tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6955826379475918952024-03-12T20:29:09.479-04:00My 1974 MGB Restoration ProjectThis will chronicle my efforts to restore my 1974 MGB.
It began in mid-July 2008 and my goal is to have it finished by June 2009 on it's 35th birthday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-86342503154997162222012-06-07T23:03:00.002-04:002012-06-07T23:03:41.585-04:00Still working on my MG'sI've done a lot on the roadster lately..<br />
Unfortunately, a lot means scavenging parts to get my 67 GT back on the road.<br />
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I spun a bearing in the GT engine just driving down the road so I decided to scavenge the roadster engine and gearbox to get it running again.<br />
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I hate doing it but my wife and I are separating and I have 3 British cars and a Corvette that need to be finihsed and the GT is closest so it wins.<br />
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You can follow my work on the GT blog. It is updated more frequently (as you can tell) than this one is.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by, see you at the link below :)<br />
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<a href="http://mgbgtproject.blogspot.com/">http://mgbgtproject.blogspot.com/</a>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xXxGaY61lLN2lFbHJjw44oXUAbhmnh_NSFd0lTAwC3URnO1IQ_yP8VT5kun2KKL-QjCmRb66vu0cFixfu7b2erZHjYXPrnL_NegOOEs6AW3ydsLbTxgA2PWr7xf5UZlWGC3m1xJxYBfO/s1600/IMG_8281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xXxGaY61lLN2lFbHJjw44oXUAbhmnh_NSFd0lTAwC3URnO1IQ_yP8VT5kun2KKL-QjCmRb66vu0cFixfu7b2erZHjYXPrnL_NegOOEs6AW3ydsLbTxgA2PWr7xf5UZlWGC3m1xJxYBfO/s640/IMG_8281.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1967 GT with the roadster engine installed.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-40044933533432523112010-06-02T16:49:00.001-04:002010-06-02T16:54:47.505-04:005-24-2010 through 5-28-20105-28-2010<br />Well the high power relays for the new interior fuse panel arrived. I got a 40-amp relay plus a spare.<br />I received the seat heater kits in the mail also. The switches are smaller than the holes I drilled in the center radio consoel…dammit! I guess I’ll make some little filler plates out of washers or something.<br />I think I’m going to paint a big Union Jack on the bottom of the new gas tank. That way you can see the British flag when you are working under the car or if I’ve just run you over. Or I may make a decal instead of painting it…not sure yet.<br />I’m going to put a few coats of rust proofing/under coating spray on the top of the old gas tank and then a few coats of paint to finish it out.<br />No more MG work this weekend…at least not Saturday. I’m DJ’ing a wedding reception tomorrow and also doing the photography along with my wifey…it’s gonna be a busy day. It’s also Memorial day so…well I don’t now what that means but it might actually be a day off for me. YEAY!<br /><br /><br /><br />5-27-2010<br />I finished repairing the old gas tank top. It was in much better shpe than I thought with only a few pinholes to patch. After I patched them, I put down about three layers of truck bed liner. I also sanded, primed and painted the underside of the tank. Turned out nice. I’m going to put a few layers of paint and undercoating on the tank top and then I’ll be done with it.<br />I’m finished with the rear suspension re-busing work and it is all back together now. It was a bit tougher on the driver’s side since the diameter of the bushings where the bolt pass through them seemed a bit tighter than the last set. I had to squeeze the bolts thorough with a c-clamp but it all went back together without too much struggle.<br />I also got the slam panel and under-hood area in front of the radiator painted with pewter paint. I found one can of pewter spray paint at Advance Auto Parts on clearance…that is good since it cost me less $$$, bad since it means they won’t be carrying that paint anymore. Oh well.<br /><br />5-25-2010<br />I know what I’ll be doing tonight-finishing the rear suspension rebuild. The UPS man brought me my new toys so I think I finally have all of the urethane bushings I need…I just have to figure out how to replace the rear axle bump stop pads…<br />I’ll also be replacing the front sway bar end link bushings even though I ORDERED THE WRONG ONES FOR THE REAR SWAY BAR THAT MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE…SHIT! I’ll have to send those back and reorder the new ones. Luckily, I won’t need them immediately since I’m most likely not doing the front suspension for at least a few more days.<br />I drilled out the center caps on new 3-eared knock-off spinners I got for my Western Superlite wheels (converting them from 5-lug so they fit a 4-lug wheel.) I decided to mount the center caps to the wheels since they are just a slightly smaller diameter than the wheel center opening and won’t stay in place when the wheels are off. I basically just ran a bead of Liquid nails around the inside of the cap and pushed them into place after cleaning the inside of the wheel. I then put the wheels on the car, put on the lug nuts and tightened them up to press the caps on tightly against the wheels and compress the adhesive. I’ll let them dry like that overnight and they’ll be fine.<br />I put another coat of rust converter on the old gas tank. It is almost ready for rust repairs (on the tank top) and repainting.<br /><br />5-24-2010<br />Didn’t get much done this weekend. Had my son with me and we kinda tinkered with the car…but when you’re working on an MG with a 9-year old boy, tinkering is about all you can do.<br />“We” installed the oil cooler and he tightened up the lines…that means I got them finger tight, lined up the wrench, he turned it and I move the wrench for him to turn it again.<br />I don’t really expect him to retain any knowledge of working on the car, I just think it’s important to establish the mindset of being able to work on anything from cars, to electronics to landscaping timbers and two-by-fours.<br />So the oil cooler is installed and I got the starter back up under the car. I still have to hook up the wires but that will take all of 5 minutes.<br />I would have done more on final removal of the rear valance but we are babysitting the Rat Terrier of one of my daughter’s friends and it has decided (not less than five times in two days) that he really likes shitting on the garage floor right behind the MG…just where you don’t see it until too late…Rocky the yippie dog is really crapping on thin ice.<br />I got the Summit Racing center caps/3-earred knock-off spinners for the Western Superlite wheels.<br />They are made for 5-bolt wheels, not 4-bolt so I have to modify them to work on the MG. All that really involves is lining them up in place on the wheel and tracing out the hole locations with a Sharpi marker and then drilling them out where the lugs will go. I’ll be using one of the large, conical stepped drill bits that goes from a diameter of like ¼” to 1”. I really like these type of bits for drilling through thin metal, they seem to bind up less than conventional bits.<br />Lining them up with the wheel when you are mounting them to the car is a bitch so I may wind up using some type of flexible adhesive to hold them in place on the wheel.<br />I also started working on the old gas tank I have. I got it dipped and flushed several months ago but just didn’t like how it looked so I bought a new one. This tank, however, is one with baffles which are hard to find an fairly expensive so I don’t just want to throw it away. The top has some rust pin holes in it so I decided to fix it up and either keep it or sell it. I wire brushed the top down and then put a few coats rust converter on it. The stuff seem to work well and, although I’d never use it on any part for the car’s body, I think the tank top will work fine. I’m going to sand the rest of the tank and prime it then seal the top of the tank with fiberglass and resin or some JB Weld (it‘s just a few small pinholes. Then I’ll spray a few coats of truck bed liner, then a few coats urethane sealer and finally a few coats of black enamel. The rest of the tank will also be painted black. I’m not sure what I’ll do with the inside of the tank to keep it from rusting…probably swish some light oil or Marvel Mystery Oil around and then drain it. Then I’ll seal it up in some big plastic bags with a few big packs of desiccant.<br />Still waiting on my Victoria British parts order (along with the sound system order) to arrive so I can get the rear suspension re-bushing work done. Once they get here it shouldn’t take more than an hour to finish it all up since most of the tough stuff (removing the old, pressed-in front spring bushings) is done.<br />Then it’s on to finishing up the rear valance and getting the front shocks swapped out and the front suspension re-bushed.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-3976178406962925112010-05-23T01:34:00.005-04:002010-05-23T01:48:42.996-04:005-22-2010 PICTURESMy parts have all started arriving.<br /><br />Here are the bullet mirrors i got. I'm replacing my stock mirrors but luckily somebody on the MGE forum needs my old ones for his car so they wont go to waste.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVjHzJ5u82Pu8Ul7TOE3LO_X0H7_GlemQAYRIkqwOjVbFcLnczawoK0cg50j3-Zqk0qhwoDR3BAo1S81AZjkzooxOATJi5NafSCDIALtamcw257zGtmbraYimpN694jCorFZdMsHe2Y3/s1600/P5220152.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJVjHzJ5u82Pu8Ul7TOE3LO_X0H7_GlemQAYRIkqwOjVbFcLnczawoK0cg50j3-Zqk0qhwoDR3BAo1S81AZjkzooxOATJi5NafSCDIALtamcw257zGtmbraYimpN694jCorFZdMsHe2Y3/s320/P5220152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474336542034739154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I got the 3-eared knock-off spinners for my wheels...nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheCWdFiprETgyTeUEBNC6e4Oiy2YsPlRy0Cm0wATRg8XLHTStlYW0PEJE-4sq2cDMChtH0jw_5-Kc6sJIr9kzPItwWhWTHFLVEBrbmbjRscFMZU6CxC2s0ovwqYW_irERNwqD0j7Tna5o/s1600/P5220144.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheCWdFiprETgyTeUEBNC6e4Oiy2YsPlRy0Cm0wATRg8XLHTStlYW0PEJE-4sq2cDMChtH0jw_5-Kc6sJIr9kzPItwWhWTHFLVEBrbmbjRscFMZU6CxC2s0ovwqYW_irERNwqD0j7Tna5o/s320/P5220144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474336551669535314" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I got the roll bar and the Falcon stainless steel factory exhaust system installed<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3m0BNIADlPY0rAlQH7ZL6Z2AlPfjDcfwnEXqCrjG5zEXG4QTT7EdffgrlLfh4X3b_r-FT_7HbbpHqBNQyj6OBno_HZIOUb5-RPFFXxj8icE1KVfBvPf4Qu3vQhYp-XmJ3nyEEo52LRR2/s1600/P5190139.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3m0BNIADlPY0rAlQH7ZL6Z2AlPfjDcfwnEXqCrjG5zEXG4QTT7EdffgrlLfh4X3b_r-FT_7HbbpHqBNQyj6OBno_HZIOUb5-RPFFXxj8icE1KVfBvPf4Qu3vQhYp-XmJ3nyEEo52LRR2/s320/P5190139.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474336561886130482" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dJaARPbxMPB-3QUMCU5cUb1liMaJKZomsPotyUbdUjPsW_jmH344DqyaKYtK2lejEiIR77W-FXx-uuL2OpqAh526pgsrASYVrDmNb2XYw5VEGFq7ewCR1RSk3hAkYcdetis4XkKvVV8M/s1600/P5190136.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dJaARPbxMPB-3QUMCU5cUb1liMaJKZomsPotyUbdUjPsW_jmH344DqyaKYtK2lejEiIR77W-FXx-uuL2OpqAh526pgsrASYVrDmNb2XYw5VEGFq7ewCR1RSk3hAkYcdetis4XkKvVV8M/s320/P5190136.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474336565760268802" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I got the gas tank ready to install but it won't go in, of course, until the rear valance is welded in place.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ZY0oOSI3da2cgZJ5VfUBelhTeKA3C9LubzK7f3q0li3oRPAGzi9Yn_tkJUOzYrPAazDQwasztqeCfQRfzpCwq84jbcgJ7e1eeb-WsHu3XSttw_E-YVLGXefohcB1cqfDGvSaNQKlPDx/s1600/P5190134.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8ZY0oOSI3da2cgZJ5VfUBelhTeKA3C9LubzK7f3q0li3oRPAGzi9Yn_tkJUOzYrPAazDQwasztqeCfQRfzpCwq84jbcgJ7e1eeb-WsHu3XSttw_E-YVLGXefohcB1cqfDGvSaNQKlPDx/s320/P5190134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474336576598794690" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-79199339348471320582010-05-21T03:09:00.002-04:002010-05-23T01:32:26.803-04:005-20-2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz9YWQaDYC8lS-RM6ZOI3n2_WzsbDeeQUIp0Xwe5XD_On-MGLrf77sFg5CRf06aNQordul2M-NQIvztIGmOlZs3L4UwLSBLicJt0d7jqO0KK3hH3pOnzMPOswRR-lzctpnBDQ0oPjQRtS/s1600/P5190136.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz9YWQaDYC8lS-RM6ZOI3n2_WzsbDeeQUIp0Xwe5XD_On-MGLrf77sFg5CRf06aNQordul2M-NQIvztIGmOlZs3L4UwLSBLicJt0d7jqO0KK3hH3pOnzMPOswRR-lzctpnBDQ0oPjQRtS/s320/P5190136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474334040428912658" /></a><br />5-20-2010<br /><br />Got the exhaust all installed and pretty so I turned to the rear suspensions.<br />I pulled apart the driver’s side and removed the leaf spring.<br />I used a socket and c-clap to remove the forward, metal-sleeved bushing from the spring. I had to use a propane torch to heat it up for a few minutes but it eventually slipped out.<br />I got the new urethane bushings in and then went to install the new rear-shackle bushings on the spring but guess what…no rear bushings…gone…missing…probably thrown away when I cleaned out the garage two weeks ago. I spent 3 hours looking for them but no joy so the MG is up on stands with the rear suspension torn apart and I can’t do anything until new bushings arrive in the mail.