THE NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER the MGB Driver is the official publication of the North American MGB Reqister, a non-profit 'he Editor's Vieb nrganizatlon dedicated tu maintaining and expanding interest in Britain's must popular spo,-ts cur-the MGB. The opinions expressed within are those of the individual authors and readers are wamej that ell it just goes to show ...for they oncrnpt any mechanical or other modificarions d~ribedhewin, entirely at iheir own risk. the last issue, we read the Membership in the North American MG6 Register is Open to all, with no restrictions. Ownership of an MG is not a condition of membership. NAMGBR Regional Chapters will be tea leaves, consulted the ora- pleased to welcome you to their events. Membership dues are $25.00 per year. cles, threw the r Ching, dealt the For rnember~hipdetails or further information write to: Tarot deck, climbed out on a limb NORTH AMERICAN MGB REGISTER and-tried to put out a realistic best P.O. Box MGB guess as to MGs in our future. Well, Akin, 1L 62805 everything pertaining to the MGs Or call the toll-free hotline: 800-NAMGBR-1 we already have here still stands. Or visit our website at: hrtp://www.namgbr.org/namgbr/ But the future of the manufacture of new MGs is up in the air again. lust OFFICERS OF THE NAMGBR CONVENTION1 Joke6 Ann Snyder as the last issue was appearing in I AGM 505 E. Norlh Avenuc But beyond all that, it's Spring CHAIRMAN: Robin Wealheroll COORDINATORS: Lokr Bluff, IL 60044 your mailboxes, a maelstrom erupt- again. So despite the economics of 1326 Waldron Avenue ed in Germany. Rumors of the St. Louis, MO 63130 manufacturing in the Nineties, we TECHNICAL Bob Muson imminent closure of Rover's (31 4) 725-2892 MGF can look forward to another season of e-rnail: ~obmg~8@stlnet.~om ADVISORS: 5 Leslie Court Longbridge plant where the is MGs Fairhop, Al, 36532 great motoring in the we know (When writing built did not prove out-yet!, but and love. And don't forget, "MG '99" VICE-CHAIRMAN: Ron Tugwell to o rechr~kal (334) 928-5366 instead, there was turmoil as BMW's P.O.Box 2406 odvlsor, please in Vancouver beckons for a great MG Ire cerrab~to Bob Daniels (engines, etc.) Chairman Bernd Pischetsrieder and 3 De Arnaral Road include o (5 18) 372-4566 adventure out west. Camel Valley, CA 93924 srarnped, self. then his presumed successor, oddresred Glen Towcry So check the oil, gap the points, (831) 659-2449 envelope for Wolfgang Reitzle, both resigned e-mail: [email protected] (302) 734- 1243 charge the battery, fill the tank, turn their reply.) under fire over Rover's performance. rhe key and get out on the road! Q SECRETARY: D Zimmermon Norrnon Nock AS we go to press, the dust is set- (209) 948-8767 81 1 S. DePeyster Street tling. David Knowles will be jn Kent, OH 44240 SERVICE Jeromc Huscnberycr attendance at the Geneva Auto (330) 678-9394 RECObIMENDATION 306 E. Plum Street Show and will report in the next e-mail: enmg~~nel.com COORDINATOR: Benton, IL 62812-2315 (618) 439-6464 fph>nellix) issue on the new realities both in TREASURER: Eric Kent P~QUWfw 9 arn to 9 pm only Germany within BMW and in 2552 YZ Avenue Schoolcroft. MI 49087 MEMBERSHIP David Deutsch England for Rover and MG. (6 16) 679-5997 COORDWATOR: 81 Mcrrick Avenue East Mrodow, KY 11554 . ~-, COORDINATORS OF THE NAMGBR REGALIA Bill Hayes COORDINATOR: Quartrrs 0-2. Antrim Drive EDITOR Kim Tonry Page 1 0 If It Ain't Broke klechoni(.sl~urg.PA 1 7055 ... tLlti3 Driver: 4904 Puffer Road (7 17) 69 1.9894 Bob Ekstrond, San Diego MG Club Downers Grove, 11 60515 (630) 968-4347 ELECTRONIC Tom Biehl e-mail: NAMGBR ED@c~~l.com BILLBOARD: P.O. Box 681 Page 12 MGs and a College Man Blue Bell, I'A 19422 Tyson Sherman ADVERTISING: Ion Pender NAMGBR BBC:@kol.com 1 77 Paxson Avenue Wayne Kube Hamilton Square, NI 08690 . Page 20 MG Open Day (609) 890-2959 COORDINATOR: 3105 Glory Lane Plano, TX 75025 Marcham Rhoade Fnx (609) 890-9261 e-mail: [email protected][ (972) 618-1984 &mail: wkuMliudfw.nel Page 24 Bonneville MGA Sets Record PUBLICITY Richard Liddirk Rick Ingrarn Mark Barnhart, Waddill Race Team COORDINATOR: 5237 Glen Arm Road CONCO UR5 COORD~\~ATOR: P.O. k)s 588 Glen Arm, MD 21057 St. Imeph, IL 61873 (410) 817-6862 Page 28 An MGB Goes Home (217) 469-2037 Roger Glover, MG Owner's Club of England
FOR REGISTRAR INFORMATION, PLEASE SEE PAGE 49 Plus: Letters, Technical Talk, Where fo 'B and much more! The North American MGB Register is affiliated to the MG Car Club of England. The klG Car Clul3 was founded h 1930 and is the original, faaor). supported, and approved oyaniultion for $1 h,[G5. with the Club Headquarters situated in Abingdan-on-Thurnes close by the t~irrhplaceofall hfb. MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 .AG's Future Revisited
The Future of Pischetsrieder had been making omy for the Rover division and had The other fatlout after the BMW/Rover/MG Revisited... an issue for some time of the British previously stated that it would be in changes was considerable jnterest on and Found to be Revised govemtWnt's support of new facili- the black by 2000. Reirzle had wanted the part of other car manufacturers, by Events ties built by other car manufacturers to streamline the company and more including Ford. GM, DaimlerlChrysler on greenfield sites and BMW and closely integrate Rover jnto BMW. and VW in BMW as takeover target. n our last issue, David Knowles Rover's being at disadvantage by Friday February 5 arrived and There was a noticeable run-up in !wrote an update on the situation at having older factories that the gov- the meeting commenced. BMW's stock price belying the Rover and BMW regarding MG. Just ernment is not offering the same sub- Pischetsrieder resigned as did Reitzle. market's opinion that BMW is the as the issue was being delivered. sidies. The uneven playing field Reitzle had gained no friends on the next major target after the winds of change swept over Munich became a steady theme. shop floors and union representa- Chrysler/Mercedes and FordIVolvo leading to new uncertainties over BMW alleges the Longbridge tives on the board met prior to the mergers of the past year. Speculation what direction BMW, Rover and MG plant, which employs 14,000, lags its board meeting and solidified their in the business press cites BMW as the will proceed. other plants by 30% in productivity. opposition to him becoming chair- next most likely target of further con- For two intense weeks in late The company's growing dissatisfac- man. loachim Milberg, 56, was the solidation in the auto industry, con- January, rumors floated in the tion was lo be the primary topic at the surprise compromise candidate. siderably ahead of debt-saddled German press that 8MW Chairman Friday Februury 5 superviso~yboard Milberg was the companies Nissan. The Quandt family has Bernd Pischetsrieder's job was in meeting. An additional factor in Management Board Member over- repeatedly stated their intent to see ieopardy over ongoing performance Rover's cost structure is that Rover has seeing Engineering and Production. BMW remain independent. problems at Rover. These rumors continued to rely heavily on British Despite its being the original agenda The New Rover 75 model intro- were forcefully denied by the Quandt suppliers for a large percentage of the item,. no immediate action was duced last fall at the Birmingham family, holders of the largest black of parts that go into their cars. In light of taken on Longbridge. Milberg has Auto Show has been well received BMW stock. A supervisory board the continuing strength of the Pound, since stated thot the company thus far and even named 'Car of the meeting was scheduled to be held in that has added to the relative cost of expects to see results at Longbridge Year' by the English magazine What early February. The center of the their cars as well. Many of these sup- by the end of Spring. The implica- Car? It is being produced at the newly storm was Rover's principal plant at pliers are concentrated in the tion remains that if the situation at refurbished Morris plant at Cowley Longbridge whose performance con- Birmingham area triggering govern- Longbridge does not show improve- which has been redesignated Rover tinues to lag the rest of the BMW ment concerns thot a shurdown ment soon, the plant is still in dan- Oxford. Oddly enough, a rumor came empire. The plant was rumored to be would leave devastating unemploy- ger of being closed. out of England in February thot con- on the chopping block despite the rnene in the area. Continued integration of Rover sideration is being given to marketing new labor agreement reached last Company spokesmen and those into BMW operations after the last the 75 as an MG Magnette in North November which promised to give speaking for the Quandt family five years of operating autonomy America. Odd because a statement new flexibility in operating the doggedly denied the persistent rumors seems to be probable. It is rumored was made in jest in these pages in our plant. That agreement was negotiat- that Pischetsrieder would be asked to that the marketing and sales of the Iast issue in a news item about the ed by Rover Chairman Walter step down saying that personnel mat- new generation Mini will be handled announcement of the new car thot Hasselkus just prior to his stepping ters were not on the agenda- through the BMW side and not by that might be better marketing than down in early December. Upon ten- although it was admitted that such Rover. Speculation in BMW club pub- the initially announced idea of mar- dering his resignation, Hasselkus mutters could be brought up once the lications has included mention of a keting it as a Riley here--a nameplate stated that [he problems at Rover meeting commenced. Speculation possible US specialty dealer network all but unknown on these shores. could not all be blamed on the con- centered on BMW Sales and bejng considered to market the M- We will keep up to date on the tinuing strength of the Pound. Engineering head Wolfgang Rcitzfe as series BMWs, the new Mini and the story in upcoming issues of MGB Hasselkus took responsibility for Pischetsrieder's probable successor. successor to the MGF. Driver. David Knowles will be report- Rover's performance and was Rivals for the Chairman's job in 1993, It is still possible that that succes- ing on the Geneva Auto Show includ- replaced by Werner Saemann. they had never seen eye to eye on sor will be built on a platform in corn- ing the 75th Anniversary MGF and Pischetsrieder had championed Rover. They would have preferr~dto mon with the Z3-yielding the further the updated MGF Super Sports con- the cause of the plant since BMW acquire just the Land Rover line and possibility that following Bernd's cepl car in our next issue. acquired Rover From British Aerospace it's So)ihull plant but then-owner departure, his BMW-only policy for -Kim Tonry in 1994, just a year after he had British Aerospace would not split the Spartanburg may be abandoned and ascended to the chairmanship of Land Rover Division from the rest of the MGF could be produced not in Based on information from BMW. Longbridge is the plant where the company's passenger car divisions Berkshire, Oxfordshire, o r Associated Press, Reuters and the MGF and Mini are built as well as when BMW acquired the company in Warwickshire, but in Spartanburg Bloomberg wire reports and updales the Rover saloon cars. 1994. Pischetsrieder advocated auton- County, South Caroljna. From David Knowles in England. 4
MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 lur 1 morn tne vlce ~nalrn p--l
Ron Tugwell
irst off. I want to wish you all the chert for the upcoming year. Also, I "Keep'em On The Road"" want to thank all of you that re- Q@' elected me to a second term as your Vice Chairman. As you are aware, at least I hope you are, 1: sent out a listing of all the "active" Affiliated Chapters, along with the last mailing of the MCB Driver, to your respective Chapter mailing addresses. This is a "first cut" I would like to start offering a for- based on the information I am able to mal welcome to new Affiliated get out of your club's newsletters. Chapters of NAMGBR. This month, we Please review this information regard- have the "Big Bend MGs" of ing your club and respond back to me Tallahassee, Florida. The president is with any changes or revisions you Don Schmidt and he may be reached may want me to make before the next at (850)984-5484. Their newsletter is printing sometime early this year. 1 Tally-Ho and the Editor is Pheoncl would also like to have you respond Kaiser. loe Kaiser sent in the Chapter even if there are no changes to make, application and his e-mail address is as this will verify to me that I do, in
