Anyone else have a Magnette?

[mjamgb]

Just wondering. Finally going to do real work on my '54 and was looking to pick brains.
I'm going to have to do rather extensive "freshening" including an MGB engine, 3.909:1 r&p, refinish dash, patch headliner, new leather, etc... I'm going to run with the original paint for a couple shows and then get it resprayed (currently green over green)
Its the early "tin top" with the tiney rear window.
The engine is OK but is being replaced as it is an early production piece that managed to survive and didn't get replaced under warranty (it has the original as-designed by-pass oil filtration instead of full-flow... ever wonder why we have external oil pipes?)
Anyway, casting the net... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/nopity.gif

 

[Steve_S]

Always wanted one and nearly bought one before we found our YB. Maybe some day when I'm rich and own a 25-car garage. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[tony barnhill]

I've got a '56 ZA

...a '57 ZB Varitone parts car
...a '57 ZB parts car

.....& a '60 MkIII Farina Magnette

 

[mjamgb]

Cool. Steve - I had a chance at a YA a few years back and wish I'd picked it up... It was a complete basket case without any sign of an interior but...

 

[Steve_S]

THey are still out there and still affordable. I think the Y-Type is one of the few MGs that have remained relatively stable in price over the past few years.

 

[tony barnhill]

Steve - I want a YB! What was the last year for them?

 

[Steve_S]

Well, mine is the last one! Actually it was the 4th from last but the other 3 no longer exist. It was built on the last day of production... July 23, 1953. This day marked the end of pre-war-style MG Saloon cars.

Now that I've accidently hijacked the thread, here are a couple links...

My MG YB

Y-Types.org Go to Y's on parade for pics.

 

[kennypinkerton]

Is that the oddball one you keep talking about having to pull the tranny out through the door?

 

[Steve_S]

Yeah, that's the one. I think the real oil seal is leaking. The only two options are to remove the entire engine with trans or remove the trans through the passenger compartment which means removing the seats and floorboards. Neither option is very enticing. I'd like to repaint the engine but I'm really weary of pulling it out. Never done it before on a car like this. Ah heck maybe I should anyway.

 

[tony barnhill]

Can't be much harder than pulling a TD engine/trans....all the front sheet metal comes off pretty easily

 

[Steve_S]

Never done that either. Pulled a B engine once 15 years ago.

I'm a-scared!

 

[mattmacklind3]

I love Magnettes! Post some pics, please! I wish I could find one or knew someone who had one that wasn't completely disintegrated away, they seem so rare, but I think they are very cool.

 

[Steve_S]