIVER 5444 Sutherland Ave. (217) 649-6925 St. Louis, MO 63109 (708) 221-6435 - Fax (314) 614-4671 [email protected] [email protected]

ADVERTISING Charles E. de Bourbon CONCOURS Bob Gloyd & PRODUCTION PO Box 293 COORDINATOR: 19692 East Garden Drive COORDINATOR Del. Water Gap, PA 18327 Centennial, Colorado 80015 ART DIRECTOR (570) 460-6370 Phone - (303) 263-8189 [email protected] [email protected]

SERVICE Bruce Wyckoff EDITORS EMERITUS: Ken Smith RECOMMENDATION 10975 Aspen Trl. Kim Tonry COORDINATOR: Zeeland, Mi 49464 (616) 748-0580 [email protected] FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 62. 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. MG Driver Magazine ©2014 All rights reserved. Any part of this publication may be reproduced by members and member clubs only, with the expressed credit given to “The MG Driver Magazine” — Editor Robert Rushing. All images in this MG Driver ©2014-BGA Studios.com/Charles de Bourbon, unless otherwise noted. Robert Rushing Classifieds & Page 5 Where to B • From the Editor Page 66, 67 Alan Magnuson Editor’s View Page 7 John Twist • Chairman’s Chat Page 56 Bruce Wyckoff • Tech Talk Page 9

Reports • From the Secretary Robert Rushing Editor On the Inside The MG Driver

MGB Registrar MG 2014 Update n this issue of The MG Driver, I think at one-point per stop, they did some Jack Long Denny Elimon we’ve got a very cool story for you – big time driving! If you missed out Page 11 Page 27 I an owner’s review of the “new” MG on the Challenge, don’t fret – Moss LE50! I’ve been drooling over these is holding another contest again this cars for the past year and hope to get to year with new stops and point oppor- Book Reviews see and ride in one soon. tunities. Just go to www.mossmotors. 1500 Midget Registrar Also in this issue, you’ll see two com to sign up. Hats off to Moss! Steve Olson Robert Rushing stories on the 2013 Moss Challenge. For those who use Facebook, Page 13 Page 28 For those of you not familiar with please join the NAMGBR page. We’re the Challenge, it is a scavenger hunt almost up to 400 members. It’s a of sorts that Moss Motors created to great way to share photos, restoration 1974½ MGB Registrar “B” ing Reunited encourage owners of our cars to get out updates, and get the latest convention Dennis Taylor Tom Reardon and use them more. The goal was the news. To join, just log onto Facebook, Page 30 Page 15 get a photo of you, your car, and the search for NAMGBR. When you click contest flyer in front of an official sign on the page, just click the button to at one of the locations on the list. The join – it’s as easy as that. Some of the Ken’s Korner Past Perfect MGB/GT LE50 main stops were cities A-Z, counties latest postings include a link to the Tom Wilson Ken Smith A-Z, states, provinces, national forests, new MG3 eBrochure, a YouTube video Page 17 Page 34 national historic sites, car shows, etc. on the history of MG, a short video There were also several opportunities on MG 2013, some travel photos, and Moss Challenge 1: for bonus points. I participated and a great video on the disassembly and had a blast. I think I covered more reassembly of a 1500 Midget engine in MGC Registrar Bucket List Rob Lillis miles and had more fun in my MG less than 2 minutes set to the music of John Roger than I have had in years. The top four “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. Page 18 Page 39 places all scored over 100 points, and Join today! Moss Challenge 2: Falling in Love Again Letters to the Editor Robert Guy Harvey Page 19 Page 43 Simple Stuff: What Could Be Simpler Readers Ride Than a Washer On the Covers Andy & Susan Flint Bob Virikas, MG Car Club Front: Tom Wilson’s MGB/GT the LE50 Page 20 Washington DC Centre Page 46 Back: Overlooking Pennsylvania woodlands. Terry Allen and MGs in the Holy Land UK-Styled Dash LHD Dash George deWalter known as the “Hospitable Duo” from the Koby Millo David Balkwill south. Great fans of all things MG and NAMGBR. Israeli Classic Car Club Page 48 Page 21

Brake Pressure Differential Warning Assembly Dave Braun, Minnesota MG Group Page 52 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 5 Chairman’s Chat

Alan Magnuson Chairman NAMGBR

pringtime is arriving and the able confidence is that no M.G. built 2014 MG and British automotive before late 1927 is likely to have had an S calendar is filling up with events. enamelled M.G. radiator badge as an MG 2014 will be held in just over three original fitting.” months. The event is shaping up to be According to Peter Neal, MGCC the largest gathering of the Marque of England, Kimber House Archivist, of Friendship in North America in “The designer of the MG logo was Ed- 2014. We encourage you to register for mund (Ted) Lee. The simple octagonal MG 2014 events and dinners as well logo design was drawn up at a time as your hotel room in French Lick, when Art Deco was all the rage and the Indiana. As a reminder, discounted octagon was a popular and significant early registration closes May 1, 2014. part of that movement. In fact it was The local organizing committee and designed by a very young trainee ac- your NAMGBR board look forward to countant at the Queen Street premises visiting with you in French Lick. who went on to become the Chief MG’s 90th Anniversary is being Accountant for the Morris Garages celebrated in 2014. The MG Car Club Group in later years. Both Kimber and of England has many events planned Morris liked it and adopted it with- including MG90 at Silverstone, June out change.” Thanks to Peter for his 21-22. The festivities include a 90 year assistance as we begin this historical timeline of MGs, racing, displays, and 90th year. many other fun activities with MG Over the years, MG continued friends from around the world (www. to evolve in design and performance, mgcc.co.uk). perpetuating the excitement begun in As we enter the 90th year of the the 1920s. MG owners of each era have marque, I believe it is fitting to review come to be known for our loyalty to MG’s history. Cecil Kimber, manager the marque and of all things octago- of Morris Garages for William Mor- nal. This devotion to MG propelled the ris, was interested in upgrading the marque to become the most popular Morris with styling and performance sports car in the world. enhancements. Kimber first created Lastly, I’d like to recognize Col. customized cars by fitting coach-built Robert Swetzer, who recently stepped tourer bodies to the Morris Cowley down after five years of service as the chassis, called the Morris Garage Midget Registrar. We appreciate his Chummys. In 1924, he designed the enthusiasm for gathering information 14/28 Super Sports model, the first from owners of both early and 1500 MG badged car with logos located at Midgets. the bottom of each door opening. See you in French Lick! The 1927 14/40 had an MG logo on the grill and several about the car. Safety Fast! Wilson McComb in MG by McComb states, “All one can say with reason- Alan

6 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 7 Secretary’s Report

Bruce Wyckoff Secretary NAMGBR ith spring just around the Matthew & Kevin Allocca corner, I hope everyone has – Manakin Sabot, VA W been working on his or her Michael Gaggiano cars. MG 2014 and the drive to French – Port Charlotte, FL Lick Indiana will be here sooner then Glenn Campbell – Silvis, IL you think! George Van Horn – Collegeville, PA In the last issue of The MG Driver, Dan & Mary Kerkman –Lake Villa, IL I was remiss in not thanking Rob- Brian Tidmarsh ert Swetzer, our retiring MG Midget – Stouffville, ON Canada Registrar for the last five years for his Keith Turner – Jackson, MS service to NAMGBR. Thank you Robert Jeffrey Rose – Spring City, PA for representing the Midget owners David Craddock – Redford, MI within the NAMGBR family! David Windisch – Solon, IA Once again we have a number of Bill Sendelback – Dallas, TX new members to add to the NAMGBR Michael Smith – Fort Collins, CO family. Lets give them all a big wel- Charles Mosher – Houston, TX come! We also extend a warm welcome Ueli Scharer – Mission Viejo, CA to the many MGC owners who are Tim Dunham – Dayton, OH joining with this issue. Rick Dutot – Leamington, ON Canada Cynthia Criteser – Westland, MI James McEwen – Charlotte, NC Bill Kalafut – Westmont, IL Jean-Paul McGraw Paul Morrissette – Annandale, NJ – Windsor, ON Canada Brad Peace – Helotes, TX Pierre De Rouck – Zele Belgium Daniel Rogalny – Essexville, MI Bruce Beneditz – Roscoe, IL John Hayes – New Florence, PA Kevin O'Brien – Stony Brook, NY Dennis LeSuer – Auburn, ME Ken Hayes – Forth Worth, TX Timothy Shaw – Milan, MI Brian Woolliams – Peyton, CO William Rivenbark–Coral Gables, FL Bruce

At the Mitty 2013, all MG line up heading for a lap around the race track.

8 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 9 MGB Registrar

Jack Long MGB Registrar NAMGBR

owned by Ian Pender. Ken Bottini of Bellevue, Wash- ington, registered a small fleet of MGBs, including his 1963 MGB vintage race car (still sporting license plates), a 1964 MGB, and a 1974 MGB V8 conver- sion. I have never driven an MGB V8 but suspect there are more than a few embarrassed modern s I write this, we are experienc- muscle cars when these folks are out ing some pretty wild winter and about. A weather with temperatures vary- William Thiess of Oldsmar, ing 50-degrees or more from one day Florida, registered his 1970 MGB in to the next here in the mid-Atlantic, BRG over black; Kirk Prentiss reg- and it’s hard to think that top down istered his 1970 MGB GT; Michael weather will be with us soon. For the Renton from Ottawa, Ontario, last month, my snow blower has got- registered his Pageant Blue 79 MGB; ten more miles than my MGs. Never- Mario Correa, from down in the West theless, driving season will soon be Texas town of El Paso, sent in his 1976 here and I hope all of you are making MGB; Dennis LeSuer from Auburn, good progress on your winter MG Maine, submitted his 1972 MGB; Brad projects so that when spring arrives Peace of Helotes, Texas, registered his you can start racking up the miles and 1973 MGB/GT which sports a slightly smiles. earlier 18GK engine; Bill Kalafut, Winter has been a busy registra- from Westmont Illinois, registered tion period with lots of new cars and his red 1970 MGB; Dennis Urick of cars changing hands to report from all Glen Allen, Virginia, registered his corners of the continent. Jim Tabor of 1972 MGB in the rare Teal color; James San Antonio, Texas, regis- tered his 1979 MGB, origi- nally built by Leonard Marshall, which features a Ford 302 V8, Ford rear and 5-speed. Michael Gag- giano of Port Charlotte, Florida, also registered a V8 car, this one a 1978 MGB originally built by Glenn Towery around 1995 and previously

10 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 11 McEwen from Charlotte, North Carolina, registered his 1973 MGB; Derek Brayley of Shelburne, 1500 Midget Registrar Ontario, submitted his 1976 MGB which sports a chrome bumper conver- sion, 5-speed and 2-liter Steve Olson engine; Ian Wood added 1500 Midget Registrar his 1974 MGB/GT which NAMGBR awaits restoration and his 1977 MGB which is nearing completion; and over black 1967 MGB; Bill Greenwood ust in case you think your 1500 aftermarket gears of 3.5. Of course, Glenn Campbell of Silvis, Illinois, of Gahanna, Ohio, registered his right- Midget isn’t capable of long dis- first gear now may be too high for registered his 1974 MGB, which was hand drive 1972 MGB/GT; and Harvey J tance, high speed highway travel, easy start up especially when going up bought new by his uncle in September Berliner of Acton, Massachusetts, reg- we drove our bone stock 1976 Midg- steep hills. It takes a strong engine or 1974, given to Glenn by his father in istered his BRG over black 1965 MGB, et for years before making upgrades. a willingness to replace clutches more October 2013, and has only 13,440 which he uses as a daily driver, so he Yes, driving all day with the tack often for this choice. miles on it. Anyone who wants a great also qualifies for the Hammer & Tongs reading well above 4K in 100+ degree For the rubber bumpered cars that reference as to what an original ’74 Register. weather may have not been the most used the Triumph Spitfire 1500 engine MGB looks like, reach out to Glenn – I Finally, we received a registration relaxed cruising; but we and the car and drive train like mine, there is the bet it still has British air in its tires! for Derek Cook’s 1971 MGB/GT, which survived it just fine. Only in later years opportunity to swap in an overdrive Also, Jeff Rose from Spring City, is scheduled for a steel dash donation have I tried to find ways to increase from a Spitfire. For some reason, the Pennsylvania, registered his 1974 from his parts car, a 1967 GT. Derek power and give the car longer legs. clever management at MG didn’t offer MGB/GT in Harvest Gold over Black; worked at Pressed Steel in Swindon, There are several ways to reduce this as an option. The body modifica- Chuck and Marsha Irvin of Center- Wiltshire, until 1970 and may well the high RPMs that sound like you tion needed is really quite minor. I ville, Ohio, sent in their 1970 MGB have helped to stamp out many of the are hurting all those busy parts under swapped mine in with just a day or so’s in BRG over Black; Donald Bartley of body panels on our MGBs. Thanks for the bonnet. The cheapest is to simply work. Unfortunately, those Spitfire Valparaiso, Indiana, registered his red the good work, Derek! drive slower. Limiting your maximum overdrive transmissions are becoming speed to say 55 will make you a hazard scarce and pricey; but if you can find to navigation and cause those drivers one it gives you a 5th speed that re- in a hurry to curse you, but eventually duces RPM nearly 20%. In theory you you will still arrive at your destination. can also use the overdrive in 3rd gear, Back when the national speed limit but the ratio there is almost exactly was just 55, people still traveled and the same as 4th gear direct. It comes I am told that a few even obeyed the in handy to easily shift down and limit. up in 3rd with just a click of a switch Next cheapest is to mount taller sometimes, however I find I rarely use tires on the rear wheels. It doesn’t overdrive except in 4th. take a lot of tire diameter up-size to And for some real money there change the final gear ratio. Handling are vendors offering 5-speed transmis- may suffer slightly and, of course, your sions and adapters from various later speedo will read less than you are actu- cars, mostly Japanese, that will not ally going, but these days most folks only give you a tall gear to cruise with, can rely on their GPS device for speed but probably add reliability as well. indication. Had I been aware of this option back Perhaps the next fairly inexpen- when I was picking a transmission for sive change would be to swap rear my car, I might well have invested the end gears. Starting in late 1977, the extra money. Well, maybe not. Every- factory replaced the 3.9 gears with 3.7 body knows how thrifty (cheap?) I am. – so many parts cars will have them. Select the option that fits your Early Midgets with chrome bumpers budget and then plan to get your 1500 had even deeper gears. Now there are Midget out for a long road trip.

