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Engine Bay 99% Complete

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Steve,

I didn't know that about Austrailian MGB's. That's cool. Back when I did my engine. I think it was the photo of the MGC engine in Clausager that sealed the deal for me....
 
I bought one of those housings, it works well. On my other car I cut it off on the band saw and ground it smooth. I like the cut off one better. Wish I knew how to post pictures. If you get North American Classic MG magazine the latest issue has my son and myself in the center page article it has a picture of the housing.
 
John, you should be proud of that car. I have never seen a better finished engine bay. I continue to be amazed at what you have done, because from the questions you have asked over the past year, you have done a lot of 1st time for you work, and done it very, very well. Remeber not too many months ago you were asking for advice on buying a welder? I can't wait to see the finished product.
 
Please don't park next to me in Gatlinburg. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Mark,

TSC, is that the same as Tractor Supply Company? If so they are building one right near my house. When I did a search on google, I found they were in hot demand for guys restoring John Deere Tractors.
 
Yup, TSC is Tractor Supply Company. They had all sizes of the clamps for under a buck.

My uncle has me getting parts and mailing them home every so often for the 49 John Deere B; it's been in the family for 50 years. It's the first vehicle I ever drove; love the hand clutch.
 
VERY nicely done! I see you've kept the bottom rad hose/water pump to the old trusty cast "Y" piece,too.

In keeping with Oz-spec: "Good-onya!"
 
Looks great!

Is the radiator foam original to all cars? I didn't think so, judging by Clausager and the VIN spec range in the Moss catalog- but is it really worth having (as in helpful)? Does anyone sell/stock a rubber alternative, or has anyone creatively adapted another rubber piece to fit?
 
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... has anyone creatively adapted another rubber piece to fit?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm workin' on doin' just that, Matt. Once I've MacGyver'd one I like, I'll post the info.

Edit: sorry 'bout the name faux pas Matt... me eyes ain't so good /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
John.....how is your copper heater pipe secured? I don't see any brackets in the photo.....and your's looks like what I want to do to mine. Actually, I'm thinking about using a piece of polished aluminum tube (to match the valve cover)....I wonder if there would be any issues with using that?
 
FWIW, just one issue Joe: aluminum will embrittle over time with vibration. Use copper. It's 1/2" so not exotic, soft enough to NOT become work hardened with time/vibration. If you want it "shiny-pretty" have it plated after forming it.

Just my tuppence worth.
 
Joe,

The quick answer is that it's not. It's only held in place by the hoses and clamps. So, I"m not sure if I can keep it that way or if I will have to secure it somehow.

If you look at early cars, the pipe is held in place with a clamp bolted to the intake manifold and that was my original plan. But I have a slightly later intake maifold, there is a large bolt up front that keeps it from running right next to the manifold.
 
Thanks for the advise on the aluminum. I was afraid it might be a problem, so I'll probably stick with polished copper.

John....think it'll be a problem vibrating against the head or manifold if it's not secured? Hard to tell from the photo how close it is....or how much "give" it has. I was thinking about making a couple of brackets (shaped similar to the brackets that hold the wiring harness in place - but with a longer "reach") out of sheet copper. They'd wrap around the tubing and attach to the head studs....there should be enough stud protruding above the nut to allow for a thin clamp and a second nut. Another possibility was using the same type clamp, but aiming it down so it would attach to a couple of manifold studs. I can't do either yet, since my throttle cable is in the way at the rear of the manifold....
 
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I've got to wire up the choke and heater valve cables and a few odd and ends, but it's almost there. I'm pretty pleased.

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Now that is a restored engine bay. I love it on eBay, or anywhere for that matter, when someone says the car is "restored" and the engine bay looks like it had never been touched or looked at for 40 years.
Bruce
 
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