Various MGB queries

[Hjj]

Hi. I just wanted to post and see what else you think I should do to the car etc....
I am going with my Fiancée for her birthday in my BGT to Ireland.

I'm really looking forward to it..
HOWEVER.. the garage Chap has lost a customer!! I am NOW trying to get the problems sorted elsewhere before we go.. The garage found the tracking 'slightly' out and the steering wheel was not put right and will not remove... Advice please!!
The horns now on the dashboard after the stalk stuck on when I drove past a friend and tooted...I can live with the horn although I guess most wouldn't and would go mad..


To be on the safe side as a prep for the trip I've had 2 new rear tyres fitted and the cars been serviced, recently completely re-wired and is running very well.. What else should I do??

I'm also searching for a roof rack but the BGT seems to be difficult to get one for..

Regards

H

[nta16]

Hjj said:

the steering wheel was not put right and will not remove... Advice please!!

see the very first (no.1) John Twist video here http://www.youtube.com/user/Universitymotorsltd

Hjj said:

The horns now on the dashboard after the stalk stuck on when I drove past a friend and tooted...

as you don't say which year of b your car is (is it a secret) just a guess by me that it possibly, might be something simple like the horn pencil in the wrong way round - see Paul Hunt's excellent site mgb-stuff, go to Spnners/Electrics/Horns - http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/electricstext1.htm#hor...

Hjj said:

To be on the safe side as a prep for the trip I've had 2 new rear tyres fitted

very good but what about the front tyres which do the majority of braking and the steering (as well suspension, handling and ride comfort and noise)

Hjj said:

and the cars been serviced, recently completely re-wired and is running very well.. What else should I do??

regular use the car and on reasonable length journeys to check/test that all servicing work and any new parts fitted all function as they should

have you had the brakes checked? brake fluid changed within the last two years?

(buy) read a relevant copy of the Driver's Handbook and check that the service you've had done is a full and proper service and not just an oil and filter changes and do all the driver's checks then carry a copy in the glovebox when you go - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

Hjj said:

I'm also searching for a roof rack but the BGT seems to be difficult to get one for..

what ! get real, either the g/f, you or both you need to take less make-up and clothes

we've toured Ireland in a BGT and I'd imagine many others have without needing a roof rack or trailer

Regards

N

Edited by nta16 on Wednesday 4th June 17:15

[nta16]

I meant to add in the contents list of my Midget's Driver's Handbook to sow how comprehensive it

it's the book (or compendium of) you got with the car when it was new so with a very few allowances for changes decades later is very relevant and very useful

you might think you already know what's in it, until you read it that is

[Geordie MGmike]

Hjj said:

Hi. I just wanted to post and see what else you think I should do to the car etc....
I am going with my Fiancée for her birthday in my BGT to Ireland.

I'm really looking forward to it..
HOWEVER.. the garage Chap has lost a customer!! I am NOW trying to get the problems sorted elsewhere before we go.. The garage found the tracking 'slightly' out and the steering wheel was not put right and will not remove... Advice please!!

You're right to get it sorted elsewhere! If the steering wheel is not centred the tracking has not been done properly. You shouldn't need to take the steering wheel off to correct it. You need to adjust BOTH track-rod ends with the steering wheel (rack) centred.

Hjj said:

The horns now on the dashboard after the stalk stuck on when I drove past a friend and tooted...I can live with the horn although I guess most wouldn't and would go mad..

change the stalk there're only about 30 quid (although quality is a bit variable!)

Hjj said:

To be on the safe side as a prep for the trip I've had 2 new rear tyres fitted and the cars been serviced, recently completely re-wired and is running very well.. What else should I do??

Take a few basic tools and spares with you. Hoses, points or replacement electronic ign., bulbs (headlight sealed beam?), fuel pump (if it still has the original fitted). Fit a fuel filter if you don't currently have one.

Hjj said:

I'm also searching for a roof rack but the BGT seems to be difficult to get one for..

Regards

H

As Nigel
Trade her in for a less high maintenance model (GF not MG ). When I was a lad we managed just fine with the GT and my wife of long standing was/is VERY high maintenance. You'll be surprised how much a BGT will hold in all the nooks and crannies. Just don't get a puncture when it's fully loaded.

[Hjj]

Hi.

The cars a 1970... The brakes and fluids have been sorted and are fine as are the front tyres which were checked yesterday when the backs were replaced.. The roof rack question was regarding another trip so I can carry a tent and it won't be in the way in the car with everything else..

[Hjj]

Hi.

The cars a 1970... The brakes and fluids have been sorted and are fine as are the front tyres which were checked yesterday when the backs were replaced.. The roof rack question was regarding another trip so I can carry a tent and it won't be in the way in the car with everything else..

[nta16]

good news on the front tyres and brakes

on a 1970 car the horn could be in the wheel or the column stalk

as usual on subject there’s agreement and some disagreement – I suggest getting your car running right and replacing suspect parts and components and fully testing them and the installation work well before the trip rather than carrying parts

a spare bulb kit is small and light enough but where do you start and end with which parts and tools to carry?

some owners would have you carrying a trailer load of spares just in case and because once this part and that part let them down, fully dissy and leads, fuel pump , etc., etc, etc.

I always carry a manual footpump and a separate reliable pressure gauge (for me instead of a heavy and bulky spare wheel) but I’d recommend you do the same for the trip, carrying the spare wheel is optional for you

back to the roof rack, my wife’s friends went away in a B roadster for two weeks to Scotland with tent and kit, there’s lots of places in the cabin to store stuff, plus at the side of the wheel arches under the boot board etc. – and you have a locking glovebox – use squashy luggage of varies shapes and sizes so that you can usefully use all the space available

if we had a glovebox then folded vary carefully we could carry another pair of underpants

[mgtony]

nta16 said:

back to the roof rack, my wife’s friends went away in a B roadster for two weeks to Scotland with tent and kit, there’s lots of places in the cabin to store stuff, plus at the side of the wheel arches under the boot board etc. – and you have a locking glovebox – use squashy luggage of varies shapes and sizes so that you can usefully use all the space available

if we had a glovebox then folded vary carefully we could carry another pair of underpants

Did she consider putting a roof rack on her roadster??

[elephantstone]

With regards to the luggage space..

If your Mrs is a short arse like mine you'd probably get a bag stuffed in the passenger footwell.