12 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 13 1974½ MGB Registrar

I received the following from Scott Perry, the previous 1974 1/2 Registrar, af- ter succumbing to my threats about stories Dennis Taylor of my granddaughters if I didn’t receive 1974½ Registrar some articles! NAMGBR A Special '74 1/2 Article and images provided by Scott Perry

ot too long ago I moved on from be- N ing Registrar for the '74.5s and handed things off to Dennis. I had sold my B/GT in favor of a CGT with the Automatic fortune I ended up buying it to replace transmission, the fulfillment of an MG the C over a year later. Wouldn't you dream of sorts. It was great fun. know it, I came full circle. This car, During that time I came across with a November build date, had been a very special Blaze Red '74 1/2 B first sold in Orange County, Califor- Roadster at MG 2011 in Reno. It was nia, and spent its entire life in that a 40k original mile car, completely general area until I bought it. stock, complete, and the perfect basis I was first drawn to look at it be- for documenting how these were from cause of the original finish and hand- new. After the show, I never forgot painted pin striping. Ok, it isn't the about that B and through some good

14 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 15 I knew right off that the bushings were in dire need Article and images provided by so I did those, the gaiters, Ken Smith tie rod ends, and generally Ken’s Korner cleaned up that whole area next. The tires were ap- proaching 20 years old so those were replaced at that time as well. It didn't take long for the water pump to go so that gave me cause to detail the engine bay as best I could and bring that area up to visual snuff. Along the way, I've added a new stock style/sounding Bell stainless steel exhaust system, Rob- most masculine thing ever, but very bins zipper window top, new heater hirty years ago we came to the clined to accept it saying she needed a 1974 feeling and in such clean, unre- valve, and battery as well. States and were delighted to be “proper” car to go to college in! Even- stored shape. The more I looked, the Keeping it original is my first loaned a 1980 Limited Edition tually the car was sold to Tom Kerkstra more I liked and over the next year or T priority but I'm not above updating MGB by our late friend, Pat Amereena in Michigan with 11,000 miles on the so I kept in touch with Dan, the owner, things where I feel appropriate. I added in Chicago. The car barely had delivery clock and to the best of my knowledge who had driven it up to Reno for the a front sway bar from a later car, used mileage on the clock totaling some is still cared for by Tom’s widow, Roz. show. When it came time to buy, we poly for the bushings, upgraded the eleven miles, and the memories of This was not our first encounter did it the whole thing sight-unseen as alternator to 43 amps, etc. It's very driving it were brought home while with a Limited Edition MGB as we had I knew the car well enough from that hard to spot what I've done in that sorting out some photos over our an- driven the prototype brought over first and only visit on the show field. regard which is just what I intended. It nual New Year clearout. to the German MG meet in 1979 at I wasn't disappointed when I may look a lot like the day I bought it, We drove the car to the National Hausach by Peter Frearson, Plant Man- finally saw it again and happily drove but a lot of work has gone into bring- Railroad museum in St Louis and also ager at MG. This car #492071 is now the 130 miles home without inci- ing it back to the current mechanical to a wonderful horse ranch up in Illi- looked after by Troy Bell up in Canada. dent. It was then I really got to dig into spec. I've got it now to where I can just nois. We also paid a visit to our friends Other adventures with early LEs the car, all that original paperwork, open the garage, pull the cover and at Victoria British while spending the included a drive to a meet in New York and get a sense of what a great find hit the road. It's in top shape and I night in Kansas City. All in all we put State where our friend Doug in Indiana it was. Sold new at Herb Friedlander drive it weekly. I'm like a proud father about a thousand miles on the clock of had just purchased a new Limited Edi- Imports on April 5, 1975, it remained with this B and really enjoy being its this new vehicle. tion. He loaned us his previous MGB within ten miles of the dealer for vir- caretaker. Pat had originally purchased the wheels to make the trip across coun- tually its whole life. Clearly it had car for his daughter’s birthday, but try, but due to an unfortunate set of been garage-kept judging by the when it was offered to her, she de- circumstances his brand new LE ended original paint and unmarked bum- up being towed home behind a U-Haul pers. The manuals and handwritten truck having being hit by a careless NY logbook were in the glovebox docu- driver rendering it undriveable! menting the car's entire existence. In other news, in December an an- Everything was there and worked nual reunion of MG factory employees as it should, but it didn't take long was held and here’s a shot of the peo- to realize it hadn't seen any real use ple some of whom probably built your or maintenance since the mid-90s MG! Over 120 ex-employees attended! (save that drive to Reno). Our correspondent said many memo- My plan for the car was simple, ries were exchanged. The number of just refresh it and keep as original as ex-employees dwindles every year, but possible. First off, I buffed the paint this was only to be expected, after all and brought all the gloss right back, it was over thirty years since the MG what a difference. I then went down factory closed. Don Hayter was unable the punch list of maintenance to attend as he is in the process of mov- starting with all the fluid flushing/ Pat Amereena’s MGB LE ing house and selling his MGB. renewals and suspension needs. Ken 16 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 17 MGC Registrar Letters to the Editor Robert, ping up to host. John Rogers Just got back from the UK where it As you probably saw, MG 2014 is still raining. Saw the so-called new MG will be in Indiana, and MG 2015 will MGC Registrar be in Niagara Falls, Ont. MG 2016 is NAMGBR four door China car being assembled at the old Longbridge factory… not im- the "ALL REGISTER" MG event, held every five years. ith the beginning of the New pressed! It sells for about sixteen thousand Our outgoing Chairman, Richard Year, the North American early enthusiasm indicates a large bucks. Makes me think of the Yugo! Liddick, actively tried to solicit Clubs W MGC Register has seen an MGC turn-out, most likely the biggest — Geoff Wheatley to host, but with little luck. Would influx of new members. Once again in years. your Club be interested in hosting NAMGBR welcomes those who have The “North Meets South” in Geoff, I’ve heard some of the same MG 2017? The show we held there in recently joined. You are all encour- Pismo Beach, California, will be held reviews. I’m hoping that we start 2005 was a really fun event. aged to register your MGCs. The easiest on May 2-3, 2014. This is a NAMGBR seeing some improvements soon! I'd be happy to discuss what's way to register is on the NAMGBR web regional event which the MGC Regis- involved, the benefits to your club, and the effort needed if you'd like site, under the Registrar’s/Registration ter has been invited to and will be an Robert, I’m very curious why MG 2015 will to consider this. Hope that answers header on www.namgbr.org. excellent opportunity for MGC own- your question. —Tony Burgess It’s that time of the year when ers on the West Coast to show their be held in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Not to say that wouldn’t be a great place to have winter is not quite over, but spring is cars and meet other owners. MGC Dear Editor, still a few weeks away. Some of you enthusiasts from Arizona, California, a convention, but I was under the impres- sion that every other year the convention I just read with great sorrow the are working on major projects, while Nevada, Oregon and Washington have passing of Kjell Qvale in the recent edition others are thinking about getting their shown interest in attending. For more would be held in the West. Inquiring minds need to know… — Joe & Barb Hahn of The MG Driver magazine. I actually MGC out of hibernation. Regardless of information and registration details go worked for Kjell Qvale when I was a very the status of your MGC it is the time to www.paradisebritishcarclub.com. Answering is Tony Burgess, young sales consultant at British Motors of year to make plans for attending In the last MG Driver, our Logo NAMGBR Convention Coordinator: of Sacramento in 1977. You will see from this year’s events. I hope your MGC contest for the North American MGC the attached 1977 MGB price list that Register was opened for submissions. vacation plans will include MG-2014 Hi Joe and Barb, Kjell is the Chairman of the Board. My at French Lick, Indiana. NAMGBR has At this time the deadline for submis- Thanks for your note. Where supervisor at British Motors was Mr. Ber- scheduled the convention during the sions is being extended by two weeks the shows are held has a lot to do nard Hogan, VP and General Manager. week to allow travel time on the week- to March 15, 2014. Entries need to be with what Club offers to host the I also attached a picture of Kjell and ends so those within three days only submitted to me either by e-mail or event. There has never really been I that was taken four years ago when he need to take a week of vacation time. regular mail. All rights for use be- a conscious decision or guideline to was the Grand Marshall at the Niello hold them in one part of the country The Sunday night Opening Reception come the property of NAMGBR upon Concours which honored the British will have a specific MGC “Meet and submission. The size needs to be about or another. Since about 65% of the cars are east of the Mississippi, the Automobile. Greet” area for all of us to get acquaint- 4X4 inches and keep in mind it can be Respectfully submitted, —Paul Lewis any shape, but needs to be about the pattern has been about 2 shows east ed. The Shoviak’s will have a special to one show west. But again, this has Historical MGC presentation set up, size of a T-shirt pocket. It should be no been based upon a local Club step- Thanks for sharing that Paul! so get your car pictures to Tony to be more than four colors. If you have a included on this display –tenntony@ rough idea sketch it out and send it in, roadrunner.com we have a graphic artist that will fine On Monday morning, a non- tune it. hosted MGC Register Breakfast is We have received many MGC scheduled in the French Licks Hotel articles for The MG Driver. Robert and Restaurant so if you want to meet up, I would like to thank those who have come on down. Take a look at the other contributed and encourage others scheduled activities at www.MG-2014. to get involved by sending in a short com. I’ve said in my previous reports article about your MGC. Pictures are this is going to be a premier event for always welcome too. As always, send the MGC, one you won’t want to miss. in your ideas, suggestions, and what Already many MGC owners coming you expect or want from your MGC from all corners of North America Register. have made their reservations. This John MG 2013 - Oregon State University. MG showfield through the pillars of Memorial Hall. 18 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 19 Readers Ride — Andy & Susie Flint MGs & MGC in the Holy Land

Article and images provided by istration numbers with only 5-digits Koby Millo, Israeli Classic Car Club (later changed to 6 in the 60s & 70s, and 7-digits ever since). The club has y name is Koby Millo, a 52 now 850 members, with around 3,000 year old mechanical engineer cars. It is a general club, not dedicated M from Tel-Aviv, and so far I am to any specific car make. The numbers the only Israeli member of the MGC here are too small for a dedicated “one Article and images provided by women with small dogs and British Register of the NAMGBR. I wasn’t con- make” car, with the exception of the Andy & Susie Flint cars”. Well, after Susan took me for a vinced that the distinguished readers local Alfa-Romeo club which is affili- ride in the MG, I forgot all about my of The MG Driver would be interested ated with the Five Club anyway. oon after graduating from the father’s advice (besides, Susie’s small to learn how and why it all happened, And now for MGs – before 1948, University of Michigan, my fu- dog had gone on to his reward a couple but a short and determined email from when Israel was still under British S ture wife, Susie, took delivery in of years earlier). John Rogers (our MGC Registrar) was mandate, a few TCs were imported London of a brand new 1966 MGB. She I had been used to driving cars convincing enough… by the local British Police, and some and her friend drove the B all through made in Stuttgart and driving the So, a little background about the of them survived. One J2 is also Europe before shipping the car back MG was a revelation. No wonder the classic car scene in Israel in gen- known. There was no official import to Michigan (via New Orleans) for the English were triumphant during the eral, and MGs in particular: Israel is a of Abingdon-built MGs after 1948, so start of graduate school. The B was Battle of Britain! I have been driving young state, so it’s no surprise that in most arrived here as a personal import driven daily through Michigan win- the B ever since, always with a sense of its first years people were more busy re- of diplomats, tourists, and new- ters and Alabama summers, sometimes adventure. The car was repainted and building the county than restoring old immigrants. No wonder the numbers with a complaint or two. the interior restored by John Twist 25 cars. The Israeli Classic Car club was were small, maybe a few dozen, mainly I met Susan in 1972 in Birming- years ago. There have been the usual founded in 1985 and I am one of its MGBs. Since 1993, and after much lob- ham, Alabama, where I had begun my small problems, but overall the car founding members. The club’s name bying by the Five Club, one can import medical residency. Years earlier, my has been as sturdy and as much fun as in Israel is “The Five Club”, because in a classic car to Israel as long as it is father had advised me to “beware of our marriage. There will always be an 1985 classic cars were from the 50s and more than 30 years old. Such cars also England and maybe a MG or two. below, and such cars in Israel have reg- get lots of benefits and discounts in 20 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 21 challenge and changed this unfortunate situa- tion… I was a classic car fan since I remember for myself. My father had a car repair shop in Tel-Aviv for many years, so you could say I got it in my blood… I cannot remember exactly the first time I saw an MGB, and back then it was a very rare sight in Israel; but when I got my driv- ing license at the age of 17, I knew I’d have one. Koby Millo and his new MGC. It took four years, but The entire MGC Register in Israel. just too cramped in there… I took a the insurance, yearly tax, etc., which in 1982, when I got my first salary as a which had less than ten MGBs at the test drive in a friend’s car and felt “on is good for us! This change opened young Lieutenant in the IDF, I bought time – quite a challenge! My MGB the car” and not “in the car”. So, back the way for many more MGs that were a 1966 MGB roadster. It was my first became my pride and joy and I kept it to basics – the MGB body fits me like imported as classic cars since 1993. entry into the fascinating world of as a weekend toy. I love the style, the a glove, and I like six-cylinder in-line I keep records of MGs in Israel as MGs, and I fell in love. roomy cockpit (at 6’1” and 220 lbs. I engines – the answer was of course the a kind of “non-official register”. At I kept the B for few years as my need the room…), the torquey engine, MGC. It’s also rare enough to satisfy the moment there are more than 70 daily driver, but it needed a body and the handling. Slowly but surely the basic collector’s desire to have cars, ranging from a 1930 J2 to a 1980 restoration I couldn’t afford as a poor as the internet evolved, eBay became “something special”, and hey, I’m an Midget. The most popular model is, of student and it was sold. A few years available, and it became much easier to MG man, not a Jag guy. course, the MGB roadster with more passed, and in 1995 I found another B, keep the car, even in Israel. Alas, there was one small prob- than 20 cars, and the rarities are the this time an American spec 1969, with When I was approaching my late lem – there was no MGCs in Israel and J2 mentioned before, and a lovely YT. wire wheels and OD. It had only one 40s, I wanted a new toy, but it had to I needed to import. So, as the holy Many MG owners are members of the carburetor, the OD didn’t work, but be British and this time I wanted a books say – “in case of trouble, thou Israeli Classic Car Club, and take part the potential was there. I rebuilt the bigger engine, preferably an in-line six shalt search the Internet”. I knew I had in the club’s weekly meetings, rallies, engine, fixed the OD, put back twin which is my favorite engine configu- to search in the USA, because I could and shows. Up until three years ago, SUs, and an original exhaust manifold ration. I was playing with the idea not import a RHD car and anyhow there were no MGCs in Israel, but as – all that was from sources found with- of a Jaguar E-Type, but on top of the most MGCs arrived to North America. you’ll soon see, yours truly took the out the Internet and eBay, in a country sky-high prices, I found out that it is I searched eBay, Craigslist, etc., but