<br />Dammit!!!!<br /><br />So I dumped a buttload on $$$ on new parts this week…here’s what I’ve ordered:<br />New 3-eared center caps for the Western Superlite wheels.<br />Two seat heater kits.<br />Two chrome bullet racing mirrors.<br />Rear spring shackle urethane bushings (dammit!)<br />Front wheel bearing kit (I already have one)<br />Urethane rear axle bump stop set<br />Thermostat blanking sleeve<br /><br /><br />It looks like I’m going to have to get new stainless braided oil cooler hoses since the ones that Butch gave me are not for an MG. Don’t know yet whether I’ll get stainless or stock…probably stainless.<br /><br />Got the under-hood area in front of the radiator painted pewter and reinstalled the oil cooler. I’ll just hook the old stock lines back up since they are already in place.<br /><br />Well, back to the fish-n- chips mine…<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-19763211806430073662010-05-21T02:54:00.002-04:002010-05-21T02:55:47.127-04:005-11 through 5-19, 20105-11-2010<br /><br />Hey, welcome back to me. I’m back to work on the MG after my long winter’s rest.<br />I got most of the garage cleaned out so I can get to the car. Still have a lot of stuff to get rid of but that’s because I’m trying to de-clutter my life from all the “stuff” I’ve accumulated over the years but have no real need for.<br />I’ve been organizing parts, both new ones and those I already had. I’m really close on having all the parts I need to finish up the car.<br /><br />Quickies:<br />I bought a padded roll bar from a nice member on the MGExperience.net forum and it got here today. Tight fit but it does look pretty good and it cost me half of an unpadded new one..<br />Last week I bought a bunch of parts from forum members who have gotten out of MG’s. Sad to see nice people leave the hobby but I’m sure they’ll be back J<br />I got a bunch of stuff I needed for my car plus a few parts left over to sell to help cover the costs of the purchase.<br />I got the following parts for me: tonneau and top boot in great shape, a complete Falcon stainless steel exhaust system, a brand new Lucas electronic (no contact points) factory fuel pump, complete front brake rebuild kits with new rotors, a 1972 steering wheel, brand new clutch master cylinder, a Kenwood cd-stereo, rear shocks with links, two factory jacks and a brand new Hayden electric cooling fan.<br />I also got two SU HIF AUD 135-R carbs & manifold in great shape, a split stow-away top frame and split rear bumpers.<br />I also got other assorted stuff like gauges, switches, gaskets, nuts and bolts, etc plussome stuff that I didn’t need, like radio face plates for old style radios with shafts, a top boot cover that was dry rotted, various rear-view mirror parts, none of which fit together…<br /><br /><br />My friend Kevin just made a big MG score too except that he picked up two whole cars, a 77 and a 72 plus extra parts. I’m hoping he parts out the 77 so I can get the windshield off of it.<br />Hey, Kevin, I have those rear shocks and chrome over-riders all ready for you…wanna’ trade for that windshield?<br /><br />I ordered the new sound system including two amps, four speakers and the EQ. I won’t actually have a traditional stereo system in the car, I’ll just plug my Ipod, satellite radio, cd player, etc into the EQ and I won’t have to worry about anyone stealing my stereo.<br /><br />I got my Western,10-spoke wheels (they look like Minilites with 2 extra spokes) cleaned up and painted. I used Krylon stainless steel color paint followed by about 6 light coats of clear and they look great. I also found 3-eared spinner center caps through Summit racing since the wheels didn’t come with center caps.<br /><br />I need to pick up some clamps for the exhaust system before I install it. The factory exhaust on it now is still okay but you can see where the rust pitting in the pipes is a bit thin. I could probably get another 10-20 thousand miles out of the exhaust, more with a few quick welds if there are any rust-through spots, but why bother. The falcon stainless system is used but is nearly new and in great shape and, once on the car, it should last longer than me.<br />If breaking loose the nuts on the hangers cooperates, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to swap out the system, even with the fun of getting to the bolts that connect it to the exhaust manifold.<br /><br />Then the new roll bar gets installed which shouldn’t take more than an hour or two. I have to drill 8 holes through the floors and put reinforcement plates on the other sides when bolted together but it’s not hard to do.<br /><br />After that I’ll finish out the rest of the rear end rebuild; I have half the stock bushings replaced with the urethane replacements so far. Then it’s on to the front end bushings and replacing the shocks, brake rotors and wheel bearings.<br /><br />Then I guess I’ll have to finally start the welding…there’s no more avoiding it…blech!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />5-14-2010<br />Got the roll bar installed.. It has a zippered black vinyl cover and while I might not trust it in a rollover to save my life, it does give me a nice sense of false security and the potential for major head trauma if my skull hit’s the bar in a accident.<br /><br />My drill gave up the ghost while installing the roll bar so I got another one at Harbor Fright…and remember Harbor Freight’s motto: “Half our stuff is shit…but you don’t know which half until you get it home!”<br /><br />I also picked up an auto-darkening welding helmet. It has blue flame decals on it so that makes me really cool. I’m still a shitty welder but now I’m a really cool shitty welder.<br />Actually, it is a pretty cool helmet and it’s solar powered…green welding, whodathnkit<br />Also picked up another spot weld removing drill bit, some blades for my sawz-all and a tarp for my semi-retired Corvette which is apparently the bombing target for neighborhood birds on high-fiber diets. I’m not kidding-if I left it sitting in the driveway for a month without a cover it would grow a protective coating of bird shit.<br /><br />I gotta’ pick up those exhaust clamps so I can get the Falcon stainless steel exhaust installed on Sunday night.<br /><br />I want to have the rear suspension rebuild finished (half done now) and the front suspension rebushed and the new shocks installed by next weekend.<br /><br />So here’s my work order for this week:<br />INSTALL STAINLESS EXHAUST SYSTEM<br />FINISH INTALL OF URETHANE BUSHINGS & PADS ON REAR SUSPENSION<br />INSTALL URETHANE BUSHINGS ON FRONT SUSPENSION<br />INSTALL NEW FRONT SHCOK ABSORBERS<br /><br />Bonus stuff:<br />REPACE FRONT BEARINGS (REPLACE IF NEEDED<br />INSTALL NEW FRONT BRAKE DISCS.<br />GO TO GREEK FESTIVAL ON SUNDAY & EAT A SHITLOAD OF GYROS AND BAKLAVA<br />Edit: didn’t go to the Greek festival…Wifey went on Friday and said it sucked.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />May 16, 2010<br />Got the old exhaust hangers disconnected and the clamps put on the new stainless exhaust. I’ll be breaking loose the manifold nuts/studs tonight, dropping the old exhaust and installing the new one. It shouldn’t take more than an hour’s more work. I’ve already had the nuts off once to replace the exhaust donuts so they won’t be rusted or frozen. The exhaust hangers look brand new even though they’ve been on the car for 20+ years so I won’t have to spend money replacing those at least.<br /><br />I cut away a large portion of the rear valance today. I drilled out most of the spot welds with a remover tool (two actually since I shredded one spot weld bit about half way through) I separated the panel from the car using screwdrivers, an air hammer and a good old air cutoff tool.<br />I should finish that up tomorrow afternoon since I can’t work on that at night---too loud and the air tools would wake up the whole house.<br /><br />Looking up inside the rear “frame” of the car after the valance is off, I can see that I’m going to have to spray some penetrol and paint up in there.<br /><br />Okay…this sucks. I was looking for parts on Ebay for the MG and found a rear bumper that needed re-chromed but was in otherwise good shape. The opening bid on it was 99 cents so what the hell, I bid a buck on it. Well guess what…I won a rusty fucking bumper which is in no better condition than the one I have now. Even worse, the shipping is $40.00. Be careful what you bid on…you may win it. I really can’t bitch though…over the last two years I figure I’ve gotten about $5,000 worth of parts for about $1,000 so one bad deal won’t sour me too much…well, maybe a little bit.<br /><br />Getting ready to make one of my last parts orders, this time from Victoria British. I’m getting <br />Front wheel bearings, urethane rear axle bump stops and urethane front sway bar bushings, and a windshield…yippie! I get to replace a windshield. I can’t fucking wait! <br />There are still a bunch of other parts I need like the wheel center hubs, tires, battery and paint and body supplies but not a whole lot of MG -specific parts.<br /><br />At the same time I’ll be doing landscaping in the back yard so I am one multi-tasking kind of guy!<br /><br />My buddy Paul said he’d help me with the welding when I was ready. He did the welding on the TR-250 he restored a while back so that’s good enough for me. Nice to have friends.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />May 18, 2010<br />Got the old exhaust off and the new one installed. It took a bit longer than I had hoped (of course) mostly because I had trouble with the center hanger pin and the old exhaust donuts were so corroded on the down-pipe that it took a while to chisel all the old gasket off.. It also didn’t help that I was doing landscaping work in the back yard at the same time.<br /><br />I should be able to get most of the old rear valance off tonight though I can’t use my noisy air tools while my wifey is asleep.<br /><br />It may take even longer, however, since the last episode of the TV show “Lost” before the finale’ is on tonight…have to get my Lost on when I get home from work J<br /><br />I should also get the rear suspension bushing replacement finished up tonight or tomorrow. It’s dirty and sweaty work but not too difficult.<br /><br />I was going to install the new gas tank. I got the tank sealed and painted and the sending unit installed. I also attached the rubber mounting strips and foam filler-neck ring to the tank top and I was going to install the tank in the car but since I still have to replace the rear valance, I’m going to hold off.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-40414472539743903882010-05-21T02:54:00.001-04:002010-05-21T02:54:36.575-04:006-16 tthrough 9-1 2009Big parts haul, carbs back and actual work 6-19 through 6-22, 2009<br /><br />Went out to see Butch in Burlington. He finished my SU carbs and they were in pretty good shape. The needle and jet assemblies still looked like new though they have about 165,000 miles on them. New solid butterfly valves on the throttle shafts, new seals, springs and a few other minor bits and the carbs should be good.<br /><br />Went out to his MGB graveyard to pull parts. About 30 MG’s and a billion crickets, wasps and weeds…what fun on a hot southern day.<br /><br />I got a new vapor recovery canister for the engine bay (it will be show since the car has been desmogged) a center consol and radio consol, various little clips for the upholstery and to hold down the hydraulic lines n the engine bay, mirror bases, fresh air grill, window crank, back up lights and a bunch of other little parts.<br /><br />I also found a set of Mini-lite alloy wheels that I think I’m going to get for the car, a deal at $200 for the set.<br /><br />Other tidbits. I got the steering wheel and hub painted and the new gas tank finished. I cleaned and degreased the tank on the outside and sanded it. On the top I sprayed two layers of truck bed liner followed by two coats of paint and two coats of flexible rubber undercoating so I shouldn’t have to worry about the tank top rusting anytime soon.<br /><br />On the bottom of the tank I sprayed on two layers of self-etching primer and four layers of Rustoleum black gloss paint. The tank has a better finish than most cars.<br /><br />I started on the major body work today. I began by getting out my new air cutter and taking off the lower half of the rear valance. The freaking thing has like 300 spot welds in it and I’m NOT going to try to drill all of those out. I’m just cutting off as much of the old panel as I can and welding the new one over it. It already test fits well so good for me.<br /><br />I cut off the starboard side dogleg and cut out all of the bad metal in the sill areas. The outer sill which extends up under the dogleg was all but gone and now I just have to drill out the spot welds that are left and I can start the final welding prep. The front of the inner sill has a hole in it so I’ll cut out the bad metal and will weld a patch over that before the outer sill goes on.<br /><br />Cutting off that metal afforded me a peak inside the inner sill behind the castle rail and it looked pretty good. At some point a previous owner had slopped some kind of rust preventative up in there and the metal is still pretty strong. I reached in with assorted wire brushes and a dryer vent cleaning brush and got any dirt in the area cleaned out,. <br /><br />I then put the nozzle and extension tube from a brake cleaner can on a can of spray-on bed liner and shot it up into the area via the small drain holes along the bottom or the “frame” rail. The coverage was pretty good for doing it blind and I sprayed up in there until it was dripping heavily from the drain holes. I’ll do another couple of coats of that after it dries. <br /><br />Then it’s onto the other side to repeat the process.