Doing stuff right is such a pain in the....

[tdskip]

So as several of you figured out via your (very) much appreciated help I'm back working on the MGA again. For the record I am trying hard not to short cut anything, but man can it be a pain in the butt to do stuff the right way.

I'm up to my elbows in 40+ years of grease trying to clean the frame so I can POR15 it while the engine is out. When led to an engine bay repaint, or will once I finish stripping that and degreasing there too.

The thought of grabbing a flat black rattle can has cross my mind several times, but I figure I did this to myself and it <span style="font-weight: bold">will</span> be the last time I every strip an MGA frame so I just need to suck it up.

But still....

 

[V6MGB]

Yeah ,
I have to agree it IS easier to be tempted by the dark side every so often but hang in there as the results are worth the extra effort in the end.

Maybe a few photos as you go can get a few others inspired and keep you motivated as well?

Cheers , Pete.

 

[Steve_S]

The results WILL be worth it! Have you considered having the frame sandblasted? Sometimes the cost is worth the savings in time and effort.

 

[tdskip]

Hi Steve - if I room to separate the frame from the body (oh, and time and more money) I'd be there in the heart beat. At this point I'm basically trying to make sure she is well preserved for when that day comes.

I've been super lucky so far in that other than some really minor welding all I've been dealing with the grime, so I really shouldn't complain too much.

I pulled the engine and transmission and brought them to Chris Gough for a new bearings and synchros, so I'm kind of committed now to get it done!

 

[tdskip]

Maybe a few photos as you go can get a few others inspired and keep you motivated as well?

Good idea Pete - will do.

 

[Steve_S]

Oh, I figured the body was off. Maybe a pressure blaster then?

 

[tdskip]

I'm being a wuss about it - since the body has already been painted I'm afraid manage to mess it up so I'm doing everything by hand. (for the record - I didn't personally do it in that order. This is an abandoned project I bought).

The back 1/2 is already done, so I can see the end of it.

You know - I really should stop complaining now. I think I just needed to step away from it for a bit and talk it out.

Thanks!

 

[Bruce74B]

Dawn Power Disolver...then Marine Clean and Metal Prep...then POR15...it will outlast me after than.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[tdskip]

Back at this AM and making progress on getting down to clean frame - whoo hoo!

(OK, not really whoo hoo but progress anyway. Good time to catch up on Podcasts that I haven't had time to listen to while I'm scrubbing).

Thanks for the motivations guys.

 

[1965_MGB]

I know where you are coming from. I recently started cleaning up the underside of my B, under where the tank lives. I also have gone forward to the rear panel behind the seats, all done by hand. It was gratifying to see the five layers of paint (all different colors) coming off, and getting down to shiny metal. I know when I do all this work, it will be worth it.

I try to do some every day, but on the days I get frustrated, I just walk away, knowing that the old girl will still be there waiting for me.