22 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 23 was not happy with the available cars. car on a ramp… and guess what – there Cosmetically, the car looked good, sive status as the only MGC owner in They were either too expensive or too was an OD that was not used for more but I replaced the mirrors, grill, and Israel, until few a months ago, when shabby. I was looking for a nice driver, than 22 years because the previous various chrome bits, plus – a new set of I lost this status – and even helped it with a good body and interior. I didn’t owner didn’t know about it! wire wheels (cost me a small fortune happen. I was fortunate to attend the mind mechanical issues because that’s The car was taken home after with shipping and customs!), instead famous Hershey Fall Antique Auto what I like to fix and it’s easier to mail the mandatory and costly custom of the original set which no one knew Show and helped a fellow Israeli classic to Israel a head-gasket set than a front clearance, and I started the process how to true in Israel... car enthusiast to inspect a lovely BRG fender… of checking and refreshing her as I must take the opportunity MGC that was offered for sale. The car One day I found the AMGCR on needed. Good used rear exhaust mani- and thank the members of the MGC arrived to Israel and joined my MGC. the Internet, and a great guy called fold was sourced in the USA to replace forum in mgexperience.net – I got We have just doubled the size of the Mark Saylor who was editing their the cracked one, the head gasket was from this forum tons of information, MGC Register in Israel! To add another newsletter. I joined the register and replaced, valve job, carburetors were help, and useful links to part sources. happy MG story, another Israeli guy was bombarded by Mark with details rebuilt, new radiator core, a rebuilt wa- The camaraderie shown among the bought in Hershey a beautiful 1954 of cars for sale which were not adver- ter pump (it gets hot here in the sum- members was unbelievable. The result MG-TF, and it is the first here. We had tised anywhere, but in the register’s mer…), suspension, electric system, of my little project is a nice driver-level TCs, TDs, MGAs, but no TFs. So now newsletter. One such advertisement and numerous small mechanical tasks. MGC, which I use every weekend for there is a full line of all the MG post- caught my eyes – it described a nice club meetings and trips. Unlike many war models, and we are planning to driver-level car, with a very reason- places in the USA, snow is not an issue celebrate it in a large MG gathering in able price. I should point that when here – last time it snowed in Tel-Aviv Tel-Aviv. you import a classic car to Israel, you was in 1950, so nice sunny winter days So, if you ever get to this side of should pay not only the shipment, are great for a British Roadster. Actu- the ocean and visit the Holy Land, but also customs – and that’s a lot! ally, summer is more of a problem, please remember there are also some The specs were perfect – red, 1969, 4 because sometimes it’s just too hot and MGs around; and a certain MGC speed and OD – just like I dreamed of humid to drive top-down without an owner who would be happy to take it. When I first got the pictures in the AC unit. you in his car to one of the clubs email, I knew this is going to be my The old MGB was sold to a good meetings – please accept it as an “open MGC. The owner, and elderly gentle- friend who takes good care of her, and invitation” and don’t forget to note my men from Rochester, New York, who for three years I enjoyed my exclu- email – [email protected]. kept the car for 22 years, decided that at the age of 82 it was time to let the MGC go, and was excited by the idea that the car will be the first in Israel. He was very kind and cooperative during the whole process and I thank him for that. One point that puzzled me was that he insisted that there was no OD in the car, and there was a mistake in the advertisement. That was strange, since I knew that all 69 American-spec MGCs had ODs, so I decided to take the chance and buy it as-is. After the longest month of my life (those container ships are very slow…), the MGC arrived to the port of Ash- dod in Israel. It’s quite hard to describe the excitement I had seeing her for the first time in the port. The first thing I did was to lie besides the car and push my hand underneath, holding a digital camera under the transmission – that’s was the only way I could check if the OD is there without putting the

24 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 25 MG 2014 Update By Denny Elimon Splash indoor water park. · Schedule a bus trip to s I write this, there are several Nashville, Indiana. inches of snow and below zero · Learn the art of chocolate mak- A temperatures – which means ing or decorate a Ukrainian egg. it’s time to think about your summer · Bring your valve cover pre- MG adventures! Start finishing those pared to race the competition. Age garage repairs to get ready for the driv- will not be a factor. ing season. At the time of this publica- · The Funkana activities will tion, MG 2014 will be held in less than challenge your driving skills & test one hundred days on June 15- 19 in your cooperation. French Lick, Indiana. For now, just kick back and dream of driving those challenging roads and participating in numerous scheduled events – in some glorious summer weather. If you have not reserved your room better hurry as rooms are going fast. For those planning on attending, we would appreciate and need your event reservations. Reservations provide the planning committee with information for scheduling events so The show field has plenty of space register today! around the outside for club tents. If you’d like to promote your local club or Some of the many unique oppor- just provide a place for your member- tunities awaiting your arrival at MG ship to gather, please bring along your 2014 are: tent and let us know. · Enjoy historic French Lick with Your host clubs and committee the Resort & West Baden hotels. members have continued to strive to · Travel beautiful roads in the ensure that MG 2014 will be a con- Hoosier National Forest. vention to remember. Early indica- · Take advantage of self-guided tions indicate that this will be one of tours of the local area. North American MGB Registers largest · Enjoy Tech sessions designed to events. French Lick Resort & West “Keep you on the Road”. Baden Hotel offers adequate rooms to · Take advantage of John Twist house all participants, but you must rolling tech session. register early as other groups are plan- · Sign up for an evening Drive-In ning their events and may take those · Venture to Spring Mills State rooms. Again we would appreciate Park for a visit and dinner. your event reservations to better plan · Interested in a racing chal- the event. lenge? Plan on scheduling time at Visit www.mg2014.com for con- the local kart track. vention updates on rooms, schedules, · Local restaurants and the Big etc. Beat the blah’s register today!

26 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 27 Book Reviews

Veloce Publishing Peter Burgess produced what is argu- www.velocebooks.com ably the most comprehensive book ever written on MGB cylinder heads. I eloce has published three didn’t think he could expand on that updated editions to three very topic, but I was wrong. He goes into a V popular MGB books – Roger number of new areas like discussion Williams’ MGB & MGB GT Expert on the new alloy cylinder heads (they Guide, How to Power Tune MGB 4-Cyl- need some work to get them perform inder Engines by Peter Burgess, and as well as a modified iron head), lubri- the third edition for MGB Electrical cation and cooling system improve- MGB & MGB GT – Your Expert Guide Systems by Rick Astley (which shows ments, tons of data on cam timing, to Problems and How to Fix Them you just how popular that book is!). preparing your car for a rolling road By Roger Williams (dyno) session, as well as some non- 978-1-903706-50-3 First off, I’d like to say that in their ISBN original form, all three of these books engine improvements to improve your should be mandatory for every MGB car’s handling. If you want to get more owner. Now with the updated editions power out of your MGB, you need to I can state that even more fully. Let’s read this book. It will tell you what to start off with Roger Williams’ Expert expect for lifter, exhaust, ignition, or Guide. His book is part of what is carburetor upgrades and how to get known as the “Auto Doc” series where them to work with your engine (there’s the most common faults are diagnosed a lot more to it than just bolting parts by describing the sound, the vibration/ on). feel, and even the smell of what is go- Finally, in “MGB Electrical Sys- ing on to help explain what is broken tems”, Rick Astley has managed to find and then it goes on with great infor- even more information to squeeze in – MGB Electrical Systems mation on how to fix the problem. now including specific information on By Rick Astley There are numerous areas in this book MGCs and V8s. Like I said before, this ISBN 978-1-845842-29-1 where additional detail was added as book has saved my bacon on electri- well as better full-color pictures. I like cal issues, especially while out on the how the chapters are broken down by road. Having this little beauty at hand subjects like “Engine Noises”, “Engine really saves a lot of time when diagnos- Will Not Start From Cold”, “Clutch ing why the stupid (censored) brake Problems”, “Fuel Smells”, etc. You can lights aren’t working! quickly go to the area you need help You should be able to find dis- with and find information you need to tributors for these books on Veloce’s How to Power Tune resolve your issue. If you’re a first time website (www.velocebooks.com). You MGB 4-Cylinder Engines owner, this book will save you a lot of may want to verify with the vendor By Peter Burgess heartache and cash! the ISBN number to make sure you’re ISBN 978-1-84584615-2 In the original edition of “How to getting one of these great new edi- Power Tune MGB 4-Cylinder Engines”, tions. —Robert Rushing

28 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 29 The “Project” began on a warm August afternoon in 1992. I proceeded to remove, bag and “B” ing Reunited tag every nut, bolt, and fitting until there was nothing but a bare shell sitting on four jack stands. So began a nine-month ordeal that would consume every waking mo- ment of my spare time. It was chal- lenging, fun, difficult, expensive, exasperating, and very satisfying. By April 1993, I completed what I had set out to achieve, the perfect MGB built especially for me…by me. The next several years with “Green” would be amazing. The car was a hit wherever it went. Before restoration We attended many shows and met amazing people. Green was a catalyst to meet local enthusiasts and help organize the British Car MGB with Harrier 1993 Club of Wichita. We went on many tours, drove on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the MG ‘96 Article and images provided by a basic set of tools, I became a tinkerer attendees, she appeared as a parts Tom Reardon of the British motorcar. From hand- catalogue cover car for a couple British Car Club of Wichita brake induced spins to mock rally runs of years, and took home a load of down dusty gravel roads, I enjoyed trophies. Eventually, and I have a ’ve always been curious about how every minute that it ran. Best of all, no bad habit of doing this, I became things work and how they’re put to- metric wrenches needed. I eventually interested in new challenges and I gether. One of my first projects was sold the MG for something boring and projects. In a moment of weakness, to disassembly my parents’ clock radio practical. It was a regretful move. I sold her to a fellow club member. at the age of three. My curiosity always Years later, after the Mazda MX5 It wasn’t long before I recognized got me in trouble. No matter how hard Miata had been introduced, I wanted what a mistake I’d made, leading I tried to behave, I’d get caught filling another open sports car, preferably a Stripped completely down. me to buy and refurbish a number the family’s 1956 Buick Super with brand new top down roadster. The Mi- of rubber bumpered MGBs over the a garden watering can or taking the ata looked like a winner. It was when next several years. As much as I’d nuts and bolts out of my swing set. It I considered buying a depreciating loved to buy her back, the appreci- was only natural that I’d be attracted Miata that it occurred to me. Why not ated value was keeping her just out to English sportscars – namely, the car just build my own appreciating MGB of my reach. The timing was never known by two letters – MG. from the ground up? In the back of my right. My plan to build a sports car While growing up in suburban mind, I knew I needed this personal that would appreciate instead of Kansas City during the 1960’s, my challenge. After a few months, I came depreciate had worked too well. aunt returned from Germany with a across the perfect candidate, a rather Out of sight, out of mind, I’d red ’62 MG Midget. One of my best tatty Mallard Green 1972 MGB Tourer. forgotten about Green. After all memories is taking a ride in that little It was in sad shape, but it drove beauti- these years, I figured the car was car with the top down, zipping down fully. Even though she had fist-sized likely well worn by now. My cur- county roads on a warm afternoon. holes in the dogleg panels, she seemed rent ’74 MGB was serving me well This led to a love affair with MG. I to say “save me”. Like a rescue from a and we were nearly finished sort- bought my first MGB back in 1976, my shelter, I brought her home and put ing out its issues and details. After junior year in high school. It figures together a plan to transform her into much consideration, I’d decided to I’d buy a British car during the Na- a shining example of one of Britain’s have my friend, Joe Henning, in- tional Bicentennial, the rebel that I best. I launched into my first restora- Sporting special ventilation and a toothy grin. stall a new modern air condition- am. Thanks to a Bentley Manual and tion project. 30 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 31 ing system. Originally, Green had dealer installed air conditioning. With its heavy, bulky York com- pressor, I couldn’t get that mess off the car fast enough. The purist in me despised the notion of air on a classic British roadster. Now, 20 years later and in my 50s, I realize how it’s necessary to enjoy the car in the Kansas heat and humidity. It just adds to the versatility of the car. Yes, I’m officially an “old guy.” In the middle of our installation, I got a call from my good friend, Keven. He was excited to tell me that Steve, the club member who bought Green from me back in ‘98, Floor replacement. was offering to sell it back to me The restored interior. for what he originally paid. I had to check into this. Indeed, he was ready to sell. I quickly made a call to Joe’s shop and stopped the air conditioning install. Two weeks later, we were push- ing Green out of Steve’s garage. She looked perfect. Just as I last saw her, except Steve had swapped out the wheels for a set of Minilites. It was a great look and the conversion took care of the wear issues with the factory rims. Steve had logged less than 3000 miles in Green so she was showing no wear. Incred- ible! Upon opening the driver’s door, I was knocked over by the New body panels. fragrant aroma of the leather seats I installed back in ’93. That did it. I was ready to pull out the check- book right there. The only concern was that the poor thing had been sitting in Steve’s garage, under a car cover for several years and was going to need resuscitated. A call to Restoration completed 1993 AAA got Green loaded onto a roll back and on its way to Joe’s shop. Green will be back on the road and was intended. What occurs to me is We launched into a major course ready for new adventures. that none of this would have been pos- change, pulling all of the A/C gear It’s a stroke of incredible luck that sible if I hadn’t been born mechani- off the ’74 and prepping that car to after 15 years, I’d be reunited with cally curious, fallen for the quirky sell. Green has undergone a quick Green. The car that got away was back fun of the MGB and built a car that freshening with new tires, replaced in my garage. Lesson learned. Some connected me to so many people who fluids, and a comprehensive in- things are worth hanging onto and if became such close friends. It’s great to spection / tune up. With upgrades I ever owned a keeper, this is the one. be reunited with my old MG. Smooth to lighting, a new wood steering It’s a relic that should be passed down sailing ahead and Safety Fast. New inner sills. wheel and air conditioning install, through the family and enjoyed as it 32 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 33 centerfold

