Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Yup Roy, I’m going to pull out the meter, but a new set of bulbs wouldn’t hurt to have on hand seeing as how I have no idea how old the current ones are.
Thinking it may be a ground or wiring issue, as I have already had a few smoked wires since I started driving it. Lots of old electrical tape connections are falling off or coming unraveled.
Another reason I want to redo all the electrical with the dash next winter.
Have a lead on a brand new, original style dash face in polished aluminum, with glove box cut out I’m tempted to snag. This wood dash is nice, but old. Cracks and slight gage misalignment let you know it’s a custom. My fussy nature may insist on a return to something more exact.
All the current gages were from the triumph. Original dash and gages are still with the last owner..
Car originally only had 4 small gauges as well as the large tach and speedo. No fuelgage, no clock, just ahmeter, oil, battery, and water. I’m a big fan of the fuel gage though so plan on making all 6 work still. But that’s next winters projects..

I had a Tiger when I was much younger. Harness fried.
Put a 67 Triumph Spitfire harness in .
I suppose you have a TR4 harness in?

I presume so, but not so sure. Sort of a rats nest under the dash tbh. Think going to a tr3 or 4 harness makes sense.
Still haven’t even found the fuses, hehe.

A good body ground is a must! (Big Blue wire!)



To the right are relays to hit the headlights with straight batt power.
Powers the halogens much better.

Did that relay upgrade on my corrado as the lighting was crap stock. May do this one as well.
Found I have only 9 vdc on low and hi beam circuits on right headlight at the bulb. Seemingly a solid ground at the lamps so the problem is probably down the harness somewhere. Neat cloth woven wiring in the headlight buckets.
Went to tackle the alternator and figured remove the pulley while still under tension only to realize I have had some belt stretch..
So I retightened the alternator belt and saved 100$. Alternator puts out all kind of volts now and sits firmly at 14 vdc on the gage. Alt light blinks at idle, and randomly and sporadically at speed once more.
Check the basics first men!

And the money I saved on an alternator went to new shoes.

Check out the extra material on the outside of the right shoe for tunnel rub.
And the rolled heel, feels very fluid for shifting and foot repositioning.

Nice, skinny, and stubby, with a firm sole, just what I wanted..my feet look so little in them. Hehe.
Cheers!

Cool! Have not worried about a slipping belt for years, Mike!
Serpentine belts slipping, they let you know. Seems those big, fat old v-belts will slip easy.
Good work!
Also, never thought about driving shoes, but HEY! That's why they make them!

The best ones in my arsenal were a pair of converse skater shoes, but they were a little wide when I was on the clutch and brake.
These are narrower and feel easier as they rub together, don’t catch on each other kinda thing.
Built specifically for driving a standard transmission car and claim better peddle feel. Early reports say it’s easier on the bottom of the right foot while braking. Everything else, sure slight improvements..

Going to order that vac boost upgrade sooner than later I think. Really like that idea..

Did you order the shoes online?
My car has a fairly stiff clutch pedal. Perhaps the ergonomics of some driving shoes would help the lower leg cramps!

Sport chek at a city mall. Available online too but I wanted to try them on.
The mfgr says to order a half size larger than your normal shoe due to the snug design. They were right, in my case. I went with the 11. Fits tight but not too tight.
The pad of my right foot was getting sore from all the hard braking. That was the biggest reason I wanted something specific, if they made it. Go figure, the Italians did, hehe.
Called Piloti Prototipo GT’s. Cost $170 CDN so less 30% for the mighty green back.
Should last a lifetime. And certainly a comfy shoe in the car..so far..

Ruthy took a little vid while we drove tonight.
Cheers.
https://youtu.be/i6llTQwBa4w