MGA '61 MGA - Has been sitting for years (My Dad's Car)

[rgnprof]

Greetings from Oklahoma. I am an almost retired college professor who has been in to mostly old Mercedes for much of my life - still own and drive a '72 Mercedes 250 with the dual Zenith's. I have inherited my father's '61 MGA. He passed away last summer, rather abruptly, so I didn't have much time to get in to specifics with him. I know the brakes were shot (he thought it might need a new master cylinder), but, all in all it's in great shape and I know it used to run fine. I believe the most serious issue he had was with the wiring harness - if I remember correctly. He bought it restored, maybe 30 years ago and drove it fairly regularly until the last 10 years or so. Everything looks original. It's a 1600 (I guess technically the 1588CC OHV motor).

I'm just trying to get a handle on things - where to start? Any advice? Or can someone point me in the right direction - reading material etc? Thanks in advance.

Ryan

 

[Scargo]

For parts:
… Moss Motors
… British Parts Northwest

For knowledge:
… Check out John Twist’s YouTube channel
… Check out MGA Guru
… Frequent the MGA Forum on the MG Experience website
… Continue to participate here

Get yourself a good MGA workshop manual

Find a local British car club

Participate in local and regional British car shows

Attend the MG International meet in Sandusky Ohio later this summer and meet well in excess of 500 MG owners and enthusiasts

 

[NutmegCT]

One of the best guides, written by a former BCF member Tony Barnhill (RIP). (OK - it's a B, but the A preceded the B!)

"Awakening a Sleeping MGB."

(attached)

Tom M.

 

[BobHaskell]

John Twist also has online tech sessions via zoom on one or two Monday evenings a month. His web site: University Motors Online

If you need a wiring harness: British Wiring

 

[bammons]

Another supplier Scarbrough Faire. MGA only parts supplier. MGA Guru site has start-up info on it for engines that have sat I believe. Bruce

 

[JamesH]

alot of electric issues can be resolved by working through the harness: clean up ground points, separate, clean, and reassemble bullet connectors. good luck and welcome to the madness!