6 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-Marclv'April '99 I From Motor magazine and right and profitable, and that were oble to reach agreement on the market. Initially, the Continent must June 21, 1980 sooner or later somebody would rec- factory, on the marque, on the 0- be an area on which they spend a ognize this and do something about Series engine, and on component sup- great deal of time, for European and aving succeeded in bringing it. They just couldn't believe they were plies. These were the main areas of home market sales will, to a certain Aston-Martin back from the making unprofitable motor cars that concern so that we agreed that it extent, have to keep the company . .dead, and having appointed a couldn't be sold." could be done. Now we have three going until the 0-Series model has new managing director, Alan Curtis A call to Ray Horrocks of BL Cars months of very intensive work to completed its tests and can be found himself at something of a loose showed that he had an open mind on finalize the agreements and to yet us launched in the States. end. The people he had put in to run the possibility of a take-over of MG, in a position to take over, which I It will be recalled that most of the his building and aviation companies and further intensive research showed hope will be about October. There are recent changes to the MGB which while he was concentrating on Aston there was enough interest and money still problems, but the main problems have so "disimproved" it were carried were doing such a good job that there available to finance the deal. between us and BL are over and out of out to make it comply with US regula- was no need for him to take a more "The further I went into it, the the way." tions. There should be no great diffi- direct interest in running them! more I became convinced that it was Alan Curtis said that plans are culty, therefore, in building a much lust when he was wondering a company that should remain in well advanced for what they will do more acceptable car for Europe. whether to build aeroplanes, one existence at Abingdon building motor with MG after the take-over. They Asked whether there were any Sunday evening in October the cars. That such motor cars could be have no intention at this stage of re- competition plans for the new MG phone rang. "A chap I knew said sold, and that they could be sold prof- equipping Abingdon from end to end, company, Alan commented. "I'd like that now I had nothing to do, why itably, given the cooperation of BL, for for the financing is not available. But to very much, but it's too early to say didn't I look at MG?" Alan knew very it depended entirely on BL supplying they will be doing some more build- what will be possible." little about the MG crisis. "As far as I the component parts at a reasonable ing there, and as quickly as possible. I'm sure everyone will wish Alan was concerned it was just another BL pricwnd consistently!" A few years away is a completely new Curtis the best of fortunes in rescuing situation and I was fed up with read- Investigations also showed that if MG that will maintain the MG tradi- another of Britain's most prestigious ing abour 8L situations! I'd had finance for the project could not be tion and will be very exciting. [t will car companies from a premature enough problems of my own. obtained in Britain, it would certainly be very interesting to build, very grave. He may not be a motor indus- Moreover, I'd just finished with one be available from either lapan or the interesting to sell, and very interest- try man, born and bred in the car company and without any doubt United States. ing to drive! Midlands--or even a keen motorist. Aston-Martin had been the most dif- "Above all the thing that So far as the present MGB is con- But, he has an amazing ability to ficult thing I'd ever been involved impressed me most was the emotion cerned they know they will have to do inspire enthusiasm in others, and to with, so I didn't want to get back into for MG that existed around the world, various things to restore its appear- make the right decisions at the right a similar set of circumstances." and that had never really been ance and handling and they will get time. Charisma is an under-rated However, the caller was persis- tapped. [ believe that emotion is a down to doing them as quickly as quality in the world of accountants tent, and rang back hall an hour frightfully important asset in a busi- they can. "We're alive to the necessity and corporate men, but it is an later to point out the similarities ness. If you can take it and focus it, for making some changes, which we invaluable asset in getting others to between the Asron and MG situa- and channel it, it is the best selling know can be done" says Curtis. achieve the seemingly impossible. It is tions. Alan Curtis became interested asset you've got. There was so much There will be much more concen- an asset that .41an Curtis most cer- and telephoned around, and was emotion for MG, so many people tration on selling MGs in Europe and tainly possesses. Q astonished at the reaction he got- wanting it to succeed and to get the UK, and less reliance on the US -Philip Turner especially from the United States. The involved in the car. This, together more he learned, the more astonished with the attitude of the workforce ut he became. Abingdon, made it. seem to me that "Why shut down MG? It just did- what would eventually emerge would n't make sense." be a very profitable company." Curtis went to Abingdon and In preliminary talks, BL were talked to the MC workers. "They not able to let the proposed r.ew weren't bitter. There was no question consortium have the factory at of them saying 'oh well, we're all Abingdon, the marque name or the going on strike because they're shut- 0-Series engine. ting us down'. Jt's a difficult thing to "Those were the circumstances explain, but I got the feeling that they that applied at the time. But circum- were sure that what they did was good stances change and so eventually we 8 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 9 It it ~in'tBroke ... 4 Registrar liepoi
Bob E kstrand, look at their shop. I was very Drew Hastings San Diego MG Club impressed with the operation (not to mention a beautiful Jaguar XKE I saw The Importance of Belonging hel,d by jai Deagan, a job well done on't fix it, is an old adage I rend on the rack). This was the shop for me! ne of the many things that and you deserve the rest. -to live my life by. So, it war with After squeezing a couple more nmake me marvel about our Unfortunately all too often rhe hus- iacertajn amount of misgiving months out of the old clutch, I finally u'hobbyis the number of people I band or wife of a member of the exec- that I finally made the decision to ful- took the car in at the end of November get to meet or come in contact with in utive is equally involved in the posi- fill a longtime fantasy of mine regard- last year. the course of a day being an MG tion and never gets the recognition he ing my 1974 MGB. It was time to bile Well, my fear of the old adage enthusiast. When I think of the many or she deserves. To Jai's wife Sue, a the bullet and install the legendary finally came back to haunt me. Since really nice people we have met over large part of lai's success most overdrive gearbox J had often heard the engine must be removed first, it the years one thing stands out. Mad it assuredly is because of the tremen- of but never driven. was suggested that I have the radiator not been fox this hobby we all enjoy dous support you gave him during The Gods must have been smiling boiled out while was at it. I agreed, we never would have had the oppor- his term of office and a tip of the old this past summer when upon driving only to find that it too was showing its tunity to meet: MC ball cap to you. the 'I3 .to work one morning the engine age. Some pin hole leaks were show- Tom and Evie Boes who so gra- Lastly, the repljes to our began to race in fourth gear whilst 1 ing up in the core, which meant seal- ciously open their home each and Members' Survey are continuing to was going up a fairly steep grade. ing up those passages or going a every time we blow into Grand come in and for those who have taken "Damn, I hope it's not the clutch!" recore or replacement. Reduced cool- Rapids, Michigan. Dale and Terry the time to complete one, by now your After all, I only had it replaced 13 ing did not make sense, nor did I want Andrews who are very upset if their information has been entered. I have years and 40,000 miles ago. Within a Taiwanese replacement ... i t's just not place isn't our first stop on the way to been trying to send a personal 'Thank the next month I started feeling the British. Additionally, I had a distribu- john and Caroline's Summer Party. You' to oll who have done so and will same effects in third gear too. So ...my tor problem and the timing chain and Their daughter Brook even calls us continue to as time allows. So fur it fate having been sealed about a new tensioner were worn out. Aunt Jeannie and Uncle Drew. has been really interesting to see clutch, visions of overdrive started Since I was not accustomed to uti- George and Mary Sullivan whose Old where our members are from along dancing in my head. At the same lizing used parts, I was nervous about Speckled Hen Fall Colour Tour is a with the MGs they own and by com- time, I was very fond of the way my the gearbox as well. The Windsor thing of legend and who shared that pleting the Survey you help us truly be old gearbox worked. Having owned folks did a thorough inspection and tiny carriage house with their two your MGB Registry. fl two Midgets and a 356SC Porsche in we decided together that replacing Canadian friends when we reqjstered the past, this was the best shifting cur the synchros and all seals made a lot too late to qet a room at theMaele A - of any of them. Well, finding a good of sense. Now I was becoming fearful Lane. .Steve- Carrick and his lovely used overdrive I knew was almost of the final cost, but I was past the new bride ]en, by the way best wish- impossible anyway, so I put the point of no return. This is where they es and may God bless, who always thought our of my mind, that's when really came through. Much of my car have time to talk MGs in the qaraqe- - the Gods smiled! had seen a great deal of "deferred over a beer. Along came my trusty Jan Oiego maintenance" which now was rear- I guess it's just time I took a sec- MG Club Newsletter, There in the clos- ing its head. This shop discovered and ond and said thanks to all these folks sifleds was an ad for an MGB over- fixed a couple things that never who by virtue of our shared interest Qadi* aassic BriRrk b PA drive gearbox. Member, Jim McGhee reached the final bill. For this I am allow us for a brief moment in time to at a Reoseada Prlse. had several at the moment, so I went very grateful and sing their praises. belong to their Family. This hobby of C.nhct us for a QmdeI over one Saturday to take a look and When all was said anti done, my car ours, to say the least, is best shared. Be learn something about these things. had a new clutch, a like-new over- it by getting involved in your local After about 30 minutes of gazing over drive, radiator, various other parts club, volunteering for a position with- a large assortment of old MC parts, 1 and fluids, and came back running in a national registry or just getting paid the man, scarfed it up and took it better than when I brought it in, and out to the local car shows you will find home. Incidentally, it fit quite nicely for a very reasonable price! To quote that there are a wealth of folks out kus;im!-leaiey,M-5, Jogurn, Triumph in .my 'Bs trunk ...with the spare tire Amold, "1'11 be back!" there like those mentioned above you removed! lirn suggested I consider Now the only thing left to do was really need to meet to believe. Jeff Zorn having Windsor h4otors do the job us to drive the car. And drive it I did! At My sincerest congratularions to 29311 Amnd he had good luck with them. first I just got the feel of it on the side our new NAMGBR Secretary D Farmington Hills. MI 48334 1 spoke with the folks at Windsor streets, but then headed West on Zirnmerman on the event of her suc- VoicdFax: 248.489.9665 Email [email protected] a couple times and drove over there lo (please turn to page 48) cession to the position previously 10 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 1I MGs and a College Marl
