Out of the blue, a PHer offers me an MGF project.

[MGJohn]

Knowing my enthusiasm for these old cars, out of the blue got a pm from a PHer a week ago offering a P-Reg MGF. Car has seen better days but nowhere near too far gone. Has a quite a lengthy MoT failure sheet but, nothing too serious that would put me off. I decided to accept the challenge. However, I have been accused of being a glutton for punishment and no doubt this will provide further ammunition.

I've started a thread over on MG-Rover.org here if anyone cares to look.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?p=551035...

[Nostalgia demon]

Hi John, Plumber Paul off org here, just fancied a nickname change. Fully agree with you on the maintenance thing

[MGJohn]

Nostalgia demon said:

Hi John, Plumber Paul off org here, just fancied a nickname change. Fully agree with you on the maintenance thing

Hi there. Yes, learned that fifty years ago when a pro-outfit cocked up my first MG. Been wary ever since and with good cause because that experience was not a one off. Took the time to learn how to look after my cars myself.

Even my new MG ZS had its Expansion Coolant Tank overfilled up to the brim when I picked it up on day one. Leaving no room for EXPANSION at all.. Glad I did an under bonnet check on it before driving away despite Sales guy assuring me car had been PDI-ed. That was not a one-off either.

I shall enjoy working on this little MG. The more I do that the more I get to like what I'm seeing.

[_Batty_]

John, a list of things I did, for your records.
Full machine polish
New 'trophy' front lights
Tightened the gear linkage
New leads
Checked the engine 'stat (can cause emission problems, but checked out a-ok)
Re soldered the boot loom. (DIY levels of skill, worth shrink wrapping as apparently 'f's have been know to catch fire)
Electric windows need the plastic 'x' piece to work only. Motors and runners are fine.
Passenger indicator locating brackets snapped. I bodged to hold.
Fog light switch does work but needs a very hard push. Best to replace.
Best of luck!
M

[MGJohn]

Thanks M.

My son had a spare Fog Light Switch and that sorted that. A FRONT Fog Light switch is in the car but, strangely, no front fog lights. My son again I think... I've got a range of new parts ready to fit including both front lower wishbones and a couple of upper ball joints. One Ball Joint was a fail on the MoT sheet so best to fit a matching pair. Very hot again today so, after watching Top Gear this evening, in the much cooler temperatures I put the front of the car up on Axle Stands and removed both front wheels. Then wire brushed all the various nuts and bolts that will need removal to fit the new parts. I thoroughly and liberally sprayed all those various key areas with Penetrating Fluid to assist removal of those bolts etc which have probably never seen a spanner since leaving the production line in Longbridge all those years ago. First time I've had a good look at the underside of the car. Not bad at all considering.

I've an ongoing thread on this car over on MG-Rover.org here if you care to follow progress on the car.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?p=553932...

The more I work on this little car, the more I like what I see. Yes, probably worth more as spares but, far too good to scrap.

No hurry, I hope to get it in good shape in due course. My kind of challenge I relish.

[MGJohn]

Latest ~ car now fully functional and with 12 month MoT.

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showpost.php?p=5624017&...

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showpost.php?p=5626833&...

http://forums.mg-rover.org/showpost.php?p=5628313&...

Never worked on an MGF before. So, a new and steep learning curve for me. Have a good insight into these little cars now and they have gained my respect. Delighted with the outcome and particularly how the car drives with virtually a new front suspension.

[MGJohn]

Now most of its aches and pains are sorted, been enjoying the superb top-down weather in this little car for a few weeks now. Nice to do a bit of open top stuff after selling my last 2-seater one, a superb iris blue MGB back in the 1970s ... :~

[elmwood]

Looks great, nice job...

[MGJohn]

Took the car to have it's ride height adjusted this morning. Previous ride height uncomfortable for my old bones except on those all too rare now smooth UK road surfaces. With an hour to kill whilst they did the job, I had a nose around some of the Industrial Units nearby.

Spotted this beauty arriving and it sounded fine. Spoke to the owner briefly.



Another outfit I use nearby is run by a "BIG YANK" enthusiast. This is one of his big yanks. A Cadillac :~



Back to the MGF. What a difference. Car still has the stiff suspension I prefer but my old bones no longer suffer those rotten road surfaces which are just about everywhere now.

The car is now enjoyable to drive all the time particularly with the hood down. Been taking advantage of the fine weather at almost every opportunity. Car is now very near the mark. Just some cosmetic issues to address. They can wait until the weather turns...