MGA Chrimbo Ideas

[Stang]

Hi folks,

I am currently looking for Chrimbo ideas for my dad. He is currently restoring a MGA. The only thing I think might be appreciated would be a set of wheels. But I don't know where to start as I don't want to get something that is not suited to the car.

Can anyone help.

Many Thanks
Avril

Before the start of restoration. Car now fully stripped and down to bare metal.

[Huntsman]

How about a maniflow exhuast?

Maybe some trim for the interior?

If its a 1500 then maybe a disc brake conversion kit from Moss?

[Stang]

I know it will need window rubbers but have a feeling he has already sorted this. What would be the origional steering wheel for this car? It definately has an aftermarket wheel on it which he hates.

[MG Mark]

Hi,

I've got an A coupe, which I've owned since '81, fully restored it and enjoyed it ever since. As far as a steering wheel goes, a picture of the original type of steering wheel is at the bottom of this website page

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgoc...

However, before your dad rushes to get an original wheel (or you do to get one for him for Xmas) I replaced my original (still got it in the garage) because it is a 16 and a half inch diameter wheel, which if you are tall (6 foot-ish) means that every time you move you legs to apply the brakes or clutch, it gets in the way of your legs. Also, by design it is "springy", which I don't like in use, and they crack at the joint of the spokes with the wheelrim. Woodrims were a factory option and the reproduction of the original style of woodrim, which is nice and suits the car is at:

http://www.moto-lita.co.uk/our-products/Wheel_Deta...

However, that is a 17" wheel, which makes the leg issue worse (and it costs £325) so I went for their Mk9 mahogany thin-slot wheel

http://www.moto-lita.co.uk/our-products/Wheel_Deta...

The flat version at 15 inch diameter looks good, no horrid rivets round the wheel and bags of room for legs to move around it. Steering very slightly heavier with the reduced diameter over the original, but not to he-man standard. About half the cost of the reproduction original woodrim and one of the best mods I have done to my car over 25 years of ownership, so do think carefully before going for the original black plastic rimmed wheel. Other mods to think about when rebuilding it - A tubular 3-2-1 big bore manifold and exhaust, two smaller 12 volt batteries fitted in the original locations and wired in parallel, polybushes on the front suspension, 7/8 anti roll bar, gas-flowed head, disc brakes if yours doesn't have them (mine does as it is a MkII) and modifying the chassis and flywheel to mate the original engine up to an early MGB overdrive gearbox with a close-ratio gear set - now that really makes it sing! Plenty of other stuff - just ask!

MG Mark

Edited by MG Mark on Monday 22 October 09:19

[Stang]

Thank's very much for that info Mark. Some crackers of wheels on there. I think I will have to get dad to look at the site and pick out something he "likes" and get it for him. He does not have the height problem being a wee 5"1 shorty . He has just shifted out his old P100 Volvo so we are swapping the MGA into his bigger garage. I will try and get a few pics taken while it is out.

Many Thanks again

Avril