Mississippi State University stu- replace the ignition coil. Otherwise it In the Summer of 1998 1 ran is recurring. I'll either be swapping dent Tyson Sherman recounts how was fairly reliable. For Christmas the across another hard to pass up offer- blocks soon or having the passage he became an MG fan and multiple '€3 was given a rebuilt engine and a a 1974 MGB GT for 5100. [r's all there, for the valve re-bored. However, 1 MG owner. new interior, greatly enhancing its but complications with the owner wouldn't let this rare occasion dis- nature and comfort. In the summer of have not turned up a key or title to courage anyone. I do consider 1997, she was treated to a front sus- the car. The GT has tired paint and a pulling and building the engine a 'm sure that most of us dreamed of a pension rebuild and was put into coupte of dents, but it's mostly rust- great learning experience. \convertible at some time before we daily use. free. The interior is in great shape and It's hard to say that MGs are got our driver's licenses. My fint dri- From the Summer of 1997 to the it has a non-working air conditioner. I mainstream transportation anymore. ving experience in a car was a Summer of 1998, I put over 4000 plan to get this car running over the They are high maintenance vehicles Triumph Spitfire in 1992, when 1 was miles on my 'B, most of them being Summer of 1999 as well. that are not as comfortable as any only fourteen years old. Although I trouble-free. [ made improvements My Grst major break in my MGB new car. However, to say that they are had a year to go before I got my from time to time, but it never broke occurred in May 1998. This is when 1 not viable as transportation for young license, I begged my parents to spend on me. I was able to make the 70 mile learned to pull and build an engine. people would not be the truth. the $800 for it. Not knowing much of round-trip commute to school in it The oil pressure relief valve jammed Owning my MGs has taught me valu- British cars, they declined. I didn't also, and it made the 55 mile trip to closed due to garbage in the oil pas- able mechanical skills, which have know much about British sports cars my girlfriend's house many times. sages, causing the pressure to go past given me the confidence to perform at the time, but I really knew that I Being only twenty and driving a 75 psi instead of relieving there. 1 the regular maintenance on my other wanted one! twenty-two year old car is quite differ- sought advice from Bob Mason, tech- car, a 1995 Subaru Impreza. [ drove an everyday Japanese ent. Now I attend Mississippi State nical advisor for the Register, and he Properly maintained, an MG is a sedan through high school, but some- University, and I have the only 'B on spoke to JohnTwist. They told me that reliable car. They are fairly safe, and thing deep inside longed for a sports campus. Most people my age drive my situation was a very rare case that nor so powerful rhat one could really car. I also wanted an older car that I Japanese sedans and sport utility vehi- they recalled happening only perhaps get hurt. I've spoken to young people could tinker wirh. When my cousin cles. I also drive a Japanese car which four times in over twenty years. In who have MGs and to those who have bought a '69 VW Beetle, the old car 1 use daily as well. Most of my friends June 1 pulled and repaired the engine considered buying one. It's an alter- jealousy really set in. really like my MG, but, they find it and by August the '0 was ready to native that is not for everyone, but if Fast forward to 1996. One week strunge when [ spend a Sunday after- come back here. you want a sports car or an older after my eighteenth birthday, I saw a noon working on my car when they're Currently my '8 is still used reg- vehicle, an MGB, MGB GT, or Midget white roadster for sale with a $2000 out on the lake or doing other things. ularly but the oil pressure situation may just be the car for you. 4 sign on the windshield. Not even Also, driving with the top down in knowing what kind of car it was, I forty degree weather causes some called the number optimistically. It strange looks. However, my little 'B turned out to be a 1976 MGB with always gets stares, nods, and waves! overdrive, and I knew 1 had to have it! The MG bug has bitten me hard- After begging my parents to pay half er still. In the summer of '97, while and pestering the seller for a week, on having the front suspension reassem- lune 11 it became mine! bled, I noticed two MGs in the back of 1 drove the car for the summer a shop. One was a 1972 Midget, and and learned a bit about mechanics. 1 farther back was a 1973 Midget. Being learned how to replace the water a fan of round wheel-arched Midgets pump within a month. I also met since I learned of them, I had to have Lucas very soon. The day after I these cars. They are very ratty; one is bought the car, it would not start due a major project and the other is prob- to a loose connection and corrosion at ably good for parts only. The '73 is the battery. completely disassembled lo a shell, Two months later [ went off to and I hope to be doing body work on college and my MGB did not go with it in the Summer of 1999. I've concen- me. The engine was worn out, which I trated on getting the '72 running, and knew at the time of purchase. 1 spent was almost ready to replace its trans- weekends driving it and maintaining mission with a used one until my it. Over the winter I had to rebuild the MGB required major work (more on brake and clutch cylinders and that later). 1998 Abingdon Trials - Calibration Run, Day I MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/Auril '99 - -ram the Limited Edition Registral
Paul Frere, respected European cor- capital raised through the sale of MG Vehicle Identification Number respondent of Road & Track wrote an got the better of the other considera- Ron Tugwell (V.[.N.)-Thjs is located on the instru- ariicle in August 1980 enfitled Saving lions. As soon as U.S. emission laws ment panel behind the windshield on MG-What's in it for Aston-Martin? require it, BL will provide the new eing the Vice Chairman in con- the driver's side and also on the dri- Here is Paul's story and comments: company with 0-series single OHC .i;junction with the Limited Edition ver's side door post. 2.0 liter engines to replace the Regrstrar, I note in the various Build Date--Also located on the uite by chance, I became one of pushrod 1.8 liter, which will not only club newsletters I receive, that there driver's side door post, month and the first people to know about make the MGB more powerful but are some "new" Limited Edition cars year (mm/yy). .the deal to save MG concluded noticeably lighter. This will allow the Q I'm sure that [ do not have among the Engine Number-Located on a between Aston-Martin Lagonda and MGB to continue in production until a database listing for our members' plate between spark plug numbers British Leyland. I had flown to replacement is developed by the new cars. I would ask all these owners and two and three. This will have six dig- Birmingham to drive the Aston- owners, which wit1 lake at least three assistance from the various Affiliated its at the end and sometimes the last Martjn Bulldog and was invited to years. Until then, production is to Chapters to ask their "LE" owners to digit is missed due to being so close to dinner by Aston's Chairman, Alun remain at present levels, about 600 submit the information I reqi~ireto the drive screw holding the plate onto Curtis, who had made the deal only cars per week. put these cars in our listing. This the block. 24 hours earlier. The question remains, however, information is also shored with my Body Number-Located on a This had come as a surprise. The how can the new owners make a counterpart in the MG Car Club so plate next to the hood catch on the talks between Aston-Martin and 8L profit on the car? BL has been losing they are able to "track" the number body panel in front of the radiator. To had been going on for several money on MG for a long time, and and location of our model of the MGB your right as you are looking at the months and seemed deadlocked. It Aston has to buy every part from as we are. engine from the front of the car. wasn't a question of money or the Leyland, which obviously won't be The information required is ownership of the MG marque, but selling at a loss. Aston-Martin must really minimal and quite easily I hope to meet some of you at the because BL planned to convert the have good reasons for believing it can obtained, so 1 would appreciate you annual convention in Vancouver, Abingdon factory to manufacture make money because Alan Curtis is taking the time to find out what British Columbia this year. This time the BL-Honda car which, as it tran- an aircraft enthusiast, not a car your "Numbers" are and send them 1'11 be driving with an overdrive spires will use the 1335cc Honda enthusiast, and I don't believe he and on to me either by mail, telephone, transmission installed and X expect Civic engine and powertrain. his American co-chairman, Peter or e-mail. I also have a fax number that myself and the car will "6"a lot Another problem was that today Sprague, would rescue MG out of that this information may be sent happier than the last long trip we Abingdon is purely an assembly sheer sentimentality. They are busi- to: (83 1)644-7523. took together. plant, the MGB being built up from a nessmen, and clearly they still see a body produced by the Leyland-owned market for a car wearing the world- Pressed Steel Company and using famous MG nameplate. They can standard BL components. So where also point to the fact that in five years were the components and assemblies they turned the moribund Aston- going to come from once Abingdon Martin Lagonda company into a was no longer part of BL? In fact, this profitable business. problem is the reason the MG is being However, on the other hand, I phased out by BL. The MG gearbox worry about the marketing risks and and rear axle aren't used by any the enormous investment the devel- other BL model and the 8-series opment of a relatively high-volume pushrod engine won't meet future new model represents for a small U.S. emission regulations. company. Remember Panther Consequently no deal could be con- Westwinds? It was a profitable opera- cluded unless BL found a different tion as long as it made only very factory to build the I-Ionda-based car expensive, very low-production cars and unless Michael Edwardes, BL's like the 172 and the Panther De Ville. Managing Director, agreed to provide Then the company expanded its facil- the parts necessary to continue pro- ities to build the beautifully made, but duction of the MGB until the new cheaper Lima in larger numbers- owners developed a successor. and quickly went broke! Why was the deal finally struck? What probably happened is that the (please turn to page 48) 14 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/Ap~ il '99 15 1:rorn the Midget Registrc
Bob Zimmerman block with a [apartese car. The old man pretty much came unglued A Baby Boomer's when he saw the Honda 50. And at
First Major Decision $ 2546 it's a bit sreep. Yeah, he'd pret- ~ ty much reproduce bricks anally. Let's The year is 1968. Baby boomers-a- see what the rest of the English speak- plenty are graduating from high ing world is driving. school. You can purchase a new The guys at the Triumph .shop Mklil Midget for about $2055. It's smirk a bit when they catch sighr of 1275cc, 65 bhp engine a direct the Honda. A Bonneville it ain't. descendant of the 803cc, 28 bhp A- They direct you to the Spitfire. series engine developed for the 1951 Decent power, bur the handling isn't Austin A30. as tight as you had hoped. Besides, if This year MG became a part of you want to trade in the Honda, they the British Leyland Motor say it will cost more than the $2295 Corporation, the conglomerate that price tag. is hell-bent on single-handedly Perhaps MG has what you're destroying the proud British automo- looking for. The MGB at $2670 is a bit tive industry. But thqt's another out of your range. But this Midget is a story ,entirely. perfect fit financially and ranks up in So you've graduated from high the WOW range on the school and you want a sports car. It's Thrill-0-Meter. And that 152055 price a step up from that used Honda 50 is enough to "make a bull dog hug a motorbike that you got for $200 lost hound" as Muddy Waters would say. year. You shell out about 34 cents for From 1958 to 1.979 over 350,000 a gallon of gas and start hitting the people found the Spridget to be the car lots. perfect fjt. Out of those cars, how First stop is the Buick lot where many do you suppose survived your old man buys the family- beyond their first owner? How many mobiles. They just got in that new are still in the hands of their first Ope1 GT; you know, the mini- owner? How many have changed Corvette. Looks all right, but it isn't hands more than a dozen times? even a convertible and they want And how muny have vanished from $3348 for it. Berter keep looking. the roads? How about a Fiat 850 Spyder? For If you had to guess, would you crying out loud, the mechanic speaks say that out of those 350,000 cars Italian and the little bugger doesn't over a million people have had the look very substantial. The car not the thrill of driving a Spridget? How galoot with the wrench. Its $2136 muny still enjoy that thrill today? To price tag is inviting, but still-Italian? dare D and 1 hove registered about That's kind of like Latin isn't it? And 350 cars either by mail, in person, or you sucked at Latin in high school. through the North American MGB Besides all they have is that olive Register web site. We've heard from green. You're outta here. many NAMGBR members and hope Next stop, this new Dotsun deal- to hear from more of you. Keep your er. That little 1600 roadster is a decent stories coming. iooking car. In fact, upon close inspec- By the way, when asked how long tion, you'd sweor that engine came most of you expect to keep your out of an MGB, carbs and all. But in Midget, the vast majority of those who 1968 who wants to be the first on their have registered say, "FOREVER!". Q
I6 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-Mercli/April '99 17 ~ettersto the Reaister