<br /><br />Oh joy!<br /><br />6-23-2009<br /><br />Got all of the remaining pieces of the starboard sill assembly cut out. Very much a pain in the ass.<br />The toughest part was the section towards the rear that is sandwiched in the center of 3 panels where the door goes vertical and up beneath the dogleg.<br />I drilled out the spot welds on the outer piece that curves upward on the rear area of the door sill and then just jammed a chisel up inside to cut the aft sill section under the dogleg out of the area. That part of the rear sill section is still sandwiched up under the side panel but I’m just going to weld the new sill section over it.<br />I still have some more grinding to do in the area and I have to split the remaining pieces of metal off the wheel arch where it meets the rear of the dogleg.<br /><br />I test fit the new sill section and it fit pretty well. The new dog leg fit is more “problematical.” and it is going to need a lot of fudging and wrangling to get it to fit even close to how it is supposed to.<br /><br />I used my new air panel punch to knock out all the holes all along the edges of the sill piece that I’ll use to plug weld it to the car. Took about five minutes to punch out all of the holes. It would have taken at least ten times that long to drill them all out. I’d say the $29.95 tool from Harbor Freight was well worth the money since it save me a great deal of time, sweat and swearing.<br /><br />I cut the bad metal out of the front of the center membrane and bought some 16-gauge metal to replace it. I’ll cut that out and weld in place.<br /><br />When everything is all welded up I’m going to wiggle a modified garden sprayer up inside all of the sill and “frame” rails areas and spray several good coats of paint mixed with Penetrol (which I also bought today) as the final rust protection.<br /><br />I got the fiberglass air dam cleaned up and sanded and laid down two coats of filler primer. I then filled in the scratches and factory flaws in the air damn and imperfections in the holes I cut out for the daytime running lights. I’ll fine sand and clean up spot filler, put a final coat of primer on it and set it aside until I’m ready to spray the epoxy primer/ sealer on the whole car. On Sunday I test fit the LED DRL’s and got the brackets adjusted so the lights will just bolt right in place when the car is finally painted.<br /><br />I finally found my box of around 500 LED’s that I used to use for scale model work and with any luck I’ll have enough white ones left so I wont have to order a bunch of new ones. I’ll be using LED lighting for everything but the headlights and turn signals which will drastically reduce the stress on the old wiring and pretty much insure that I won’t have to replace a burned out light bulb until I’ve retired.<br />I already have some of the cold cathode lighting tubes (CCL’s) that I’ll be using for interior and trunk lighting. The neon lighting you see for cars isn’t actually neon but is cold cathode lighting. The tubes are sealed in clear plastic tubes to protect them, put out a lot of light and use very little power so they are perfect for use in an MGB. I’ll be putting CCL’s in each footwell, up under the lip in the cargo area behind the seats. They’ll be controlled via a radio consol-mounted switch that will also control the LED task/map lights. There will also be at least two CCL tubes in the trunk in addition to the center trunk light, all of which will be controlled by the stock trunk pin switch.<br /><br /><br /><br />4 August, 2009<br />Haven’t gotten much done in the last two weeks…dog days of summer and all. Prepping for vacations, kids, near total failure of the brakes on the Corvette (over $200 for a new brake master cylinder) and, of course, the ongoing search for a used school bus. Yup, you read it right…a used school bus. Wifey wanted a camper or some type of RV for us and I basically said no since you need a large, dedicated vehicle to pull it and that ain’t cheap. I then told her for the cost of a nice trailer we could fit out an old used school bus as an RV (I could) so now she is searching for them high and lo.<br /><br />But frankly, with the Vette repairs, the $$$ I need for the MG and a week in New Orleans starting on Friday, I don’t see a school bus in our driveway any time soon.<br /><br />So back to the B. I ordered and received the Pro-thane suspension bushings and the replacement front shocks. I pulled the rear spring off the starboard side and found out that the front mounting bushing was pretty much frozen to the spring, I assume it is a pressed in bushing. About 20 minutes of steady pounding with a drift and a large socket finally popped the old bushing out and the new one slid right into place. Starboard side is done and I’ll do the other side tonight after work. With the new urethane front and rear bushings on the rear springs and axle mounting pads, the rear suspension should be pretty tight for the next 100k miles. When I replace the front shocks the front suspension will also be fit with the urethane bushings.<br /><br />Still waiting on some of the electrical stuff like the 80-amp relay and LED lighting to ship (all on back order)…good thing that I’m working so slowly.<br /><br />Don’t know how much I’ll get done before leaving for the Big Easy Friday morning but I’ll try to be semi-productive by at least doing the other side of the rear suspension and some more electrical work. I do know, however, that once I get back from vacation the marathon sessions of work begin. I want this car on the road and running well before the weather gets cold again. Since most of the mechanical and electrical work is at least 90% finished, the balance of the work will be the cutting and welding on the body and then the finish body work.<br /><br />27 August, 2009<br />I am a total slackass. I haven’t done anything on the B since getting back from vacation. In all fairness to me, however, I have been puttering around with my Corvette which seems to be disintegrating before my very eyes. I have at least $2000 worth of repairs to do on the Vette because it is my only car and it has to be on the road. Of course, that also means less money to spend on the MG.<br />Well I got back out in the garage and finished off the port side rear suspension and replaced all of the stock rubber bushings with Prothane urethane bushings and I’ve started of the front suspension and shock replacement.<br />The shocks won’t be all that tough as long as none of the bolts are frozen in place. Replacing the bushings on the lower control arms will be a bit pissy since I have no spring compressor and have to use a floor jack and the weight of the car to compress the springs and get the arms off. A bit of a wrestling match but more irritating than difficult.<br />After that the carbs are gong back on and I’m gonna get her running again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />28 August, 2009<br /><br />It is official. I am moving the completion date of the MG to Saturday, Something-Something 30th, 2010. There is no rhyme or reason for me picking that date. I just figure it will give me enough time to finish everything mechanical as well as about 1 to 1 ½ months of warm weather to do the final finish on the body and paint work. <br /><br />1 September, 2009<br />The 80-amp relay for the interior fuse panel finally came in along with the LED’s and cold cathode tube lights for the interior. The relay has been on back order for about 2 months and it finally arrived though the package was supposed to include resistors for other LED’s but it didn’t. <br /><br />The weather has cooled significantly here with nighttime lows in the 50’s…that won’t last but it is very nice to have cool fall weather back.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-78108956858284381392009-07-12T17:58:00.001-04:002009-07-12T18:01:42.435-04:00July 10, 2009My Wifey made me go camping this weekend…so many things to take away from my manly MG restoration efforts…but I got tent loving so it’s okay!!! <div><br />I finally decided on a configuration for the switches on the radio console. I am replacing the factory switches wherever possible with the racing toggle switches that have the flip-up cover over them to prevent them from being switched on accidentally.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG467rjaxyUR0uIr3-oTNvLAAMZT0Y81iWVfNnr0nE6Zw_oo1FnRTYeSo0zabnvamLMCra3DKFwBrUItZGN0YtEgZSBWhQSVi8Hc0NGEy5A_4AiZipiaaKeOD74fjPsF0PhgLI708S_-ef/s1600-h/CENTER+CONSOLE+SWITCH+PANEL+DESIGN.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357696944940273682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 247px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG467rjaxyUR0uIr3-oTNvLAAMZT0Y81iWVfNnr0nE6Zw_oo1FnRTYeSo0zabnvamLMCra3DKFwBrUItZGN0YtEgZSBWhQSVi8Hc0NGEy5A_4AiZipiaaKeOD74fjPsF0PhgLI708S_-ef/s320/CENTER+CONSOLE+SWITCH+PANEL+DESIGN.jpg" border="0" /></a>The center console will have two cigar lighter/power outlets on either side and the heated seats controls under them. There will be six toggle switches across the center to control the fog lights, driving lights, two interior light switches and one switch to kill the daytime running lights. The DLR-kill witch will be mounted upside down so that turning it to the “on” position will actually turn off the daytime running lights. The sixth switch will turn the heater fan on and off.<br /></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div>.<br />That switch is in the center consol because I have rewired the hazard lights switch and indicator lamp and moved them to the dash. I pulled off the old dash light dimmer rheostat and jumped the two leads together and then pulled the fan switch out of the dashboard, I them added jumpers to the wires on the hazard switch harness and ran them up to the dash with the indicator light where the old rheostat used to be.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKRWou7vD5r0WIDm8icZuU7RDituMLt6tdkMHR9iog5Z8-seZnv9FewZmzLWPFsUAA-_Ga_qSsx7buF6vKTsCjWCVUT_HAQ8KK2kL5e7BYLo893IL3sx6jDxKDtMZw06jiDcJyL0n4jYR/s1600-h/NEW+HAZARD+WIRING.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357696950187051778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 284px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKRWou7vD5r0WIDm8icZuU7RDituMLt6tdkMHR9iog5Z8-seZnv9FewZmzLWPFsUAA-_Ga_qSsx7buF6vKTsCjWCVUT_HAQ8KK2kL5e7BYLo893IL3sx6jDxKDtMZw06jiDcJyL0n4jYR/s320/NEW+HAZARD+WIRING.JPG" border="0" /></a>So now the hazard light switch and indicator are where the fan switch and dash light dimmer were and the fan switch is now on the center consol where the hazard switch used to be.<br />I will be having an aluminum panel made to place over the old, beat up center consol face which will hold the switches. It will be more sturdy for holding the switches and it should look pretty good too.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>.<br />I finally broke out the mig welder for my first attempt at welding. After about 30 minutes of screwing around with it to get the wire feed to work right and keep it from just spattering little dots of molten metal all over the place, I finally got it working properly. I started laying down some nice, long beads on 16-gauge steel. They looked good with a nice, smooth bead and good penetration. Then I tried some plug welding…not even close to acceptable. Holes that weren’t distorted were burned through and a total mess. I need some more practice on my welding but I guess it’s an okay start.</div><div><br />I ordered the LED and cold cathode tube lights for the interior as well as the 80-amp relay for the new interior cockpit fuse panel. The headlight relay kit has arrived and my shock absorbers should be her in another day or two so I’ve got some work to do.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-13157688006826973432009-07-06T14:33:00.010-04:002009-07-06T14:42:43.140-04:00New fuse panel installedThe new 8-fuse panel is installed and the headlights/horn relay kit is on the way. I still have a lot of cleaning up and redoing of the wiring left but it is all getting closer to finished. When the healight relay kit gets here I'll install that along witht he new headlight harnesses I bought.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvhJHscNil8Ap4rgLOskqVk3Lo3EngXA-gmHenVllhl__cDynQ6cdNXhx162ga70TJ5KXKEIfvsDc-DET6BeAsELPcTI82jejglfsb-XLfEafTlKo-XTh61Vl376yLrnq2JUw-vrxYatg/s1600-h/8+fuse+installed.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355417907785976642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvhJHscNil8Ap4rgLOskqVk3Lo3EngXA-gmHenVllhl__cDynQ6cdNXhx162ga70TJ5KXKEIfvsDc-DET6BeAsELPcTI82jejglfsb-XLfEafTlKo-XTh61Vl376yLrnq2JUw-vrxYatg/s320/8+fuse+installed.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />.<br />I've also started work on the new 6-fuse accessory fuse panel that will mount on the cockpit fire wall behind the glove box area.<br /><br />The relay sitting at the top center of the panel will actually be replaced with an 80-amp relay which will provide power to the entire fuse panel and be triggered by a line from an igintion-on circuit.