Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Got one of the few, truly irreplaceable parts off today safely.

And most of the remaining front end stuff,

Doors top windscreen and wipers off safely too.

And really seeing how much patch work I have to undo.


May end up taking some dimensions and pulling the engine and tranny early after all.
Firewall will really need to go to fix the front of the cowl area anyway.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

My goal of back on the road by December may be a stretch but it’s still 4 months away..

Mike I know that you have the drive, determination, and skill for the job.
Knowing what the Canadian winters are like, if you have a garage with enough room, I'd say...
Shoot for the Spring

Pete <:-}

Is that a crack on the lower part of that grill, Mike? Or just the way its made?

I can tell you from past experience......they come apart,waaaay faster,than they go back together. This thread will go for another 2 years....any bets ?

On the rad shell Jerry?
Yup it’s a crack from the hand crank.
Original engine had a crank feature that tended to whip the tool once the car kicked over.
Not sure what the best fix as it’s brass I believe covered in chrome. Others may know better. Open to suggestions as to solder braise or weld repair ideas .
And if it’s still on blocks after two years, the wife, and neighbors would kill me,

Big milestone tonight as the original front end hits the ground.

Means the newer mgb stuff can actually fit on without too many issues.
And how bout that, the TD springs are still intact.

And on closer inspection of the engine, I realised it still has the emergency hand crank feature although I’ve never used it.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

And how bout that, the TD springs are still intact.

Are you re-using the springs? If not, send one to me and I'll turn it into a knife or razor for you!

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Are you re-using the springs? If not, send one to me and I'll turn it into a knife or razor for you!

That’s a pretty wicked cool idea actually!
I’ve got a new set coming since I figure the bounce may be reduced or the tensility after all these years.
The car was assembled in Abingdon on the Thames, but the steel for the springs could have come from Sheffield for all I know..
late 40s British steel was still pretty good stuff I’d wager, and might make some fine sharp tools.
Not sure how much mileage you smiths get out of a coil. But I’d be more than happy to send it up after I clean off the crud. See what you can do with it.
Thanks for the offer, and idea..

Hope your bagging and tagging....and taking lots of pics ...” Now where did that go ? “

Be glad that you have the crank option ! The Brit's
were cursed by Lucas "The Prince of Darkness " for generations!
JMHO