George Heissenberger's Journal

Topless For Summer

Sun, 19 May 2013 08:17:09 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Easy job of removing the hardtop-five minutes undoing the side window clamp bolts and the two windshield latches- slide it off the back clamps- done! Not as complex as fitting it was in the fall! Took longer to arrange someplace to store the hardtop in the garage where it won't get scratched or break the rear glass!

<Ready for summer>

Posted 2013-05-19 08:17:09 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Off Today -reluctantly

Sat, 18 May 2013 07:57:33 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I really am enjoying the hardtop, but its been beautiful weather and ion the 70's so its time to be able to drop the top. I've driven over 500 miles so far since getting her out of storage and found the hardtop made the car quieter and more comfortable -especially on cold morning drives. Meanwhile the new General tires I installed and are just great and smooth running. Best of all is that I replaced a out of true wheel that induced a shimmy while driving with one that I had bought for the purpose several years ago but had not got around to getting it sandblasted and painted. It has made the car smooth as glass to drive. Why did I put up with the bent wheel for almost 20 years! Doh!

<Superlative!>

Posted 2013-05-18 07:57:33 by George Heissenberger

Hammondsport NY Overnight

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:57:23 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

The MG Car Club Western New York Centre set out for Hammondsport NY for an overnight that will include Bully Hill winery, Dr Konstantin Frank winery, Glen Curtiss Museum and dinner at Snug harbor in hammondsport followed by an overnight at a local B& B. My wife and I were unable to make the trip to Hammondsport but as the start point was less then 10 minutes from my house I met the club at the departure point in the AM to give them a send off.

<OURMG meeting the club>	<Lead car - Dick Power's Alfa>	<Some of the 20+ cars in the tour>
<More cars on the road>

Posted 2013-05-11 18:57:23 by George Heissenberger

Putting On Miles

Mon, 06 May 2013 20:44:38 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Another beautiful day here in Upstate New York so I drove the MG to work again. Put over 100 miles on this weekend, another 40 today. I tweaked the carbs a tad richer Saturday after noticing a bit of hesitation over 70 MPH. The old girl just purrs and smooth as silk now. I probably will take off the hardtop next weekend. Yes I am putting off the radiator repair. Its too nice not to drive!

<Another beauty shot!>

Posted 2013-05-06 20:44:38 by George Heissenberger

MGB At Work Day

Thu, 02 May 2013 20:48:39 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

After a hard day at the office, it was nice to climb into the MGB office for the ride home! Nice weather, still have the hardtop on. will be considering taking it off soon.

<The office>

Posted 2013-05-02 20:48:39 by George Heissenberger

Swing Into Spring 2013

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 20:43:58 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

The MG Car Club Western NY Centre had its Swing into Spring 2013 today at Mulconry's Irish Pub, Fairport NY. About 40-50 members participated- it was a great time!

<Lots of MGs and British cars at todays event!>

<Lots of friendly people>

<OUR MG in front>

Posted 2013-04-21 20:43:58 by George Heissenberger

British Auto Salvage

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 14:08:37 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

About 30+ members of the MG Car Club Western New York Centre and Triumph Touring Club of Rochester NY went to British Auto Salvage in Walworth NY today to help inventory cars and parts in their salvage yard. The owner passed away a year and a half ago, and his daughter and son in law are making a go of it. They want to know what they have and what is salvageable out of hundreds of British cars of all makes on the lot. Our clubs offered to help. Our clubs owe a lot to British Auto, I was friends with the former owner for over 30 years, my son worked there for a couple of summers, and many parts and repairs on OUR MG came from British Auto. Two of my brothers in law and myself were given a row of late 70's MGB's and we went over a two page checklist of parts to inventory and grade what is there. We were hampered by cold and snow, but by the afternoon the sun came out. Lots of tired iron out there, but some gems in the rough too.

<Pat and Dan going over the checklist>

<MGBs by the score>

Posted 2013-04-20 14:08:37 by George Heissenberger

MG At Work

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:24:40 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I drove the MGB to work today and it was a beautiful day with the the car running great! Still haven't taken the radiator out to fix it.

Posted 2013-04-17 20:24:40 by George Heissenberger

Ever Let Other People Drive Your MG?

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 09:18:16 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My wife and I drive OURMG fairly often, and she's just as comfortable with it as I am. I'll let my son the mechanic have the MG for a spin whenever he likes. My daughter lives 500 miles away so that doesn't come up often. Outside of my immediate family I almost never let others drive the MGB unless I'm right with them, and that's been confined to the occasional family reunion where several of us bring our old cars and sometimes take each others out for a spin. I don't want anybody beating on it! We had a big family reunion at our house last summer and after they were asking for a while I let a couple of my brother in laws take OURMG out without me for a spin around the block. In particular one brother in law took his young son out and the trip was magical for both of them. So another convert to LBC's was made.