Past Perfect - a new MGB/GT the LE50 Silverstone for MG Live and stopped by out the colors and trimming over the Frontline Development stand for a the winter. Unlike every other build closer look at the car. It was stunning, or restoration I've been involved in, and the more we talked, the more I LE50-09 was completed on schedule, saw something I'd really like to have. and I picked it up right before MG Live Y'all have been there - you know what at Silverstone in June 2013. I mean. The interior is a work of art in After Silverstone, Ed and I took the itself. Custom created and designed for LE50 out on the road together, where me, we had many sewn samples and I learned it was obviously more than colors mailed back and forth before just a nicely remade MGB. The car was settling on an ideal design. Deep green easy to drive, stuck to the road, and Connolly leather matched tonally had no end of speed. Ed kept encour- with Alcantara resulted in a rich look. aging me to push the car harder, but We matched it with a dark green Wil- I was chicken and let up at about 115 ton wool carpet. Gone is the rear "seat", mph up the replaced Still wearing its original registration. highway with a stor- near Abing- age com- Article and images provided by modern MG supercar. The result is the don with partment. Tom Wilson LE50, a limited edition of 50 MGB/GTs plenty left. We also for today's world. Never had ditched the BGT is the first MG I ever seri- Supercar is surely "superlative," I driven a spare tire ously considered buying. 1976, and the LE50 is much more than just street MG – adding a Abroke and still in college with a high performance. It'll do 160, and with this nice addi- wife and newborn son didn't make an the handling is on par with Porsches kind of per- tional stor- ideal set of circumstances. Though the and other notables. Not just a wolf in formance, age space TC is where my heart is, the BGT al- sheep's clothing, the car is a comfort- handling, holding ways has a place. So now I'm the happy able GT for everyday use and perfectly and com- the battery, second owner of a 1967 BGT. More suited for what I wanted. fort. subwoofer accurately it's a 2013 LE50, Frontline I'll admit it here - I am a "TC snob." Two and sound Developments re-incarnation of a The TC is the only car my heart goes big ob- system An Engine meant for Business. BGT – a blend of classic character, high 'pitter-pat' for. There are three in my stacles to controls, performance, and modern usability. garage at present (three of the first 28 overcome – the elephants leaving loads of extra Frontline's heritage – and busi- built). At the same time, I confess that in the room, as they say. First was the space for stuff. Smith instruments ness – is fine tuning British sports cars the rest of my body doesn't say the cost – it's not inexpensive to build a car (custom made for the LE50), retain the – Sprite, Midget, MGB, Spitfire, TR-6 same 'pitter pat' after long drives and like this. The second was space – I've original character of the BGT, but are (www.frontlinedevelopments.com). In coping with inclement weather in my kept my garage space small inten- modern electric units. England (worldwide, for that matter), TCs. Emily (my wife) and I wanted tionally to limit my ability to collect So what's the LE50 like? It's really they are the go-to shop for brake, sus- a more comfortable MG in which to cars. Obviously, we've overcome both a 1960s GT redone to keep its charac- pension, and drivetrain performance travel. obstacles – almost at least; the garage is ter, but infuse it with modern up- parts. Tim Fenna and Ed Braclik have In September 2011, during a visit overpacked right now. grades. Frontline takes a 'donor' BGT as built a business echoing the brilliance to the MG Car Club's Kimber House We placed our order for an LE50 a base to build a new LE50; mine spent of MGs racing mechanics of the early in Abingdon, I first met Ed Braclik and in August 2012; Ed at Frontline gave its first life with one owner in Scot- 1930s in a shop just a short drive from saw the prototype of the LE50. It was me the option of choosing the chas- land. The body is a new British Motor the Abingdon MG factory site. Want- a great day – the Chinese from MG sis number so I chose #9, as it is the Heritage shell modified to Frontline’s ing to do something special to com- were at Kimber House, interviewing ninth to be built. Since each LE50 is specifications. They then spend four memorate MGB's 50 year anniversary, MG enthusiasts and filming cars. Ed built to order, Frontline can customize days further tweaking it – seam-weld- Tim, Ed, and their talented staff, set had the car there, and we talked about them from a range of options – I chose ing, modifying suspension mounts, about redesigning the BGT into a his project. Nine months later, I was at left hand drive, the key mechanical improving panel fit, adding sealing options, and we set about working and sound deadening. Then off to 34 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 35 paint – a drop erence. Power it's an easy as a speeding dead gorgeous assisted disc sports car ticket wasn't Sage Green brakes with to drive. It on my want list metallic – and custom built does NOT that trip. But my back again. alloy calipers have the LE50 had plenty The are on all modern car left to go faster. drivetrain four corners, feel, where Reliability? is all new. A allowing the every driv- No problems of Mazda double LE50 to stop ing whim is significance so overhead cam as fast as it catered to. far. A couple mi- 2 liter, 4-cyl- goes. There is still nor adjustments inder engine Air some 1960s as the car settles fits into the Front body seam removed. condition- rawness in it in – typical. I engine bay ing, adjust- – no mis- Carpeted boot area. picked LE50-09 like it was able power take about up a few days designed for it. Custom fuel injection steering, electric windows, limited slip that, but it's before MG Live, with separate throttle bodies, billet cut differential, Bi-xenon headlamps, re- smooth and seamless – much more so and then drove 600 miles in two days, crank, Teflon coated pistons – this en- mote central locking, extensive sound than a stock BGT, or a modern conver- keeping a list of things needing atten- gine is built for business with modern deadening material, custom headers sion BGT. tion – it's normal for a bespoke (custom reliability. Coupled with a matching and exhaust – the details keep adding Unleash built) car to need 6-speed gear- up. the horses, sorting out. I box, the engine The and the car dropped the car is strong and LE50 is low- becomes back off at Front- powerful all slung, with a Porsche line the Friday the way up to a purposeful beater. 212 before MG Live its 8,000 rpm stance that hp, 160 and the crew set redline. makes you mph, 0-60 to work on the Power to look twice. mph in 5.1 punch list. Then go fast is just a It's a BGT, but seconds with we cleaned it fourth of the on further suspension up, and Satur- equation – the review, it's and brakes day morning it other 75% is much more. to handle took its place in suspension Dunlop alloy the power – the Frontline and braking. Top of panel seam removed. wheels with all in 2,075 Storage instead of spare. Development The LE50 is spinners give pounds. Last tent at MG Live – exceptional a period feel June, I was next to two other here as well - aluminum front uprights and just look right. The welded body passed on the M (M's are the inter- LE50s and an early Sprite nearing com- and custom wishbones, while the still seams eliminate body joint trim, states in England) by a new Aston Mar- pletion of its restoration. With that present live rear axle is located by pairs visually smoothing lines. The front tin going lineup of cars, of unequal-length trailing arms and spoiler/air dam adds a look of aggres- about 90. I the Frontline a panhard siveness, and chased, and stand was one of rod. Adjust- directs air to then went the most popular able AVO the brakes. around him. places of the performance Does it He passed event – especially shocks, work? Does me. I passed since their large custom coil the BGT char- him again – tent gave excel- springs, and acter get lost? at 135 mph. lent shelter from anti-roll bars I'd say no; if The Aston the occasional handle the anything, it flashed his rain! MG Live at bumps, and is refined and headlamps Silverstone is an you can fine improved. and backed amazing event – tune them The LE50 off. I was tri- about 3,000 MGs to suit your still feels like umphant – show up (vintage driving pref- Dunlop Wheels. an MG, and and relieved, Storage replaces Back Seat 1920s through

