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MG MGA - Just got pulled over

I just got pulled over on a highway entrance ramp.

I'm fumbling around looking for my registration and insurance and I realize I don't have it. So I know I'm screwed. The officer walks up and says "don't need your paperwork, I have a '59 MGA and wanted to talk cars"

So we proceed to have a 10 minute conversation about cars on the shoulder of the road with his lights flashing and all.

I love these cars....they are owned by the most interesting people.
Tysen

What state was that?
Dennis

Southeast Michigan
Tysen

I was pulled over in my 72 meyers manx at stone mountain georgia last week , the speed limit is just 30 mph . I have my regi on the firewall put on with clear paint protect and was seaching for my insurance card when the officer said "No trouble but there are a bunch of challenged kids down by the covered bridge and if I could ride down there and show them my buggy it would be kinda kool" . What a great feeling I had pulling up . The reception I got was really overwhelming . No it was not my 60 Mga coupe but being pulled over for a good cause felt great .
karl

If I was pulled over just so the officer could talk cars, I'd be kind of pissed. Putting someone through the panic and embarassment of being pulled over in traffic, especially if they have somewhere they need to be, is not right. I don't mind kicking itres at all, in fact I enjoy it. But an officer should pull alongside and ask to stop and talk, just like anyone else.
Steve Simmons

So we bought a house and the better half says no way that thing (the previously non-roadworthy A) is coming. Fortunately I had a rental garage where I could perform all the work. Hmmm, the MGA starts, runs kinda rough, but the garage is only 2 miles away. What could go wrong?

Oh yeah, did I mention that the windshiled was out and it was not registered or insured? No lights? No seats? Not even plates?

Had my friend in his, uhum, Miata follow me and off we went.

I noticed it acting stange after a couple of stops. Then it happened. Did it stop running? No. Catch fire. Good guess but no. No, about 500 yards from the garage, on US127S, the brakes just locked up tight. Couldn't tell if the smell was the clutch or the brakes. Probably both.

I pulled onto the center median.

Fortunately, the battery cover was off and I could see the rear brake union. All I had to do was crack it open, releive the pressure, and drive straight to the garage using the emergency brake. I even had a flare nut wrench in the car.

Next thing you know I see the flashing lights reflect off of the 99 cent black spray paint of the boot. D'oh!

The officer came over and asked if everything was alright. I said we were having a bit of trouble but we would be on our way in about 5 minutes and that our destination was in sight. He walked around the car and observed it. It was obvious this car should not be on the road.

He said "Ok then. I'll drive back by in 5 minutes. Hope you won't need my help then". The message was clear.

We rushed, cracked the line, started the car and cruised to the shop.

My garage happened to be attached to a Tool and Die shop right in front of a new neighborhood. A not so nice one if you know what I mean. Cops drove by every day. Some that I recognized even stopped by the shop from time to time to check on the progress.










Tom Baker

Yes, that has happend to me several times over the 40+ years I've driven LBC's.
The brake drag is probably a desintrigrated brake line. They collapse internally, and won't let pressure return.

SF
Dwight
DCM McCullough

This happens to me too often. The most recent example had to do with running an errand at lunch. The police had a speed trap set up, and I fell into it. Officer claimed I was doing 42 in a 35 zone. It sure did not feel like 42, but I have to admit I had no way of checking. I do not normally go over on any surface street. I had no license, so he cited me for that. Paid a $10 fine. What irritated me was he quickly dismissed the speeding charge, gave me a warning, then went on and on about the car.

Let's face it, we are magnets for this. I'll make sure I carry my license in the future, and deal with it by being as cooperative as possible.
Tom Balutis

I got tannoyed! I was sitting at traffic lights when the police car tannoy immediately behind me crackled into life and I was informed at about 200db and for all the world to hear that my brake lights weren't working. I pressed the pedal to demonstrate that they were and shouted back to the officer at about 80db that we had not been travelling fast enough in the traffic queue to warrant braking! As we pulled away on green he tannoyed again: "Nice car".

Apologies to all who have heard this one before from me.

Steve
Steve Gyles

If stoped for speeding in an A, instead of a ticket you deserves a trophy!
Steve Meline

Hi Tysen, It always gives me a sinking feeling in the stomach when the police pull me over - it hasn't happened that often I hasten to add. The first time was in 1968 after I had just bought a '61 midget (sorry I know this is an MGA forum) . An officer stepped out from behind a parked police car where there was a speed trap - that sinking feeling came. I stopped and the officer leaned over the car and said - "just wanted to tell you that I used to own this car - how's it going ?" !! Cheers Cam - now in a 1960 MGA
Cam Cunningham

This thread was discussed between 03/05/2006 and 06/05/2006

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