<Paul and Patrick in OURMG>

Posted 2013-04-07 09:18:16 by George Heissenberger

Happy Easter

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 08:43:30 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took OUR MG out for a drive on the day before Easter- 50 and sunny in Upstate New York. I was going to pull the radiator and decided it was far too nice out to pass up. Went to the grocery store and got lots of admiring looks and head nods and smiles from other drivers. I'll take the radiator out another day!

<3.30.13>

Posted 2013-03-31 08:43:30 by George Heissenberger

Old Photo Of My '71 MGB

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:18:51 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I was looking through some things in the basement today and found this old photo of me and my 1971 MGB "the flexible flyer". Its from summer 1976 or 1977. I remember the L&M shirt as the one I was wearing when I met my wife! Fun times, and they are still fun today!

<Me and the flexible flyer>

Posted 2013-03-14 11:18:51 by George Heissenberger

OURMG On Youtube

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:49:26 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Just surfing the net the other day and looking at MG's, came across a listing about a "Random MG at Watkins Glen vintage weekend Glenkhana". No random MG- thats me! Kind of finny/ creepy to find someone posted a video of me. Good thing I'm not in the witness protection program!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PGMksvQkq3k

Posted 2013-03-08 19:49:26 by George Heissenberger

Radiator ...again

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 08:57:42 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

One year ago I pulled the radiator and had it recored. As soon as I started driving the B the top of the radiator leaked. Not a lot, just a drip, and I can't tell exactly where from, but somewhere around the neck. At first I thought it was the cap, so I got a new cap. Might be the overflow tube outlet? Still leaks so I called the radiator shop and told them I would take it back to fix it after the season. Its not too cold in the garage so maybe this weekend or next I'll pull the rad.

Posted 2013-03-02 08:57:42 by George Heissenberger

Valve Cover Races

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:54:32 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

The MG Car Club Western NY centre had its annual valve cover races early February and I competed with car #57 the "Hemi MG". So named because my son has a '57 DeSoto Hemi engine and transmission in a corner of our garage so the joke was going to be me using the DeSoto Hemi valve cover, which is huge, instead of the MG Midget valve cover. But the rules say it has to be from a British engine, so instead I upgraded the valve cover to a longer chassis more weight and bigger wheels. I was solidly in the middle of the pack. This year the club broke the cars into two groups- "Big bore" with larger wheelbase and weight, and "small bore" basically valve covers on wheels and more show than go. So now this year I was the slowest of the fast cars. Hmmm.

<My car>

<The start>

<A typical finish>

Posted 2013-02-16 16:54:32 by George Heissenberger

Warm Day In January

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 15:41:04 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

It's 54 degrees out in the second week of January Upstate New York can you believe it? I started the MGB up to keep the battery up and figured yesterday's downpour washed away the salt so I took the B down our street and back!

<January 12, 2013>

Posted 2013-01-12 15:41:04 by George Heissenberger

Winter Rest For MGB

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 06:32:20 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Nothing new with the MGB- I'm going to pull the radiator (again) and take it to where I had it recored to find out why it leaks near the neck. But the next item on the MG related Agenda is the upcoming MGCC valve cover races. I've got my racer ready and look forward to that event annually. This year its a bit later- February 3. Pics and a report to follow.

Posted 2013-01-09 06:32:20 by George Heissenberger

Happy Birthday OUR MG

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 20:39:56 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Sometime around the second or third week in December 1972, 40 years ago this year, a collection of parts was assembled in Abingdon England into the special vehicle with a soul we know and love as OUR MG! We came along and bought the little glacier white car in June 1983, so have now owned the car for 29 fun- filled years.

Posted 2012-12-15 20:39:56 by George Heissenberger

First Snow Plow Of The Season

Sat, 24 Nov 2012 12:04:16 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I got to drive the MG all day Wednesday so on my way home filled the gas tank with non ethanol gasoline and topped off the oil. Drove over 2300 miles since getting her out of storage. Saturday I saw the first snow plow of the season go down our street this morning spreading salt, so that defines the end of MG driving for me for the winter. This is it for classic car season 2012. See you in the spring MG!

<Nap time for MG and Dart>

Posted 2012-11-24 12:04:16 by George Heissenberger

Thanksgiving Shopping

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:22:31 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I took the MG to the store tonight for some next to last minute Thanksgiving essentials. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

<MG at grocery store>

Posted 2012-11-20 18:22:31 by George Heissenberger

Warm Temps

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:58:23 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Just washed the MG today. We took the MG to church and stopped at an estate sale with a long dirt driveway on the way home. After looking at some tools in a barn came out to find a couple admiring the B. He thought it was an MGC GT. The hardtop threw him. I give him credit for at least knowing its an MG! Its 72 degrees. Who would have thought it would be so warm in mid November!

