Month: November 2024

Bit of a late finish tonight at the workshop, we wanted to get the work completed on a couple of the cars we have in.

We picked up Rob’s TF from Hartlepool (please see previous post for info) on Monday as planned, bit of a slow journey up with long hold ups. Jon set about revalving the head and fitting new stem seals for it, as well as doing the same on the other head we’d had skimmed, yesterday morning. I had the day off, fab day with my daughter. Initially this week was planned for a double subframe swap, but it was cancelled and postponed until next year, so at least we were able to get a few other things done in its place.

This morning the sump was removed, as planned, so we could check for any further damage to the oil pick-up and oil pump etc., fortunately nothing else untoward found there. Engine rebuilt and car fired up, still over heating after being left on test for quite some time. The bottom of the radiator wasn’t getting hot, and on inspection it was found to be bloated and cooler in the bottom channels, so this was replaced for a secondhand one, finally the problem was solved with an oil-cooler bypass and new PRT, which were completely blocked with k-seal! We’d found traces of it anyway, but this bloomin stuff gets into everything, please please don’t be tempted to use it, it’s absolutely the pits on these engines! Many have been scrapped because of it.

We’re pleased to have a quick turnaround on this car for Rob as it’s his daily commute, and look forward to seeing him at the weekend for collection.

We’re pleased also to report that ‘Princess’ (please see previous posts) was finally sent for the MOT this week.

This car has been enjoyed for many charity runs, days out with her owners and is well known, along with her owners, Leona and Laura in the MG community, but unfortunately hadn’t been out very much over the last year due to commitments and was looking a bit sorry for herself. So we were happy to take on the task of giving her a new lease of life.

Full cambelt service carried out, welding to three of the sills, full underfloor treatment done. New clutch-line, clutch-slave cylinder, clutch-flexi fitted. Window surround repair, as it was letting water in quite significantly. Replacement of; carpets, soft-top, hard-top, dipstick bracket, wiper blades, squib ring, battery, air pressure temperature sensor, reg-light holder, wheel-nuts.

Good old clean up and sort of lots of other bits (long list, because that’s what we do) and she’s ready for collection.

They have plans to do the NC500 next year in her and we look forward to hearing all about it, along with her other adventures to be had. – https://ift.tt/i5vsVR8

Day 6 of 6 – South Coast & some other places too…

After departing from our last digs of this trip we headed further north to Desborough.

Marcus’s 2006 TF 135 (in paint code JFM) was due its cambelt service. Only a short one carried out for him this time as he’s not really been doing many miles in the car this year.

Great to see Marcus and have a chat while we worked. Thanks to him for the cuppas and bacon sarnie.

A decent run back home and good to be back. It’s been a decent week weather wise for the time of year, I was a bit concerned when I had to rebook it. Thanks to everyone for their hospitality this week and their understanding with the date changes. So not a bad week all in all, 626 miles, 5 hotels & 9 MGs. – https://ift.tt/igkXpLf

Day 5 of 6 – South Coast & some other places too…

After departing from our digs in Fleet, this morning, we headed a bit further north to Farnham.

Robert had got in touch with us as his 1996 MGF 1.8 mpi (in paint code HAM) had been given an advisory at the last MOT, on both headlights, the tester thought they were actually at the edge of a fail.

So today we replaced them with two new units, given the astonishing price that they are they don’t even come with any bulbs! Ride height set to the correct height too, as they were finding it slightly uncomfortable. Hopefully this will improve it and they’ll be able to see where they’re going again, not that they ever use the car in the evening, not the point I know, but at least it does make this already tidy car look a lot more tidy, and it will be comfier too.

Very nice to see Robert again and have a brief chat before we were on our way again.

Next stop was in Aspley Guise, Liz and Phil had got back in touch as Liz’s 2001 MGF 120 mpi (paint code COF) had sprung a bit of a leak.

On pressure testing we found the culprit, so this was replaced with new hoses from our stock on the van. Well Jon did all the work as I was temporarily incapacitated by my annoying recurring inner ear prob and could barely stand up. 😵‍💫 Bit frustrating as I’d left my meds at home as not needed them for yonks. Liz directed us to a local pharmacy for a get-me-by.

It was really lovely to see them both again, (sorry both I was not my usual self), and pleased that it was a relatively simple fix and not some other underlying issue on their fab looking MGF.

We’re in our last digs of this trip, near Bletchley, for the night, before heading further north in the morning for our last call. Can’t believe it’s Saturday again, getting a bit late now and just realised Strictly Comes Dancing is on the telly! Got to go. Have a great weekend everyone near and far. – https://ift.tt/igkXpLf

Day 4 of 6 – South Coast & some other places too…

Might be the shortest commute yet, 1.1 miles (5 minutes)!

We left our curious digs in Worthing and headed along the road and round a corner where it was great to meet Ron and Su for work on their two MGs.

Su’s 2003 TF 1.6 (in paint code FAR) and Ron’s 2006 TF 1.6 (in paint code HFF) were both in need of a cambelt service and new alternator belts. All went really well on both cars, with the usual awkward bolts not causing any grief, but one bolt sheared off on each of the water pumps! Darn it. But, not to worry, the fantastic gets you out of the crap and a load of pain trusty ‘Irwin’ bolt removers worked a treat, plus the added help of the blow torch. New bolts duly refitted.

Couple of other little bits sorted for them and these two very tidy cars are good to go. What an enjoyable mornings work, plus Ron makes a cracking brew and the weather was perfect again. Thanks to them both for the pressies, after a chat we were on our way to start heading back up north.

We’re now in Fleet for the night, in a nice spot that we stayed in last month. – https://ift.tt/pRK3bCU