Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Get you a tire-tool and some flat bar young man! Fix the shifter!
Sounds like a solid start! Bet you turned some heads!

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 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.

...

Lookin Good ! That Grill makes it !

Thanks gents. She really does have a pretty set of lines.
Todays road tests were positive, no noise from the wheels and the steering seemed nice and tight. Was out for a good 40 minute rip at 30-55 mph pretty steady. @ 55 mph she’s sitting at around 2500 rpm in 4th and the brakes are bedded in, but still feel like a little spongy.. trapped air in the booster maybe..
Dropped my oil pan again and found some cracks in the new fiber gasket I installed during the tear down so went with a pure silicon rubber form a gasket option tonight. It’s curing now but hopefully tomorrow, no more oil leaks.
Carrying on with the final details. Hood alignment is proving a pain in ass but one of those only once chores.

Cheers gents.