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MGA MgA

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Keep in mind that A's have a full frame underneath. Since it's already on jackstands, bring along an awl and crawl underneath to check for frame rot. Expect the (wood) floorboards to be shot, that's no problem, but look at where they attach, rot here is a problem.Rusted rockers are no big deal, unlike a Midget or a B.
Good Luck, and I hope it's a winner!!
 
Well i bought it....Gawd i am an idiot....going to need a frame kit both sides just in front of the doors. but i think it will be saveable. start tommorrow on getting it ready to move. Engine turns over, yippee. wont try to start it for a bit yet as to be expected no pressure at all in clutch or brake system. but looks like all the car is there. Hey Tony it is a piece 'O' #%$@....lol what an idiot i am.....

ok this guy says it is a 59.. cant read any of the numbers yet. but i thought a 59 would have 4 wheel discs .. this has 4 wheel drums...
any got the correct info for me..??

Mark


pics


https://www.britishcarforum.com/PHPhotoalbum/displayimage.php?pid=583

https://www.britishcarforum.com/PHPhotoalbum/displayimage.php?show=/displayimage&pid=584
 
But hey, it's an MGA and now it's yours!
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An exceptionally beautiful car, it'll be worth the effort. Congratulations!!

RG
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ok lets take a poll here..... worth the money or not? 1000.00 wouldnt take less ...said he might do better on ebay.


thanx for the thumbs up folks
 
Good for you! I love MGA's. Without a doubt one of the prettiest cars of the late 50's. Good luck on your project.
 
I think the twin-cams were the only MGAs with 4-wheel discs........but......I think I recall that some non-twin-cam cars (called DeLuxe, or something like that) were built essentially to twin-cam specs (to empty the parts bins), but with the regular engine once twin-cam production ceased....
At any rate, rear drums are correct for most (if not all) of 'em....
 
hey, but its your piece 'O' $%#@...now, go build that beautiful thing...oh, drum brakes!
 
gee thanx Tony
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<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Joe Reed:
I think the twin-cams were the only MGAs with 4-wheel discs........but......I think I recall that some non-twin-cam cars (called DeLuxe, or something like that) were built essentially to twin-cam specs (to empty the parts bins), but with the regular engine once twin-cam production ceased....
At any rate, rear drums are correct for most (if not all) of 'em....<hr></blockquote>

Joe,

The Mk II Deluxe is the rarest MGA built--and with leftover twin-cam chassis and brakes. Maybe 300 of 100,000 MGAs were the Deluxe with the 1622 cc engine--fewer even than the 2,100 twin-cams. And yes, only the Deluxe and twin-cam had 4-wheel discs, but only 1600s (post-May 1959) had front-wheel discs. My '56 1500 roadster has 4-wheel drums.

By the way, that $1000 '59 MGA has $3000 worth of aluminum hood and doors, two $1300 steel front fenders, and a "priceless" aluminum trunk lid (they don't reproduce 'em), if you had to buy the body parts new from Moss or Victoria British. So, the parts alone are worth many times what the car cost--that's why people part them out. And those aluminum body parts never rust, even in Vermont. Of course, now he has to put a lot more than $1000 into it to have a frame-up restoration!

Also, the VIN number is not only on the ID plate on the passenger side of the firewall shelf under the hood, but also stamped on the center chassis cross member (right-hand side).

For all of you in the Rocky Mountain region (WHERE WE DON'T HAVE RUST), don't forget the 20th Annual English Motoring Conclave in Arvada, Colorado, on September 13-14. Over 500 British cars and motorcycles together in one place! I'll be there.

And also remember--don't crush 'um, restore 'um.

[ 08-28-2003: Message edited by: MGA Steve ]</p>
 
Welcome aboard Steve, thanx for the info. Now for a question . were mga's positive or negative ground?

mark
driving.gif
 
Right. I converted to a single 12 volt for 2 reasons (and one is not a radio--I like to listen to the engine and exhaust, not a radio!): 1) 12 volt batteries are much easier to find and cheaper than two 6 volt and 2) the weight of a single 12 volt on the passenger side helps balance my bulk in corners, especially since any passenger in the car with me generally weighs less, even adding their weight to that of the battery. I keep the tools in the trunk on the passenger side for the same reason. MGAs are lightweight cars with very little horsepower, so every little bit helps!

Mark,

I decided to add a photo just in case you need some inspiration when the going gets tough:

https://www.britishcarforum.com/PHPhotoalbum/displayimage.php?pid=608

This is what September in Colorado looks like for the driver of an MGA (taken last September).

Steve

[ 08-30-2003: Message edited by: MGA Steve ]</p>
 
Positive earth from factory, with two six volt batteries in series. Many are converted to negative ground, and a single twelve volt battery. There are web instructions for converting, and in the Moss catalog. Don't need to convert unless you want to add a radio or other negative ground system.

By the looks of the pictures, 1000 is a good price, and with a little luck, maybe a very good one.
 
Steve , sweet photo..it will help.
i belive this car (mine) was converted. judging by the batteries (2 12volts in the trunk one was actually blown right out from freezing) i found in it. but i will need to look it over good first. and will check those instructions Rodger mentioned for help in determining this


Thanx
 
well big day today.
I got the 59 ready for a good washing before i stick it in the back corner of the garage to live for the winter. But i;ll have to wait till tomorrow when i can get a hand pushing it in and out seems the right front brake is hanging just enuff to make rolling it a pain .
But on a lighter note , i started the 75 midget today...it actually ran ok at idle BUT it sounded like it was about to blow up between the timing chain rattle and the lower end knox....but anyhow i drove it up and down the street (bout 400 yards)....and put her back in the garage......when i realized i had a unique opportunity (least for me in my Life) to Drive two MG'S in one day.....so i took Midge for a quick ride....
Aint Life Sweet

cheers.gif

Mark
 
a positive ground veh. has the coil wire as plus side(+) to the distrubutor. Is this correct?...............pulled the valve cover...rotted. pulled the thermo housing ..without destroying it ..was pretty stuck. oiled the upper end and got a full revolution of the crank
Mark
Dreaming of driving my a
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