<br />The relay to the left will turn on the audio amplifier and the two relays to the right will turn on power to the seat heaters.<br /><br />Perhaps too modern for some but this car will be a daily driver and I'm a lot less of am LBC purist when it is 4-degrees outside and my butt is frozen to a hard vinyl seat cover :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPdovErGiPv0WXDxM0EFh6jDsJDfeKhtFLZkU8_caYoPle-a_zd7muxpOy5svC30t38tZbWjdnfx-Vxo-U1ov3yUSR0BXqonxmwGM1J74TWMb6xEM8wg1UJ1N0xKH5SagijuanxegHwwp/s1600-h/6+fuse+panel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355417903854303362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPdovErGiPv0WXDxM0EFh6jDsJDfeKhtFLZkU8_caYoPle-a_zd7muxpOy5svC30t38tZbWjdnfx-Vxo-U1ov3yUSR0BXqonxmwGM1J74TWMb6xEM8wg1UJ1N0xKH5SagijuanxegHwwp/s320/6+fuse+panel.JPG" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-88374151912649061382009-07-01T06:24:00.003-04:002009-07-01T06:32:51.036-04:00Airdamns and fuses and carpet...OH MY!<div>6-30-2009<br />I’ve done most of my work inside lately and primarily on the electrical system. I’ve completed wiring up the new 8-fuse panel to replace the factory fuse panel with 4 glass fuses. It sends the wires going into and coming out of the factory fuse panel between the 4 original glass tube fuses and splits them between 6 modern blade-type fuses. The remaining two fuses will be used for the fog and driving lights which will also be connected to relays. I’ve run a new 10-gauge power line up from the starter to power the two additional fuses. <div></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEh0x-MRIe13bh8ESu31xDxjZKjDPGA6M-TBwF7FozubkYIMjh6Z34D4LEiCUGZ7qdEq8SmoNYBtx9r-9mSpjfwCq3VflsrFcvycGP3Fn7d7Lv4ZFKx33AxwjSNrwW77b4Bw46av6UpXR/s1600-h/8+fuse+panel.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353436672166607186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEh0x-MRIe13bh8ESu31xDxjZKjDPGA6M-TBwF7FozubkYIMjh6Z34D4LEiCUGZ7qdEq8SmoNYBtx9r-9mSpjfwCq3VflsrFcvycGP3Fn7d7Lv4ZFKx33AxwjSNrwW77b4Bw46av6UpXR/s320/8+fuse+panel.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafgTWvG9ubS29jw1oXEx3JDEXC9dT8Ncf9-gbMjlwK4-OrNXk0doZwPkIKF5qf1oQ3OqfBmsyIibesTXAO6wYmfw5kw_NcTX8Tv99rAwZMCMbY-Mjqlx2GkFQo5z1TOHGmAMWVZUlL4-4/s1600-h/ENGINE+BAY+8+FUSE+PANEL.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353436679254456962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 232px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafgTWvG9ubS29jw1oXEx3JDEXC9dT8Ncf9-gbMjlwK4-OrNXk0doZwPkIKF5qf1oQ3OqfBmsyIibesTXAO6wYmfw5kw_NcTX8Tv99rAwZMCMbY-Mjqlx2GkFQo5z1TOHGmAMWVZUlL4-4/s320/ENGINE+BAY+8+FUSE+PANEL.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I’ve ordered the new relay kit for the headlights and horn from one of the members on the MG Experience forum and I got a new 6-fuse panel that will mount under the dash on the starboard firewall for the new accessories such as the heated seats, stereo, amplifier, video system and new interior LED lighting. I’ve also run an additional 10-gauge wire from the starter to power the accessories inside the cockpit.</div><div><br />I’ve found out that redoing an MGB electrical system involves buying a shitload of new wire and connectors…and I do mean a shitload.</div><div><br />Instead of buying the premade carpet set for the car I purchased two 4’ x 8’ rolls of low-cut-pile carpet on sale at the Home Depot for about $36.00. IT is the right color, cheap as hell and all I need is a pair of scissors and some contact adhesive to install it. I made my first carpet set for the MG back in 1989 out of a roll of carpet and I can do it again…and save about $200.00+ in the process!</div><div><br />I pulled the gear shift lever off, ground off about 1.5” and cut new threads for the shift knob.. It was a bitch and the die I used to cut the new threads was a crappy Harbor Freight die so it did a shitty job. Not to mention that the grinding down I did on the shaft looks really sloppy…but it worked and you won’t see any of it since it will be under the gear shift boot. Of course, after I spent two hours shortening the shift lever I found that the guy on the MG Experience forum that I’m buying my front shocks from also makes shortened shift levers that look like they come straight from the factory…oh well, oh hell.</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaYspyjMc9vRb9Ksnr_o7koTh40xczIbZZ-sXZQ97fDCRxcaTa_CwY5S0Z6V0427_082mpQU1fUE6y38jkz1hBOSnf5kgoqC0DxMjgeAq3u8_rzJK6rfV9zFa_gkEoIMUK6MkRu9miX40/s1600-h/P6250017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353436680341033090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbaYspyjMc9vRb9Ksnr_o7koTh40xczIbZZ-sXZQ97fDCRxcaTa_CwY5S0Z6V0427_082mpQU1fUE6y38jkz1hBOSnf5kgoqC0DxMjgeAq3u8_rzJK6rfV9zFa_gkEoIMUK6MkRu9miX40/s320/P6250017.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />I finished cleaning up and priming the Factory Tuning air dam and I test fit it on the car. It fits like a glove…OJ Simpson’s glove. The car was hit hard on the front starboard nacelle (which the previous owner never bothered to mention to me) and the whole front end is a bit screwy now. The air dam looks to be hanging low on the starboard side but I won’t really be sure until I have the car back on all fours and the front fenders reattached. I think I’ll have to do a fair amount of fudging to make everything line up properly.</div><div><br />Not going to do much this week since I’m going up to my boyhood home of Youngstown Ohio with my son for the 4th of July holiday to see old fiends and maybe take in a Pittsburgh Pirates game.</div><div><br />When I get back the serious work starts. I’m going to get al the electrical, suspension and other mechanical work done plus the rebuilt carbs go back on and I’m going to get here running properly. Then, of course, back to the body and a ton of cutting and welding…now that’s what I call fun.</div><div><br />I found four, 14” Mini-lite replica wheels for $200 for the set plus a friend of mine runs a tire shop and offered me tires for his actual cost…the problem is that they are Firestone tires and there is not one hunk of crap Firestone tire I’d ever put on a car…even if they were free. Life can be such a crapfest…why couldn’t he run a Pirelli or Kumho dealership.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-60592100914972065652009-06-24T15:25:00.005-04:002009-06-24T15:58:04.819-04:006-14-2009 through 6-23-2009<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><strong><em>6-14-2009</em></strong></div><div><br />Been working on the air damn some more. Sanded down all the rough edges and the resin drips on the front. It likes it will all work well.</div><div><br />I set the LED fog lights that will be the daytime running lights. They fit in just fine but I still have to fill, smooth and prime the openings.</div><div><br />I cleaned up the steering wheel and hub, wire brushing and sanding them smooth and down to bare metal. I primed them and painted them gloss black. The leather still needs replaced but the metal looks good. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><strong><em>Big parts haul, carbs back and actual work 6-19 through 6-22, 2009</em></strong></div><div><br />Went out to see Butch in Burlington. He finished my SU carbs and they were in pretty good shape. The needle and jet assemblies still looked like new though they have about 165,000 miles on them. New solid butterfly valves on the throttle shafts, new seals, springs and a few other minor bits and the carbs should be good.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMmrWzzL3lPpIkLB892neBcIPF3ayI8Y8ZJrBngUtk_tMKjH7ApN5pi_XlnRAOk6TW5DAkq0cMR4caJxDwOaCDkOy5MfKD_imVOGdO1gmK8ZYC5yFA6mz-S5u7Wicc8rAA7NCyUVJYP9/s1600-h/P6200025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350981561050349586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGMmrWzzL3lPpIkLB892neBcIPF3ayI8Y8ZJrBngUtk_tMKjH7ApN5pi_XlnRAOk6TW5DAkq0cMR4caJxDwOaCDkOy5MfKD_imVOGdO1gmK8ZYC5yFA6mz-S5u7Wicc8rAA7NCyUVJYP9/s320/P6200025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Went out to his MGB graveyard to pull parts. About 30 MG’s and a billion crickets, wasps and weeds…what fun on a hot southern day.</div><div><br />I got a new vapor recovery canister for the engine bay (it will be show since the car has been desmogged) a center consol and radio consol, various little clips for the upholstery and to hold down the hydraulic lines n the engine bay, mirror bases, fresh air grill, window crank, back up lights and a bunch of other little parts.</div><div><br />I also found a set of Mini-lite alloy wheels that I think I’m going to get for the car, a deal at $200 for the set.<br /><br />Other tidbits. I got the steering wheel and hub painted and the new gas tank finished. I cleaned and degreased the tank on the outside and sanded it. On the top I sprayed two layers of truck bed liner followed by two coats of paint and two coats of flexible rubber undercoating so I shouldn’t have to worry about the tank top rusting anytime soon.</div><div><br />On the bottom of the tank I sprayed on two layers of self-etching primer and four layers of Rustoleum black gloss paint. The tank has a better finish than most cars.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGmtJW35I3IL0BWrnpWtJ66k0PS8sBDK2AzGtZGMF1RLjd1qQXmyBwRdjOkkqRg_9LIUh6YeoBHO6UZsjWNmzcpHmL7GdXDGynXTT5xnfU6dpoj7bBmqsenUoyCZLqLZlJCAjtG0tg2Qu/s1600-h/P6200030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350981571239870706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGmtJW35I3IL0BWrnpWtJ66k0PS8sBDK2AzGtZGMF1RLjd1qQXmyBwRdjOkkqRg_9LIUh6YeoBHO6UZsjWNmzcpHmL7GdXDGynXTT5xnfU6dpoj7bBmqsenUoyCZLqLZlJCAjtG0tg2Qu/s320/P6200030.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv3KxEPPNaw1umZo5QMp8ZHgNuKYPey3MRb1gAE2ihw6JRy96Xq-DSx2f6KTdDT-yNQM0MX0PdRMCdweglpEci74Jg0jioYqWuTfVVhYD7_E8z20FP1v8F1Ohtqo5NnN_Es8aoqQLB6AP/s1600-h/P6200029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350981565580613810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKv3KxEPPNaw1umZo5QMp8ZHgNuKYPey3MRb1gAE2ihw6JRy96Xq-DSx2f6KTdDT-yNQM0MX0PdRMCdweglpEci74Jg0jioYqWuTfVVhYD7_E8z20FP1v8F1Ohtqo5NnN_Es8aoqQLB6AP/s320/P6200029.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div>I started on the major body work today. I began by getting out my new air cutter and taking off the lower half of the rear valance. The freaking thing has like 300 spot welds in it and I’m NOT going to try to drill all of those out. I’m just cutting off as much of the old panel as I can and welding the new one over it. It already test fits well so good for me.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uYRQeEZYh3iorFbANfQu1RNnVua8aBDz-2rMuAAEC3I2yof1aFKKym91bxXUMi-QVmgtI03dGCJPb7NGLw5R5FXcxtSQQOclXFO_2PNKL6UL_NCl2rmB0jxabpu1FUvyIwh_3zG6opRi/s1600-h/P6220039.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350981573933778242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uYRQeEZYh3iorFbANfQu1RNnVua8aBDz-2rMuAAEC3I2yof1aFKKym91bxXUMi-QVmgtI03dGCJPb7NGLw5R5FXcxtSQQOclXFO_2PNKL6UL_NCl2rmB0jxabpu1FUvyIwh_3zG6opRi/s320/P6220039.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNELaJu0bn7MkEwLQN7b7pJJEuTOp9KUq_FWsxpAfFo9AYtxAWFWl4UNsZLMOiKlwaoXLdf6TNRy8FpTRca3-7H3cT-TEHjyUHB37nIBZCKX_vsatzmyuMnGSGcX4B2xKP32v6OWUOqnQ/s1600-h/P6220042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350981578576028738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNELaJu0bn7MkEwLQN7b7pJJEuTOp9KUq_FWsxpAfFo9AYtxAWFWl4UNsZLMOiKlwaoXLdf6TNRy8FpTRca3-7H3cT-TEHjyUHB37nIBZCKX_vsatzmyuMnGSGcX4B2xKP32v6OWUOqnQ/s320/P6220042.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />I cut off the starboard side dogleg and cut out all of the bad metal in the sill areas. The outer sill which extends up under the dogleg was all but gone and now I just have to drill out the spot welds that are left and I can start the final welding prep. The front of the inner sill has a hole in it so I’ll cut out the bad metal and will weld a patch over that before the outer sill goes on.</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO8asEtUrNhDoattCVpovHxk_D4gKEAsjkE6JOiiSdUYIa4IOZvu5rOHNjObOzmfeK6EK1Urh7C1YzyyLMKR_cBJRhji0-OPvoU8igv0H0E91b5O6xKZu0l4fjUpHmq4EMPz1bywVFenD/s1600-h/P6220064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983183604246322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPO8asEtUrNhDoattCVpovHxk_D4gKEAsjkE6JOiiSdUYIa4IOZvu5rOHNjObOzmfeK6EK1Urh7C1YzyyLMKR_cBJRhji0-OPvoU8igv0H0E91b5O6xKZu0l4fjUpHmq4EMPz1bywVFenD/s320/P6220064.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblZzK30sYZGETeHTg4zbwyDkOaP1DrQENr2X1wQVxoXUAeKVQBoulrCgTRs-BFA5p2036Wnr1NlCFa7rjTpZl58hyphenhyphen6c30LLO05o_TDcWBBfAbmDSIhregCgOV6zbSbPOdI5ZIFLJEtXyU/s1600-h/P6220044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983175330377602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblZzK30sYZGETeHTg4zbwyDkOaP1DrQENr2X1wQVxoXUAeKVQBoulrCgTRs-BFA5p2036Wnr1NlCFa7rjTpZl58hyphenhyphen6c30LLO05o_TDcWBBfAbmDSIhregCgOV6zbSbPOdI5ZIFLJEtXyU/s320/P6220044.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge53B2gsM5ZtSGlsu1zdxuKy8naTS-nDVMjFRh1J_qPwMsw5-xI__s41p3ATCk1Wl_7Cy2jKlLBD8YqCRjaddjJs8f6JJrlr0H9sTo1tFLONJDE98ZBiCHaFspEoSMEwGquuCV5WZ9OUGR/s1600-h/P6220054.JPG"></a> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Cutting off that metal afforded me a peak inside the inner sill behind the castle rail and it looked pretty good. At some point a previous owner had slopped some kind of rust preventative up in there and the metal is still pretty strong. I reached in with assorted wire brushes and a dryer vent cleaning brush and got any dirt in the area cleaned out,.