As many of you know, last year 1 comed. I'd particularly like to borrow embarked on compiling a new pro- any photos of BMCjBL Dealer's fore- Secondly, my hat's off to Dennis judges and a few bootleggers to add ject in regard to the advertising and courts in the '60s and '70s showing Trowbridge on the Requiem for fhe some class. promotion of the MGB 1962-1980. MGBs for sale. All contributions will Starter MG. I have never felt so good I've owned the car since March and I wanted to sincerely thank all be acknowledged in the final result about a $450 car. I think I have cho- 1975 and have spent many hours those who have contributed so far to and again I would like to thank the sen the best "illness" a person can making it better and safer. Many guys have, although I wouldn't call my '64 3000cc what is proving lo be u f~irlymonu- many members and others who have aren't too familiar with the mental task, with some surprising contributed so far to what should 'B a "starter" at this point. MGC muscle engine. It has dual Happy to be a member. twists and turns! prove to be an illuminating experi- power brakes, and torsion bar front -Mot?y Murphy suspension which works great and is For instance were you aware ence for any MG aficionado. [ thought Pork Falls, Wisconsin adjustable, so it can be set up for rac- that there were over 300 catalogs, just I knew a lot about MGBs and their for the MGB, issued during its produc- promotion-l realize now just how lit- ing fairly easily. tion nin? We think we have them all tle I really knew! We have a nice club in the British Hello NAMGBR Staff, listed now! You can write to me at P.O. Box Sports Car Club of Louisville who hold I still have goosebumps on think- Did you know rhat these cata- 8645, Goleta, CA 931 17. an annuaI show on the first Saturday logs were printed in over a dozen dif- Octagonally, ing of all the fun we had at Hagerstown. in June in a lovely spot about five Too bad I had to leave my 1969 miles north of downtown Louisville ferent languages? Marchum Rhoade Do you know how many MGBs MGC at home due to some special on the Ohio River. (See "Where to '6" steering remounting problems last lis/ings-Ed.) were given away in various competi- lune, but [ have it all together now and So long until later. Again, really tions-and who owns them now? Never before have I felt so com- Do you know who were the stars pelled to write to any publication as I roadrested it and it drives perfectly. enjoyed the fun with you folks. I also I haven't driven it since the last V8 of the "MG In Concert" productions? am now. As a matter of fact, I have went down to the convention in parade in October. It is pain slip- Have you ever heard of the never written to any publication. I a Annapolis and had loads of fun ping the clutch for several miles but I Century Award for salesmen who have two segments I would like to there too. drive it in all the parades and haul -Curl Cundiff sold the IvIGB? Or of BAMA-the comment on from the dignitaries like mayors, politicians, British American Manufacturers JanuaryIFebruary 1999 issue. RadcliK Kentucky Q Association where all British I was disenchanted by the future Automotive importers joined forces of MG... According to BMW/Rover article. with their own organization? I am a newcomer to the "Family of Did you know that over twen- the Marque" and viewed that article ty different companies used the as t-he "beginning of the end". I won- MGB in their advertising due to dered if I shouldn't have sold my 1986 astute "product placement" includ- Fiero. bly wife and I saw an MGB in a ing American Express, Barclays and used car publication and we knew Westminster Bank? that it was the car for us to seek. I Did you know that (here was a have been an MG fan since child- veritable glut of television commer- hood, but never thought I was "wor- cials for the MGB once rhe advertising thy" of being an MCB driver. I further agency discovered the medium? The researched the MC only I-o find I was story behind the making of the com- heading into a far more exciting and mercials is fascinating! And over a nostalgic venture at the same afford- hundred different press advertise- ability level. I feared my future after ments for the MCB were printed in reading the article. A very informative publications as varied as National piece none the less. Geographic and Husller magazine! The Having read on to the Back to the latter ad, by the way, will nor find its Future piece, I can say nothing to Bob way into the finished publication! Vitrikas other than "Amen!" As newly All this and more is being assem- acquainted with the Register as [ am bled into some kind of order, and any at this point, I would Like to see only knowledge of any further examples of one more position listed with Bob's bIGB memorabilia would be wel- accomplishments- "C.E.0.-BMW"! 1998 Missouri Endvronce Rally - Lining-. up lo start the Odometer Calibration Run. 15 MGB DRJVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 19 MG Open D I
Marcham Rhoade people are queuing to see the assem- bly operation of the world-famous ~ometimesI get little things in the sports car, they can look at a special \mail from England, and I open exhibition of MG history, set up by -..each envelope postmarked two foremen in the plant. Abingdon with great excitement! On view wil1 be items of interest Occasionally it's just a letter from one connected with MG from the of the ex-MG guys asking how things Abingdon Museum, old posters, vari- are over here with MG (how can I say ous awards and medals, and last, but just a letter when MG history is slip- not least, the British Leyland Cup, ping by at an ever-increasing rate!?). won by MG Athletic last season! Anyway, back to the point of this fea- Visitors will also be able to see the ture. Recently, one of the ex-MG lads very important process through which was cleaning out his attic and came each car has to pass for export to across a few newspaper cuttings North America-the air pollution which he'd saved for over 20 years- control gas testing demonstrarion. A and he sent them to me knowing my less technical, and no doubt, more interest in the history of MG, especial- romantic feature will be the display of ly in the days leading up to the clo- MG cars through the ages, beginning sure. Tn future issues of the MGB Driver with the MG No.1 car. (sic!) Mr. Syd r'd like to share some of the cuttings Beer has collected historical MGs from with you, so here goes: his own sources, and the MG Car Club, to form a co\orful spectacle. Branch Chairman Bert Coleman bonding o cornpensofion check to o member. Jock From the BRITISH LEYUND For the kids, and anyone else who Adorns Senior Shop Steward for T&G Workers Union (center rear) is flanked by MIRROR, September 10, 1977 wants to take part, the Abingdon-based Committee Members Reg Ferris (left) and Frank Giles (right). by John Clarke Special Tuning Department has set up a large Scalextric to give the public a More than fifty outside suppliers duction is continued at Abingdon. Crash tests, a skid demonstra- chance to pit their motoring skills to MG will displaying their wares We've already built more than a mil- tion, and a display of about against top drivers from the Leyland today, and the Oxford Concert Band lion and I would like to see us go on £100,000 worth of MG cars through rally team. Members of the rally team will add music to the event for about to build another million. The work- the ages-just a few of the exciting will sign autographs and motorists will three hours. force here has a strong identity with activities to take place at the first- have the opportunity to buy ST compo- sports cars, which I consider impor- ever MG Open Day. nents at a 20 percent discount. Confidence for the Future of tant, and would like to see it main- More khan half the employees at Another of the Abingdon-based Abingdon Plant tained," he said. the Abingdon plant are helping in the departments with a fine record is the "The MG plant at Abingdon has Mr. Frearson praised his running of today's memorable event Advanced Driving School, who are a future, I am quite confident about Abingdon employees for the good rep- in the history of MG. About 10:000 staging two exciting events. Those that," said MG Plant Director, Peter utation they have built up over rhe people, including employees, their brave enough can ride with an instmc- Frearson in an open day message. Mr. years and their "consistency in both families, Leyland management, local tor in a skid demonstration on the skid Frearson, Plant Director since output and industrial relations." "But civic heads and people from all walks pan, or, there is a chance to undergo a February, said he was aware of the in saying this I do not want anyone to of life, are invired. It is hoped that the driving test, specially organized for the fears and speculation which have become complacent. There is always five hour event will have something day. Entrants must have o clean dri- worried the workforce in recent times. room for improvement." he added. of interest for everyone-young and ving license, be aged between 21 and "I am confident that the MG The MGB model is now in its 25th not-so-young alike. 65, and be in what the organizers plant will feature in the future plans year of production and Mr. Frearson The aim of the open day is to give deem a 'fit condition to drive'! of Leyland Cars, but there is no doubt said "there was plenty of life in the the public the opportunity, for the first Other highlights include a safety that we have a challenge ahead," he model yet." "lt will certainly go on for time in the 52-year history of MG, to wheel demonstration by Rubery went on. We must be prepared to another year or two. Indeed, we are see the factory at work. Employees will Owen, and a Dunlop "Denovo" accept the changes which may be about to start sending cars to Japan in be working continuously on the "A" demonstration, which shows how a October and other European markets MGB required of us. Of course, in many Block production Ijne, assern- car can be driven up to 100 miles with ways it would be nice if sports car pro- bling MCBs from start to finish. As a puncture! (please turn to page 22) 20 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-. .March/.4:3ril '99 2 1 MG Open Day - Continued from Page 21 are being reconsidered. Our sales in Reputation Second to None the United States are well up from this and Proud of It, say Unions. time last year and lune was the high- Mr. Frearson's comments on the "THE SOURCE )' est monthly figure in the history of future of MG were welcomed by union sales to America. We sold 3,400 cars leaders at the Abingdon plant. "I For A EL Your MG Needs during that month." believe that as long as Leyland has a M & G VINTAGE AUTO Referring to the open day, Mr. future, we have," is the firm opinion 265 ROUTE 17 Frearson apologized to members of of Eric Brind, senior shop steward of the public, both at home and over- the General Municipal Workers P.O. BOX 226 seas, who weren't invited to the Union, the biggest trade union at the 10987 event. "Unfortunately, because of the TUXEDO PARK, NY plant. "We feel we should go on build- Toll Frw 800-63 1-8990 size of the plant we are restricted in ing sports cars because that is what In N.Y. 9 14-753-5900 the number we can invite, and we we are expert at, and are ideally FAX 914-753-5613 trust people will understand this," he located for. 1 am heartened by Mr. said. He added "I would like to take Frearson's comments," he said. C;rlalogs available upon requcu. this opportunity to thank everyone He backed up his view with the MGT - klGA - MCB who had been involved in the plan- recent sales figures for the MGS \Vc run il body shop, do component ning of the open day, and those range overseas. "We are selling as rebuilding and ~.es~orarion.;lnJ h;~ve employees helping on the day. I am well as ever and it might be worth- a Showrou~nof \'inlngr: cilrs. delighted at the response from every- while for Leyland thinking about INVESTMENT lN A LEGEND one-from employees, suppliers, investing in an updated range in the FAST. FRIENDI,Y SERVICE Special Tuning, the Advanced years ahead. We will be very pleased Driving School, the Development when the plans for this factory are Department, and many more." finally announced. Then we will be (please turn to page 48) rmritish Car 11 The American Magazine for MGB 11 Enthusiasts Who Love British Cars 11 r~chnical.". Information II -Clt Classic Profiles Buyers' Guides - +rL&!eAm .. Club Events Historical Articles Restoration Advice Photo Features To Subscribe: Call Menl/on This Ad - Get an 1-800420-8292* Extra Bonus Issue Frse Fax 1-650-949-9685 'Canada 1450-949-9680 I ,,.-> ,,.-> PO Box 1683 1 year (6 issues) $22.95 2 years $39.95 ' LG]\-YL/ Lor A~~os.Ca P4M3 Canada US dollan only $26.00 / S4s.00 ~m Our Guarmlee: It you're ever no1 satislied. Gancsl and we'll refund Iha cosl nl all unrnalled issues.- Presentotion to the Abingdon apprentices with Cecil Cousins in the center. 22 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DMVER-March/A?-.; '99 23 3onneviIIe MGA Sets S~eedRecord The Ultimate Authority for Mark Bornhart you first have to make a pass faster than the existing record. That's called MG In the Novernber/Decernber 1998 a qualifying run. You then have to Service, Restoration, MGB Driver, David Knowles chronicled muke a return, or record run and the the efforts of the Rover faclory leam at average time of the qualifying run last year's FiAieth Ar~niversaryof Speed and the record run become the new And Technical Support. Week al- the Bonrtevilie Salr FIa6s with the record if it is faster than the existing EX255 car. The factory team hoped to record. Our qualiEyjng run was late in break MG's speed record of 254.9mph the day, so we had to put the car in an sel by Phil Hill in 1959. Allhouyh the impound area where it was kept EX255 gro~rps~rffered disoppoinlment, overnight. We would be allowed back they were nor ll?e only MC learn presenl on the salt at 7 a..m. Thursday rnorn- at tlze salt flats. Mark Barnhart of Hin!, ing and had to run within the hour Michigan is o member of the Waddill for the record. Race Team and tells the story. hlark is We had been anticipating the currently building his own hlG powered arrival of the MG EX255 team all MGA to run at Bonneville. week. When no one had seen them by Wednesday night, we decided to drive 998 was the Fiftieth Anniversary over to the Wendover airport where 1 of the Annual Bonneville Speed we heard they had rented a hangar to Week Time Trials held on the salt prepare the car. When we walked into flats near Wendover, Utah. It was the the hangar, we could tell immediately tenth yeux that the Waddill Race that all was not well. Sadly, there had Team had journeyed 2,000 miles west been a serious problem with the from their Michjgan base in thejr clutch which the crew had worked quesr for a Land speed record in the valiantly to try to overcome. But by flying mile with the "Bonneville A". Wednesday night they were resigned The Bonneville A is a 1957 MCA to the fact that they would not be able with a blown, fuel-injected Chevy V6 to run the car this year. They gave us engine, running on gasoline. When their MG flag to fly over our pits. We the car was originally prepared for woutd hove to represent MG this year, land speed racing, it ran in Class but they plan to return in 1999. EiBlown Modified Sports, with 'EJ indi- Thursday morning, we were wajt- cating engine size. Two years ago, we ing with great expectation and anxi- set the World Land Speed Record for ety for the officials to let us into the E!BMS class in the standing mile at jrnpound area to prepare for the 192 mph, but a flying mile record record run. We got the car ready and eluded us. This year we had done pushed it to the starting line well modifications to the engine, causing a before 8 a.m..The engine roared to ljfe class change to CIBMS. There were and the chief starter waved the car off. also several significant aerodynamic We started down the chose road Call, write, 01 EMail for our all new Services Catalogue improvements made to the MGA's beside the track watching the MCA bodywork over last year. disappear into the horizon as it fol- 6490 Easc Fulcon Srreer. Ada, MI 49301-9006 We were elated when our first lowed the straight black line on the Phone (616) AS2-38CO Fax (616) 682-0801 EMail: ~\~rr~~~~.