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MG MGA - new owner with project checking in

Hi,

This looks like a good group to join. I just got a 1962 MGA 1600 Mark II roadster project. The car is mostly diassembled and some of the pieces are missing (even the engine is in pieces). It is possible that the car has been disassembled since the 1970's but I don't know for sure.

I am still taking inventory of what I have and looking for more parts that should come with the car (parts are mixed up with the parts of 3 other cars). I am helping the guy that I bought it from sort out the parts. It is a good learning experience (learning how to figure out which parts are for which model car).

Anyway, I suspect that I am going to discover that some hard to find parts are missing.

I think that I have the correct crankshaft, end caps, head and block. However, I have not confirmed for sure if the crankshaft is correct (need to buy parts manual to check the casting number). We found a second one that had a much different casting number but visually they looked pretty much the same (I was expecting it to look different).

We have not found the rear end gears.

What parts are the hardest to find for this car? In other words, there are plenty of parts that I am just not worried about finding because I either would want to replace them anyway, or I at least know that they are available.

So, to make a long story short, what parts should I start looking for immediately and if I can't find them what are my alternatives?

The body on this car is quite good. The frame is pretty good too but it will need a little repair in the area near the left drivers foot (left hand drive). The support for the floor needs replacing and so do the battry box supports.

I will post pictures later when I get a chance.

Rebecca

(I am in Massachusetts and would be interested in meeting anyone in my area who is tacking a similar project).

R Harvey

The vast majority of the parts are available. Things like the rear end gears you may have to find used. The normal parts for an engine rebuild are easy to get, things like main bearing caps may need to be aquired used but there are a lot of used parts to be had. Same for transmission parts the gears in the trans can be $$$. between boards like this, E-Bay, and others you should be able to find what you need. You may also want to join the North American MGA Register. A lot of the small trim parts etc are made over seas and the quality is not the best. Sheet metal is also $$$$.
J Heisenfeldt

If my crankshaft turns out to be the wrong one will I have trouble finding one (Moss Motors sells a new one but it is not for 1600 MKII). Also,don't I need the endcaps that went with my actual block (originally machined together)?

Also, I am not just doing engine rebuild, I will also be replacing some small parts that normally would not need to be replaced but are missing (don't have a list yet).

It sounds like I should not fret about anything. I am currently trying to at least predict which of the harder to find or expensive to replace parts I should start looking for. After I check the casting number on the crank and determine that my crank is correct then I will look for the best local machine shop to check it out to make sure that it is usable. there is corosion on the journals but it does not look too deep turn turn out.

I am excited about this project but I have a lot to learn. the rest of my cars are American (very different).

Rebecca
R Harvey

If you have the 1622 engine the car would have had the 4.1./1 ratio rear end as opposed to the 4.3/1. The 4.1 is hard to come by. If you are not a purest, many install a complete 1968 or later MGB rear axle assembly which has 3.9 gears.
J Heisenfeldt

and then with the 3.9 gears I would want a 5 speed transmission. I am probably going to decide that I am not a purist but I am also trying to do what is cheapest (rebuilding what I have rather than going nuts buying new parts - such as new ford T-9 ready to install).

Thanks for the info.

Rebecca
R Harvey

I might suggest you get in contact with the Bay State MGA Club, they have a website. A most wonderful group and some very MGA-wise mechanics. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

Rebecca,

Congratulations on your acquistion! You'll enjoy it and find abundant technical and moral support here, but you'll need to pace yourself so as not to burn out. I think you'll find the parts are not too hard to come by, but it's going to take time, effort, money, and then more time, effort, and money. Therefore, once you're convinced that the majority of the car is present, rather than trying to address the entire rebuild at once, consider focussing on one manageable sub-assembly at a time. For example, start with the frame, suspension, and work your way up to the drive train. Consider what you can reasonably accomplish each season of the year, and then as you work one, you can begin to plan the next - including taking a detailed inventory and securing the parts you'll need. As a hobby, figure it's going to take you a least a couple of years to reconstruct it from it's present condition. A result of an unrealistic plan is often an MGA broken down into a treasure trove of boxed parts.

Scarborough Faire in Providence, RI, is not to far from you, and you'll find co-owner Cecilia is an excellent resource. Also, for inspiration, try to get to the historic races and concours at Lime Rock, CT, over Labor Day weekend.

Steve
Steve K

Rebecca,
Where in Massachusetts do you live? I am in Tiverton Rhode Island.

Steve is correct, Scarborough Faire is an excellent resource and her prices are very good.

Also Bill Mack of Mack Motor Sports out of Bristol RI has many, many spare parts and is a very experienced with the MGA.

I have owned a MKII for 23+ years now and recently purchased a MKII deluxe. I would be willing to help out as much as I can.

Peter

My email address is: cirillo500@cox.net
PC Cirillo

Peter,

I live in Acton and I keep my cars in Lawrence.

Today I transported about 400 lbs of parts (including most of the big engine and transmission parts) in my Saab to where my storage is. I should have taken a picture of the car loaded up. it was quite a sight.

It appears that this BBS is a good resource.
I am expecting that this project will take me about 5 years (especially since it is not my only project).

thanks for the help.

Rebecca
R Harvey

Rebecca, A good source is a local club - In your area its the Bay State MGA club in the next town over from you or the Boston Area MG Club.

I also have a shop in Wakefield Ma and have a lot of MGA stuff.
SJ MacKAY

Hi Rebecca,
My boxcar only took 15 years. It was "all there" except for the weirdest parts that typically are not missing on most cars. Try finding a steering column blanking plate. Good luck. I took the first year just to inventory all the parts. There's great advice here on this site. Have fun!


David Holmes

Hi Rebecca. I'm in southeastern Massachusetts.

Steve MacKay is right-join the Bay State MGA Club to meet many of the Massachusetts MGA fanatics. Steve MacKay is also an excellent restorer with a great reputation. I've seen his work at shows - top notch stuff.

I use Bill Mack in Bristol, RI because he also does excellent work and he is more geographically convenient for me.

Regards,
M.D.
'57 Coupe
M. D.

This thread was discussed between 09/05/2008 and 14/05/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.