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!

 

[dragontailjunkie]

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

If the tank's clean put in some fresh gas,charge the battery and see if it will turn over and maybe start.If it does go from there with restoration plans or whatever. The wiring issue needs attended too -- don't burn your car up. Refurbishingis not cheap especially body and paint work.

 

[JPSmit]

A former member of this forum, Tony Barnhill (RIP) wrote this article years ago on waking a sleeping MG

Awakening a Sleeping MG : How-To Library : The MG Experience

Library Article: Checklist and procedure for starting an MG (or other similar classic British cars) that have been in long term storage. at The MG Exp...

www.mgexp.com

 

[rgnprof]

My last post vanished...not sure what happened, but I thanked all you for your responses. I have read and downloaded a lot of material and created a lot of bookmarks.

I will try and post some pics, but I know the car runs and the body is in great shape - not "show car" shape but good enough for me to enjoy and my kids down the road.

Here's what I'm planning - I am installing new plugs - same as my Dad had in the car (Champion RN9YC - wires and cap and rotor look great). Changing oil using Valvoline 20W50 racing oil, new Wix filter (will tackle possibly adding spin-on adapter later). The car had a metal inline fuel filter under the hood and I'm replacing it with a Wix. Plan to use 89 Octane regular unleaded gas (I think my dad added some lead substitute stuff, but I'm not sure I need it ???).

My major concern is the brakes and I'm trying to decide how to proceed. The current MC is pretty rusted and I'm pretty sure Dad told me it was bad. Should I attempt to rebuild, or replace? Read some varied reports on the reliability of "Classic Gold" vs "TRW" vs "AP"...

I know Dad already had the wiring issue fixed and did have the harness replaced.

Wading in to a whole new world here, but am excited.

 

[rgnprof]

Thought I w

puld try some pics...

 

[JPSmit]

If you can rebuild it do that. The rebuild kits are cheap ($13 at Moss) Rebuilding is not difficult to do and will give you confidence. If you dismantle the MC and look down the bore - if you see pitting, that is problematic.

If pitted, rplace or get re-sleeved. Generally newer parts aren't the quality of older ones but, I have a newer MC and it has been fine.