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MGB Our '75 MGB moves on her own 4 wheels

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RichC

RichC

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Today ... April 12th in the year of our Lord two thousand five ... our 75 MGB drove out of the garage under its own power for the first time in 13 years and make her first trip up and down the driveway. (brakes done only on one side so we aren't going far)
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

Exciting as it may be for father and son ... it probably doesn't mean much to you guys but I wanted to share with someone anyway! I was thinking about including a photo, but you know how 'women' are ... still in their sleeping apparrel (actually naked!) and without their 'makeup' ... she looks pretty bad and I'm a bit embarrassed for her. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I also thought today might be a good day to share the age old 'immature' custom of naming ones car? Anybody have ideas for our Awoken Beauty? Names already taken???

Oh well ... let's include the photos! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

mgb050412_taylorfirstdrive.jpg


mgb050412_taylorbacking.jpg
 
Congratulations, Rich! I share your excitement, as I "drove" my B about eight feet this weekend (no brakes at all!). This, after purchasing it in boxes and stages and in various shades of rust. At least I know the clutch works!

As for a name, I'm at a loss, but I'm sure there'll be some ideas forthcoming.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif Mickey
 
Congratulations! That has got to be an awesome feeling and bonding moment for father and son to see the fruits of your labor come alive.

As far as finding a name for your rebirthed vehicle.. something that has some personal significance for the both of you. I've named mine "Renee" because working on the car has given me some sense of direction, purpose, and pride. Much as her namesake did many years ago.
 
Beatrix

Rich, My dad and I spend years working together on an MGA. It was the car he drove to work, bought from a used car lot near Ft Bragg, NC when it was 15 years old, and it had already had a hard life.

When we didn't have much in common, had problems, or just had a hard time communicating, there was the car. I know something of what the experience has meant to you, and to your son.

Congratulations!
 
Jolly good show!!! Three cheers for father and son!!!/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I for one, would like to see a few before and after pix of your MG. As for the [ QUOTE ]
it probably doesn't mean much to you guys

[/ QUOTE ] any time we save an old classic is reason to celibrate. Yours or mine it is exciting. In a sense, all MG's are OURS. Keep the breed on the road and all that.

As for a name, whatever feels right. I think of the MGB in the garage as Molly G. Brown or Molly G for short. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Let us know when you get the brakes done on the other side and take her for a spin around the block.
 
I have to agree anytime an MG is saved from the big crusher in the sky is cause for celebration... break out the ale and knock back a warm one!
 
Congrats!! I know how good it feels. Looks like a one man car to me (only one seat) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/jester.gif BUt no kidding, that car doesnt look that bad. What color is that??


mark
 
Rich,
I've just started on my midget but my daughter has already named it. She's calling it Rusty...lol. Hopefully yours doesn't get saddled with a name like that.
JC
 
How about "HOPE"

Congrats on the rebuild. Let's see her when she's all shiny and made up.
 
What a great feeling to see everyone else enjoying the moment too! Thanks for making us feel good about our project.

There were a few questions I'll address and then I want to ask one: I'm out of town until the weekend and if homework is done (my rule) we'll work on the drivers side brakes this weekend. I'll be putting on a new Bremco rotor, repacking bearings, seals in caliper, pads on front; then new cylinder, brakes, boot and biggest fear 'adjuster' on rear. I snap off the rusted studs on passenger side and had to replace with a $26 part. I will work more gently in getting this one to work, but in hindsight should have just shelled out another $26 for a new one! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

No name as of yet ... we'll giving Mom a go at the name game ... but my son and I have the 'veto' power.

As for what color is the original? I think we Americans call it "Puke" ... but imagine the Brits called it something else. Of course dad wants it to stay very close to the original, but my son has other ideas. We'll see what we end up doing ... but my pocket is starting to look empty.

Peco Exhaust ... you bet. Hard to fool anyone when it is still red! I find the sound a little loud but the hood and air filter are off too. My son had a different one word comment about it ... "Sweet!" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I opted to replace the frightening looking Zenith water choke carb with a Weber and Peco header and exhaust. It was truly a simple set up and I have no regret in first gear and reverse. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

This brings me to my question: I'm going to attach another photo that shows about 30 minutes of total engine run time and notice that the rear Peco header (and center-take my word for it) has heated nicely and the paint has properly burned off. The forward cylinders seems to have all the paint still on and doesn't seem to have gotten as hot. Is this a problem?

mgb050412_webercarb.jpg


Hopefully I will not totally embarrass myself here ... but since the original did not have plug wires I sort of guessed my way through the combination. (1,3,4,2 ... but where do the wires go on the distributor?) The engine seems to run smooth, idles at 800 RPM without a problem, has a slight hesitation with a rapid jab of the accelerator but seems to run well. I pulled one plug wire at a time and get a stumble on each so 'think' they are right. (plug to distributor) Can you tell from the photo?

mgb050412_alternatorside.jpg


Speaking on this photo ... I did replace a few items: Waterpump, Alternator, Pertronix Ignitor and coil, wires and a new heater control valve.

I do not have a timing light ... so sort of played with it by ear ... could this be a problem with one pipe running cold??? Don't tell me its a bad valve or a compression problem!
 
Rich,

That is very cool! Way to go for both of you. When I was 17, my Dad and I replaced the transmission in my '78 midget. We always worked on cars together too. I'm 37 and still love playing in the garage. As I recall, during that transmission replacement, was the first time I heard my dad say the "F" word! lol! Keep it going! How exciting.

And oh yes, all the paint will burn off that peco header. It's normal.
 
Congratulations, Rich! It is a good feeling to resurrect one. Much like the feeling I had when my Midget ran for the first time in 18 years. Hope the rest of the resurrection goes smoothly for you!
-Dave
 
What a small world ... just read Sparkydave's post (thank you BTW as it does feel good to have other share in my triumph ... or would that be MG? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif) and am sitting in my car waiting for an appointment in of all places ... Macedonia, Ohio. (the Walmart parking lot off of Route 8)

On another note ... we have some bodywork to do (understatement) and are contemplating paint colors that will go with the "Puke" color of the cars unpainted parts yet be slightly more attractive. Any suggestions?
 
Rich,

It's hard to tell with that big hose in the way, but it sure looks correct to me. As for the color, just start over. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Rich,

My suggestion would be to stick with the puke color. It's not that bad, and will look good when bright and shiney again. Unless you plan on pulling the engine and painting the bay. The original color is all over the place, behind the dash, engine bay, trunk, under the bonnet, etc. Plus it will give it a bit of a vintage feel. I also think it would look good with a nice black MG strip on the side. They are available from MOss or VB. My $.02
 
[ QUOTE ]
I also think it would look good with a nice black MG strip on the side. They are available from MOss or VB. My $.02

[/ QUOTE ]

If you thinking about the one that ends with MGB at the rear quarter, I agree. Very 1970's.
 
Rich,

If I understand your color of paint "problem".... Assume you want to or going to paint the car another color. Just a thought, but you could try and paint the exposed parts of the engine bay black and then you could paint the rest of the car whatever. Of course painting the bay the same as the rest of the car is preferred. Basically, this is what the PO who painted our MGB did. Wish they painted the bay the same, but then again I do not admire the engine all that often. So, pulling the engine to paint it must not have been worth it to the PO. Don't think I blame him.

From your pix, I think your biggest problem is YOU getting to drive it when you are done./ubbthreads/images/graemlins/lol.gif The lad looks mighty good behind the wheel. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Keep us posted. We are just about as excited as the two of you.
 
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