</div></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge53B2gsM5ZtSGlsu1zdxuKy8naTS-nDVMjFRh1J_qPwMsw5-xI__s41p3ATCk1Wl_7Cy2jKlLBD8YqCRjaddjJs8f6JJrlr0H9sTo1tFLONJDE98ZBiCHaFspEoSMEwGquuCV5WZ9OUGR/s1600-h/P6220054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983174844079874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge53B2gsM5ZtSGlsu1zdxuKy8naTS-nDVMjFRh1J_qPwMsw5-xI__s41p3ATCk1Wl_7Cy2jKlLBD8YqCRjaddjJs8f6JJrlr0H9sTo1tFLONJDE98ZBiCHaFspEoSMEwGquuCV5WZ9OUGR/s320/P6220054.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjjkDaGD68FyOi8dxAYiWw0y6qN-JdZT_OkR2mHQ-X9USFIlWIlNFbpY6-BxWony-4S-DOBquNSi5WuQy0cV4ODRZ13U9zYN3mURaPsIhD3UvmB8oipwYyWHLW6g0yoJpO7bO4A5KmUc-/s1600-h/.lkusyhdf.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983165519097330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjjkDaGD68FyOi8dxAYiWw0y6qN-JdZT_OkR2mHQ-X9USFIlWIlNFbpY6-BxWony-4S-DOBquNSi5WuQy0cV4ODRZ13U9zYN3mURaPsIhD3UvmB8oipwYyWHLW6g0yoJpO7bO4A5KmUc-/s320/.lkusyhdf.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br />I then put the nozzle and extension tube from a brake cleaner can on a can of spray-on bed liner and shot it up into the area via the small drain holes along the bottom or the “frame” rail. The coverage was pretty good for doing it blind and I sprayed up in there until it was dripping heavily from the drain holes. I’ll do another couple of coats of that after it dries.<br />Then it’s onto the other side to repeat the process.</div><div><br />Oh joy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><strong><em>6-23-2009</em></strong></div><div><br /></div><div>Got all of the remaining pieces of the starboard sill assembly cut out. Very much a pain in the ass.</div><div><br />The toughest part was the section towards the rear that is sandwiched in the center of 3 panels where the door goes vertical and up beneath the dogleg.</div><div><br />I drilled out the spot welds on the outer piece that curves upward on the rear area of the door sill and then just jammed a chisel up inside to cut the aft sill section under the dogleg out of the area. That part of the rear sill section is still sandwiched up under the side panel but I’m just going to weld the new sill section over it.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSE4gq1Ht2OxhNGN4ghUtAAXA_sf_Z6Lrzc4pODHu0prnTn7RDxyQliBCY8IkHZKUcYnjIUcPgl6pJu5gN6_LhVBCr0NP4SFBmvKqVeNWKThTygHA4xfHp8qne1nq6Dd95nMnFU5FLnMJ/s1600-h/P6230081.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983188009055954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSE4gq1Ht2OxhNGN4ghUtAAXA_sf_Z6Lrzc4pODHu0prnTn7RDxyQliBCY8IkHZKUcYnjIUcPgl6pJu5gN6_LhVBCr0NP4SFBmvKqVeNWKThTygHA4xfHp8qne1nq6Dd95nMnFU5FLnMJ/s320/P6230081.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I still have some more grinding to do in the area and I have to split the remaining pieces of metal off the wheel arch where it meets the rear of the dogleg.</div><div><br />I test fit the new sill section and it fit pretty well. The new dog leg fit is more “problematical.” and it is going to need a lot of fudging and wrangling to get it to fit even close to how it is supposed to.</div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjONbmi8bFnrWnBi7sh4oP3nhw9IGZZKoI3lKZ8EZqAsGLkLcMsk6PEd6Mdhc5cd82yuk8YFA6W-xcfzBzx6V8qeeWWb6Errsw-W2npskCOY1GsKDPjkVC2C1JKGtKW4wM14YxXZb_4CXK/s1600-h/P6230082.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350983447728095410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjONbmi8bFnrWnBi7sh4oP3nhw9IGZZKoI3lKZ8EZqAsGLkLcMsk6PEd6Mdhc5cd82yuk8YFA6W-xcfzBzx6V8qeeWWb6Errsw-W2npskCOY1GsKDPjkVC2C1JKGtKW4wM14YxXZb_4CXK/s320/P6230082.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><br />I used my new air panel punch to knock out all the holes all along the edges of the sill piece that I’ll use to plug weld it to the car. Took about five minutes to punch out all of the holes. It would have taken at least ten times that long to drill them all out. I’d say the $29.95 tool from Harbor Freight was well worth the money since it save me a great deal of time, sweat and swearing.<br />I cut the bad metal out of the front of the center membrane and bought some 16-gauge metal to replace it. I’ll cut that out and weld in place.</div><div> </div><div><br />When everything is all welded up I’m going to wiggle a modified garden sprayer up inside all of the sill and “frame” rails areas and spray several good coats of paint mixed with Penetrol (which I also bought today) as the final rust protection.</div><div> </div><div>I got the fiberglass air dam cleaned up and sanded and laid down two coats of filler primer. I then filled in the scratches and factory flaws in the air damn and imperfections in the holes I cut out for the daytime running lights. I’ll fine sand and clean up spot filler, put a final coat of primer on it and set it aside until I’m ready to spray the epoxy primer/ sealer on the whole car. On Sunday I test fit the LED DRL’s and got the brackets adjusted so the lights will just bolt right in place when the car is finally painted.</div><div><br />I finally found my box of around 500 LED’s that I used to use for scale model work and with any luck I’ll have enough white ones left so I wont have to order a bunch of new ones. I’ll be using LED lighting for everything but the headlights and turn signals which will drastically reduce the stress on the old wiring and pretty much insure that I won’t have to replace a burned out light bulb until I’ve retired.</div><div><br />I already have some of the cold cathode lighting tubes (CCL’s) that I’ll be using for interior and trunk lighting. The neon lighting you see for cars isn’t actually neon but is cold cathode lighting. The tubes are sealed in clear plastic tubes to protect them, put out a lot of light and use very little power so they are perfect for use in an MGB. I’ll be putting CCL’s in each footwell, up under the lip in the cargo area behind the seats. They’ll be controlled via a radio consol-mounted switch that will also control the LED task/map lights. There will also be at least two CCL tubes in the trunk in addition to the center trunk light, all of which will be controlled by the stock trunk pin switch.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-31310686976060988562009-06-15T05:20:00.005-04:002009-06-15T05:26:57.804-04:00Doing little things here and there6-12-2009<br /><br />Well I got the seats reupholstered. I bought the vinyl seat covers in used but nearly-new condition but didn’t realize that they were for later models MG’s. My original 74 seats had a smooth stitched surface whereas these have the mesh/waffle pattern. Not too much of a problem but the headrest covers are different and I can’t use them. No biggie since my headrests are in okay condition.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkcYWLfxWYlTGhmsETddSrU8PvECq1LvFqr-PhsI10f4YeeNAwlFyRdO7ZSw3S9wPZenmh4hS3KvvGMxCQmqZLuoydmbUAAShMKd-xxUhszQN0c3iejWn2yE_7Jj8k_km1558pvyVkxeX/s1600-h/seats+001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347482448711376402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkcYWLfxWYlTGhmsETddSrU8PvECq1LvFqr-PhsI10f4YeeNAwlFyRdO7ZSw3S9wPZenmh4hS3KvvGMxCQmqZLuoydmbUAAShMKd-xxUhszQN0c3iejWn2yE_7Jj8k_km1558pvyVkxeX/s320/seats+001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I stripped the frames, primered and painted them and then lubed up all the mechanisms. The seat recliner mechanism on the driver’s side was completely frozen with rust so I got that cleaned up and lubed and it now works as it is supposed to.<br /><br />I began work on the special factory tuning air damn I ordered from Moss Motors. It is so flimsy and thin that I’m pretty sure a bug strike at 60 mph would tear it off the car. To cure this I laid another layer of fiberglass and resin on the back side of the air damn and two layers on the lip that mounts to the car.<br />I also took my hole saw and put two openings on either side of the air damn for the LED daytime running lights. I fiberglassed in two metal brackets to support the lights. It should wind up looking pretty good though I still have a lot of sanding to do to clean up my work and the flaws in the air damn.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpMav-JuPn-KG1lEzjmMf9xpBFhmGVtbbgsAo62b5CKo3BmQaJFqcu65kPLQfQOa2TrJKKdpeWvp2t1GW7eJtmpepZN4nkq1N5rEICKgr3jm4Qf570-tF4XvMqv5anuCnsUeoNFOxssHe/s1600-h/airdanm+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347482454490816994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 166px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpMav-JuPn-KG1lEzjmMf9xpBFhmGVtbbgsAo62b5CKo3BmQaJFqcu65kPLQfQOa2TrJKKdpeWvp2t1GW7eJtmpepZN4nkq1N5rEICKgr3jm4Qf570-tF4XvMqv5anuCnsUeoNFOxssHe/s320/airdanm+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The resin is pretty tough stuff but a palm sander should take the edges down fairly easily (I hope) and then it’s hand sanding, roughing up the gel coat and priming. After I get the lights and their wiring done it should be ready to put on the car.<br />I’ll leave the final install, however, until the front fenders are back on so I can be sure it all lines up properly.<br /><br />I’m still working on the wiring diagram for the new fuse panel that I’ll be installing under the starboard side dash in the cockpit. I’m figuring with all of the additional lighting, sound and other electrical components I’ll be adding to the car I’m going to have to get a GM alternator conversion since the wimpy little Lucas alternator just won’t put out enough juice to keep the battery charged.<br /><br />6-14-2009<br />Been working on the air damn some more. Sanded down all the rough edges and the resin drips on the front. It likes it will all work well.<br />I set the LED fog lights that will be the daytime running lights. They fit in just fine but I still have to fill, smooth and prime the openings.<br />I cleaned up the steering wheel and hub, wire brushing and sanding them smooth and down to bare metal. I primed them and painted them gloss black. The leather still needs replaced but the metal looks good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLzsguRBjCsPHE3748ILcr7FjCvduKAztBxCWN6A1YldlKS8ZapR_-uhWzdt4yMteonM66pncOghQv-fCn-kmKJZUWW3zHsJFME5Ditis01avxtQxej2hWfWXFRXL_DTRnue_RbgiuM01/s1600-h/P6150009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347482463451069954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLzsguRBjCsPHE3748ILcr7FjCvduKAztBxCWN6A1YldlKS8ZapR_-uhWzdt4yMteonM66pncOghQv-fCn-kmKJZUWW3zHsJFME5Ditis01avxtQxej2hWfWXFRXL_DTRnue_RbgiuM01/s320/P6150009.JPG" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-80448105078117891112009-06-08T18:02:00.003-04:002009-06-08T18:08:23.507-04:00battery cut-of switchI picked up two battery cut-off switches at Harbor Freight this weekend figuring on installing one for the negative and positive leads off the battery.<br /><div><br /><div>But... where to put them, where to put them... </div><br /><div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXMEbeC9dtTXrritUVnTivFCWPt9edpFewB0AP3AntiHJek8FtxdAC0TX481zrX_qHW-HhwQjThrGPvw22WT_WzHhI0hX4J9WKpVX-rWHdp5czMnpr9SmS9Zh5fSS3XvKCpTUpQGluof/s1600-h/P6080035.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345081827160065746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVXMEbeC9dtTXrritUVnTivFCWPt9edpFewB0AP3AntiHJek8FtxdAC0TX481zrX_qHW-HhwQjThrGPvw22WT_WzHhI0hX4J9WKpVX-rWHdp5czMnpr9SmS9Zh5fSS3XvKCpTUpQGluof/s320/P6080035.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Well, I did a rear tube shock conversion which I was, and still am, happy with and looking at the rear cockpit shelf that the old plugged holes used to fill the shocks with hydraulic fluid were just sitting there unused. Drilled two holes, bolted the switch in place and viola'...premade mounting hole for the battery cut-off switch. </div><br /><div>I was reinstalling my turn signal and wiper arm assemblies onto the steering column and noticed a wire on the underside of the ignition switch which seemed very loose. </div><br /><div>I barely touched it and it came off. The plastic clip the wire plugged into on the column also broke in half...brittle with age I assume since it seems more like bakolite than plastic </div><br /><div>The wire is purple/pink and plugs into a little plastic clip that in turn snaps into place on the underside of the ignition switch body </div><br /><div>In the picture below the little clip that snaps into place on the underside of the ignition body is being held in the vice grips (as the JB Weld sets) The P/K wire is to the left with the clip on it and the little recepticle the clip snap into is the recess with the little nipple on it just above and to the right of the vice grip. </div><br /><div>The wiring diagram shows that the P/K wire goes to the LH door switch then to the buzzer and on into the seatbelt module (which I assume was bypassed by the DPO since there is no buzzer or seatblet lockout and/or warning function) I don't see this clip in any catalogs, the Haynes manual.</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD2wbd7o_jDn3aKVaPI5QSJKqlW-RHYEl8jGOqlWvuthbT_iIgNC5Qqp-oxR19Vl0A85mpGzSGg7neNiub6qhIG3cxfdOAkLv9SaPxlrD5pkf1VEiw_NupW3-ptQTt3RZ0CroVev9vcyf/s1600-h/001+IGNITION.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345081834440864882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD2wbd7o_jDn3aKVaPI5QSJKqlW-RHYEl8jGOqlWvuthbT_iIgNC5Qqp-oxR19Vl0A85mpGzSGg7neNiub6qhIG3cxfdOAkLv9SaPxlrD5pkf1VEiw_NupW3-ptQTt3RZ0CroVev9vcyf/s320/001+IGNITION.