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MG MGA - MGA Newbie?
Hello all, I'm sneaking in from the B side of things. I have a 70 B roadster, and I am now looking at a 1960 . I do not know too much about the A's, so I'm here to ask the experts. As for restoring, how are A's to work on? Are the parts more expensive? When buying an A is there anything in particular to look out for? Any other advice you can offer is always welcome. Thanks Ken 70 B |
Ken Harris |
I've never had a problem getting parts,sometimes you just have to hunt a bit more. Possibly the quality of new parts is a little different as there is not such a huge market. Also MGA's were not made as precisely, so wooden parts like floors need slightly tailoring to each individual car. Also quite allot of these parts come semi complete and you have to tailor them yourself, which there is less of on MGB's Obviously the bonnet hole is smaller, so you have to reach in abit more. Cheers <MARK> |
Mark Hester |
Ken; I just sold my 74B (still have a 72 GT) and am working on my '60 MGA. The MGA is easier to work on, less complicated (its very straight forward) and a heck of a nice looking car! I like the idea of having a frame underneath me. I have no regrets moving my "B", and "A" parts are available! Steve |
Steve Holler |
Welcome to the "A" list Ken! :) If you're doing a full restoration, the A will be easier having a seperate frame and body as opposed to the unibody of the B. Overall they are similar cars mechanically, but other than slightly less working space under the hood I think the A might be an easier car to work on. The dash area is a far cry more simple and doesn't lay claim to knuckles so easily. Looking at As is the same as looking at Bs. Be weary of rust in the usual places. The advantage of the A is that the frame is build extremely solid, perhaps even overbuilt, so the dreaded sill rust is not an issue like in the B. If you do have a rusted out body section it is far more easily replaced. I don't think I've ever seen a MGA frame that was actually rusted through. If you're looking at a rough car, check the usual things as you would on a B, and also take a look at the areas around the floorboards, especially near the front. Just like B floorboadrs rusting through, the MGA floorboards can soak up water if not sealed and then rust the frame badly in this area. Also check the front suspension mounting points as I've heard that the shocks sometimes tear away from the frame if the car has been pushed hard such as in racing. |
Steve Simmons |
The frame is prone to rust through in the areas under the doors--especially the passenger side--for some reason. The frame on my parts car was rusted through. You will find the A to be a bit less comfortable and the ride a bit harsher than the more civilized B. A bit less leg room for the driver if its lh drive. Check the archives for lots of specifics on things like removing the body form the frame. engine removal with the body on is a bit more difficult because the clearances are real tight..check the archives on this. The cars were pretty much hand built and so a fender, for example from one car might not quite fit another. Electrical is a piece of cake--even more so on the later 1600's. Aesthetially--the A has it over the B, but for comfort--the B wins. |
R. L Carleen |
Best initial investment by far will be all of the books and manuals on maintenance and restoration you can get your hands on. I'm midway into a frame up and can't emphasize enough the value of these publications. Welcome and best of luck, Doug |
D Sjostrom |
Buy the best car you can afford. Body work can be difficult to do on a MGA. The sills rust out and fitting doors and sills and front and rear fenders to line up without gaps is tedious and difficult. Look at several before you buy, so you can learn to pick out problem areas or flaky body work. I have an MGB also and while it is more civilized to drive, it is not in the same league as the MGA. I am 6'2" and fit fine. MGA's are great cars to drive and to look at. Owners are friendly and helpful and there is lots of support. Parts are readily available. Find a good one and enjoy it. |
Bill Haglan |
My first Mga was a 58 Coupe bought in april of 1975. sold it to get married in 1976 ( 2 mistakes). Since then I have done Body off restorations on A 57 Roadster and a 60 Roadster that have been sold. Parts are getting easier to obtain but much more expensive. I still own 4 MGA's. The most Beautifull car ever!!! Easy to work on Fun to drive and great to be seen in. |
R J Brown |
Bit suprised by Rob's comments on the better comfort of teh B. The weather equipment on teh B is better, but as the rear suspension is identical, and the front suspension differs little in concept from the A, I can only assume the better comfort is provided by the seats and wind up windows. As I am now looking after an early (64) B and driving both A and B interchangeably, I have to say that the A is in my opinion a better drive, but there again, mine is a little warmed over.... |
dominic clancy |
One of the things I like better about the A is that you sit a little lower in the seat. I found with the B my head was just above the windscreen and I kept losing hats. I agree with Dominic that the A is a better drive. Kris |
Kris Sorensen |
Thanks everyone, as usual this bopard is a wealth of information. I think I'll start slow, as Doug says, buy the books and do some research. Then look at a few, good and bad, to see what they look like and price ranges. Hopefully by next summer I'll have one. I do agree that they have a better look than a B (I hope my car doesn't hear that). I love the long hood and more sleek lines. Thanks again Ken 70 B |
Ken Harris |
Ken, If it is not too late, I would recommend that you contact someone close to you through this BBS that has some experience with A's and have them take a look at your car before you buy it. Good luck and have a good day! John |
John Progess |
I think the B rides a little better because you sit more evenly spaced betwee the wheels. In the A you're more over the rear axle, so you feel the hard hits more. |
Steve Simmons |
This thread was discussed between 16/06/2005 and 17/06/2005
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