MGA Forum

Hello,
Inherited this car from my aunt. It had been sitting in her garage for 35 years, and I've been dreaming of fixing it up for about the last 20. Drove from AZ to MT to pick it up. Rust in the usual suspect rocker areas and about 60 lbs of Bondo in the driver's side front fender, otherwise, pretty good overall. Frame is solid and all the parts are there; including a fiberglass top. I soaked the cylinders and rocker assembly in the acetone/ATF penetrating oil concoction, then changed the oil & filter and started it up! Oil pressure at 60 and water at 170. Compression test showed 120 on all cylinders except #3, which was 90. Did not blow any smoke out the tailpipe_ not sure if valves or rings may be sticky and could loosen up or if I will need to tear it down. I'll try posting a video. Runs pretty well considering I'm at 7,000 (2,130 M) altitude and I'm sure it has the stock needles in the carbs. As would be expected, all the rubber is shot and no hydraulics.

My neighbor has a restored TR3 and 1960 Rover (she did most all the work on them). She is trying to talk me into starting it in gear and using the emergency brake to take a victory lap around the block_ so that "we" can get a feel for how the tranny and rear end are; as well as "get into the right frame of mind" for this project. I think I'll wait on that.

Any advice on how to convince my wife that this car is a good idea? She is British and I've been trying to work that angle. I also told her that we will paint our anniversary date on the side for racing numbers_ any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-07-29 11:50 AM by NOAZ.

Michael, looks like you drank the Cool Aid! You have what looks like a great starting point for a restoration. As for wife convincing, get on over to the NAMGAR site and go thru all of the member's photos so she can she what your car will look like when its done; its always good to see the end result. Also, you have a good story to tell about keeping the car in the family. But, be prepared for hidden issues, some setbacks and keep the checkbook handy. Welcome aboard!

Michael, I saw your videos in another post - amazing that it runs! Did your aunt buy it new? - it would be something to have a car that has been in the same family. Welcome to the forum. If you have been dreaming of fixing up the car for 20 years - you should do it. Looks like a good car to restore - will keep you busy a few years

You could tell her it will keep you out of trouble.
Humm - "My neighbor.....she restored a TR3 and....."
Then again - maybe not.

They sure are fun when they are finished.....


Like your steering wheel - looks familiar.


Good luck and welcome!

Eric

Very good opportunity for you and the bride to spend time together. My wife and I drive all over the place with ours, always looking for a new road to travel. Big stupid smile on both our faces. The longer trips are fabulous almost surreal, like your in another time. Great time for good conversation .

Spread out the build over a couple of years, keeps the budget reasonable.

Tell the truth. A running, driving car in that condition could bring $7-9,000 Restored it could bring $25K. And tell her that the woman with the TR3 is ugly while you're at it and all will be well :-)

---

Basil C. Adams
1956 MGA Coupe (Show Car)
1957 MGA Roadster (Driver)
1958 MGA Coupe (Racecar)
1959 MGA Coupe (unrestored)
1960 MGA Coupe (unrestored)
1960 MGA Roadster (Driver)
MKIII Elva Courier (E1056)
1967 427 Cobra
1972 Alfa Romeo Montreal
A coupla late MGBs
1960 Austin Healy BN7
More Cars than Brains

Looks to be in about the same condition as a 1959 MGA I took on for a restoration a few years ago. I will be a labor of love but will require more work than you expect and definately cost more than any estimate you might come up with. Before you start do check the condition of the farme. Becuase of the wooden floor boards most frames have sever rot where the floor boards met the frame. My frame was so rotted in this area that I am supprised the car didn't buckle in the middle when it was being driven. It's all fixable but takes time, money and patience.

Good Luck

Larry Bull
1959 MGA 1500

I totally agree with Larry and I thing the decision to restore is mostly emotional. Few are able to correctly restore an MGA and finish the project without exceeding the cost of the car. This being said, I did restore my MGA and I blow my budget but I am so proud of my work and to be able to say «I did it myself». Your car is in the family for a long time, that's something, but if you want to save money and time, just buy one from a fellow on this forum. I you choose to restore, you will not regret, it's hard work and time consuming, but you are waiting for 20 years. If it can help to convince your wife, mine was use to say: When he is in the garage, I know were he is.

Cheers and good luck

Ron

Welcome and it looks like a fun project. don't sweat the compression ratios yet......let it run for several hours and then do them over again. I bet they will have changed for the better.

I'm willing to bet that the rings are froze to the pistons. Restore the car. It will at lest keep you out of the bars and not chase wild women. Remember to say this when your wife is asking why. I tell this to my wife all the time. Her remarks back are "Pull the other one."

Wife is from Reading Berkshire. Welcome to the club.

looks like there is nothing in that garage so there is no better time to start than rite now....

your wife will love it.

im building my wifes car rite now, it took no convincing her, the hardest part for her is what color scarf she is going to buy.

ou

Mike! Listen to your wife!!! It's a bad idea! So.........saying that, I'll buy if from you

I would say fix it so it's safe to drive, throw a coat of paint on it and drive it. I would go as far as saying let a shop do the necessary surface body work. If you get into a full restoration you may never drive it again. It's fun to start tearing things apart but after a few months gets old. After that it sits for another 10 years until someone buys it as a "restoration project". A rolling restoration gives you the car and something to do every weekend.

Thanks for the warm welcome and sage advice; especially in regards to spouse negotiations.

I heard this from a Porsche owner at a show a few weeks ago.

He said that he tells his wife to look at it this way.....

Better to have a red head with 4 wheels than one with 2 legs.