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>A member on the MGE says it is just for the door buzzer so I assume I can seal off the end and not worry about it. I'm going to try to repair/replace it and hook it up anyway.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-30843758239810868542009-06-07T02:45:00.002-04:002009-06-07T02:49:27.530-04:00I am a loser todayToday, June 6th 2009 was my target completion date for my restoration project...<br /><br />I'm not even close.<br /><br />I did my last resto in less than 10 months and that included a full engine rebuild.<br /><br />Oh well shit.<br /><br />I shotened my shifter by about 1-1/2"<br /><br />That is all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Iv0_svcV59FKEJsI-QyzpNZ6zZDtAR1Eos5IwokEmqKj65G5NIO3K-aLdMfqBe5AAZ5SMqnZtfMIdtAMFM750D4y1sBlYYx09GugCOooE3tkZG600rPv1MnfKRc5HA5qQMBL3w5oSSB/s1600-h/P6060030.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344473972786810098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8Iv0_svcV59FKEJsI-QyzpNZ6zZDtAR1Eos5IwokEmqKj65G5NIO3K-aLdMfqBe5AAZ5SMqnZtfMIdtAMFM750D4y1sBlYYx09GugCOooE3tkZG600rPv1MnfKRc5HA5qQMBL3w5oSSB/s320/P6060030.JPG" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-76304186457868393422009-06-04T08:17:00.003-04:002009-06-04T08:48:59.753-04:00Work, work, work<div><br /><br /><div>06-03-2009</div><div><br /> </div><div><div>Well this morning was just more cleaning up small stuff. </div><div><br />After organizing the buttload of various electrical connectors I bought I crawled under the car and started cleaning up the wiring. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_MXybXBRKn8yKdpy2rcG-oX0GLaqzbnMdJ7UAQ2UrtA8b8LcwIkfGz8WilvWfETL2Oi9ezv7hby6bT71VSG1xhKVHHIZjEZ_lu63t-kFmapQgNLx24jr18_JMzgLWLooE-s21EaEXTxL/s1600-h/P6040012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343452605015510706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_MXybXBRKn8yKdpy2rcG-oX0GLaqzbnMdJ7UAQ2UrtA8b8LcwIkfGz8WilvWfETL2Oi9ezv7hby6bT71VSG1xhKVHHIZjEZ_lu63t-kFmapQgNLx24jr18_JMzgLWLooE-s21EaEXTxL/s320/P6040012.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I finished taping up the harness that runs along the undercarriage. I added the new wire for the fuel pump and soldered BL bullet connectors to it and the pump and ran two additional wires into the trunk.<br />I blue electrical taped the entire harness form the rear all the way up into the engine compartment. I also crimped a large eyelet connector to a 10-gauge wire and ran it up into the engine compartment. It will be connected to the starter positive post and power the relay-activated aux fuse panel. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQznIsvdzs3mHBcIIDaOESznaoknYQ5lTELS5xsZoKbTesYZcD5aqDG7TA_Zqfd3EE2HJOaiOlX2UxoPTx0-Am6Q2rGBGJ1ypKEGpdtBBsM-WpboUXUIA0wXSgAjd0a7Yr2NHSRwTaF_c/s1600-h/new+wires.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343452607527363042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQznIsvdzs3mHBcIIDaOESznaoknYQ5lTELS5xsZoKbTesYZcD5aqDG7TA_Zqfd3EE2HJOaiOlX2UxoPTx0-Am6Q2rGBGJ1ypKEGpdtBBsM-WpboUXUIA0wXSgAjd0a7Yr2NHSRwTaF_c/s320/new+wires.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I’ll be ordering relay kits from <a href="http://www.bits4brits.net/">http://www.bits4brits.net/</a> that will be powering the headlights and horn plus their relay fuse panel which will replace the original fuse panel and starter relay plus an additional relay for the heater blower motor. </div><div><br />I’ll also be adding relays for the following: Fog lights, driving lights, seat heaters (2) stereo and amplifier. </div><div><br />I’ve also decided that I’m going to install LED fog lights under the rear bumper to use as backup lights and I’ll be installing red, super-bright 12-v LED’s in the original backup light lenses to act as additional brake lights. I’ll also put in a 3rd high brake light if I can find one that looks good. A daytime running light setup is also in the works since I want this car to be as visible as possible when doing highway battle with distracted soccer moms in SUV’s. </div><div><br />I got the transmission cross member with all new bushings installed. Took about an hour and was a bit of a pain but not as bad as I had feared. The key, as I was correctly told on the MG forum, was to put in every bolt only loosely and then tighten them all up when everything is in place. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYx3FpihwrpyyTgAFbe4Ju4VT7xbvB732NR_rq_R317_rfOxDqE7S08eOJ-lh1TL1OPyTL2mrjnfsajuoki27xZ7tqpC-yfYtsPtGFYjpQGuOWwsmr22vgw0hNCtrbkFu61mraw6exgah/s1600-h/P6040022.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343452601934436194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYx3FpihwrpyyTgAFbe4Ju4VT7xbvB732NR_rq_R317_rfOxDqE7S08eOJ-lh1TL1OPyTL2mrjnfsajuoki27xZ7tqpC-yfYtsPtGFYjpQGuOWwsmr22vgw0hNCtrbkFu61mraw6exgah/s320/P6040022.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I also did the cross member modification to allow a socket to fit up behind the square rubber transmission mount blocks. That simply involves drilling two holes in the bottom of the cross member at an angle that allows a socket on an extension to get up inside. </div><div><br />Also added the new battery boxes I got from Moss and wired the port side one for the battery. They aren't as sturdy as I would have imagined them to be ut I think they'll work nicely. I'll use the starboard side box for tool ans spares storage.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDJnlsL-nNly3dJBHD74gx21YDC172KkHqU6eavGD4hFV7FJ4GGL2Vf0L8PlH2zFXOd6ceLFebW6g-kQ0X60dk8ZWiR0TMm3kcBBh1bLmfCly4Ad0puqfH7o9yFPX7X3oyEipVBzZn7cX/s1600-h/P6040005.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343452615335512546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDJnlsL-nNly3dJBHD74gx21YDC172KkHqU6eavGD4hFV7FJ4GGL2Vf0L8PlH2zFXOd6ceLFebW6g-kQ0X60dk8ZWiR0TMm3kcBBh1bLmfCly4Ad0puqfH7o9yFPX7X3oyEipVBzZn7cX/s320/P6040005.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-51596639861322503332009-06-04T08:09:00.001-04:002009-06-04T08:16:33.499-04:00Relay wiring diagramsHere are two wiring diagrams I did for relay installation.<br /><br />The first is a typical relay setup using the Bosch 4-pin relay available at just about any auto parts store. It will work for any setup and take most of the current load off of the fragile switches.<br /><div><br />The second is for adding an aux fuse panel that comes on with the ignition or accessory via the key. The relay used for that should be adequate to handle all of the amps going through the fuse panel. I’ll be running about 40 amps through mine so I’ll be using at least a 60 amp relay so there is some cushion.<br /></div><div>Feel free to use these if you need them.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4R6scJ0oPnClWBaNE2Takjmr_mAdF7yLqWuwAXhBUrJk5JA8pJMY9OZz0DErbbnqxEKu6IOX9gOevJU5JgAv8PR4rSgc7U__HrJ6bJLswQ-DuPr2DGvBL0t0aJAl86veJ1x790erNOCG/s1600-h/LIGHT+RELAY+CIRCUITS.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343444992310192674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 279px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4R6scJ0oPnClWBaNE2Takjmr_mAdF7yLqWuwAXhBUrJk5JA8pJMY9OZz0DErbbnqxEKu6IOX9gOevJU5JgAv8PR4rSgc7U__HrJ6bJLswQ-DuPr2DGvBL0t0aJAl86veJ1x790erNOCG/s320/LIGHT+RELAY+CIRCUITS.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qz-IVplViX2TKQu2GHQEaJZHZd1K2mo7wunChTa_tY07XJU7u1n24AlLt25tVRgbIwfomS0FFXxlDQlxuCkHdbKyM75z_XOJyd5fswnlSxGhV4iKVzU1h9x7ET5cqIGmGzLyrOplyaPW/s1600-h/RELAY+FUSE+PANEL+CIRCUIT.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343444991708511538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qz-IVplViX2TKQu2GHQEaJZHZd1K2mo7wunChTa_tY07XJU7u1n24AlLt25tVRgbIwfomS0FFXxlDQlxuCkHdbKyM75z_XOJyd5fswnlSxGhV4iKVzU1h9x7ET5cqIGmGzLyrOplyaPW/s320/RELAY+FUSE+PANEL+CIRCUIT.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-46471661572812172922009-06-02T04:42:00.002-04:002009-06-02T04:46:26.111-04:00Back to work…again!Still looking for front shocks. I can get them from Butch at Imports Europa for a great price but I have to go pull them off a car out in the middle of a field and I’ll have no idea if they’re good or not until they’re off the car. A member on the MG forum also has a used set but I really don’t feel like paying $100 plus shipping for used shocks that could give out a week after I put them on the car.<br /><br />Well my shoulder is to the point where I could begin working on the B again without feeling like somebody has stabbed a few knives into my arm.<br /><br />I pulled the cross member off the transmission to clean it up and replace the rubber mounts…what a joy that was.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepcHjQwfLSOOYNS5jfi5XOIkj06CJpaJ9GoMrBo0HeZ6I30L6Rytpex2I4oH1VKjr66SxxN4_3VeQ9kwIpreG3UX_oJ4YOzCej9vlYU8wyaK7vVBqZD3rPLtFlKbd46_F6ixi3b-J7WoE/s1600-h/P6010002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342648298574744146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepcHjQwfLSOOYNS5jfi5XOIkj06CJpaJ9GoMrBo0HeZ6I30L6Rytpex2I4oH1VKjr66SxxN4_3VeQ9kwIpreG3UX_oJ4YOzCej9vlYU8wyaK7vVBqZD3rPLtFlKbd46_F6ixi3b-J7WoE/s320/P6010002.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I supported the rear of the tranny with a floor jack and started trying to pull the bolts off. The four on the tranny mounts weren’t so bad though I did find that I only had three since one has vanished. The four bolts holding the cross member to the body were really tight but they haven’t been turned in 20 or more years so that is understandable. I can already tell by how the plate inside the frame moves around that they are going to be a bitch to get back in.<br /><br />Getting the cross member over the exhaust wasn’t so much fun either. I didn’t want to drop the exhaust so I took a 6-foot brass pipe I had and levered the exhaust down just far enough that I could wiggle the cross member over it. I know that I’m going to have to drop at least some of the exhaust to get the cross member back in so more fun for me coming up.<br /><br />When I got the cross member off I found some nice things. First, the rubber mounts were all but gone. The large square mounts were half hard as a rock and half mushy goop about the consistency of soft foam rubber soaked in motor oil. The center pin bushings were still kind of round but were also gummy mush.<br /><br />Since the cross member is u-shaped and points upward it acts as a collection point for all sorts of garbage. It was nearly full of the oil/grease/dirt gunk that builds up on cars after a long time. I measured six heaping cups of the stuff inside the cross member after I scraped it all out.<br /><br />After much scraping, wire brushing, degreasing, washing, more degreasing and more washing I finally got to the point (after two hours) that it was clean enough to paint.<br /><br />I also cleaned and painted the engine/tranny stayrod, mounting plates and hardware and those will get new nuts, bolts and rubber buffer pads as well.<br /><br />I put on two coats of gloss black on the cross member and all the mounting hardware. I’ll put it all back together tonight and see if I wedge the bastard back in place.<br /><br />I’ve been working on the electrical as well. I ran a new white wire for the melted one in the harness that powers the fuel pump. I also ran two additional heavy wires along with it to the rear for future power needs such as an amplifier in the trunk. To get the wires through the sub frame that the factory harness goes through on the underside of the car I slid a wire coat hanger through the rubber bushings, bent a hook in the end of it and looped the three new wires around it and pulled it through. It was a tight fit but it worked.<br /><br />I taped the new wires to the factory harness with the correct blue tape and then opened the clamps and reattached them to the underside as the factory original harness was.<br /><br />I dropped the starter to change out the clutch master flexible hose with the stainless braided one and took the opportunity to clean up the starter harness and all the other little sub-harnesses in the area. I’m adding two additional 10-gauge wires to the power hookup point on the starter and running them up into the engine compartment. These will be taped into the harness and used to power the new additional fuse panels I’ll be adding for new electrical components. I’ll be adding fog and driving lights, daytime running lights and (hopefully) seat heaters so all of those will need new dedicated power. I’m certainly not going to trust the 35 year old factory wiring for that! Of course, all of the new wiring will have relays to take the load off the wiring…as soon as I figure out how to do that! Time to call my buddy Paul.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-53162091480796312632009-05-28T18:20:00.000-04:002009-05-28T18:21:41.391-04:00LazyDidn't do shit today.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-1887172515082295762009-05-27T04:10:00.001-04:002009-05-27T04:12:05.081-04:00We don't need no stinking left shoulder!The big-ish news is that I have apparently either torn the rotator cuff in my left shoulder or have something called peripheral neuropathy (some sort of damage to my nerves) I won’t know for sure unless I get an MRI but since I have no health insurance, it may be a while before I know. Not too easy trying to turn wrenches with constant pain and occasional numbness radiating from your shoulder to your fingertips and your arm in a sling. But such is life.