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The weather report predicts rain for the next five days. I briefly contemplate slashing my wrists then figure going to the shop and sorting nuts and bolts is a better alternative. That done worked up my resolve to repair and clean the bugeye/73RWA project seats before I spray them with black vinyl dye. Unbolted them and took them into my wee shop where I get high on Acetone, Tetrahydrofuran, Diethyl Hexyl Phthalate, Methanol, Toluene, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Propylene Glycol, Monomethyl Ether Acetate, Ethyl Acetate and Xylene. The labels on the Vinyl Sealant and Lacquer Thinner cans informs me "Reports... MORE
I'm standing over my coffee pot staring, as if that will speed it up, real men do that. On top the pot is a knob and two symbols, a dark cup and an white cup. The function I had read is to adjust for weaker or stronger coffee. Turn the knob indicator to the dark cup and all the hot water flows onto the coffee grounds, turn it to the white cup and part of the water is diverted to the edge of the plastic filter holder where a special conduit channels it past the coffee grounds and directly... MORE
Hi, My gas pedal often sticks (does not return all the way back). I can usually fix it by tapping it a bit but sometimes I have to quickly hook it with my shoe to get the revs back down to idle speed. I have determined that this problem is caused by corrosion on the floor hinge rather than a problem with the throttle springs, cable or the bent rod between the cable and the pedal. I have improved the pedal's action somewhat by applying oil and wd40 to the hinge and by excersizing the pedal to try and... MORE
Hi, The diff on my 1500 needs replacing and I've the option of a 3.7 (recon) if i want it, i've heard this is a weaker diff, is this true? THe engine is stage 1 an the moment but im slowly aquiring bits to take it further. As I'm seriously thinking of a 5 speed conversion later this year (most likely autumn) maybe it isnt that important. I know the later 1500's came form the factory (so i'm told anyway with a 3.7) but is the difference noticable, both in reduced revs at cruising speed and the slight loss... MORE
Neil... I too have been told the same about the 3.7 diff from Bill Perry of Rivergate (and he oughta know!). In my discussion with him on this (I've used a 3.7 for many moons) it became apparent that it's all in how the individual driver treats his machinery. Does he transfer gobs of power instantly, or not. IOW, does he/she beat on it? My current 3.7 diff came out of my '74 Vizardized Spridget..90+hp at the wheels. I put about 10K on the car annually for 12 years or so, then it saw service in my '67 Sprite... MORE
Sure, Nigel... My mech is getting $80hr (going rate for this area) while dealers are getting even more. Good thing he and I have known each other for over 30 years! :) Of course, basic power cost increased 400-500% back in early 70's as oil went "fair trade" (OPEC, etc.) which sorta kicked off global inflation to that extent! :) Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 29856... MORE
David Good post, I agree. Would be such a shame to reshell a '62 Sprite into a later bodyshell, losin =3D=0D g many of the features that made those Sprites distinctive. But I accept one =3D=0D has too be reasonable about these things, and many of use don't have bottomless =3D=0D pits of money to sink into our hobbies. I also tend to agree regarding the MKII Sprite and MKI Midget being one of =3D=0D the 'nicest' versions. I always felt that the later MKIII Midgets MKIV Spri =3D=0D tes were the best but I'm coming round to the... MORE
Does anyone have a good drivers side back rest seat foam for a 73 Midget kicking around in the garage? I'm in need of that one single piece of foam, as the rest are in great shape. Please let me know if you do, and you want to get rid of it. I have a week or 2 before the seat covers show up, so no real hurry. Thanks in advance! Regards, TJ Tryon "TJ Tryon, Jr." 29804... MORE
Jens...can't believe you're coincidental timing in asking about paint color "on list" at this particular time...still laughing! :):) While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I agree. I had a buddy in high school (Ted Owens) who had an MGA '60 1600 in Iris Blue with wire wheels and the "thin" whitewalls which were the rage at the time. VERY pretty car. Retired Navy fighter jock. A4's, Vietnam vet. Cool guy. Bet he still owns/drives this MGA!! It's still Iris Blue. And Nigel my friend...the car is as original as it can be, really. At least it... MORE
And Great to drive over at night. Did it in my Mk3 Midget one April, on a London to Edinburgh overnight run. You can really get the speed up, as you can see when there are any other cars coming from the opposite direction (the lights from several miles away is a dead give-away!!) Daytime is a little trickier, though, especially if there is another car too close in front, and you need to make a run at a steep bit. Another steep bit is Applecross, on the Western coast of Scotland. That I thnk is a bit steeper... MORE
