Category: ’67 MGB GT (Page 1 of 7)

The GT left today on its journey to the Finger Lakes region of New York state, where it will live with its new caretaker. (The car was actually sold a month or so ago, but I had a few things to take care of and transport had to be arranged, but it’s gone now.)

This is a very nice machine; I’m sorry to see it go. I hope the new owner is happy with the car–long distance sales are tough. I have high standards and try to describe things accurately, but it’s difficult to tell what other folks may be happy with and what they might find disappointing. Hopefully lots of the former and not much of the latter, in this case!

I have the GT on eBay at the moment, moving it would be very helpful to seriously get the E-Type restoration moving again, sadly. I’m not sure eBay is the right venue, but it’s worth a shot, eh? You can see the auction here.

[flickr id=”5928736281″ thumbnail=”original” overlay=”false” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]Those the big-end bearings from a couple of the rods. You should not be able to see copper, and you definitely shouldn’t be able to see big chunks of it flaking off. This bearing had also spun, I believe. Continue reading

[flickr id=”5915125684″ thumbnail=”original” overlay=”false” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]Nice to see the car back on its feet again. My friend Paul is coming by tomorrow at mid-day to help with the start-up of the fresh engine. It’s always nice to have an extra pair of eyes to watch for gushing fluids while the oil and temp are monitored from inside. The engine also has to be run for at least half an hour over 2000 rpm on initial start to break in the new camshaft, which would make a one-person start even more difficult. Continue reading

[flickr id=”5893729596″ thumbnail=”original” overlay=”false” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]Just a quick note to show a bit of progress…waiting for some pieces, now. I have a few things I can do in the meantime, mainly rebuilding the generator. The spark plug wires are a bit of a disappointment…I mean, green? Whatever. Continue reading

[flickr id=”5887196628″ thumbnail=”original” overlay=”false” size=”original” group=”” align=”none”]The engine is back in the GT as of this evening, which feels like progress. I’m also going to have to replace the exhaust system (alas), as the downpipe will not give up its exhaust donuts, or what remains of them, anyway. Budget is super-tight, so this is unwelcome, if not unexpected. I’ll probably buy one of the “cheap” stainless systems offered by Moss resellers. If I get it from Northwest Import it will be here Friday (I think). Continue reading

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The front suspension is done, awaiting lowering to the ground to tighten the A-arm nuts and pin them. I also need to bleed the brakes–Mrs. Rusty Heaps has agreed to help. (Don’t be surprised to read about a divorce in this space shortly thereafter!)
Continue reading

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I think this is an improvement, though it’s best not to look too closely at some of the details. (I have no budget or time for having the fasteners plated, etc, so opted for some copy-cad paint where appropriate and called it a day.) You can see the exterior base/clear grey is slightly different than the single-stage grey I used to touch up the inner fenders and such…but it’s not as apparent in person, and once the engine, carbs and radiator are in it will be pretty hard to tell. Not to mention a summer’s driving will have made it dusty and oily enough to make all subtle differences moot! Continue reading

I’m still waiting for my friends at the machine shop to get to my engine, so I’ve been slowly working on the myriad other MGB GT tasks underway. I’ve been concentrating on detailing the engine bay, though “detailing” in this case is code for “make it look a bit less shabby.” Wrenches have also been twirling on a front suspension rebuild, new rear brakes, and various other small fixes. I’ll post a more detailed post (or posts) once I’ve made some real progress–in the meantime, I give you this photo. Click for a larger view on Flickr.