36 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 37 modern with improved 2012s) – and airflow that the weekend should solve is chock full of the problem. Moss Challenge 1: Bucket List activity from We'll install racing to kids’ it this winter. activities. Then I'll have After MG Carl Strohm Live, I drove go through the my new LE50 car to see if I'm several more missing any- days before thing and do delivering it a couple small to the South- adjustments I ampton port have on the list. for shipping Interior Dash Hope I get it to Baltimore, back from him! where I picked it up on July 7. Import- Was it worth it? So far, yes. I'm ing it was easy – it's a 1967 model year, pleased with the car, Emily is com- Our meet up with the Willamette MG Club. paperwork was in order, and 600 miles fortable travelling in it, and it's easy later I was home averaging almost 30 to take care of. John Thornley said Article and images provided by long suspected, believed, and observed mpg on fuel economy – unheard of in he thought the two prettiest postwar Rob Lillis as a life-long student of human behav- a supercar. MGs were the TC and BGT. From my ior; that the images we are fed by the On the drive back from Baltimore perspective, he was right. hallenge, adventure, bucket list… popular media (not legitimate journal- after picking up the LE50 at port, I My LE50 is the 9th of 50 that what difference does it make? ists) and what we are told by political discovered air conditioning doesn't Frontline is building. They are just C My wife and I decided over two leaders and wannabes, and what we keep up with our summer heat and over halfway through the run so there years ago that we were going to take an see in movies or on television do not humidity. I worked with Frontline on is still time for yours! Or you could unforgettable trip to find out how the remotely depict the true character of the problem, trying various things. have one of my TCs . . . one will have real America looks – up close and per- the vast majority of people anywhere Then they went to their aircon vendor to find a new home. Even the happiest sonal. We entered our 60s a few years in this country. I also believe that the and redesigned a new evaporator stories have a piece of sadness. ago then we had our 40th anniversary true character of people can best be and that, in part, made us realize just discovered by meeting them where how much time had passed…and how they live and where they work. What much was left for us while, physically better way than to go to their home at least, could still set out on a great towns and talk to them, eat with them, adventure. But more than that, we are and stay with them. And…what better both romantics. We have always loved conversation starter than a red MGB sharing new experiences and chal- lenges. From the very beginning, we had no doubts that a trip like this would have an ample supply of all of those things as we drove our much loved 1973 MGB. With the love and care we give it, its time is probably not all that limited. But, at 40 years old and being a British car, “can”, still or ever, might be more prob- lematic. But as the story of this trip documents, the MG still can – could – no…can. Part of the adventure for me was meeting the people of this great country who have always proven they can do anything. I just wanted to find out for myself what I have The load. 38 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 39 roadster…with New York plates! around Fenway a few times before now…at 9:30 it is still 84. We walked to where I got the cool car. British cars do Remember Simon and Garfunkel’s we found the beginning of Route 20 downtown (one block away) and ate at seem to be a bit scarce out here. They song America? If you want to find West. Then we hit every single traffic the English Pub…owned by an Irish- really were not built for hours of driv- America…turn off the darn television, light in Boston red. Once we got to man named English…serving only ing in 100-degree heat. stop reading those popular trash mag- the Berkshires it was beautiful. The pizza, hotdogs and nachos. On day 10 azines (please recycle them though), Red Car was obviously very happy. An we went going to the Field of Dreams. Day 15: Side-trip to Mount Rushmore. and don’t buy, rent, or download any hour of high-speed freeway driving, Ray…people will come Ray. However, We headed for Rushmore on a road more movies. Instead, pack only the two hours of stop and go city driving they will be from AAA! (Keep read- that was designed for the MG. The essentials and hit the road to look for and then two more hours of open-road ing). The Field of Dreams movie site park road has hills and turns and even America. in the Berkshires and not a single com- was very much as expected and looks a few tight 180-degree curves. The car Not any road will do however. plaint…it didn’t even use a drop of oil. pretty much like it did in the movie… actually seemed to love it…I know I Interstates are far too sterile to find except for the souvenir stand. We got did. We arrived at the Mount Rush- anything, let alone the real America. Day 6: We left the Jabbies in Medina some great pictures and lots of stuff more Park and parked the MG in the The Interstate system was designed mid-morning and bumped our way up for the family. Then Sir John Lucas parking ramp to give it some shade and built to move troops and military to Route 20 then across the West side reared his ugly head. The MG would and a much deserved rest. Neither equipment fast in case of emergency. of Cleveland. After a couple hours we not start. AAA sent a truck. We tried of us had ever been there before. It is However, in that brief period between finally hit open road. Western Ohio to jump start it with no luck. The guy awesome. There was a big crowd partly the 1930s, when the automobile has a lot…I mean A LOT of corn. We used a high tech approach…he wacked because there was a big reception for became standard equipment for the got to Woodville, Ohio, around 2:00 the starter with a wrench handle and new U.S. citizens. We spent several majority of Americans, and the 1950s and had lunch at the wonderful Speed it fired right up. I decided it was not hours there including having lunch in when Interstate Trap Diner. As wise heading west with what the Brits the big dining room were Carey Grant construction went you can see in call a wonky starter so I ordered one and Eva Marie Saint met in Hitchcock’s into high gear, a the pictures, it is from Moss to be overnighted to a shop North by Northwest. system of federal a 50s classic. I got in Dyersville. The starter was the only and state high- breakfast and we thing I have not replaced on the car. I Day 17: As we pulled out of a gas sta- ways evolved to bought T-shirts. guess it did not like the hot humid air tion in Greybull, Wyoming, 50 miles connect popula- We arrived in out here in God’s country…or it really from Cody, the SU fuel pump quit tion centers. The Angola, Indiana, liked it and wanted to be buried here! pumping. Under the heading of the crown jewel, the around 5:30. The good, the bad, and the ugly, let us start Granddaddy of motel was not Day 12: Another day…another time with the ugly. We waited over four them all and the quite like the pic- zone. We crossed into the Moun- hours for AAA. The bad, of course, was longest road in the ture on the Inter- tain time-zone a few hours ago. We the dead fuel pump. The good will United States is net but the room took multiple pictures of Route 20 in make a great chapter in the book. We US route 20 which is clean and has Nebraska…actually we have a dozen had coasted to a stop in the parking runs a serpentine a refrigerator and pictures of Route 20 in Nebraska taken lot of a Ron’s Grocery and Liquor. path from Boston, MG at Speed Trap Diner. microwave. Right hours apart and they all look just like The thermometer read 98.2 degrees. Massachusetts, to across the parking this. We arrived in Chadron, about Fortunately, this was one a very few Newport, Oregon, some 3,365 miles lot is restaurant so we ventured over 100 miles south of Mt. Rushmore, spots where we had cell coverage. After west. and it was great. I got the Senior pork around 5:30 and it was a nice round a long conversation with AAA with We are writing a book about the chop…entire dinner…$5.99. Eventu- 100 degrees. I kept the MG at 3500 multiple transfers and questions (e.g. adventure, mostly about the people… ally, Pamela, our waitress, sat down rpm which kept us at about 63 mph. – “What make is the car”? “MG”. “But and the car…and the road. We decided at our table and asked about our trip. I was concerned that cars coming up what make is it”? “MG”. etc.), I joined to send periodic email updates to a Then we heard about how she had behind us would fly past. That might Carole in the air-conditioned store. list of about 100 people who asked to just moved to Angola from California have happened if any cars ever came “They will be here in 45 minutes”, follow our progress. Here are some of because, after 52 years, she finally met up behind us. I said at 4:45. Of course 5:30 came and our favorites. Mr. Right. The trip is really living up went as did 6:30. I called again. They to expectations. Hey Andy…just over Day 14: The car continues to draw are on the way. A text came from AAA Day 1: We left our nephew Pat’s house 1,000 miles and all I have had to do is a lot of attention. We stopped at a saying they will be there by 6:30. Ron’s in Beverly, Mass this morning and add a splash of brake fluid. Way to go Sinclair station (when was the last time was getting ready to close at 7:00. As drove down Rt 128…45 minutes of ter- buddy! anyone back East saw one of those?) it got to be 6:45, Dave, the manager, ror for Carole…65 MPH and crazy Mass in Rushville, Nebraska, which borders came over and said if they don’t get drivers. We went down 20 to Fenway Day 9: We arrived in Dyersville Iowa, the Rosebud Reservation. We were here by 7:00 we could just stay inside. Park. Apparently the State of Massa- around 6:30 after a long stop in Gale- surrounded by a half-dozen Native Roger, the 70 year old night worker chusetts forbids road signs so we drove na, Illinois. It was 95 degrees and right American kids who wanted to know will be stripping floors and he can let

40 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 41 you out when AAA gets here. Of course very nice MGB and an MGA parked 7:00 came and went. Another text down the street. He pointed to several from AAA they will be there at 8:00. more MGs along the street. When we Dave stayed and chatted with Carole got out he said they were part of an Moss Challenge 2: Falling in Love Again until around 8:30. I also got Roger’s life MG Club which made sense since the story including how he and his bud- National MG Registry annual meeting dies drove around in an MG Midget is next week in Corvallis. However, when he was stationed in France when we walked into the restaurant waiting to be deployed in Vietnam. we were greeted with an ovation from (By the way Tom…he has a 1950 Dodge members of the Willamette MG Club. for sale. It is all original with 38,000 Troy had contacted them to tell them miles.) about our trip. We had a blast. What Finally, the flatbed truck arrived wonderful folks, as car folks, and Brit- at 9:00. During ish car folks in the wait I had particular, al- called the Big ways are. They Bear Motel in took pictures Cody where we and one-by- one they came were booked the Air Force, and the MG sat in my and sat next to Article and images provided by for two nights. parent’s garage. Occasionally, I would me to ask about Guy Harvey The owner said receive a letter from my dad letting to have the car the car and the n high school I saw a slightly tired me know he took the MG for a spin brought to the trip…but most- and neglected yellow MGB by to keep things lubricated. I proposed motel because ly the car. I told the side of the road. I had been to my father that he sell the car and he also owns them the car I regaled with many tales from my take a commission for his troubles. He a garage and had performed father’s youth and his first car: an politely listened to my offer but kindly his mechanic flawlessly, just Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite. Before rejected it saying he would keep the would stop a starter, a fuel me sat my chance to create my own car until I had a place of my own and by and put pump, and little British car stories, so I saved my was ready to take it back. in my spare bleeding the pennies from my job at K-Mart and Ten years later I had a steady job fuel pump brake lines. bought the car. What my father had and a house of my own. I had also met first thing in They all agreed never told me, however, was how vola- a wonderful woman who became the the morning. that is flawless tile my new romance would be. focus of my affections. I introduced Did I mention Newport, Oregon for an MG. True of most new relationships, Sara to the MG on the same visit when that I carry a there was a honeymoon period. Day- she met my parents. A chilly Decem- spare fuel pump? I would have tried to Day 28: The end of Route 20. So…how trips to the park with the top down, ber tour of my Rochester, New York, switch it myself but I was not looking would you like that crow prepared? excited waves to other drivers when suburb hometown in the LBC didn’t forward to lying on 100 degree pave- Not that many of you were ever really another elusive LBC was spotted on even scare her off. It may have even ment and trying to reach under the in doubt but, in any case, to skeptics the road, claiming a (small) space and had the opposite effect, as we eventu- car, which with the full load, had all of and supporters alike, WE MADE IT! standing out at summer cruise nights ally got married. 3 inches of clearance. With a bit of a tear in our eyes, a lump dominated by American muscle. It was The MG came to live with us but in our throats and some pretty fair a blast. I was blissfully unaware of how it felt like the magic was gone. I toyed Day 21: We arrived at the B&B in Stay- pain in our lower backs, we pulled fleeting good times can be. with the idea of selling the car, but my ton, Oregon, much later than planned into Newport, Oregon, around 1:30 One day, while out on a drive, a wife, who has an unnatural fondness because it was much farther off Route Pacific time. We had completed 3,365 radiator hose burst and the roadster for the color yellow, would protest and 20 than I expected. We had a plan miles on US Route 20 and 4,250 miles overheated. From there, car parts over make me promise to keep it another to meet Troy who is Highway Safety altogether. The MG was singing away, 20-years old started to expire. After year. A friend and fellow classic car Director for Oregon and has done nu- obviously happy to be at sea-level and breaking down three more times over owner suggested that I look into an- merous impaired driving assessments have oxygen again. the summer, my relationship with my tique auto insurance. I was surprised with me over the past 10 years or so. MG was strained. As my father and at how affordable it was, even with a We were scheduled to meet for dinner If you would like to read more and I rope-towed the MG home one day, policy that allows for a healthy annual and we made it to the restaurant only see some pictures from the trip go to I wondered if it wasn’t time to take a mileage and occasional commutes to five minutes late. Troy was standing www.whilewestillcan.org break. work. out front to greet us when I noticed a I went away to college and then Keeping the MG roadworthy of 42 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 43 course meant cial parks across the Canadian an occasional border and across state lines order from Moss. via the back roads. Photos of As such I would our progress were posted online faithfully get the and received much support and catalogs and idly encouragement from friends thumb through and family. Sara’s photo poses them. That’s evolved into a “signature move” when the Motor- of her jumping, freeze framed in ing Challenge the air next to the MG. We dis- caught my eye. I covered new places we wouldn’t studied the rules have otherwise found, like a and objectives deserted beach in Canada and and decided that a beautiful waterfront pub on it was just what Lake Ontario. The best MG portrait spot in the area. my relationship Our goal was finally reached with my MG in early September with the last Made it to New York State and posing with Moss’ flyer. As I watched the MG being towed needed: a pur- two points bringing us above 50 being away, I felt not anger but concern. I pose. I registered would require some serious road trips. the Pennsylvania border and Allegh- was nervous that something major had with Moss that day. I then began fever- I was ready to submit my entry eny National Forrest. Sara and I set happened and that my companion ishly plotting out routes to maximize and proudly accept my t-shirt for my our camera’s timer and posed for our might never be the same. I didn’t want the municipalities and counties that efforts. After all, I wasn’t sure that I victory shot, thrilled we had accom- to face the reality that our romance we would cross. I conscripted my wife really trusted the car on the type of plished our goal with this 175-mile might end. as my navigator. Together we quickly long hauls that would be required to round trip. The Challenge truly rekindled accumulated points. I wandered reach my original goal. Even though As daylight turned to dusk, I was feelings for my old MGB. It reminded around Google Maps’ “street view” I had nearly burned my wife out with driving the last leg of our journey me that any relationship requires at- feature in search of the best signs. I my “mission based” outings, it was she home when I began to smell some- tention, patience, and appreciation. created spreadsheets documenting our that encouraged me onward. thing. At first in denial, I reasoned Sure there will be bumps in the road, progress and searched for towns with We took the car to places that I that it was probably the car in front of but you remember them and ultimate- names starting with oddball letters. wouldn’t have thought or dared to go me. As I eased the MG off at my exit, it ly they help create a legacy. I have a Our initial aim was to get 50 points to- had it not been for the challenge – get- became unmistakable that we were the year’s worth of great memories, stories tal, but at around 35 we realized that it ting lost trying to find remote provin- ones having a problem. My oil pres- and pictures I might not have had. sure dropped and the engine became I’m happy to report that the MG is increasingly rough. I was overheating. back to full strength. I plan on wearing I thought I could limp home but quick- my Challenge-earned shirt with the ly had to abandon this plan, coasting utmost of pride. The B, Sara, and I are into a grocery store parking lot as the ready for the next adventure. car died.

Another stop with the Moss flyer while Sara does her signature pose! Blown head gasket.