Bob- I agree with all you say. But..... It IS leaking now, even if only a little. The engine is out. Why not fix it so it won't leak at all? At least that is my thought. Am I assuming the aftermarket seals are better than they actually are? I have a friend who is selling me the MiniMania kit for a very good price. Would really like to know if it is any good, or am I going to make a tolerable situation bad? Riverside kit only works with their adaptor plate. I am using Paul A's 5... MORE
Damn....no one told me switching to the dark side would cost me my dignity AND wallet. I remain ashamed. Paul '73 RWA (4+1 speed...soon) "dfwip" 29664... MORE
Cap'n- I fear you are wrong..... I have migrated to the dark side. No right-thinking MG owner/restorer will have anything to do with me. I have shamed all..... Paul the embarrassed '73 RWA (STILL gonna do the 5 speed) "dfwip" 29656... MORE
Engine is out and I'm waiting on the 5 speed kit. Noticed a bit of seepage around rear of crank. Not bad at all. Just a little. Thinking this might me a good time to install a rear seal. Some have told me that if the seepage is small, DON'T TOUCH IT! Others have said to ALWAYS install a rear seal. What do y'all think? What seal kit should I use if I install one? Any tricks or things to watch??? Thanks much. Paul '73 RWA (almost 5 speed) "dfwip" 29616... MORE
After four years of repairs, I'm finally getting around to painting my 61 bugeye. Problem is there are dozens of "british racing green" colors. Every paint remotely green claims to be BRG. Anyonw with suggestions, or perhaps the paint code #, for a close-to-authentic version of this? Thanks in advance. Alex 61 bugeye (under construction) "Alex del Russo" 29604... MORE
I purchased from Moss2 adaptor #235-875. In taking off the old canister, I found the adapter sits real close to the generator. the old canistor mounted on a small mount that in turn attaches to the engine block. the sole purpose of this appears to be to raise the oem canistor oil filter high enough to clear the frame that runs below that side of the engine. if I remove the threaded studs that this mount attaches to the engine block, can I mount the adaptor directly to the engine block with the supplied allen head studs? I think... MORE
Anyone know where I can get the "proper" one for my '73? The one I ordered from Moss (181-955) is not right. It has too long a stem. Thanks much. Paul '73 RWA (Soon to be 5 speed) "dfwip" 29591... MORE
Hi Got a little bit further. You can get bulb holders that fit the speedo and rev counter but take a 12 v 5w side light bayonet or cap less bulbs. A lot more light than the 2.2 w MES ones. I have got some and whilst not perfect it's a lot better. Terry "terry.isherwood" 29579... MORE
Heh, heh... The "blonde advantage" is, like most things, a two edged sword. While it may ver well get your foot in the door (with some men, not me) like a college degree, it's no guarantee when it comes to staying power over the long run. Thus, it is not really the advantage it would "appear" to be at first glance. As a matter of fact, like good looks, it can be a definite detriment to growth in those qualities which count over the "long pull"!! :):) In any event, this was intended as a "dumb blonde joke" so... MORE
Hi Don May... Many thanks for the heads up on what to expect between application and complete drying...always good to know these things in advance!! :) Cap'n. Bob '60 :{) PilotRob@... 29515... MORE
Got your posts confused there cap'n. I have a 5 speed already in place. I think Jim or Paul was wanting to know about the shift knob. I whacked off the datsun shifter and welded my MG shifter to it. I tacked it in place to try out the position, then changed it several times to make it feel right for seating position/arm length. It ended up being not too far off from the original MG position. "Trevor Jessie" 29482... MORE
Hi, Jim C. Comments..Rivergate clutch set-up... Running a Cooper S cammed 1293 with cam advanced 4 degrees for Metro inlet timing giving very torquey low and mid-range punch. No clutch problems in 6,000 miles. Ran Judson Supercharged (both 4 & 6 psi "wheels") stock 1275 for about 5,000 miles before realizing blower not compatible (as is) with engine size. Never had a problem with the Rivergate clutch during this time which included some pretty rouch acceleration runs in 3rd & 4th up steep grades. No clutch problems. I find the Rivergate clutch set-up to be more positive in "engagement"... MORE
Ahhhh still kind of new to the MG thing... in fact (don't tell them) mine has a 5-speed). It's by far still a project though. It ran when I took it off the road but a lot of bugs in the system. Whoever did the last restoration used (from what I could tell) a 72 and a 75 or later as parts cars... "Mike" 29463... MORE
Jim- Mine is being delivered with a black 5 speed knob, shift pattern in white. No idea if I'll like it. If I don't, I will simply rethread it to accept a leather "MG" logo shift knob. Paul A. tells me that he has done it many times. Since I have the tools, I will do it myself. I am sure he would do it for you for a very small charge. Paul '73 RWA "dfwip" 29457... MORE
Redline now makes something they refer to as the Eliminator series of products that are basically license plate covers that supposedly diffuses laser beams (Radar guns) and allows viewing of the plate only from near "straight on" angles, preventing automatic speed trap cameras from getting a clear image of your plate numbers. Anyone ever have any experience with these? Cheers! -Drew "Drew Griffith" 29445... MORE