~rni\:ersit~n~o~onItcI.co~n shakedown run right off the traiter white salt. Waiting tor the time to was 228 mph, faster than the car had come over the radio seemed like an ever gone before. Every run we made eternity. Then came the announce- all week was faster than the previous ment: "WE HAVE A NEW RECORD AT pass. So by Wednesday, when the car 243.970 MPM." When we got to the t$@J qualified for a record run, we were all end of the seven-mile-long course y "-1. higher than cloud nine. To set record, (please turn to page 50) 24 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-Marcli/April 99 Late rv\odel Pull-Handle MGB- &TO WORKS Bill Barge twisting. The hase brackets were also Pull Handle MG Registrar modified. No chassis or body number is listed. Then in April, starting with body Expert Repairs p ast time I wrote about some of the number 57986, the improved anti-burst early Pull-Handle MGBs. This time door locks similar to the Midget and ANY ME* MODEL * YEAR -1 am going to the other end-the Sprite models, with new push-button FOREIGN-DOMESTIC last of the pull-handle models. 1. will exterior door handles were introduced. be covering the time per~odbetween With this change also came attendant 3 the introduction of the 18GB (five modifications to the bodyshell, doors, Classic B Collector B 'tiah main bearing) engine and the intro- door casing, and rear wings. The inside Marques our specJty duction of the anti-burst door locks locking button (lever?) on the passenger SERVICE w~ththe push-button handle. door was also deleted. There were a few CONSIGNMENT The cars that fall in the period other changes also in April which may SALES or may not be on some pull-handle between October 1964 and April 1965 RESTORATION represent that link between the original cars. Starting with chassis number MGB model and the rest of the produc- 61016 on curs fitted with overdlive, the Bob J3erlcow;tz toggle switch was replaced with the tion run. According to Anders ASE Cert$sd Technician Clausager's book, Original MGB, there cranked ("shepherd's crook") switch. were fifteen recorded changes made to With chassis number 63148, also for v cars fitted with overdrive, the new lip- the MGB between October 1964 and 90 Cuntee Avenue, Westwood, NJ 02625 1965. sealed prop shaft was introduced for April Some of these changes T~I:(201) 358-0200 m,: (201) 358-0442 would be hard to spot like the cars with the banjo-type axle. redesigned support bracket for the An e-mail from Ameer Antar dynamo control box Others seem to be (chassis #58598) about his MG8 still just improvements which were inter- having the 10 gallon gas tank prompt- changeable with the current part- ed me to look into this period of pro- upgraded oil cooler, new thermostats, duction. Then I received a similar e- modified horns, and one-piece rad~ator mail from Earl Stewart. His MCB (chas- grill. But some are hard to change. sis #50448, body number 045751) is These are the modifications I will be titled as a '66, has the five main bear- concentrating on. In October 1964, ing engine, but also has the earlier gas Starhng intermittently from chassls tank and pull-handle doors. The earli- number 47112 and on all cars after est registered chassis number with a 48761, the new 18GB five main bearing five main bearing engine is chassis engine was introduced, necessitating #45893 belonginy to Robert Clark (the substantial redesign of the cylinder car also has overdrive!). Another con- block. In addition, the instruments were firmed early five main bearing engined now labeled Smiths instead of Brihsh MGB (also with overdrive) is chassis Jaeger. The tachometer became elec- #49279, belonging to Robert and Linda tronic due to the drivegear for the White. The latest pull-handle MGB I mechanical rev counter being deleted have registered is chassis ff60501 (body off of the camshaft. In March 1965, number MCBOS7371) belonging to with body number 56743, a larger Ferd Anderholm. Unfortunately, even capacity fuel tank (12.7 gallons) of though I have a chassis number for pressed construction was introduced every registered car, the information I with modfied fixings and the bodyshell have is not always complete with body modified to suit. Th~sgas tank was fitted number and engine number. The Pull- to all cars from May 22, 1965. Also in Handle MGB Sub-Registercurrently has March, lockjng plates were added to 29 registered cars which may have the prevent the front bmke hoses from five main engine yet still have the pull- (please turn lo page 50) PlGB DRIVCR- -March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 25 Roger Glover, Member sputtering, and backfiring. The neigh- MG Owners Club of England bors ran for their lives! The operation of the emission any British MGs have rusted to control system was far too complex a greater or lesser extent, due for an Englishman to understand and ."ih to our wet climate and the salt therefore I decided to revert to the which is used on the roads during the twin SU carbs as fitted to the earlier winter. Hence, when I was contem- models. The original inler/exhaust plating the purchase of a '0 the manifold was a one-piece casting so it thought of a rust free one from a dry was necessary to obtain new inlet and place was most appealing. exhaust manifolds. I decided to find a Eventually, I located a 1979 LHD (Left complete stainless steel exhaust sys- Hand Drive) Limited Ed~t~onroadster tem with a free-flow exhaust mani- which had already been imported to fold. However, when I came to install the UK from Oregon the exhaust manifold, to my horror it The hood (convertible top), would not fit between the engine and upholstery, and carpets were in a sad the chassis rail due to the presence of state, mainly due to exposure to the the steering column. I therefore sun. Most of the American imports installed a cast iron manifold. It was seem to suffer from this cond~tion. only later that [ learned that these The black paintwork was tolally dull free-flow manifolds are built to either and the black rubber bumpers were a LHD (left hand drive) or RHO (right grey colour. The car was a non-runner hand drive) specification. However, and looked very sorry for itself. these LHD versions are only available However, it was complete and 1 to special order in the UK and are con- believed that, underneath it all, was a sequently more expensive. good, solid car. The decision was The headlights had to be made to purchase it. changed to left-hand dip (quartz somewhat strangled by all the emis- This prompted me to write an My daughter, who only had the halogen) incorporating side lighrs, as sion control equipment (the power article for Enjoying MG, the monthly experience of new cars, said that it the yellow front side lights are not output was down to a rated 65 bhp magazine of the MG Owners Club of looked disgusting' My wife agreed legal here. One can, however, retain on the last versions) combined with England. 1 expanded on the above with her. My son wanted to start strip- the yellow side running lights. The fit- your 55 mph speed limit, it may be and emphasized that the 'I3 is not as ping it down immediately. However, ment of new carpets together with that the engine had never been old fashioned as some people think. the first th~ngI did was to thoroughly seats recovered in leather totally worked hard. (See Enjoying MG, March, 1997.) At the clean the car, including a high pres- transformed the interior of the MG Whilst the basic design of the 'B end of the article, i asked that if any sure spray underneath. A comprehen- and it was at this stage I began to is somewhat "old-fashioned," I was American readers knew anything of sive cleaning takes a very long rime. think that all the work had been surprised how modern some of its the history of this car, I would be very The time is worth it. Not only is sub- worthwhile. Even my daughter said safety and emissions systems were. pleased to hear from them. A short sequent cleaning made easier, but it is that it "looked cool," a compliment For instance: time later, I received a reply from Bob an excellent method of getting to indeed! However, she did not seem too Sherman, a member of the North know the details of the automobile. impressed with things like new sus- Side impact bars American MGB Register, and the It was very difficult to locate the pension bushes, wishbones, brake Inertia fuel cut-off switch WiIlamette (Oregon) MG Club, stat- enginel Eventually, 1 discovered that pads, overhauled cooling and electri- Sequential seatbelt system ing that he was prepared to research it was hidden underneath a maze of cal systems, clutch, etc. Emission control system the history and t-ry to discover the plumbing for the ernlssion control sys- Upon inspection, there was no Charcoal filters on breathing system prior owners. Naturally, I accepted his tem. This consisted of an air pump, noticeable wear in the cylinder bores, Catalytic converter kind offer. air injection manifold, exhaust gas even though the car had 85,000 miles Air-injection system Bob spent a great deal of time on recirculation system, hundreds of on the clock. This may have been Exhaust gas recirculation this project and discovered that the valves and m~lesof tubing which because the car lived in a hot climate Transmission control spark MG was originally purchased and reg- totally hid the motor! Finally I got the and the choke was rarely needed. advance istered in Virginia (XSZ 227), but engine to run with much coughing, Similarly, due to the engine being (please 1 urn lo page 50) 28 MGB DR[VER-March/April '99 29 31 30 MGB DRIVER-Marcli/Apiil '99 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 "hapteru Rep
Mardi Gras MGs of Alabama surface using a repair kit by the name Robert B. Mason of Speedy-Sleeve as available from your NAPA Auto Parts store. This .!. .!. small group of the MGMGs repair kit is really nothing more than ;r - ;(Mardi Gras MGs) recently met a very thin sleeve made of stainless i' .with Mike Darby at Darby steel which comes with its own instal- Classic Restorations in Loxley, lation tool, and provides a new and Alabama to discuss the probIem of oil smooth surface on which the lips of leuks at the transmission rear output the new oil seal will ride, and thereby flange, the front timing cover seal eliminating the oil leak. and the differential pinion seal, all Your NAPA-Guy simply measures continuing after the installation of the outer diameter of the particular new oil seals. flange and orders the appropriate kit [n many cases the installation of which has an interference fit with the a new oil seal is all that it takes to flange for the press-fit installation of cure the oil leakage problem, but in the sleeve. The installation of the new some cases with our British cars sleeve takes a very short time by fol- approaching the 30- to 40-year-old lowing the simple instructions that age bracket with many thousands of come with each kit. We have person- miles on the odometer, there eventu- ally installed these kits on the timing ully comes the time when installa- cover damper flange, the rear output tjon of a new oil seal may not cure flange of a late model MGB overdrive the problem. unit, and a tube axle MGB pinion Mike has parted out a number of flange and the repair seems to be fully these older cars with varying ages and satisfactory and probably permanent. mileages and showed us well-worn The damper and transmission flange SPORTS CAR SERVICES SPORTS CAR SPECIALTiES examples of crankshaft damper repairs are simple and easy to do. The Westminster, Vt. 802-387-4540 Winchendon, Ma. 508-297-3105 flanges and rear transmission and pinion flange repair can present a hlAJQREP4l.E 'We rebuild englnes. Cylinder heads ME!. REPhlR Send us your Mypanel for repair. Ustng pinion flanges whose surfaces varied very definite problem if you "don't convened io~unleaded fuel use. Fngines balanced and lradlhona european mslhodsmr can labn-le and kI h pamal from slightly rust pitted to those show- count the turns" of the large NyLoc upraled. Trarrsrrtulon. overd~ivr.propsliahb bck axie cepa~r. or lull replacement pands in yaur rusted or damaged fencers. jng pronounced wear patterns where retaining nut, so if you need to make Clulches ovemauled. doors. valances. In steel or aluminum. the oil had been riding (or mak- this repair, Mike recommends that R- hlasler cylinders, servos. calipers. CY3TOM WORK Bl~slers,*red edge air intakes. and vinually seal wheel cylinders remred. exchanged, and sold owl right. We any olher body panel modillcation. ing contact) with the flange. In such you contact someone who definitely stock a wide variety ol road sprrngs, suspnsion bushings, wheel bearings and grease seals. We provlde an exchange STRUCTUFLAL REP? We can corlecl any srruclurai cases, the cleaning or surface polish- knows how to do this job correcrly. sewice lor kIng pin 8 Hub axle arsernbltes. pr&lernson unitized. laoder lube andconvenliona:lu'l Ilarnrs. ing of the flange area will usually NAPA has a wide range of sizes lhis serwice UbtZes our european !