<br /><br />In spite of that I got some more done last night.<br />I got the suspension, drive shaft u-joints and parking brake cable greased (because I finally went out and bought a grease gun) and I installed the cotter pins in the parking brake cable clevis pins where they meet the levers as well as the pins in the clutch and brake pedals at the master cylinders.<br /><br />Upon closer inspection I’m going to have to replace that clutch pedal again since the hole in the end of the arm that links it to the master cylinder via a clevis pin is noticeably egged out.<br />I pulled the starter out and cleaned it and its contacts and got it nicely painted. I’ll be cleaning and retaping the starter harness next and adding additional wires for more power circuits and fuse boxes.<br /><br />The reason I pulled the starter was to be able to replace the flexible rubber hose to the clutch slave cylinder…fucking pain in the ass that was!!!<br />I finally managed to get the old line off and the new one in place but it was a huge wrestling match. I had to hacksaw off the metal of the hose where it meets the support bracket so that I could get a deep well socket on it since a wrench just couldn’t turn the fixing nut without stripping it.<br /><br />I also installed an Ezi-bleed bleeder nipple on the slave and just “sorta” bled it. It seems that Ezi-bleed bleeder works as advertised. When I do the others on the braking system I’ll report back.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-34671555218010041812009-05-23T04:17:00.007-04:002009-05-23T05:39:28.849-04:005-21-2009 Fighting a multi-front warWell the brakes are all back together but not without a bit of struggle on one side. <div><div><div><div><div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WZKN4cklum7O5tYYkJIAbKNxXpsxtZYHWMCLHTbhEc3CEM5RQyUGu1POSmS41eufXMrIjjjVQydQ-LzVy93u2v7OWyV0goCafXKwJ4_4wcQJDInVjOgh4F4rjEdFOZcQPZ09YZ8vmU7y/s1600-h/P5220079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940077683036018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WZKN4cklum7O5tYYkJIAbKNxXpsxtZYHWMCLHTbhEc3CEM5RQyUGu1POSmS41eufXMrIjjjVQydQ-LzVy93u2v7OWyV0goCafXKwJ4_4wcQJDInVjOgh4F4rjEdFOZcQPZ09YZ8vmU7y/s320/P5220079.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WZKN4cklum7O5tYYkJIAbKNxXpsxtZYHWMCLHTbhEc3CEM5RQyUGu1POSmS41eufXMrIjjjVQydQ-LzVy93u2v7OWyV0goCafXKwJ4_4wcQJDInVjOgh4F4rjEdFOZcQPZ09YZ8vmU7y/s1600-h/P5220079.JPG"></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I went to adjust the port side brakes and found that the adjuster was nearly impossible to turn. I wound up pulling the brakes off and removing the adjuster. I sprayed it with PB Blaster and that made no difference. </div><div><br />I finally but a big vice grip on it and heated with a propane torch. I then put a wrench on it and just worked it back and forth until it started loosening up. I finally got it to go all the way in and back out until it turned smoothly. </div><div><br />Still not idea as to why it was so tight as it looked straight and clean but it moves freely now. </div><br /><div>I put a small dab of high-temp grease on it and ran it back in and out and then installed it back on the car. I put the brakes all back together and got them adjusted with no problems. </div><div><br />I tackled the parking brake cable while I was down there. Pain in the ass to do but not the worst job ever. Took the compensating lever apart (the one bolted to the differential pumpkin) got it cleaned, painted and greased. It is important to do that on a regular basis since most problems with the parking brake are a jammed or corroded adjuster. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgjdtHD9dnRLRbEq8V65G4T4IojwC4XPUG1duCvzBUujvmvhaKu32aRnHuvNxRmKjqs85pUrwNUXkTCa4-8c7J4neZ3clvkHbPTDugjgkV8sgXZBpGwTGpnxY0jzAagbmonS6izFfhPlr/s1600-h/P5220080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940083170652722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgjdtHD9dnRLRbEq8V65G4T4IojwC4XPUG1duCvzBUujvmvhaKu32aRnHuvNxRmKjqs85pUrwNUXkTCa4-8c7J4neZ3clvkHbPTDugjgkV8sgXZBpGwTGpnxY0jzAagbmonS6izFfhPlr/s320/P5220080.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I replaced the flexible rubber brake hose on the rear axle with the braided stainless one. A bit of a bitch at one point but it’s all nice and tight. The brake lines are now hooked up to the new cylinders and the parking brake cables are connected to the levers (but I do need to get some new cotter pins for them) </div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaO2YNoneL0pqkrNDJgv07KbxQariXWhgwHQsnFKmFexiWtMk-4MpFyly_xl0r144xoahZC21cD8DWa4KizAmBChR7kWuDNg5etE5qfng8ilG3WtTnggQ155f_eVpL2CLi8x2wcC1HZsS/s1600-h/P5220094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940087055060226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaO2YNoneL0pqkrNDJgv07KbxQariXWhgwHQsnFKmFexiWtMk-4MpFyly_xl0r144xoahZC21cD8DWa4KizAmBChR7kWuDNg5etE5qfng8ilG3WtTnggQ155f_eVpL2CLi8x2wcC1HZsS/s320/P5220094.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I wrote in the title I am pursuing a multi-front war on the restoration. I’m trying to do as many things at the same time as possible. </div><div><br />I’ve started to tear the seats apart for then new foams and covers. Cleaning, painting and cleaning up the mechanicals while I also start tearing the rusted body panels off the car and cleaning up the wiring. </div><div><br />I had a nice little surprise when I pulled apart starboard seat. I found that the seat back was completely packed with old fiberglass and assorted junk, courtesy of a nice little mouse community. I pulled most if it out when I realized I should probably get a picture of it. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsemsgEKqMUSUMEuWFrh1jeVynIehtu36_dfDTw_NxftxnWJZxewzsP2R66NJLQLaYv11os70sqkptEV9ec4ARDhk3PNY71moY6oQsbvnYfZLCUSjOw2sE6MukIHtme5-RECFNvboAX48T/s1600-h/P5220097.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940088047751410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsemsgEKqMUSUMEuWFrh1jeVynIehtu36_dfDTw_NxftxnWJZxewzsP2R66NJLQLaYv11os70sqkptEV9ec4ARDhk3PNY71moY6oQsbvnYfZLCUSjOw2sE6MukIHtme5-RECFNvboAX48T/s320/P5220097.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsemsgEKqMUSUMEuWFrh1jeVynIehtu36_dfDTw_NxftxnWJZxewzsP2R66NJLQLaYv11os70sqkptEV9ec4ARDhk3PNY71moY6oQsbvnYfZLCUSjOw2sE6MukIHtme5-RECFNvboAX48T/s1600-h/P5220097.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I got out the spot weld remover drill bit and started cutting into the car. This is going to take some time. I drilled out the welds on the top of the outer sill where it meets the top of the starboard forward kick panel. The welds were not even close to straight so I fear I may have gotten a “Monday-Friday” car! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmLLVV_bfkjHDP4RlBwNZKBJOfdGAPsYd4RbggyR86imShvu7psRB4d2XRxOVASJNAW8GPGN29PBH1c2XYZFXiIuv7ComZQ1Xq8Zmoiu1cybkzWLKn4x3wD-tB7iLWO4Vn8q-7uWemq8X/s1600-h/P5220076.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940971401646098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmLLVV_bfkjHDP4RlBwNZKBJOfdGAPsYd4RbggyR86imShvu7psRB4d2XRxOVASJNAW8GPGN29PBH1c2XYZFXiIuv7ComZQ1Xq8Zmoiu1cybkzWLKn4x3wD-tB7iLWO4Vn8q-7uWemq8X/s320/P5220076.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>The rear valance is going to be an absolute bitch. There are so many welds in so many places for such a relatively small panel that I may just cut the thing of with the cutting wheel, grind it up and weld the new valance over it. The way the old panel is installed will let me fudge it in that way and still wind up with a perfectly good new panel install. </div><div><br />Note on the new dashboard coverlay:<br />I put the new coverlay in place and it really looks good. The fit is great compared to the ones available 15 years ago and the texture, unlike the plastic-looking crap surface on the old one, actually looks like it is made of soft vinyl. I’m pretty happy with it.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GFp4XYLtzrC721Pwl4vfAmsKj4GX8TmEIpAtA58lZ-OMJe7mo5yEe17s_zPnkyBmvPi_yhPxvilv-6pH2ukKaJwVc82dtxgOrK9x_br5S5An290ijqF83ysUjQ1MyUZ_WqI4fAWMOSbh/s1600-h/dash.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338940090100837250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GFp4XYLtzrC721Pwl4vfAmsKj4GX8TmEIpAtA58lZ-OMJe7mo5yEe17s_zPnkyBmvPi_yhPxvilv-6pH2ukKaJwVc82dtxgOrK9x_br5S5An290ijqF83ysUjQ1MyUZ_WqI4fAWMOSbh/s320/dash.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-20816278284706100302009-05-23T04:05:00.003-04:002009-05-23T04:17:17.653-04:00Wednesday's work 5-20-2009Received and installed the new axle hub oil seals. The day before I pulled the oil drain and fill plugs from the differential and drained the unit. When it was empty I sprayed brake cleaner fluid to clean any gunk out of the bottom of the unit and let it sit overnight. Letting sit that long let any little bit of old axle oil drain out plus it ensured that all the brake cleaner solution evaporated out.<br /><br />I reinstalled the drain plug and refilled it with 90-wt gear oil. Half synthetic gear oil and half regular gear oil with Teflon additive.<br /><br />Tip: removing the drain and fill plugs is easy if you just push a ½” wobble drive extension into the square opening of the plugs and turn them with a ratchet. You don’t need the special tool and the wobble extension has the perfect taper for a snug fit.<br /><br />After the oil seals were installed I reassembled the split seal plate plates and rear brakes on both sides, fit the whole brake assemblies to the axle, put the hubs back on and hooked up the hydraulics. I doubt I got the 150 lbs of torque on the hub nut since it is so damned hard to so without brakes to hold the hub in place and with the car off the ground. I’ll do a final torque when the wheels and tires are on and the car is back on the ground. I haven’t bled the system yet since I still have to replace the flexible rubber brake hose on the rear end with the stainless braided Teflon hose.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xp-IouqwoYmdZyAZcsjsr3GQ6hjQR0PqYUywuDmsXV64S_xJd90yC0oqInk8h9kPV_E2wABPr9sP1MY7RJdQUj9he8BzVgIuX-KIclvjqSBW1RDVaXfW9JyiB4ib3_W5qxy-S9dPg3Ml/s1600-h/000001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338929903816014898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xp-IouqwoYmdZyAZcsjsr3GQ6hjQR0PqYUywuDmsXV64S_xJd90yC0oqInk8h9kPV_E2wABPr9sP1MY7RJdQUj9he8BzVgIuX-KIclvjqSBW1RDVaXfW9JyiB4ib3_W5qxy-S9dPg3Ml/s320/000001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thursday I’m going to replace the flexible rubber brake hose on the rear end, and the parking brake cable, adjust the rear brakes and do any final paint touch up on the differential. I’m then going to bleed out the hydraulics to test the Ezi-bleeders on the rear end. I also got a new engine oil drain plug with the magnet on it to pull any metallic junk out of the engine. I’ll install that when I change the engine oil before the next restart. I also received the second palstic battery box, yippy for me!<br /><br />My dash coverlay came in and it fits perfectly unlike the one I bought in the early 90’s which fit like OJ Simpson’s glove. I also got the fiberglass “Special Tuning Air Damn” from Moss (part # 475-195) and I must say it is a huge piece of shit. It is one of the worst casting I have ever seen. The cutout in the center is not even close to symmetrical, there are creases and dimples all over it and it looks like this particular one was dropped on the pavement and dragged over to the shipping box. But it was on sale for around $75.00 so I really can’t complain much. I was gong to put a few layers on fiberglass on the back of it to reinforce it anyway so a little cleanup work isn’t such a big deal.<br /><br />Put in another parts order today. Had to get new seat back foams (the ex wife threw my new ones away when she cleaned out “her” garage. I also ordered the urethane bushings for the tranny center mounting pin, splash guard extension seals, metal plates for the tranny stayrod pads and the poly bushings for the shock absorbers when I replace them.<br /><br />Aside from some big items like the windshield, tires, battery and carpet, I have just about all of the small assorted parts needed to finish the car. Of course, not that I’ve written this, I’ll find out I need a buh-zilion other little things that I missed on this parts order…such is life.<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-48368456575945441122009-05-18T08:31:00.002-04:002009-05-18T08:47:46.136-04:00Brakes getting close<div><div>I pulled the port side rear brake assembly of as a unit after pulling the hub and disconnecting the brake line and parking brake cable.</div><br /><div>I then rebuilt the starboard side assembly right next to the one I just pulled off.</div><br /><br /><div>It is so much easier to rebuild these things off the car. Especially if you are replacing the brake cylinder since you have to use that little frakking that just loves to shoot off into the great unknown as you try to put it back on.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWjRYOqfsWZa0Rhxv1b8EDsISdR6Mk8vruM9pBr39k9T6aY3XIZnjy3Dj3lTGkifsm6msbrsO6bRTknRz9HbxdQ0k8qzZRqTAnMyFj3uADojrtRJq0gCNjIaFNUiC9ngeMPQjIy3R-Aqa/s1600-h/P5180057.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337144422137816786" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWjRYOqfsWZa0Rhxv1b8EDsISdR6Mk8vruM9pBr39k9T6aY3XIZnjy3Dj3lTGkifsm6msbrsO6bRTknRz9HbxdQ0k8qzZRqTAnMyFj3uADojrtRJq0gCNjIaFNUiC9ngeMPQjIy3R-Aqa/s320/P5180057.