44 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 45 effective than Belleville washers, but are especially useful when used with can still be used in light torque situa- aluminum or plastic material. The tions. bite is only applied when the teeth are Simple Stuff: What Could Be Simpler trapped between the bearing surface of the nut or bolt. The internal serrated Than a Washer washer looks neater (no teeth show- ing) the external serrated washer is a permanent dent. In other words use Article and images provided by more effective because the teeth are a washer that matches the bolt and nut Bob Vitrikas acting against a larger area. Washers quality. MG Car Club – Washington DC Centre that are serrated internally and exter- Let’s examine the types of washers nally offer the greatest resistance to in a bit more detail. o what is a washer? According to Locking Washers: The effective- the fastener unscrewing. Of course you the Oxford English Dictionary, ness of spring lock washers, which are can always use Loctite to keep things S the earliest reference to a washer found in abundance in our LBCs, has in their rightful place. was waaay back in 1346 when it was been hotly debated. No less an author- One last thing, did you know a flat spelled “whasher”. Hey who’s to argue ity than NASA in their Fastener Design washer has two sides and only one of with the dictionary? Times change and Manual judges that they are worth- them is designed to go against the sur- in 1611 this was the definition, “an less and cannot work because when face being clamped? Take a flat washer iron hoope, amongst gunners called tightened the washer is flat against and examine both sides. One side is a washer, which serues to keepe the the material with no ‘biting’ edge to perfectly flat and the other is rounded iron pin at the end of the axeltree from resist turning. This view is held by on the edges. The flat side goes against wearing the naue.” These guys really many other highly regarded engineer- the material being clamped. The Flat Washers: Normally flat have a spelling problem don’t they? ing sources. So what do these experts rounding of the edges is a result of the washers have an outer diameter ap- The current definition is, “a perforated recommend? Use a toothed or ser- manufacturing process. The washers proximately twice their inner diam- annular disc or flattened ring of metal, rated washer commonly called a Star are stamped and the die rounds off the eter. The English have a peculiarly leather, or other material placed be- Washer. These washers have serrations edge when it cuts the washer. named “penny washer” which has tween two surfaces subject to rotative that extend inward and/or outward Simple huh? an outer diameter that is more than friction, to relieve friction and prevent to bite into the material surface. They lateral motion and unsteadiness.” twice the inner diameter. The penny Next, let’s examine the types of washer takes its name from the size washers typically found in automo- of the old English penny. In America tive applications. There are three we call these fender washers. These major types: flat washers that evenly large diameter washers are used to distribute the clamping force pressure spread the clamping load over a greater from a fastener such as a nut and bolt surface area to avoid damaging thin to reduce the chance of damage; spring metal such as found on, you guessed it, washers that have axial flexibility and automobile fenders. are used to prevent fasteners from loos- ening due to vibration; and locking washers that hinder the fastener from working loose by preventing unscrew- ing rotation of the fastener. Why do fasteners loosen in the first place? Usually the culprit is vibra- tion, corrosion of the threads, and sometimes temperature changes if the coefficient of expansion is different for the fasteners and the material they Spring Washers: One type of spring are fastening. Washers used in highly washer is called a Belleville washer. stressed situations need to be hard- These cupped or conical shaped wash- ened to prevent loss of pre-load due to ers are designed to provide an axial brinelling when torqued. From a previ- force when a nut or head of a bolt is ous article you know all about torqu- tightened down on it, deforming the ing fasteners, but what is “brinelling”? washer and preventing a fastener from From Wikipedia we learn that brinel- loosening due to vibration. Another ling is caused by a contact stress that type is called a wave washer which exceeds the material limit resulting in looks like a bent washer. These are less 46 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 47 Creating a UK-Styled LHD Dash (Editor’s Note: One of our fellow members, Tim Eastin, contacted me about someone he knew working to create a left hand drive (LHD) UK-style dash for post-1968 MGB/MGCs. I contacted David Balkwill (an Englishman working for the School of Design in Nantes, France) to see if he could share some information on his prog- The new left side. ress. David plans another article when he is fully finished and maybe give some info on how you might be able to purchase one as well.)

Article and images provided by David Balkwill New gauge section with steering wheel mock-up. a bench at home, using just hand tools. he project started when I Followed by some body filler. The shape fits the rubber bumper All the materials are easily available. needed to change the rusted out column shroud with the ignition on the right and the dimmer Some smell pretty bad, and cutting bodyshell of my 1977 BGT. Since on the left. The holes for the choke and cigar lighter will get T and sanding make lots of dust. switched. The mold. I was planning to move back to France, The original dash has a steel main I decided to change to LHD at the same card and plastic formers, glassfibre made a glassfibre mould of the area. part, and an ABS plastic front shroud time. I wanted to keep the console, all reinforcement, and all the measuring This let me make a moulding, which I around the instruments and the cen- the instruments and switches from and checking it takes to get things in used to offset the surface in the lower tral air vents. I started working towards the British rubber bumper dash, but the right places. The glovebox area area where the hinge goes. The pattern this same structure of two parts, but there isn't a LHD dash that uses them was the difficult bit. I had kept the was then cut where the door goes, realized later that I could join the two other than your American ones, and I steel dash as the underlying structure and the new lower section grafted in. together and simplify the job. don't like the way they look. I had seen for the new pattern, so in the new The bit that was cut out was used to I made a full size drawing to that Andy Jennings was selling LHD glovebox area there were the original make the mould for the outer surface establish the geometry, and then cut reproductions of several dashboards so holes for the instruments. I cut away of the glovebox door, so I know it has sections from the original dash and set I decided to build a mirror image copy the bumps, and filled in the holes to the right shape to fit (hopefully better them in their new places. Because of of the British dash. I'm an industrial get a continuous surface, and then than the original!). the curve, this had to be done for each designer, and have done a lot of model individual instrument to get the wells and pattern making, and I liked the to the right depth. Then there came a challenge. All of this has been done on lot of work with polyester body filler,

The original RHD steel dash. Dissection of old dash. Starting work on the glovebox door. Template for the glovebox door.

48 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 49 A black plastic tool I cut to give the height of the step that finally makes the thickness of the edge of the door

Good intentions. One of my leather cov- ered MGB wheels sitting on the drawing. Two of the instruments are partly hidden Double oven created by joining two ovens together - by the wheel as on the original dash. note the three digital thermometers used. Hey, it’s not my design ! A little surgery. ABS plastic is soft and easy to cut with a coping saw and a fine tooth blade. You can glue it with acetonethe door

Test fit in a bodyshell. A little surgery. ABS plastic is soft and easy to cut with a coping saw and a fine tooth blade. filler. The colours changed because I by dragging along the edge to shape The molded glovebox door - ready for paint. You can glue it with acetone. was using three different brands – just the filler while it is very soft. It takes So I now had a pattern of the new lots of fine sanding and filling of all because of what I could buy from local a number of passes to get the filler to dash. I checked its fit in my (new) the imperfections, lots of coats of shops! The cut is made by hand with a make a continuous edge, with some bodyshell. Everything lined up the mould release wax, and then the gel- coping saw, being very careful to cut in careful cleaning of the tool and the way it should, so the next step was to coat and layup of the mould. the right place. pattern to avoid bumps and gaps. set the pattern on a base board, and For the glovebox door, it started The part is then set on a baseboard Then there is some sanding and to extend all the outer surfaces down with the part I cut out from the filled with some soft foam blocks (green waxing to get ready for gelcoat and to this new parting plane. Everything in area where the instruments used foam used by florists to display plants). glassfibre to make the mould, and had to have a good draught angle, or to be. The multiple colours on the Then the photos show a black plastic finally the part is made in the mould it would be impossible to release the part show some black where there is tool I cut to give the height of the step with gelcoat and then glassfibre. Cut mould from the pattern, and later to steel with black paint, and then three that finally makes the thickness of around the edge, drill for the lock release parts form the mould. Then different colours of polyester body the edge of the door. The tool is used mechanism, and the outside is ready like a plasterer would make a profile, for paint. 50 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 51 But the federal government figured with dual circuits operating the front and rear Brake Pressure Differential Warning Assembly brakes separately, the gen- Article and images provided by eral public may not notice Dave Braun the front or the rear system Minnesota MG Group had failed. So in mandating a dual brake circuit system, hen the dual circuit mas- the federal government also ter cylinder came about, mandated a warning device, along with it came the and the PDWA is what the W good folks at Lockheed (the PDWA or Pressure Differential Warning Assembly. Although supplier of brake systems I’ve seen it referred to as the to MG, Triumph, and other “Pressure Differential Warning British car companies) came Actuator”, the factory workshop up with to answer this re- quirement. Some of the car manual simply calls it the “Pres- The PDWA installed on the left front inner wing of an MGB. sure Failure Switch Assembly” companies set up circuits Note the front line from the master cylinder (front brakes) goes to light the oil pressure and and on eBay, the component can to the top of the front of the PDWA, the rear line to the rear. sometimes be found under the brake failure lamps when the key was turned, and be- name “Brake Pressure Balancer” the front and rear circuits becomes fore the engine started to let the driver or “Proportioning Valve” which unbalanced, the small seals on the know that the failure warning systems of course it doesn’t and it can’t. shuttle, backed up by the faces of the were functioning. MG decided instead A brake pressure balancer is shuttle pistons, sense the difference to provide a test to press switch located used to bias the pressure so the and the shuttle moves from the center in the same assembly that housed the front brakes get the majority of of the PDWA to one side or the other, The MGB Factory Workshop Manual cutaway view of warning lamp. the pressure (where the weight depending on which circuit has the the PDWA. Like a lot of circuits on the MG is transferred under braking greater pressure. The shuttle has a which operate independent of the loads), while allowing the rears to But I’m off track… the reason for ‘Vee’ grove turned in the center and ignition switch, the lamp is powered handle enough of the job to keep the this article is to discuss the PDWA, as it moves it contacts a probe sticking by the purple, hot all the time, but car braking in a straight line. This is what it is supposed to do, and describe down into the PDWA and this com- fused circuit which is fed from the a nice feature to have to avoid swap- the typical failure modes. I also want pletes an electrical circuit lighting a hot all the time brown wire going into ping ends, and sometimes necessary to cover the testing switch in the cock- light on the ‘test the function’ switch the fuse block. The lamp has at one of when you are building a race car, or pit, and how that is wired into the car and lamp assembly inside the cockpit. its terminals a purple wire supplying a custom brake system from scratch. as well. The PDWA is simply a housing Where would this pressure dif- power. But we know that for the lamp MG solved this issue simply by sizing with an internal shuttle that responds ferential that causes the shuttle to to light, the electricity has to return to the brake master cylinders and wheel to uneven pressure in the braking move come from? Well, most likely a ground. The lamp’s other terminal cylinders properly to do the job. system. The internal shuttle hydrauli- from an open failure of a brake line or is a black with white stripe wire that With the larger brake pistons in the cally divides the PDWA into two sides. wheel cylinder (or brake caliper) due goes first to the PDWA switch, and front disks, the pressure measured in The front brake line from the master to a ruptured line, connection, hose or then comes back to the lamp assem- “pounds per square inch” or PSI deliv- cylinder goes into one side (hydrauli- seal. The rupture would prevent pres- bly where the black with white stripe ers more pounds (more square inches) cally speaking) of the PDWA and has sure from building on that side of the wire goes to the push to test switch, to the front brakes than to the rears. two exits from the same side, one to brake circuit, and would represent a the other side of that switch being a On the GT, with slightly more weight each wheel. The rear brake line from brake failure. Now honestly, the failure black ground wire. The lamp than in the rear, the rear wheel cylinders the master cylinder goes to the other of one of the brake components should has two possible grounds, the body of are a little larger diameter than on the side of the PDWA, and a single line ex- be readily apparent to a driver, without the PDWA switch is grounded, and if “Tourer” (the convertible). To keep the its the PDWA from the same side and a warning lamp. When MGs were built the PDWA shuttle moves and makes uninformed from putting the wrong travels aft to tee off at the differential with only a single circuit serving all contact as described earlier, the lamp wheel cylinders on either model the to each rear brake. So the first function the wheels this was especially true as lights; or the press to test switch can locating pin was changed and the rear of the PDWA is to keep the front and the brake pedal would go to the floor be closed and complete the ground brake backing plate altered. Something rear circuits isolated from each other, and you had to make use of the gear as well. This explains why (after the you may want to keep in mind if you the second is to provide a ‘Tee’ to the box for engine braking and the park- first year of production with the dual are doing a rear axle swap between front wheels. ing brake handle which actuated only master cylinder in 1968) there are two these models. In the event the pressure between the rear brakes to safely stop the car. 52 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 53 black with white stripe wires leak at a connection is at the PDWA because the car the same, and elimi- designers at Abingdon decided nates the potential to daisy chain the grounding for seal failure which switches to both verify the lamp will preserve the dual function and to verify that the circuit function of your wiring was intact all the way brakes. And while the from the lamp to the PDWA. front brakes definitely Failure modes of the lamp as- require a ‘Tee’, creating sembly include the lamp itself, a single line from the and the brittle, 40 or so year old master cylinder to the plastic which keeps everything first brake union just in the dashboard switch/lamp behind the firewall assembly together. location under the car, Failure modes of the PDWA will eliminate two con- itself are straight forward. Like nections and may give any hydraulic brake component, you additional peace of the seals can perish as the DOT mind. 3 in use attracts moisture, and Finally, although The PDWA shown with the shuttle removed, and the rubber o-rings while it is a pretty good lubri- not recommended for This PDWA suffered an internal failure of a seal which available from the usual suppliers to repair the device. If you take cant, DOT 3 does permit wear of racing or cars equipped rendered it both inoperative (something that the press yours apart and see the shuttle with the chamfered ends, you need rubber seals thus creating gunk with ABS (anti-lock to test switch in the cockpit cannot detect) and allowed to use the larger pair of o-rings. in suspension, internal rust and DOT 3 brake fluid to leak out of the switch connection brake systems – which more wear. Once a seal fails in ruining the paint below and draining the master cylinder remove any grease by thorough clean- our MGs don’t have) because of froth- the PDWA there are no longer reservoir. The movement of the car carried the fluid aft, ing with brake cleaner afterwards. ing issues, DOT 5 silicone brake fluid separate brake circuits as the ruining more paint! Examine the bore for wear, and the can be more gentle on modern rubber fluid can now communicate to shuttle for corrosion. Reassemble and seals (the only kind available today, both sides of the seals, even if well served by a functioning PDWA, reconnect the PDWA and refill the unless you track down some ancient the rest of the dual circuit brake system for the rest of us, maybe not so much. brake reservoir. NOS parts) prevent paint destruction is intact. The loss of pressure at the As an owner your choices are to rebuild Now bleed the brakes with slow, in the event of a leak, and DOT 5 will PDWA seal allows the fluid to escape to the PDWA by purchasing the kit that even, steady strokes to avoid making remain cleaner, longer. Not everyone the center of the shuttle device inside comes with two sets of seals, as there the shuttle see enough of a pressure agrees with the use of DOT 5, I happen the PDWA which equalizes any pres- were two different internal shuttles differential to cause it to move over to use it in all my vintage cars, but sure in the device and does not actuate available during the life of the PDWA. and complete the ground and illumi- it is more ‘slippery’ and will entrain a warning. From there the fluid leaks If the seals supplied are square in cross nate the lamp. If it does move over, small air bubbles, so it may leak out of out the unsealed connection where section they should be replaced (like and the lamp assembly is not working, smaller flaws that regular brake fluid the switch contact mates with the two any brake system seal) with the lip fac- the brake system will still function would ignore and it is harder to bleed black with white stripe wires. The DOT ing the pressure, towards the ends of normally. If it moves over and the and my require two bleed sessions to 3 coats the underside of the switch and the shuttle. More often than not the lamp assembly works and the lamp eliminate any pedal softness. Switch- eventually strips the paint off the in- seals are supplied as o-rings. To remove lights, just open a brake bleeder at the ing also requires a scrupulously clean ner fender and depletes the brake sys- the shuttle and replace the seals, the opposite circuit (if you were bleeding brake system from pedal to disk and tem fluid if the owner of the car is not end plug of the PDWA needs to be the fronts and the lamp is on, re-bleed shoe, and all parts in between, and observant regarding the fluid levels in removed, the copper washer discarded a rear brake with a bit of force) to re- some people feel it traps water in the the reservoir. So it is fairly evident that and replaced or annealed by heating center the shuttle and then proceed to low spots of a system, although I have with a lack of maintenance the PDWA to red hot and either dumping in a gently bleed the brakes. not experienced this issue. As usual, may be the cause of the brake failure, bucket of water or allowing to air cool; Recalling that the failure of a if you are unsure of your abilities in and not give any warning at all. Once remember that copper isn’t like steel, PDWA seal renders the dual brake working on your brake systems, or a seal is perished, this loss of fluid can and doesn’t harden from quenching. circuits protection ineffective, another want to know more about which brake happen over a period of several days Annealing the copper removes the option is to eliminate the device all fluid you might want to use, consult of driving. If the shuttle seal failure is surface work hardening from previous together by substituting a ‘Tee’ for the a mentor, and work with them so you severe enough, being lower than the tightening and softens the material front brakes, and a union for the rear can do the job correctly, with knowl- reservoir of fluid, the failed PDWA can to make a seal. A bit of grease or air brake circuit. The addition of these edge, and safely. drain the reservoir completely even pressure will usually free the shuttle two connecting devices add no more when not in use. from the body of the PDWA, just make connections than were already pres- Safety Fast! So while a concours car may be sure you have the ports covered and ent with the PDWA so the chance of a 54 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 55 was no ventilation to allow air to enter suggested we match his hub against the cabinet. The whole unit began to a 1500 Midget in the shop. Of course flex as my customer asked the owner they were the same pattern. He already Confessions of an MG Mechanic if the cabinet always did this when had wheels to fit the 4 ½” hubs. We KAPOW the whole works imploded. looked at MGB hubs but those, of Lesson: always allow for ventilation in course, won’t fit on a Midget. It was John Twist a sandblast cabinet! sobering when he understood the Technical Coordinator The main shop computer’s hard magnitude of his error. Lesson: Don’t The MG Driver drive failed Friday morning. Mike was rely on information from the internet about to purchase a new hard drive when making a $1000 wheel purchase! but did some diagnostics and deter- Tony arrived from Flint to drop he shop has a beat, a rhythm. customer who attends to us in such mined he could reformat the drive off his MGB engine at our machine Everyone has their workbench; manner is forever afforded an extra and reinstall our programs. We have shop and stopped by as a courtesy. T everyone has their jobs. Tues- measure of grace and courtesy. Today Carbonite. Reinstallation and working Last year, he had his local machine day through Friday the guys come Steve met us at the door – with bagels. with our software company took most shop bore the block, grind the crank, in, chat for a couple of minutes, and The shop meeting was late. of Friday and continues today. We lost etc, and Tony did the assembly. To begin where they’d left off the evening Lessons from the previous week NONE of our data! make certain all was well; he brought before. On Monday, we all sit down included a short dissertation about Lesson: Back up your data! us his frame and engine last spring to together to review the past week and rear wheel cylinder diameters. From Russ, the Snap On tool dealer, has correctly start the engine. We got oil plan for the new. Yet sitting down at the earliest MGB and MGB/GTs to the us on his early Monday route. If we’re pressure and started it up; allowed it 8:05 am is nearly always impossible as very latest MGBs and Midget 1500s, not done with our shop meeting he’ll to warm; retorqued the head; adjusted nearly every Monday is a “heart attack there may be as many as six various sit and wait for us – but his presence the valves; set the timing; and ad- Monday.” (I read somewhere that more wheel cylinders differing in diameter. always shortens our little confer- justed the carbs. It ran beautifully. For business owners die from heart attacks These different diameters (and applica- ence. He was driving his Suburban. 700 miles... By then the poor machine on Monday than any other day of the tions) are indicated by a pin which sits His truck was in the shop. Last year, work allowed the piston rings to scrape week. Years ago when we strayed from to the front or rear of the inlet in a low, a new engine cost him $9000 – and metal from the cylinder walls, ruining the Hilton Hotel for our MG Summer medium, or high position. Last week that was after the first shop damaged the oil pump, blocking the filter, and Party and tried a year at the Grand Tim had a Midget with two different the engine by starting it with ether. I destroying the crankshaft. Now Tony’s Rapids Crowne Plaza, the young owner piston diameters fitted. The previous remember my high school best friend’s facing a second rebuild within a year chose a Monday to shoot himself in mechanic has simply drilled a new father (whose purchase of an MGA in- and 700 miles. his office. Fortunately it was early in hole in the brake backing plate to ac- troduced me to this marque!) Lesson: Use the best, the most excel- the year so it had little impact on the commodate the different (and wrong) breaking a crankshaft on his lent machine shop you can find! MG events scheduled for that August. pin position. Added to that, we experi- tractor using ether. Bob, our upholsterer, brought us All the omissions and errors, questions ence mis-marked wheel cylinders. Lesson: Be careful starting a tonneau for the MGA police car. and problems, suggestions and queries Lesson: Examine the backing plates an engine with starting There are six MGA tonneaux: Short from the previous week are dammed AND wheel cylinders before fitting! fluid. (to the cockpit rail); normal (to up until about 7:59 am on Monday. We have prepped a Damask Red David came in the studs on the body just behind When the sluices open the shop is MGB for the paint shop and Casey told with a hub from an the cockpit rail); and long (to the awash in emails, phone calls, and us he had great success using the non- early Midget. He teardrops for the soft top). Then customer visits. I have endured “heart gummed blue wrap/tape from British wanted the later there are left hand and right attack Mondays” for nearly 40 years! Wiring to re-wrap the loom. We have Midget hubs that hand drive MGAs. We had al- In truth, there is little new I have yet 3M gummed blue tape to make the he understood ready been through about four to experience on that first work day of final wrap and hold the non-gummed had a 4-1/2” bolt of them (all LHD) and one too the week. from unravelling. If the loom is pattern instead of short for RHD. The customer MGB Steve visits on an erratic wrapped in gummed tape, it is all but the 4” pattern. I had supplied all of them. schedule, sometimes when he has impossible to flex. was certain he was Lesson: We should order the to transport a prisoner from a local Lesson: Purchase the correct tape! incorrect but I held part, not the customer. county jail, but sometimes just for fun. Matt recently reworked our large my tongue and He always brings bagels, a treat which sandblast cabinet. Queried about the is always welcomed. (Food or adult vacuum system, he replied that the beverages are always welcomed.) Don gloves puff straight out into both Phillips, a TR6 customer from last year, cabinets. Several months ago a cus- showed up this year with a case of PBR tomer told me about using his friend’s to thank us for helping him out. Any homemade sandblast cabinet. There