~xturestyle srfaighlen~ng WNt$NANCE. Eleclr~cal repamis and equr~menllor corvecl local~oa01 crillcal conlrol poinrs. We have little effect other than to proba- of these Speedy-Sleeve repair kits. As lroubleshoorlng. Exhausl systems. Tune ups 8 Jar:catlon. atso labricale unobla~nablesl~uclural replacernenr pars. an example, the kit for an MGB General debugg~nggrac~ously undertaken. Upholstery bly increase the oil seepage after the renovated. convertible tops installed. PAW3QEK Guaranteed color match and finish qualily installation of the new oil seal. In overdrive unit rear flanye (18GD uliiiong our own custom mlxnng ban* andspray facrlq. oanial &EilXiBYKE We hold eaensive $lochs of replacernenl and compleis ~efrn~sh~ngtor repalr purposes or lolhe most almost at1 cases, you will find that onwurds) is NAPA number 99168RS, Pans lor engne. Iransmnsston, brake. aectfical. emling & exacling concouls show slandards new flanges or dampers of any type and for the tube axle pinion flange systems. We have radiator hoses. gas nniu, oil seals. baulk rings. engine gaskets and elemical srrilches. Genuine are not available, so what does one do is NAPA number 99170RS. We rnea- Cockneed. Lucas. Borg 8 Beck. Hardy-Spice,, elc We sh~p overnight via U.P.S. througnoul Eastern New York and New to stop the oil seepage? sured the outer diameter of the five England. R.S. 2276 One method of repair is to have main bearing crankshaft flange and PANEL BEATER, COLLISION SPECIAUST. ROUTINE SERVICING. HEAVY REPAIR the oil seal bearing surface built back the repair kit should be the NAPA OUPONT CERTIFIED REFINISHER. 8 OVERHAUL 01 MG. AUSTIN HEALEY to new tolerances, first by having it number 99347RS.It is recommended BRITISH &OTHER SPECIAL INTEREST CARS AND OTHER BRITISH CARS
- > , that Loctite "Green" should be used . - . .: . . - - -- - . - welded by a competent welder and . . -. , - then having the surface machined to secure uny repair sleeve, but that Winchendon. Ma. 508-297-3105 Westrn~nsler.Vt. 802487,4540 back to its original dimensions, some- the Loctite "Red" should be ade- R.S. 2276 Service a Pans thing that will probably cost a rather quate if you feel that a retaining high dollar figure. Another far cheap- sealant is necessary. er method is to install a new sealing (please turn to page 501 PIGB DRIVER-March/April '99 bkReview
Beverages, Soups, Salad & Vegetables, Main Dishes & Casseroles, Meat, Poultry (Artention Specklies!) Sr Seafood, Breads & Rolls, Pies, Pastry Q Desserts, Cakes, Cookies & Candy, and This & Thar. Kind of like the TvlG books I read which are divided into Engine, Ignition, Chassis Electrical, Fuel System, Brakes, Etc. Like the shop manuals, this book has det,ailed directions for assembly, but the reverse of assembly is eating- and that is a skill 1 pos- sess without requiring 1 year O $25 1 detailed inshuctions. i .. But it's not all 2 years @ $45 recipes. There is a brief hislory of the club and a 3 years @ $65 Texas Mighty Good Recipes photo section of members and their ' Add 58 Tor Cna:tdi;m orders. MGs. It's a nice touch that links up " Aclrl S 16 ibr Europem nrdcrr. 3 A fell, I'm out of my element on the names of the contributors with i, !. ,/ this one (just ask my wife). their faces. And reading closely '. Normally, reviewing MG reveals a lot of witty nuggets of related books, r can a.ssess the amount insight and humor. Look for the of new information or how well or "Prince of Darkness Devil's Food accurately they report on our favodte Cake" by Lucas. "The Best Rum Cake cars. The Texas Mighty Good Recipes Ever" is a must read. The 186 page book by the Texas MG Register is long cookbook is well worth buying rather removed from the garage and on it's own merit as well as to support the workshop and centers on the an MG Club-it'll have you two-step- kitchen. It dodges the logistics of how ping around the kitchen. to sneak your freshly painted rnani- Is it a coincidence it wos pub- fold into the kitchen to mis-utilize the ljshed by Cookbooks by Morris Press? oven to bake on the painr and instead Texas Mighty Good Recipes is avail- concentrates on of all things-ook- able For $25 per copy plus $5 (910 ing! Salad oil instead of 20W50! international) shipping and handling The cookbook includes a wide per book by ordering from: Texas klG variety of interesting recipes including Register, 18967 Ravenglen Court, 3lail To: L'.O. Ijns 55020. Fort \\';~yrlc. 15 46385-5020 Southwesterrl specialties with Engljsh Dallas, Texas 75287. cuisine mixed in. The book is neatly Safety Feast! I'honc: 01 0-375407.F? XsS-S704clY3 I':Is: I 19-4S3-11845 divided into sections like Appetizers & Kim 4 34 MGB DRIVER-Marcht'April '99 I MGB DRIVER-March/Arril $9 LEATHER TRIM DON'T SMJLE FOR PART LEATHER WHEN MGB DRIVER plied with the correct plug and trans- :a ADVERTISING COORDINATOR former For the country of intended YOU CAN HAVE FULL LEATHER FOR LESS! POSITION OPEN use. Contact Ian Fitz-Simon at 01327 FuN leather seat Kits direct from the manufacturer MCB Driver Advertising Coordinator 358933 or fax 01327 354645. Ian Pender has decided to step down e.g. Standard Seat Kit for MGB after three years of meritorious ser- UNIVERSITY MOTORS LTD. only $475 pair plus shitmincr .. ..C vice. We are seeking a volunteer to JOB OPENING -Over 30 coiour combinations available serve as Advertising Coordinator to Employment Offered! University Motors Other MC models and sport s cars cat ered for succeed Ian. Interested individuals are is seeking an MC enthusiast and full range of matching leaf)'ler trim ranefs asked to please contact NAMGBR mechanic to join the staff. University is and qualify carpet s6ts also aIa.I(ILI....,,;,,,f Chairman Robin Weatherall. The job one of the finest MG service facilities in entails soliciting advertisers and tak- the USA. They employ seven hI1-time ing care of the bi-monthly billing and two part-time people yet find them- which is currently set up in Microsoft selves seriously understaffed. All corre- Works. Ian says he will be happy to spondence will be held in the strictest assist in the transition. confidence. University Motors is a Heritage approved MG service facility. MGB/MIDGET Contact john Twist, Service Manager, SEATBELT RECALL University Motors Ltd., 6490 East Fulton The long running on-againloff-again Street, Ada, Michigan 49301, United seatbelt recall on 1977-'79 MGBs and States of America (616)682-0800 Midgets seems to be on again through or FAX (616)682-0801 or e-mail ,CEMENT Land Rover North America. LRNA [email protected]~. WITH INFERlO says they are not actually handling ,ON FASCIAS1 the recall at this time but are taking MG LIQUID SUSPENSION I, information from affected owners and SPECIAL OFFER with a bt forwarding it to the Rover Group in Fans of MG racing history will recall !d genuin~ England. Call (800)637-6867 for fur- the MG Liquid Suspension Special ~shboard ther information. cars commissioned by West Coast MG .. . distributor Kjell Qvale. These cars, FREE STUFF which utilized a suspension system Norman Nock of British Car based on the Hydrolastic suspension Specialists in Stockton, California of the MG 1100, ran in the reports he is overstocked on 'Disc Indianapolis 500 in the 1960s. One of Brake Anti-Squeal Strips' and so he is these cars has recently been restored. offering them free to NAMGBR mem- The restorers found it necessary to bers. Call Norman at (209)948-8767 replace the original frame with new and request one set per car and he will chrome molybdenum tubing. The mail them to you. Offer good until original framing was saved and is rhey are all gone. being made avoilable to MG and Indy fans. A total of 530 pieces have been MG NEON SIGNS mounted on wooden plaques with a MG logo neon signs are being offered color photograph of the car and a in England. Patterned after signs brass inscription. Each piece is num- hung in MC dealer showrooms in the bered and in original condition. These Fifties, the signs feature the latest type pieces of MG history are available for of transformers and comply with cur- $20.00 (US) each. They can be ordered rent safety regulations in regard to by sending check or money order to: thermal overload and ground leak- Ralph Zbarsky, 3275 West 22nd age. The signs are made under license Avenue, Vancouver, British from British Motor Heritage and sup- Columbia, V6L 1N1, Canada. da Mike Satvr !3 dr rr~dapei~derirtcrrr>pdrly drld it1 productr .Ire nol asstiiialrd rrl an; tvrth Rover Gradp pic. MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRIVER-lcla~.cl~/April ''I9 3 7 JOU ble MGB Weddi I ly
an "Old Speckled Hens" MGB at Twist's. We don't know on here, but suspect they are listening 10 their fovorite NPR and Cluck". Notice the do not have a GT, it's a rooster, even rhough it is more rvscep~ibleIF the sky is faLng!
n July 25, 1998, Cindy O'Brien club members in their MGs. The first chmarrled Randy Bybofh. They marital decision-which MC to drive -met in the Minnesota MG on the honeymoon loop of Lake Group where Randy was the President Michigan. Cindy and Randy enjoyed and Cindy was the Secretary. The driving her 1980 MGB on the honey- happy couple was driven f~omthe moon. At least until Cindy received a church to the reception in a 1940s nice state of Michigan souvenir MC Y-Type Saloon, followed closely speeding ticket! (B by the ushers in Randy's 1979 MGB and Cindy's 1980 MGB, and other
Photos: Keith Christensen
38 MGB DRIVER-March/Ap~il '99 MGB DRNER-March/April '99 39 Iping Your Hearer Valve
Bob Muenchausen, of coolant through the heater's core. is closed, it is closed! Sure we need heat Ill That, I hoped, would increase the in the winter, but we sure don't need Idaho British Car Club capacity of the core in rela- it in the summer! tion to the outside air coming in, An interesting sidebar to all of something which would greatly affect this was my inspection of the old gorthose of you who have suffered the efficiency of any heater. valve to see what its condition and [-the indignity of a cold drive in As winter approached this year, I operution was like. It had never your MG in the winter, and hav- went ahead and replaced the old delivered much heat, even when new ing frost on the inside of your wind- valve with my modified valve. Before and last winter, it was particularly I I shield, think may have at least a beginning, I took some readings of the anemic. [ measured its full travel as partial answer as to why some of our So L did the unforgivable, I decid- waier temperature when fully it opened and closed, and sure cars just don't heat up worth a hoot. ed to open up the assembly, carefully warmed up, and of the air temp of enough, it too had only a small Frac- For years, like many of you out there, drilling out the pop-rivet that holds both the outside air and the air deliv- tion of the needed travel to allow full I have fought a battle with the the upper mechanism from turning in ered by the heater to the cockpit. My flow. This one had only ever opened Smiths heater, thinking that the core relation to the lower body casting. initial results were as follows: 20% at full open! was too small, or might be clogged Once done, 1 chucked the valve in a 1 know that some folks may not up, the fan too anemic, the water vise and twisted the top loose from the Water Temp - 181°F be willing to go this far in dealing pump incapable of producing casting. It came apart fairly easily, Outside Air Temp - 74°F with this situation, but I was a willing enough movement of coolant to truly and I discovered a rather simple Heater Air Temp - 95°F guinea pig and this bit of research make the heater heat, or the need of mechanism. worked out very well. Since the results a hotter thermostat. Not bad The innards are indeed simpIe, After installing the modified are strikingly positive, I propose to our at.tempts, but after all of my mis- and all that happens as we turn the valve, I got the following readings: suppliers that they look into this mat- guided efforts to correct this and get knob on the dash is that a lever rides ter with the hope of alleviating the some real heat out of the system, the up or down a ramp and causes a cen- Water Temp - 181°F problem of cold MGs for good. And, of last element that presented itself to ter rod that has a spring loaded cup Outside Air Temp - 74°F course, I have described how to do it me was the heater valve. attached to its interior end to move Heater Air Temp - 152°F yourselves as explained above. If you I had often wondered if it might away from or against an internal have any questions, you may e-mail be a source of restriction to the flow of opening to the head connection. This As you can see, there was a rather me at
