Altho' I'm not in the MG restoration mood at the moment, today I went to look at a friend's "mystery car".

He bought it back in the 1970s, drove it home, and put it in his garage. Sanded it down, primed it ... and then little things like marriage, family, career, etc. came along. It has sat in his garage for over 35 years.

He's no longer interested in it, and a friend of mine has taken a quick look and is interested in possibly making it a daily driver, as restored as possible.

Where do we go for further information?

It's a 1948 MG-Y. Engine# 22952. Body# 330/666. Car# Y0817. Body type B281-125MG. Battery box plate shows XPAG/SC/X10604.

I took some quick pictures. Maybe someone here could give some further hints at what problems are insurmountable in bringing it back to life?

Thanks.
Tom

Well, if your friend decides against it - PM me with particulars, please.

Now, what I learned with my TD - parts are hard to come by & EXPENSIVE; interior will be EXPENSIVE to replicate, especially if none of the old material is there to make patterns from.

But, it would be a neat project...

Droool!!!!

A Y-Type!!!!!!!!!!

Tom - For starters, it has a late replacement engine (engine #22952 is from about 1952, where as original engine number was XPAG/SC/X10604) and since it has the dual carburetors, my bet is that the engine came out of a MGTD. That is not a big deal, since only someone well versed in the T series cars could tell the difference between the two engines. Probably the biggest headache in restoring the car would be restoring the jackall system (a system that can be set to jack up the rear, or front or both from inside the engine compartment (you can see the reservoir for it just in front of the battery box in the second picture). For more information on the car and and what to consider if intending to restore the car, you can go on the Y type Register at: http://www.mgytypes.org/ click on Bulletin Board, register (no cost) and post a query there. You can also contact the web master, Paul Barrow directly at: paul.barrowcenturytel.net Those are really unique little cars.
Cheers,

Dave - that is *really* helpful. Thanks.

I had noticed the dual carb TD issue, but for a driver (and not a collector car) it wasn't worrying. I'd imagine there would be a bit more "support" for that engine.

Also, thanks for the "jackall" info. I wondered about that device by the battery box; if I recall, there's a black adjustment knob on top, and "front/rear" arrows on the device itself. Interesting. In a vague way reminds me of the air suspension system on the late '70s Mercedes 300SEL. Is it a hydraulic "lift" system which runs off engine power (similar to a hydraulic tractor unit)?

I'll contact Paul. Really appreciate your guidance on this.

Tom

Now, I have a spare correct vintage Flathead V-8 that would look simply marvelous under that bonnet.

I hate to sound like a prude, but, you can't be serious! Installing the correct original engine in the car would be very well excepted, but to hop it up with a V8 would be down right sinful! Shame, shame! PJ

Must agree.....it would be hard to find all the correct parts, but it deserves that.

Plus, it's one of the few I need to complete my collection!

Hey, I'm always serious....except when I am not.

With all that vertical clearance, I could even use the oil bath air cleaner.....

Ford generator, starter, distributor......no Lucas....what a deal!

Probably go like stink, too!

Correct for the period (vintage).
Flatheads were used quite a bit in hopping up early MG's, if I recall.

Of course, most were 60HP.....I'd do a 100HP.....

Just explain to everyone at shows it was a "special" oprion with Ford/MG.....paint it the correct MG colour for the year.....

To do it the other way around.....many years ago, I was quite active in the Early Ford V-8 Club.
The "rule" was only Ford Flathead-powered engines.
Be is 4,6 or 8.

So, I drove my 1949 Willys Wagon street rod to a meet, and they tried to deny me entrance....until I popped the bonnet.

In I went!

Besides, the title of the thread is "What would you do?".
That's what I'd do........maybe.

Dave

The Jackall pump is labeled "Front - All - Rear". As for engine conversions, it has been done. There are photos of a hot rod Y-Type on my site.

Restoring a Y-Type is easier than restoring other early MG saloon cars but harder than a TD because of all the woodwork involved. Parts are not too difficult to come by since most of them are identical to TD, and many are shared with other makes of the period including Morris and I believe Wolseley. The biggest factor in restoring the car would be labor.

From what I can see, the car in question will take a significant amount of work to restore. It appears to be pretty well weathered. If the price is right and you're in for a big, difficult job then go for it. If you want a Y-Type that can be driven, or made road-worthy with little effort, then keep looking. They aren't difficult cars to find.

Also, note that the later YB version is a much better car to drive because of improved rear suspension and other changes. Visually they are very similar, the most obvious difference being wheel and headlamp size, and rear wing shape.

What would I do? lets see...

Buy it for too much

sink money into it..

sell it for a loss after i realized i had bitten off more than i could chew.




There- admitting the problem is half the cure..


I am much better now



mark

You're supposed to start out with:
"Hi! My name is Mark, and....."

Well, Tom, what did your friend decide?

I can almost see you drooling, Tony.

Yep, Jim, for the right price I'd head for Connecticutt pulling a trailer in a heartbeat! Remember: I don't l ike to buy another guy's restoration - I prefer them in as near original shape as possible.

You missed out on my YB then, Tony. There aren't many out there more original! I had a line of people waiting to buy that car. It took me over a year to finally let one of them have it. Gotta admit though, it was a good decision finding that one a new home.

I did, Steve...but it was too perfect....Jack'll tell you the first thing I do with a car is start disassembly as I search for the parts needed to bring it back (every car I own has parts in them to be installed at some point)...yours was too nice to do that to.....yours was a survivor that needed to stay just as it is.

Tony - he's talking with the owner. I'll keep you posted.

T.

I think Tony is looking at an early Christmas present for himself. Good luck Tony, hope you can convince him to let you have it.