56 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 57 A fellow with an MGA 1600 called Years ago a fellow rang from in the shop. One had an MGC/GT as “restore” the vehicle, but it would from Ohio. He wanted to change his Maine. He’d purchased a TC NEW! He his first car; one has a TD. They were simply be easier and much, much less engine because his had a lot of tappet didn’t drive it because it had so much commenting on the variety of MGs expensive to purchase the nicest 1977 noise. His buddy told him that an tappet noise he was certain it was go- in the showroom and the shop when Brooklands Green MGB one could MGB engine would fit. He asked me ing to explode. What should he do? we stood next to a TF. The TD owner find for $10,000. Mr VZ asked what he if he should buy the engine. An 18G I told him that although the tappet remarked that it must be easier to work should do with the car. Despite its con- or 18GA engine, a three-main MGB clearance on the valve cover asked on the XPAG engine on the TD vs the dition, the car was whole, so I made engine will fit the MGA – one only for 0.019” to set them at 0.015.” He TF. I opened the bonnet on the TF and him an offer. He agreed. I told him I’d has to change the backing plate. But sounded leery of my suggestion. The showed him how so many compo- send a check. A month passed by and an 18GB engine and newer requires next day he called back exclaiming nents are difficult to reach. Yet, he’d we needed the engine. I was not about that the MGA backing plate be fitted that now, for the first time, he could never removed the bonnet from his to cannibalize this MGB until it was with the MGB rear seal – the hole drive his TC with pleasure! This must TD. If the rear screws are removed and mine. I wrote a check, and placed it through which the crankshaft fits have been in the early ‘80’s. Lesson: left out of the rear hinge altogether, with the outgoing mail. Jane, our USPS must be opened to 4-1/2”, and an MGB Don’t wait 30+ years to find a solution then the bonnet is easily folded open carrier came into the shop to take away flywheel 65-67 must be fitted. On top to your MG problem! without tearing the metal at the hinge the packages and away went the check. of that, there is no provision for the Forrest has been working on two – AND – the bonnet is easily removed Not an hour later, Mr VZ walked into mechanical tach (really a mechanic MGA bonnet catches. There is a very from the car altogether which makes the shop with the title! Neither of us tach is a “rev counter” while an elec- small tag, a metal extension that working on the TC or TD so very easy. were aware of the other’s plans! We tric tach is a real tachometer). When I is part of the slider support assem- Lesson: Remove the two rear screws call this “contact.” explained the options, the fellow pro- bly, ADH 456. This should be fitted from the rear bonnet hinge on the TC Lesson: Store a vehicle away from vided the Lesson: Maybe I should just towards the left side of the MGA, the and TD and leave them out. moisture and rodents! have the existing engine rebuilt. Yes! port side. It is often misplaced or, just Tim is finishing my late wife, “Contact” is a shop word from our as often, worn away. Mis-fitted or miss- Caroline’s, MGB/GT. We searched earlier days. It describes a coupling of ing allows the striker pin, ADC 2781, high and low for the white indicator random events. Because our customer to become stuck on the underside of light for the heated back light I knew base is so small it is not uncommon the catch. A stuck MGA bonnet can be I’d purchased several years ago. It was that after mentioning a person’s name exceedingly frustrating to open, to say not to be found, so Tim used a light in conversation, that person should the least. In 1985 one of my mechan- green lens on the console. This BGT call or stop in. During a birthday party ics severed a tendon in his little finger has been apart for nearly four years so for one of the staff several years ago, I with the sharp edge of a grille slat it is not surprising that we could not was regaling those assembled with the when trying to open an MGA bon- find that lamp. Lesson: Mark impor- stories of a particular, very peculiar net. That cost me only $2000. Forrest tant parts; store important parts in customer who had moved to Texas five welds a small cylinder on the bottom boxes with tops. years before. One of my tales was inter- of the slider support which guides the Several months ago a customer rupted by the ringing of the phone. I pin properly so it will not get stuck. had his Brooklands Green MGB hauled left the party to answer the line – only But we are always reminded this Les- to the shop so we could examine it to find myself talking to that same son: The last part fitted to an MGA is and perhaps resurrect it from a 30 year customer! That’s contact! the front grille! sleep. Unfortunately, the B had been Ludvig rang back from Norway. An MGB owner called from north- stored in a barn with a wood floor – It He’d called several days earlier. His ern Indiana. He has a 1971 and a 1974 was exposed to all those years of mois- project was fitting a Quaif limited MGB. Which carburetters should he ture wafting upwards and returning slip differential into an MGB. He had use on the 1974? There are two sides to the chassis frame and body to the dirt questions about the process. When this: Do you want to be original or do it once was. The story was that Mr VZ setting up a differential there are you want to have the best assembly? If had purchased it for his son. The son FOUR considerations: position of the you want originality, then you must drove the car half a dozen times, hurt pinion; preload of the pinion; position use the HIFs even though they his shoulder in a sports accident, and of the crown wheel; and preload of the cannot easily be serviced in never drove the car again. So there it crown wheel. The MGB Salisbury diff place. If you want functional- was, stored in the barn. It had become requires a pinion preload of about 12 ity, then the HS carbs are best. a rodent motel. It was covered in pine lb-in. This can either be tested with a The float bowls are on top; the needles. The floors were rotted out, torque wrench (although 12 lb-in is controls for dropping the jet there were holes in the floor of the easily achieved by twisting the wrist (choking) are external. boot, the frame rails on the underside – it is not much torque) or, using a Lesson: HS carbs trump HIFs. could be pierced with a screwdriver. new collapsible spacer, can be approxi- Three tourists stopped It was all so sad! Of course, we could mated by bringing the pinion nut up