Sitting Right especially if you are willing to spend Replace the seat foam, and build up mounting slides s/s inch toward the a little time with a large needle and the sides and front of the sear bottom outside of the car. Lubricate the seat Ann and Jake Snyder, heavy threud to repair worn and torn with inch-thick foam purchased at a mounting rails with white lithium Chicagoland MG Club seatwork. The big improvements are fabric shop. This cosrs about a dollar grease, and bolt the seats jnto place. cleaning and greasing the seat slides, a square foot, and three square feet Now the seats will slide farther for- The only bad part about driving a fitting new seat diaphragms, build- will do both seat bottoms. Repair and ward before hitting the gearbox tun- , few thousand miles in an MCB is ing up the sides and front of the seat replace the used upholstery. neI. If you do not have access to a : getting out of the car. The longer with inexpensive foam, and moving Alternatively, fit new upholstery, welder, adequate brackets could be the time between rest stops, the the mounting holes on the seat rails remembering that leather is less made from hardware store flat steel longer it takes to walk upright again. so both short and tall drivers can expensive than vjnyl if you plan to stock, and bolted into place. While it Part of the reason may be that the reach the pedals without stretching put over a hundred thousand miles would be simpler to bore a new set of drivers and passengers are, in many or cramping. on the car. Or invest in the leather holes in the floor panel, it is worth cases, older than the cars and have If one of the drivers is shorter upholstery if you need another reason remembering that there is a way to lost some of the resilience that both than the seat accommodates, push to drive your MGB a lot. Bolt the seat change the seat position without had in the past. Another reason, cer- the seat all the way forward and find backs to the respective seat bottoms. assisting the natural rusting process. tainly contributing more in many out why it cannot be moved further. Run the seat mounting rails over The whole process is worth the instances, is that the seats simply are In our case, the front inside corner of a wire wheel to get the rust off. elfort: the first time you drive a long not fully functional for the driver and the driver's seat hit the gearbox tun- Assuming you want to move the seat distance. Your thighs, if you are a passenger. Consider a taller person nel, and no amount of shoving would forward a large amount, drill a "164 taller person, will nor get painful and sitting for several hours on a seat that move the seat closer to the steering inch diameter hole 33/8 inches behind then numb. Shorter drivers will appre- sags in the rear and provides no sup- wheel. Try to estimate how much the the hole at the rear of each seat ciate being able to completely disen- port to the upper part of the leg. seat rails must be moved to the out- mounting rail. Locate a '/4 inch fend- gage the clutch without stretching Stiffness and pain build up under the side to get adequate travel on the er washer 3% inches behind the front and straining, not to mention being constant requirement to hold the front-and-back sliding adjustment. holes, and weld it by the edge so the able to look over the steering wheel throttle in position. A shorter person Now unbolt the seats. One of the front mounting hole moves the rather than under it. 4 has an even worse time with a dilap- big tricks to unbolting the seats, one idated driver's seat. The sagging bot- we learned at a technical session, is to tom makes the shorter driver sit very push the sear forward to unscrew the low, and the steering wheel gets very rear mounting bolts, remove the close to the line of vision. Pulling the square stop block from the outside seat all the way forward does not help rail, then push the seat backward all the height-challenged driver either. the way to get ready access to the In our instance, a thick pillow provid- front bolls. Remove the handle for the ed back support that was necessary seat back adjuster, if fitted. Unbolt the for normal use of the brake and back from the seat. Strip the old clutch pedals. The appearance of upholstery and foam from the frames. seats that have reached this state is The headrest will release itself if almost always very pathetic. The pulled sharply. Check the upholstery upholstery is worn through and the clips and repaint them as necessary. foam seat bolsters are sheddjng Buy new upholstery clips if they are unsanitary chunks of foam that occa- weakened from rust. Lubricate the sionally adhere to clothing. Getting moving parts of the seat back. the sears to move forward and back- Fit a new seat diaphragm by ward requires all your strength. This clamping the seat bottom frame in a can be a source of irritation if you heavy vise. Pulling the hooks into must change the seat position nearly place is very difficult, so wear safety evev time you use the MGB. glasses in case a hook slips, and check There are some simple improve- the area behind you so that you will ments that can help tremendously. not fall on the harpoon that was part These cost only a little and do not of your Captain Ahab costume at necessarily require new upholstery. Halloween in case your Visegrips slip. 1998 Abingdon Trials - Start, Day 2. 42 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 TC-TDTF-MGA-MGB-C-Midget Bob Mason which shows the recommended oil weights for particular temperature SHOCK ABSORBERS:F~~~IRear Eello again' We're going to get ranges and these should suffice for MGTC ...... 1 145.00 The Marcrue Qf Friendshir, MOT0 & TF ...... 145.00 59.95 I- I- nght to it as we have a lot to your area, especially as you will be MGA...... 69.95 49.85 cover in this issue. First a query storing your MGB during the colder 1929 - 1936 MGB.Midge! ...... 69. 49.95 from a member north of the border! winter months. North American MMM Register HEAW CUM UPGRAOE ...... 1O.W 10.00 If you were to add a synthetic oil Box 727, St. Helena, CA 94574 SHOCK LINK (New or Rebuilt)...... MI Dmr Rob, to your transmission, it may be in fact, 7071963-23 1 3 BRAKES 1 hove owned my 1967 MGB GT so slippery that your synchronizer MGB, Midgel callper (sfalnles plblons) .....$75.00 since new and l have always used Casrrol rings will not do their iob. SO I would 1935-1955 Pre-Warm-SerieslY Type MGAMGC caliper (stainless pistons) ...... S95.W GTX 1 OW-30 in the winter and 20W-50 recommend that you continue to use The New England MG'T' Register MOA. Midget twin rnaslerl%647 ...... S145.W the standard 20W-50 engine oil as rec- Drawer 220 Oneonta. NY 13820 MGB, Midgel master 1SE-80 ...... S95.00 in the summer, changing both the oil Braka h Clulch cylinders brass deeved .... $40-60 and the filter every 1500 miles. ommended in your owner's manual. 7041544-1253 KlNGPlN Swivel axle rebushed...... $40.00 On the advice ofa mechanic friend, Standard gear oil for the differential in FRONT END &ARM (Mdgel) ...... 375.00 I have, during the last two oil changes, the range of 8SW-90or 90W-140 for 1956-1962 MGAnAnB The North American MGA CARBURET0RS:COMPLETEREBUILDING added a can of Molyslip ~Llolybdenurnto summer use is all you need. Register DlsassemMy. ,cleaning, Mesmbushea: new 0 said type P Box 11 746 Albuquerque, NM 871 92 b5me shans, nW~s,r?oatvalves. gaskets. the oil. The mechanic this will help As far as adding any of 505/293-9085 keep the seals in good sha,pe seeing as 'snake-oil' additives that supposedly Flow bench lasled ...... S325.001pair how 1 store the car all winter. However, contribute to the suppleness of oil 1963-1980 MGBJMldgeit/li0011300 CAR0 BODIES REBUSHED; can also Molyslip and new throlile shafts ...... 345.00 each as you get for the gear- seals, you should bear in mind that The North American MGB Register box I though1 1 rnigh! put some in there oil seals seldom sit directly in oil and PO Box MGB Akin, !lL 62805 Prkes shown we lor Exchange w Yours Rabuilf too. So I thought I'd get your opinion. are used primarily to retain the oil 809lNAMGBR-1 (5 day turnamurn. Gmcham apply !illems Also Castrol makes u synlhelic oil in "splash" within the unit. The oil level ere ordered prior to (and are lelunded emr) wr 5W-50.What would be your advice to itself is almost always below the bot- 1968 - 1969 MGC receiving )our old units.SM $6.M per ifem.FREE the thought of using this oil in place of tom of the oil seal and would there- American MGC Register CATALOG. w.A~ydraul~.crwn GTX in both rhe engine and the gearbox? fore have little contact with the oil 19R Morton La. Asheville, NC 28806 If GTX is your recommendation would while in storage. Think about it! 828t258-0499 APPLE HYDRAULICS you use 20 W-50 in the gearbox too? As I I hope the above will help you in 1610 Mlddle Road, Catverton, NY 11933 said, 1 store the car during the winter, as your decision, M.O. IMTERNATIOMAL 2091 516-369-9515, FAX: 51 6-3649516 i relocate to Florida for five months. Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN Sponsored by The North Americrrn ToH Free 800882-7753 I don't have any USA stamps fbr Quarter Lights-- Council 01 M.G. Reglslers Visa. MaslerCard, COD. Free Cdalog postage so I'm enclosing a US dollar bill. Replacing the Rubber Seal -Michael Pouftney, The British cars we own, such as Ontario, Carzada the MGBs and Midgets, have a front quarter glass ventilation unit in the Dear Eviichael, doors and this has a one-piece rubber Thanks for your question and I seal that fits within the Frame to seal am returning your dollar bill as it is in the glass when the vent is closed. BEST OF BRITISH, INC. excess of the minimal postal charge to Many of these seals that we see today BRITISH SPORTS CARS Canada. You can maybe buy me a are not in the best of condition, but it NEW USED RECONDITIONED cup of coffee sometime! is a rather simple process to replace In reply [ am enclosing an article rhese rubber seals. PARTS from the Summer 1994 issue of Moss FUR Afer removing the inner door .4U MODELS OF Motoring which may go some way panel, you will usually see a thick spi- AUSTIN-HEALEY JAGUAR JENSEN towards answering your question, ral spring at the bottom of the pivot MG SUNBEAM TRIUMPH especially about additives and syn- post which is secured by an elastic thetic oils such as 5W-50 or 10W-50, lock nut. After removal of the pieces GENEROUS CAR,CLUB DISCOI.:hTS! PHOKE: (308)871-1929 n.one of which to my knowledge are in and any washers, the glass unit is eas- FREE DELIVERY! F.M: (303)87 1-9986 the 20W-50 range. ily ljfted out of the frame. Your owner's manual contains a MAII.IIUG: 2263 SOUTH DOWNING STRELT-. DEAVER. COLORAM SO? 10 key to recommended lubricants (please turn to page 46) Technical Talk - Continued from Page 44 .;..quashablecan be tucked down in these light, tire gauge, small reversible screw- spaces. This is where we carry our reflec- driver and ofher oddments you'll fake but Removal of the old seal is simple DO not forget sunglasses, sun tive red triangle (you do have one don't never need! and it is equally simpJe to install the block, hat (or scarf), hand soap (for you?!) and flares plus other roadside You can slide other flat items under new rubber seal, followed by the washing up after a problem), rags emergency equipment. Also a low rope, the seats once they're adjusted, and you washers, spring and a new lock nut. and a small towel. mat to lie on under the car, etc. might well invest in a small fire extin- Tighten the nut until you have the There are no metric fittings on lfyou really hi1 the trunk, you might guisher. If you fake one it's guaranleed degree of tightness desired to allow your car, so standard US size tools are want to put a folded lowel upright in you'll never need it! We also have a the glass to pivot and be held in place all you will need for routine or road- each rear corner, so that you don't inter- spare battery compartment liner (having where the wind, while driving, will side maintenance. An inexpensive fere with the electrical connections to the converted to a single IZv battery) and nor force the glass dosed. socket set (including a spark plug rear lights. this holds quite a bit of stuff Put your A simple job, an easy improve- socket) plus standard and Phillips Now to [he other end of the car- camera bag behind the seat if possible, ment to appearance and o means to head screwdrivers, pliers, a test lamp under fhe hood. A quart of oil can be and keep a small PHD (Lush Here keep the rain out! and a medium size crescent wrench stashed in the right rear corner together Dummy!) automatic camera in the should suffice. Also take the Service wilh a small bottle of oil for the SU or glovebox, along wilh the car's insurance Long Distance Traveling... Recommendations book with you as it Zenith carbs-if these are fitl.ed. Wrap and other documents. Don'r miss any of ...and now a query from a member lists ail our major suppliers in case of these in an old towel (for wiping hands!) beautiful British Columbia by fumbling who is going to "MG '99" in real trouble! Plus, it also lists fellow and a shop rag, and they'll never move. for a buried camera! Vancouver next July. members who might be able to help lnside the car, the cooler for the Try and make any luggage as you en route. sodas should go at the passenger's feet 'squashable' as possible, using