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>After that, I pulled apart the assembly I just removes, cleaned it all up and painted it. I used brake cleaning spray since these things are loaded with asbestoes and getting it all we with the cleaner keeps it from getting blown into the air and inhaled into your lungs.<br /></div><div>I'm hoping my parts order arrives today so I can replace the axle oil seals and reassemble the axle and rear brakes. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two to put everything back together.</div><br /><div>Unlike the front brake calipers, the Ezibleed bleeders I bought screwed right into the rear brake cylinders without the heavy resistance I encountered with the calipers. As soon as I bleed the system I'll post here how well they work.<br /></div><div>I relplaced the axle rebound straps. It went fairly smoothly though the bolt on the axle for the port side strap was a bit of a bitch to get off.</div><div> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DY5IKI77PdAfd1F8eTzATKeoUafNyZ39mXAqI5CwhJOTi5oEDmx7ble4ZM6-g8tAM8dhqKR2R8VbnbASOX8nIGq7jWHoT0NVi-yhlrIhTFqqoVfjH0lXGEEf6MMYWdiNo6l1JD3vvU2a/s1600-h/P5180053.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337144427239774386" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DY5IKI77PdAfd1F8eTzATKeoUafNyZ39mXAqI5CwhJOTi5oEDmx7ble4ZM6-g8tAM8dhqKR2R8VbnbASOX8nIGq7jWHoT0NVi-yhlrIhTFqqoVfjH0lXGEEf6MMYWdiNo6l1JD3vvU2a/s320/P5180053.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Next comes replacing the flexible rubber brake line on the rear axle with the teflon stainless braided hose and then replacing the parking brake cable assembly. I'll bleed the brake and clutch hydraulics and then get back to cleaning and repairing the electrical systems.</div><br /><div>The carbs are off and go in for their rebuild today and the oil cooler goes to the radiator shop for cleaning, pressure testing and any leak repairs if needed.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-75400278604834637002009-05-15T05:36:00.006-04:002009-05-15T06:36:01.282-04:00Not a whole lot got done last night…I has tired.I got the battery boxes cleaned up. I cut off the bad metal on the starboard side box, wire brushed them both down and put on two coats of truck bed liner. I then put two coats of white paint on them because that’s what I had laying around. I bought some more silver paint tonight and sprayed two coats on the box frames. <div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKacjphFXQkAyugV3LH2ecvkU_APCa3zhazwt6HCGqODFPRRgAGn25NwXe8mf8iM3BFt1gBFFQ_B8gn-z1NpkUHqz-8HaaWaauzK3kyJINMGfqIFmhZ-SW2NEPNoEqqENw_Dl4jhizNBt/s1600-h/P5150085.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335995867699606146" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKacjphFXQkAyugV3LH2ecvkU_APCa3zhazwt6HCGqODFPRRgAGn25NwXe8mf8iM3BFt1gBFFQ_B8gn-z1NpkUHqz-8HaaWaauzK3kyJINMGfqIFmhZ-SW2NEPNoEqqENw_Dl4jhizNBt/s320/P5150085.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5_7byDjB5sBni28Y-1vlL4sRIsk6hQxtQgxSk46-dQiD6N_EFDUvjNGpEDqGpOK_a-AwW-Bq9UxU78cjR24uI25mBS8GzQ3ldspKQcGF9I-4wUEknqBSmzCUK7Ck5Wy57XHwo9KWymZ9/s1600-h/P5150099.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKacjphFXQkAyugV3LH2ecvkU_APCa3zhazwt6HCGqODFPRRgAGn25NwXe8mf8iM3BFt1gBFFQ_B8gn-z1NpkUHqz-8HaaWaauzK3kyJINMGfqIFmhZ-SW2NEPNoEqqENw_Dl4jhizNBt/s1600-h/P5150085.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKacjphFXQkAyugV3LH2ecvkU_APCa3zhazwt6HCGqODFPRRgAGn25NwXe8mf8iM3BFt1gBFFQ_B8gn-z1NpkUHqz-8HaaWaauzK3kyJINMGfqIFmhZ-SW2NEPNoEqqENw_Dl4jhizNBt/s1600-h/P5150085.JPG"></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>I touched up the underside of the car, painted things like the transmission cross member black. I also finished cleaning up the rear suspension and painting it. I was going to wait to paint the rest of the rear axle until I got the cover gasket changed but it’s not leaking so I skipped that step.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOh8FcjiBLqvGyc8U95jrTfNqE51RXf4lLqEnkORCoPo8-AZc1whn_DbNPrmCVDEWg9dP7nug0HCdjdR176wCrQ2pEdgklrE726PGXRbP_MTNFrVAR_PO8bwPCR2f30pINfofBAWOaqjN/s1600-h/P5150091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335995511767396962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAOh8FcjiBLqvGyc8U95jrTfNqE51RXf4lLqEnkORCoPo8-AZc1whn_DbNPrmCVDEWg9dP7nug0HCdjdR176wCrQ2pEdgklrE726PGXRbP_MTNFrVAR_PO8bwPCR2f30pINfofBAWOaqjN/s320/P5150091.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Got two coats of ultra high temp paint (1200 degrees) sprayed on the exhaust system. It is 16 years old but still looks to be in pretty good shape. If I can get another two or three years out of it I'll be very very happy and getting the high temp paint on it should help protect it a bit.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5_7byDjB5sBni28Y-1vlL4sRIsk6hQxtQgxSk46-dQiD6N_EFDUvjNGpEDqGpOK_a-AwW-Bq9UxU78cjR24uI25mBS8GzQ3ldspKQcGF9I-4wUEknqBSmzCUK7Ck5Wy57XHwo9KWymZ9/s1600-h/P5150099.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335995516211442882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu5_7byDjB5sBni28Y-1vlL4sRIsk6hQxtQgxSk46-dQiD6N_EFDUvjNGpEDqGpOK_a-AwW-Bq9UxU78cjR24uI25mBS8GzQ3ldspKQcGF9I-4wUEknqBSmzCUK7Ck5Wy57XHwo9KWymZ9/s320/P5150099.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>The insides of the new sills and lower front fender quarters are lined and painted. I’ll probably put a few more coats of paint on them just to be sure they are well protected before I weld them onto the car.</div><div><br />The parts for the rear axle oil seals came today. Unfortunately, nobody was there to sign for them so I guess I’ll have to wait until tomorrow for another delivery attempt. I’ll be stripping down the port side brakes tonight in preparation for the oil seal install and brake rebuild. I’ll be pulling the backing plate off with all the brake hardware still attached so I can rebuild the brakes on both sides on the bench instead of on the car.</div><div> </div><div>Didn't get around to pulling off the oil cooler or carbs for servicing. Hopefully in the next few days but I've got a very busy weekend so it'll be a bit here a bit there....</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-76937487998361567162009-05-15T05:31:00.007-04:002009-05-15T05:36:05.293-04:00Clarification on left/right/driver/passenger side definitionsSince we are dealing with a British car here and driver’s side of the car means the opposite here in the States as opposed to the UK, I have decided to use ship terminology from now on to avoid confusion.<br /><br />From now on the left side of the car (if you are sitting in the driver’s seat acing forward) is the PORT side. The right side is the STARBOARD side. The front of the car is FORWARD or BOW and the rear of the car is AFT or STERN.<br />Specific parts of the car offer a different challenge. Since a hood in the UK is the convertible or hard top and in the states it is the lid on the front of the car over the engine, we have to be very specific.<br />Here are the definitions, or UK to American translations<br /><br />UK USA<br />Wing -------------------- fender<br />Hood -------------------- top<br />Bonnet -------------------- hood<br />Boot -------------------- trunk<br />Windscreen -------------------- windshield<br /><br />Others terms<br />Petrol -------------------- gasoline<br />Spanner -------------------- wrench<br />Impulse extractor -------------------- slide hammer/dent puller<br />Torch -------------------- flashlight<br />Wanker --------------------jerkoff<br /><br />Hope this was helpful :)<div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-7893087893907640492009-05-13T08:30:00.004-04:002009-05-13T08:41:11.409-04:00Wifey graduates from college!!!Well I didn't get much done this weekend because my Wifey graduated Cum Laude (sounds dirty) from Winston Salem State University with a degree in Molecular Biology!<br /><br />Most impressive and I am so very proud of her.<br /><br />Blond, smart and hot. And as you can tell by her graduation cap, she is also a Battlestar Galactica fan like I am...I be a lucky man!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEvlpP7RuZjfl69VFqfRJ2ATDRPSNdEtAVd8FrdzsKqk6jOQ6G8N-KQkZsynB7wzaUdvymMAqKMBH-hD7HG9-VzXem7akj7BGJ3hjeY9Bq_rZrhBah3Lg0MrLoStDf5hgvJOjxav3zJix/s1600-h/P5090020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335286255644569442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbEvlpP7RuZjfl69VFqfRJ2ATDRPSNdEtAVd8FrdzsKqk6jOQ6G8N-KQkZsynB7wzaUdvymMAqKMBH-hD7HG9-VzXem7akj7BGJ3hjeY9Bq_rZrhBah3Lg0MrLoStDf5hgvJOjxav3zJix/s320/P5090020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Please note that the colors on her cap, Black and Gold, are Steelers colors! And yes, we are both Pittsburgh Steelers fans!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-695582637947591895.post-37611870336877717902009-05-13T07:56:00.007-04:002009-05-13T08:42:10.668-04:00Knocking it out!Much done in the last two days. <div><br />Cleaned the entire underside of cars plus wheel wells<br />Put two layers of spray-on truck bed liner.<br />Painted two coats of silver paint on entire underside and wheel wells.<br />Completely finished the cockpit sound deadening and thermal installation install.<br />Applied two coats of truck bed liner to the inside of the new body panels- i.e. both sills, the lower front fender halves and the doglegs. When those are dry I’ll put at least three layers of rust preventative paint on them. When they are actually welded to the car I’ll pump paint mixed with Penetrol into all the body cavities and then finish it off with an application of Waxoyl.</div><div><br />I’m still waiting on the latest parts order to arrive so that I can replace the oil seals on the rear axle. Once that is done I can finish rebuilding the rear brakes, clean and paint the rear axle and refill it with 90-wt gear oil. Then I’ll be replacing the parking brake cable plus the rear flexible brake line and clutch slave line with the braided stainless ones. Then, of course, all of the hydraulics get bled and I can test out my Ezi-bleed bleeder tool.</div><div><br />Tonight I’m pulling the oil cooler back off to get it flushed and pressure tested and to get what is apparently a small leak repaired. I’ll also be pulling the carbs back off and sending them off to Butch at Imports Europa in Burlington so they can get rebuilt.</div><div><br />Work is actually going fairly quickly now and I hope to start the major body work and welding in the next 8-10 days</div><div><br />Oh, I also got a like-new set of autumn leaf seat covers from a member of the mgexperience.net forum. They were installed but not liked so they got pulled back off. They are just about new and I got them for next to nothing compared to the $400.00+ price that Moss Motors charges for a </div><div>new set.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z0bdZKy1CLcdXjvkT-hy4_rpZdImQ-Q0nns79J6u3Qa7D-ZYVxWVek34GdPP65rxJXVPye8Y7hFfg93wO_C1EcKkV42jCy4HSeKGAeJrrxOz1FtUpWzp6MjEhrgeTv81b4ke-R8eCOq6/s1600-h/P5130059.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335281941758881346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Z0bdZKy1CLcdXjvkT-hy4_rpZdImQ-Q0nns79J6u3Qa7D-ZYVxWVek34GdPP65rxJXVPye8Y7hFfg93wO_C1EcKkV42jCy4HSeKGAeJrrxOz1FtUpWzp6MjEhrgeTv81b4ke-R8eCOq6/s320/P5130059.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HTvU9YMuYm1ayRaLrNPkFRWRygyWMBcZbVXqM3pchGP6MxQ8w8V4LBkMsaRyEKRGg_Svoamtp2CQTLs7-0uJE_f4tu8CtMcRewFPfP4xvWS4yCZ8bDeDyntarO6ZDnUiNmk7HDuZlknJ/s1600-h/P5130060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335284707589991858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HTvU9YMuYm1ayRaLrNPkFRWRygyWMBcZbVXqM3pchGP6MxQ8w8V4LBkMsaRyEKRGg_Svoamtp2CQTLs7-0uJE_f4tu8CtMcRewFPfP4xvWS4yCZ8bDeDyntarO6ZDnUiNmk7HDuZlknJ/s320/P5130060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CR-benqMT4temH79-i7gGs8u9c3ESpTvOvCB1454L6jsvgfh3QtuLU1Bku-MHDtsVKGE4kWuLqyiB9gcRwfIeTOW4-mhOyALWRcavt4A47hH4cSVPfv9wKsTbTle_EEOuF8KlHTlh76t/s1600-h/P5130052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335281936931854274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CR-benqMT4temH79-i7gGs8u9c3ESpTvOvCB1454L6jsvgfh3QtuLU1Bku-MHDtsVKGE4kWuLqyiB9gcRwfIeTOW4-mhOyALWRcavt4A47hH4cSVPfv9wKsTbTle_EEOuF8KlHTlh76t/s320/P5130052.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><br /> </div></div><div> </div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgwFsahwBphFGodKooXcKm-Up_wDVEkIvpxlHRdQQTEJes1E9jtwg-9MWD2NaJt6WCwbeeF2ppNCgS3vt1KKl20Mc5YpwNxXkSQDTm-ZYpE-gQ4ePL6oP2l63WbwVDU5PaYL468kD9AlN/s1600-h/P5130049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335283417559441266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgwFsahwBphFGodKooXcKm-Up_wDVEkIvpxlHRdQQTEJes1E9jtwg-9MWD2NaJt6WCwbeeF2ppNCgS3vt1KKl20Mc5YpwNxXkSQDTm-ZYpE-gQ4ePL6oP2l63WbwVDU5PaYL468kD9AlN/s320/P5130049.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3h0bErgunGKJ1G2Ta1MvSWLgFfWPmDk8dIWodOUV71lQze6aP0dLf5jRdSXyls0DvPS4jL2OrjXJk6W_BKZzWXLDUHSqrdtcdz6grX0HJYgBNlxUueW8IoQbv3QVygDrZYnLxOPLdTJJ/s1600-h/P5130065.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335283420151964946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3h0bErgunGKJ1G2Ta1MvSWLgFfWPmDk8dIWodOUV71lQze6aP0dLf5jRdSXyls0DvPS4jL2OrjXJk6W_BKZzWXLDUHSqrdtcdz6grX0HJYgBNlxUueW8IoQbv3QVygDrZYnLxOPLdTJJ/s320/P5130065.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">http://www.mgexperience.net</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0