58 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 59 to around 130 lb-ft. The first method around the building several times. I is preferable. A backlash of 0.008” to purchased that 1973 MGB/GT in Janu- 0.012” is good for the crown wheel. An ary of 2009. Caroline had made an axle case spreader is not necessary for offhand remark to my daughter, Barby, this job. What is necessary is patience about her original BGT which we’d and cleanliness. He seemed at ease retired in 1999. Barby, in turn, told me with both English and British mea- that the only thing her mother wanted surement and with the instruction before she died was to have her MGB/ I provided. This is a very particular GT back. Well, getting the original process best left for the professional. MG back was an impossibility. We’d Lesson: Work up to your expertise. purchased the original B from a fellow Leave the really complicated stuff for in the country in about 1982. He’d had professionals. the clutch changed and then parked Another tourist came in the shop. the car in his back yard. If damp barn He’d had an MGA very early on. We timbers can ruin an undercarriage, talked about colors. MG has nearly imagine what sitting on dirt does! The always offered the sports cars in the car was complete, original, very rusty basic: Black; White; Red; Blue; and on the undercarriage, and full of mice. Green. There were no Green MGAs; We repaired it, fitted an overdrive, ignore the problem and pondered the get it cleaned up, get it repainted, but there were no Black MGBs for a num- and drove that car for about 150,000 cause. My fears were realized when I that year slipped quickly away and ber of years. MGAs were painted in miles. Twice we had it painted, we’d examined the underside and found by a year later, Caroline had slipped “swimming pool” or “formica” colors. ordered an interior from England for that the gearbox crossmember had away, too. My son James drove it to Tyrolite Green, Glacier Blue, and it. It was nice – but the undercarriage torn away from the RH frame rail, school – he didn’t mind the stripes and Ash Green are examples. MGBs went was rusty rusty rusty. I had three causing the gearbox to sit on an angle. stickers. After he joined the Army in through their “earth color” phase, for little kids in the car driving home one So it was time to retire the B. We sold the summer of 2010 we disassembled example: Bronze Yellow; Limeflower; Saturday when we passed through a it all off on eBay and to customers. It the GT to paint it, and as with many Harvest Gold; Bracken; Tundra; Citron huge puddle in the road. I thought the was sad. projects, it lay disassembled for a long, (which we call snot yellow because it’s water that burst into the interior en- So when my daughter told me her long time. The bonnet which had been not green and it’s not yellow); Aqua tered through the gearlever boot – but mother wanted her B back, I began a creased and then drilled for bonnet (well, that’s a true swimming pool in fact the force had blown a hole in concerted search for a Harvest Gold pins was too damaged to salvage. I color if there ever was one!); Char- the floor. That was easily 1973 MGB/GT with disc wheels and searched for another bonnet. Carl treuse; Bedouin; and others. We had patched – I’d done that overdrive. Lisa combed the customer Heideman of Eclectic Motorworks in an Old English White (OEW) MGA before. But within the records and found Grant Cole’s B. Holland, Michigan, told me that one come in for restoration. We ordered up week it was shifting We remembered this as a very nice, of his customer’s MGB/GT was being the Heritage certificate and were sur- into fourth with “rust free” (there’s no such thing cut up for junk – and it had Caroline’s prised to find it was originally Alamo difficulty. When as rust free – not really) example of original bonnet. I called the owner, Beige. The owner told us that since the Caroline men- the GT. The only problem was that Ron Schaddele and asked him how factory had painted it that color he was tioned it to Grant had stripes painted on the car much he wanted for that bonnet. He bound by some canon to again paint me I could – lots of stripes! And lots of stickers gave it back to me! We refitted it to this it Alamo Beige. I asked him if he’d ever no longer and decals and badges – it even had car. Finally, about a year ago, I had the seen Alamo Beige – he hadn’t. I told hood scoops. But it was rust free, so I car painted and we’ve finally reas- him we’d paint up a purchased it from Grant’s wife (Grant sembled it. Everything works. It even foot square by that time was in a nursing home has a heated rear light. And Tim has panel suffering from frontal lobe dementia just driven it for the first time in about and send while in his early fifties). I put a bow four years. it to him. on it and gave it to my wife. It was too Lesson: Big projects always take more Two days garish – she wouldn’t even get into it! time and more money than you could later he called Now Barby told me that her mother ever imagine! back. “Paint drove it once, so somewhere between Now, it is past noon and I have to it Old English not getting into it and driving it once cover the phones. I wonder what the White!” lies the truth. I told Caroline that I’d afternoon will bring? Lesson: Paint your MG the color you want! Reminder: John Twist will be pleased to answer your technical query; you can e-mail Tim finally took the BGT him at [email protected] or call during his technical hour of 1-2pm Eastern, Monday-Friday. 60 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 The MG Driver • March / April 2014 61 Registrars of the NAMGBR Original Owner Registrar MGB, MGB LE, & 1967 MGB/GT Bill Hawkins Special’s Registrar 2301 Kendricks Court Jack Long Raleigh, NC 27613 343 Spencela Parkway (919) 676-8888 Forest Hill, MD 21050 [email protected] (410) 450-1385 Hammer & Tongs Registrar Phil Smith Midget Registrar MC3955, UCHC, 263 Farmington Ave, Col. Robert Swetzer Farmington, CT 06030 P.O. Box 1145, Red Rock, AZ 85245 [email protected] (520) 904-3768 [email protected] Post Abingdon Registrar Mark Jones 1974½ MGB Registrar P.O. Box 1203, 510 Albert Blvd. • Valued• Our Supporters Dennis Taylor Corunna, Ontario, NON 1GO Canada 5941 Rounder Lane Phone: 519-862-3763 Holly Springs, NC 27540 [email protected] [email protected]

MGB V8 Registrar Modified Registrar Mike Grieco 519 Grand Avenue Ravenna, Nebraska 68869 (308) 452-3090 E-mail: [email protected]

Pull-Handle MGB Registrar Lloyd Faust 40 Santa Ana Loop Placitas, NM 87043 [email protected]

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

MGC Registrar John Rogers 18251 Starduster Dr. Nevada City Ca. 95959 530-432-9595 [email protected]

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

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MGB Driver Editor, 5444 Sutherland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63109 or e-mail [email protected] The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN MG EVENTS FOR 2014 CARS FOR SALE • Mar 2 ...... European Car Show, Ft. Myers, FL • www.tswfl.org 1976 MGB GT V8 – FACTORY V8 – Health forces 1980 MGB – black/black; only 23k miles. Owned sale of Flamenco Red GD2D1-2533. Original factory since 1997 when only 4700 miles on it. Always ser- • Mar 7-9...... UM Technical Seminar, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universitymotorsltd.com car imported by me in 1985 and legalized under viced by British Leyland trained technician who up- DOT gray market rules in effect at the time. Still dated needed items, but kept originality. New super- • Mar 10-11 ...... UM Gearbox Rebuilds, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universitymotorsltd.com a nice car and can be driven anywhere. $22,500. lite wheels with Kumho tires included with original • Mar 21-23 ...... UM Quality Coaches Technical Seminar, Can e-mail photos and more details; - Don Peery wheels and tires. Featured in Ken Smith’s Limited 20 W. 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55409 USA [email protected] or (405) 359-2955 OK 030414 Edition MGB book. Original dealer advertising in • Mar 15...... British Car Show, Titusville, FL • www.mgcarclubflorida.org 1973 MGB/GT – 83k miles, for restoration; located book thrown in with original window sticker. Excel- near Morris, IL; $900. Contact Ernie Lindsay, (815) lent condition. This is for a true enthusiast. You will • Mar 22...... British Car Show, New Orleans, LA • www.bmcno.org like this car! Currently stored in Minnesota. Avail- 942-0438 or [email protected] IL 091013 able to be picked up in May. $11,750. Bill Wickum • Mar 30...... British Swap Meet, Chicago, IL • www.britishcarswap.info 1978 MGB – Red/Black, 68,000 miles; Excellent (701) 238-8190 or (218) 847-3764. MN 020314 mechanical condition; Weber carb, stainless exhaust, • Apr 4-6...... British Car Show, Winter Park, FL • www.allbritishcarclub.com all body panels replaced – show winner! $9000 obo. Richard Benson at (717) 367-2813 PA 111213 • Apr 5-6...... Missouri Endurance Rally, St Louis, MO • www.stlouismgclub.com WANTED 1977 MGB – Damask Red/Black, show winner, • Apr 11-13...... GOF South, Crystal River, FL • www.gofsouth.com excellent condition – very clean! Car has overdrive, twin SU carbs, leather Moto Lita steering wheel; al- • Apr 12...... British Car Show, Williamsburg, VA • www.wmbgbrit.com ways covered and garaged. Professionally restored by Wanted 1967 or older MGB roadster (or Canadian Knorris Foreign Car Service. Asking $6500. Contact 1968 MGB with metal dash). Looking for a preserved • Apr 21-25...... British Car Gathering, Key West, FL • [email protected] Jim Pegg at (570) 323-2579 or jandhpegg@verizon. or restored example or a blend of the two. Would • Apr 27...... British Car Show, net PA 111213 consider a stalled restoration. I would prefer a car that Van Nuys, CA • www.queens-english.org 1973 MGB/GT has been kept or redone as original-spec or close to it. • May 2-3...... North Meets South, Pismo Beach, CA, NAMGBR Regional – 83,000 miles good candidate for Don Scott - [email protected] or call (707) restoration. $900 – Ernie Lindsay, (815) 942-0438 or 942-0546 CA 050613 [email protected] IL 111213 • www.paradisebritishcarclubhome.com 1980 MGB – Totally original car owned by factory- • May 16-18...... Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals, Carlisle, PA • www.carlisleevents.com trained British Leyland technician. 34,000 miles. PARTS FOR SALE Garage kept all its life. Car can be picked up and • May 18...... British Car Show, Dixon, CA • www.ubscc.org driven anywhere. $5000 in upgrades and too many extras to list – including complete a/c system. For • May 29...... Rally in the Valley, Eau Claire, WI • www.mn-mggroup.org Mountney 15” Steering Wheel – Leather wrapped. more information and history, contact Adrian Suraez, • May 31...... British Car Show, (205) 345-9845 AL 111213 Aluminum with six holes. Comes with boss. Needs Westtown Township, PA • www.dvtr.org 1979 MGB horn button. Good Condition. $25.00 plus shipping. • June 7...... Heartland MG Show, – Downdraft Weber and new header, new Special Tuning Air Dam – Needs minor fiberglass Parkville, MO • www.heartlandmgregional.com tires, needs a little body work and a new throwout repair. Fiberglass repair kit included. Fits Chrome • June 8...... 21st British Motorcar Gathering, Hellertown, PA • www.keystonemg.com bearing. Lots of parts to go with it. $5500. Jerry bumper MGB. $25.00 plus shipping. Both for $40.00 Boykin (251) 473-4179 111213 plus shipping Frank Bulkley (775) 747-4378 1150 • June 13-15...... 62nd Rallye Glenwood Springs, Arvada, CO • http://mgcc.org/ 1980 MGB – 34,000 miles, totally original car Freddie Ct Reno, NV 89503 Member # 21-8007 or owned by factory trained British Leyland technician. [email protected] 010214 • June 15-19...... MG 2014, French Lick, IN • www.mg2014.com Garage kept all of its life; car can be picked up and driven anywhere in the country. $5000 in upgrades • July 14-18...... NAMGAR GT-39, Ottawa, ON • [email protected] and too man extras to list, including complete a/c A/C Unit – Dealer installed that fits contour under • July 19-20...... MGC Weekend, Worcestershire, UK • [email protected] system. For more information and history, contact dash of 1977-80 MGB. Semi-complete with some Adrian Suarez, (205) 345-0845 AL 010214 missing parts that are available from Moss. Offers? • July 20...... British Car Show, Oxnard, CA • www.channelislandshoarbor.org 1978 MGB - Bright blue with tan interior; excellent Bill Holmes, (970) 485-9734 or ahfanatic@gmail. condition. Newly carpeted, seats always slip covered, com CO 010214 • June 20-22...... Ohio GOF, Athens, OH • [email protected] recent thorough mechanical overhaul, original paint • July 28-30...... Vintage Motor Revival, (was advised did not need and should not repaint), Forty-Fort, PA • www.bccnepa.com 3rd owner and have owned since 1986, records avail- MGB/GT driver side quarter panel – NOS. (A 457- • Aug 15-17...... UM Summer Party, Grand Rapids, MI • www.universitymotorsltd.com able, $10,000.00. William McDonald, (714) 318-3737, 450 in some catalogs or references); $395 + shipping. [email protected] CA 010214 Todd Wyatt (320) 980-2010; toddski1000@yahoo. • Sept 5-7...... Vintage MG Racers Focus Event, Watkins Glen, NY • www.mgvr.org com MN 010214 Selling or Buying an MG? • Sept 6-7...... British Car Show, Altoona, PA • greaterpghmgclub.org • Sept 18-21...... British Car Festival, Dillard, GA; NAMGBR Regional • www.peachtreemg.com Take advantage of NAMGBR’s Performance Parts – Buy/Sell/Trade Classifieds like-new Hooker Header on our website: www.NAMGBR.org/classified bought new in 1977 for a 1972 MGB (3-into-1) for • Sept 20...... British Car Show, St Louis, MO • www.stlouismgclub.com $300 obo; a 45mm dual-throat SK side draft carb. A great way to find or sell that hard-to-find part • Sept 27-28...... British Car Show, or that next project. Perfect condition, includes the rare SK tuning manual Clovis, CA • www.valleybritish.org for $500 obo. David Bloyed (972) 223-6497 TX 030414 NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER P. O. Box 876 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515-0876 Address Service Requested