sports My husband and I are new MGB Do service your MGB before set- and be covered by a blanker. Both sides bags, large and small, for preference. of the footwells, above the sills, in our 8 enrhusiasls with Q '71 '8, and our ques- ting out and have a safe trip! Finally don't try and take your whole tion is what sort of spare parts should are fitted with the larer type map pockefs. lape or CD collecfion in the car. You'll we be carrying in the car for a fairly The Founding Editor of MCB We also have fitted a cenrer console not need them-listen fo your MGB for lengthy journey? Driver would like to step in here on !his despite fhe fact that a '62 MGB never a change! queslion, Bob. 1 can hear some mem- had one! This is usehl for a small flash- -Marcham Rhoade 4 Our founding Chairman, john bers already asking "Where do I put all H. Twist, Lists a useful selection of this stuff in an MCB?" Well. Mrs. items for a "Trip Pack" and this is Rhoade and I have [raveled long dis- inside the back cover of the NAMGBR tances--really long distances-in Service Recommendations and MGBs across Europe to eighleen differ- Membership Lisl which you should be ent countries, around Australia and receiving shortly. [n the meantime also six limes coasl to coast. in the USA, here's what he suggests: and we've learned a thing or two about packing stuff into a 'B! Permit me to Gallon of water pass on a few tips. First of al!, in the Four quarts of oil trunk, you might as well get rid of the Water pump spare wheel and mount it on the lug- 1"x5/8" Freeze-out plug gage rack ifyou have one fitted to the (rubber and bolt variety) car. Mount it upside down, slightly Fan belt over-inflate it, place it on a [hick piece Top and bottom radiator hose of foam rubber, ond secure it to the - 2 feet of l/2" heater hose rack with numerous bungee cords. In - Heater control valve the 'well' of the upturned spare wheel Generator (or Alternator and brushes) you can then store items you may need Fuel pump (or at least points) in o hurry such as spark plugs, a small Complete distributor (or points, selection of tools, hoses, erc. Even condenser, cap, rotor, wires) tho~~ghyou now have lofs of room in Ignition coil the trunk you'll soon fill it! But there are * Spark plugs (already gapped!) other places in your '3 you've probably * A small box conraining electrical never even thought about. wire, tape, electrical terminals, Looking into the trunk, notice the masking tape, hose clamps, bulbs, space down each side of the wheel arch- fuses., paper clips, wire ties, screws, es. These spaces extend a considerable string and rope! amount forward and anything Rat or Yes, all this, plus the driver and passenger came out of an MGB roadster! ;'GB DRIVER-March/April '99 4 7 If It Ain't Broke... - Continued from Page 10 Reg~strarsor the NAMGBR Route 8 and North on the 1-5 all the the freeway. Keeping up with traffic is way to Oceanside, then over to no problem. bcondido, and finally back home to If you have ever thought about MGB Reqistrar MGB Limited Edition Registrar Mira Mesa in San Diego. What a great this project for your car but hesitate Drew Hastings Ron Tugwell feeling! The new gearbox Lets me drive to do it because, "It ain't broke," I'd 56 Chestnut Drive, Wallaceburg, 3 De Amaral Road, P.O. Box 2406, 60 at about 2800 RPM instead of say, "Fix it anyway!" incidentally, if Ontario, N8A 3M,4,Canada Carrnel Valley. CA 93924. 3500, and the engine is under a little you know anyone looking for a good (519)627-7734 (831)659-2449 more load. I have a lot more confi- used gearbox ... 4 Miduet Reqistrars 1300 Reqistrar dence now when I have to drive on D and Bob Zimmerman Thomas K. Gaylord 81 1 S. DePeyster Street, Kent., 01-1 3180 Verdun Drive, N.W., Arlonta, 44240, (330)678-9394 GA 30305, (404)261-5083 Saving MG - Continued from Page 14 1967 MGB GT Special Reqistrar Pull Handle MGB Reqistrar What will the Future MC be like? the spectacular Lagonda, and the Cregg Purvis Bill Barge Your guess is as good as mine. Surely even more futuristic (though still to be 315 Lafayerte, Grand Haven, MI 930 N.350 E., Angola, IN 46703, it will be aimed at the same market as fully developed) Bulldog-it could be 49417, (616)842-2112 (2191665-6476, e-mail: [email protected] the current MGB, but knowing what of rather advanced design. a 1974'/2 MGB Registrclr 100,000 Mile Reqistrar Aston-Martin has produced lately- Steve Harding Philip Morgan 191 3-DDarby Road, Havertown, PA P.O. Box 374, 705 6th Street 19083, (610)446-2073 Howe, IN 46746 MG Open Day - Continued From Page 22 MGB V8 Reqistrar Oriqinal Owner Reqistrar certain that MG has a future in the moving into other markets such as Kurt Schley Pe tes Cosmides '80s, " he added. japan. The MGB may have been 1855 Northview Road, Ro.cky River, 219 Pleasant Valley Avenue, Ken Todd, senior steward for the around for fifteen years, but that just OH 44116, (440)331-4205 Moorestown, N] 08057, (609)778-3695, Amalgamated Union of Engineering shows how much value people place e-mad: [email protected] Workers backed his union colleague's on the model," he added, commen-ts. "We have a reputation The three staff unions .at rr Bock C:over - It's all behind us now! (Those members here at MG which is second to none. Abingdon-TASS, ASTMS and APEX the more,temperate regions of the continent--please disregard! Our industrial relations are good and are also delighted with the open day all three unions work together in har- arrangements and in a joint state- mony," he said. ment say: "The feeling at Abingdon is As well as the 680-strong GMW that after producing cornpeti tive POB 321 Otego, NY 13825 and the AUW, the Transport & General sporls cars for over 50 years, the work- Workers Union also has members on ers bel.ieve they build the finest sports BritBooks Tel&Fax 607 988-7956 the site. These unions have the flexible cars in the world. There is no compla- arrangement by which all three senior cency in the plant as they feel their stewards negotiate colleaively on future is assured because of the prod- We have over 300 MG titles in stock behalf of their members. Each section uct and the good industrial relations. plus a major inventory of books on steward in the plant represents the We woutd like to see a sports version mixed members of all three unions. of one model or another coming to Triumph, Lotus, Jaguar, A-H, Morgan. Mr. Brind told the Mirror that Abingdon lo keep the MG name alive, much of the credit for MG's fine repu- to keep the MG idenrity, and to keep tation, rested with the fact that many our world-wide customers happy". BritBaoks is the largest supplier of current and of the older employees had joined the (I met Peter Frearson a co~ipleof company a5 boys and had worked at times afier that-in Germany during out-of-print books on sports cars in America Abingdan ever since. 1979, when he drove ou! the very first LE "The thing the shop floor would MGB, and also once the following year. Call for a Catalog today, 1-800-732-3646 ljke to see is a follow-on model for the While a nice chop he was definite4 a MGB and the future of MC. We want corporate 'suft' and told ir like he had I Ron Ernbling - e-mail: [email protected] to get on with the job and continue been told to tell it! And my friends, take producing quality cars. We are cer- it From one who was there-il was a hell Homepage: http :I lesp.norwich.net fbritbook tainly pleased that the company is ofan open day!-,Marcham Rboade.) MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 MGB DRWER-Marct>/Apl-ll '90 ,,19 Bonneville MGA Sets Speed Record -,continued from Page Our VuIuea supporters where the MGA had stopped, we had the sealed tank and redo u complete a quick celebration. Then it was back tech inspection. With all that done, to work. The car was taken back ro the new record was certified and a cer- I r you're considering convcrling your MGB ro Y8 poiver or jusr rhinkirig impound where we had to pull the emony was held to induct our driver, r;,bout re-~rinimirrgyour car. our "On a shmstring" videos will save you nlnlly rir:les their cost! head off the engine so the officials Rob Waddill, into the prestigious '200 "i\gGB V8 Pblver" is crammed full sf money could take measurements to verify the Mile Per Hour Club'. siving lips and ricks for tho 3lG owlrer who is engine displacement, test the fuel in considerjng a Vg conversion. "I~~teriorRe-Trim" is For the budgct minded re-[rimma and shows how you can use evcvdry toms lo re-trim or cusromlze your Late Model Pull Handle MGBs - Continued from Page 26 '7&-wL, handle doors. If your car falls in this One last item for this issue-I period, pleuse write or e-mail me with have received numerous requests for the chassis and body number from info on how to repair/replace the your car along with what it has (three pull-handle doors or door skins with or five main engine, site of gas tank, later model doors. If anyone has com- brake line locking plates, size of oil pleted a successful conversion, please cooler, type of overdrive toggle switch, let me know! etc.) I'll let you know the results of this Bi.11 Barge, Pull-Handle Regi~trar search in a future issue of the Driver. e-mail: [email protected] @
An MGB Goes Home - Continued from Page 29 spent most of its life in Hawaii! (BGF show.This was her first trip out in the 7&~~&~aaket8d& 240). [t was later issued Oregon regis- MG, and it began to rain on the way tration (PQH 325). This number plate home. Rain is not unusual in this Parts, was on the car when I took delivery. country! Unfortunately, however, the Service, Restorations, Advice All former owners were U.S. Marines, car had no hood! The children accom- with Marine base addresses, so it was panied us on this trip, but they were Ed Kaler, Propr~etor not possible to contact them. The in my wife's car (with a roof) and Amorizea MOSS ChstCEu401 Phone (630)32561 I? dealer who sold the MG new was no remained warm and dry! 5624 South Washlnglon Fax (63013257650 longer in business at its former loca- This brings us more or less up to HmSdale. 1L 60521 E.rna{l JustBr~ls@aolcorn , tion. However, he is presently dealing date. Further work is required to fit a in used cars elsewhere and was con- new hood, repair the cracked dash- tacted. I am hoping that he will find board top, maybe lower the ride height, time to search his archives for the and possibly modiFy the engine. But, original sales documents! there again, I don't think one ever This past summer, my wife totally finishes a project such as this. accompanied me to a classic car -Roger Glover, Wales 4 Advertise YOUR business
Chapter Report - Continued fro1rn Page 32 in the MCB Driver The shoulder on which the front British car drivers in our area for less than $10.00 wheel greuse seal rides seldom presents ore fortunate to have someone of a problem for an MG, no matter what Mike Dorby's caliber and competent a month. Call us at year or model. Mike pointed out that workmanship to solve the problems the MGB rear axle seal often presents a that the average Do-lt-Yourseller (609)890-2959 problem because of the configuration does not feel competent to attempt, of the "shoulder" on which that oil seal and we thank him for his valuable to find out how! rides, something that does not lend udvjce on the solution to the oil itself to a Speedy-Sleeve repair. seepage problem. Q
50 MGB DRIVER-March/Aprll '99 Our Valued supporters
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56 MGB DRIVER-March/April '99 Where 2 'B
The Marketplace of the North American MGB Register Forthcoming Events of Interest to MGB Drivers ds in this section are FREE to individual MGB Register members in good lease check for up to date information before deporting to the meet. The standing-please no business or commercial ads. Send ad copy with name, p~e~isterencourages local groups and clubs lo submit their MG events lo A address, phone number and membership number to 4904 Puffer Road, MGB Driver. Information must include, date, location, and contact phone Downer's Grove, IL 60515. Ads only accepted in writing. Business or other ads number. Please submit events at least three months in advance to the Editor, by arrangement with Ian Pender, Advertising Coordinator (see inside front 4904 Puffer Road, Downer's Grove, I1 60515. cover). All ads must be received by the 1st of the month prior to publication for inclusion. (i.e. Mayljune issue deadline is April 1.) Ads will be run for two (2) MAJOR US MG EVENTS FOR 1999 issues, space allowing. The Register retains the right to refuse any ad it deems unacceptable. The originating state is shown at the end of each ad. Mar. 7, Phoenix British Car Day, Phoenix, AZ, (602)971-7807 Mar. 14, Spring Fling, Lake Helen, FL, (904)789-5749 MGs FOR SALE Mar. 20-21, Missouri Endurance Rally, St. Louis, MO, (314)725-2892 Apr, 9-11, GOF XXXIII, Ocala, FL, (813)787-1422 1980 MGB LE-Delivered to Southern California and stored for the last 16 Apr. 17, Pensacola Beach Bash, Pensacola Beach, FL, (334)961-7171 years, covered, indoors. Less than 7,000 original miles. Driven twice a year for Apr. 23-25, British Car Days, Las Cruces, NM, (505)526-2318 maintenance only. 99% original condition. No rusr, door-dings or other Apr. 25, All British Car Day, Dallas, TX, (972)918-8829 unwanted modifications. Runs and drives like new. Second owner with all May 1-2, British Car Meet, Monterey, CA, (408)643-1066 records. Black wjsilver strobe stripes and tan interior. This MG would make a May 1-2, A11 British Meet, Las Vegas, NV, (702)363-3881 terrific show car or museum piece. Asking - $15,000 Gary Smith E-mail: