Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Congratulations Mike. That first spin has to be a supreme thrill. I've had some project cars before but nothing to this extent. Mine were a thrill but this must have added an exponent to that.

I'm stoked for ya Mike.

Just wondering, does a car need a safety and emmisions test after a restoration?

In the UK it would need an MOT (M.O.T= Ministry of Transport test, like an annual safety), but everything has to have one every year after 3 years old.

Thanks gents. Was a lot of creative rebuilding in this project, and I’m still not quite done, but close..
Have a little wobble in the front end after my drive, both sides. And will be pulling the front wheels back off to inspect bearing and shim configuration.
Might order another set of bearings from a better mfgr than I received in the rebuild kit used as they seemed less tolerance than say a timkin or the like. Just to be sure I have the best components available as I start to roll once more.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Thanks gents. Was a lot of creative rebuilding in this project, and I’m still not quite done, but close..
Have a little wobble in the front end after my drive, both sides. And will be pulling the front wheels back off to inspect bearing and shim configuration.
Might order another set of bearings from a better mfgr than I received in the rebuild kit used as they seemed less tolerance than say a timkin or the like. Just to be sure I have the best components available as I start to roll once more.

Bet that wobble is from those tires….if all the front end is tight

Yeah. Put 50 lbs in and go out and get them warm. Make 'em round again!
Or at least try!

Originally Posted by MikeB52

23 months between drives but a picture perfect day for a few turns around the block.
Attachment 342833
Steering is stiffer than before, and there is a squeal from the brakes when not stepped on, I think is from the disks. Mgb are prone to squeaks in the disks I’m told. These came from an mgb so more research required.
I did get her up to 50 mph and tried to bed the disks in on a quiet stretch after filling the tank up.
Tank don’t leak and the fuel light went out as it should.
Aside from a still lingering oil drip that may have me pulling the pan again, she’s safely passsed the first road test beautifully and I am still smiling.
Cheers gents, time to finish her body panels and bumpers..

Outstanding! When you coming to Texas?

10 thou end play, think I’m shy one shim per side. Funny preloading on these mgb spindles, totally unlike an American front end set up the goal is everything tightens up to around 60 ft/lbs around the hub, and it still runs free, but with no more than 2 thou play.
I’ll tweak them tonight.
And Texas would be an epic trip in the old girl I would love to make.
Will have to wait till retirement though cause I’d need my entire vacation allotment to make the round trip..

Originally Posted by STF

I'm stoked for ya Mike.

Just wondering, does a car need a safety and emmisions test after a restoration?

In the UK it would need an MOT (M.O.T= Ministry of Transport test, like an annual safety), but everything has to have one every year after 3 years old.

Short answer is no. I had it certified when I purchased it so theoretically all the safety stuff would have been caught at that time.
If the car was in an accident and registered as totaled, there would have to be a mandatory recertification performed by a licensed auto mechanic, but in my case, since I avoided said calamity, I’m good to go!
Besides, I have all the expertise I need right here on this forum.


Sizing up my bonnet fit now, and as expected, will need to pull the front valance to adjust the rad slightly as the panels run askew to the edge currently. But I’ve decided I’m really liking the two tone.
Oh, and after my addition of a 5 thou shim per side and bumping up to the next castellation I’m down to maybe .003 end play in my front hubs and the brake drag is gone. Really over fussy compared to NA cars brake adjustments, but hell if I’m good for 40000 km’s, that could be like ten years driving.

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Lookin Good ! That Grill makes it !