<just washed>

<washed>

Posted 2012-11-11 12:58:23 by George Heissenberger

Helping Out

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 20:21:21 -0600

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Our church is collecting supplies for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. I stopped at the store after work and picked up mops, buckets, paper towels, water and other supplies in the MG for our downstate New York neighbors.

<ourmg parked in front of church>

Posted 2012-11-08 20:21:21 by George Heissenberger

MG Car Club Annual Garage Tour

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 16:35:27 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Went on the MG club annual garage tour today. We stopped at the classic restoration facility we visited last year. All stunning high end Rolls, Jaguar, Duesenberg, Cord, Hispano Suiza, in various stages of 10/10th restoration. Wowed us again. Meanwhile the B is just humming along since the new tires. Passed annual NY state inspection with flying colors!

<Auburn boat tail speedster>	<Lozier from the teens>	<Cadillac V 16>
<Straight Eight full resto>

Posted 2012-10-27 16:35:27 by George Heissenberger

New Tires

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:47:53 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My son stopped over last night with my new General Altimax tires, with newly repainted wheels, and we installed the second set of two wheels which he had mounted new tires. The old Pirellis lasted 17 years and over 30,000 miles. Cleaned and greased all hubs and wheel splines and mating surfaces prior to installing the wheels. We had a little trouble mounting the wheel that had been on the front left when the knock off nut came loose, and in fact it took a little cleaning up of the splines and some persuasion to go on the right rear hub, although once we got it on it slid easily on and off. I drove the B to work today on a beautiful fall day and it was smooth as glass!

<New tires and drives like a dream>

<New tires and painted wheels>

Posted 2012-10-25 15:47:53 by George Heissenberger

Weekend Driver

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:57:46 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

MG was our go to car all weekend while my daily driver was in the shop. My wife drove me to the dealership in the MG today so I could pick up my Jeep from the shop and I got to follow her on the way home. I don't usually get to see our own car from this angle! My wife likes to drive the MG as much as I do! Thats why its OUR MG and not MY MG she always says!

<following OUR MG>

Posted 2012-10-22 16:57:46 by George Heissenberger

Fall Is Here!

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:23:29 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

We had our first frost of the fall last night. Much cooler this weekend. I am doing all my Saturday errands in the MGB and loving the hardtop! I picked up three large bags of lawn fertilizer, a gas grill propane tank to fill, a 20 lb bag of birdseed, and a 5 gallon gas can with a little room to spare. OK not much room. Had the propane in the passenger seat nicely belted in!

<MG looking pretty>

Posted 2012-10-13 12:23:29 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Project Complete!

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:20:38 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

After being away for a few days on a business trip, I was excited to get back to the hardtop. I swapped the new seal for the old one, seal swapped easily. my wife and I lifted the top in place, slid on the back catches, front header clamps slid right in place, side clamps tightened up and ...its done! The MGB factory hardtop is a thing of beauty. Thanks to Jeff Kath from our local MG club who sold it to me and friend Andrew Vorndran for the excellent paint job. I couldn't wait to try it and just got back from a quick drive! I haven't had a hardtop since I sold my old parish top about 15 years ago!

<Hardtop complete!>

<Side view- the rear window is in excellent shape, may have been replaced by PO>

Posted 2012-10-10 17:20:38 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Installation

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:17:22 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Got the painted hardtop back from my friend today and it looks great. Spent several hours putting on new seals. Spent an hour trying to get the top on the car with my wife helping but cant get the front clamps to latch. Ill try again when I have a free night.

<Hardtop sitting on MG>

Posted 2012-10-07 19:17:22 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Progress

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:26:17 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My friend is painting my MG factory hardtop Glacier white to match the MGB. Here is the top after priming white. Then comes wet sanding and coats of glacier white.

<Primed white>

<fresh paint>

Posted 2012-09-27 13:26:17 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Ready For Paint

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 13:02:42 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I have the hardtop loaded in my Jeep to take to a friend to paint Glacier white. I'll take a pic when its back!

<Hardtop squeezed in the jeep>

Posted 2012-09-23 13:02:42 by George Heissenberger

Working On Hardtop

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 09:20:58 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Rainy Saturday - perfect time to get the MG hardtop scratches filled and sanded so its ready for primer. Looks like it was dragged around upside down on gravel for part of its earlier life. 90% of the spot putty you see was there when I got it. One of my son's friends has offered to paint it Glacier white with some leftover paint I have to match the car.

<Factory hardtop>

Posted 2012-09-22 09:20:58 by George Heissenberger

Good To Go!

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:21:25 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I drove the MG to work today and around town and she is running sweet. Took a coworker home for her first ride in a convertible ever. She informed me the car was 8 years older than she. The MG behaved, ran great and was great fun!

Posted 2012-09-20 18:21:25 by George Heissenberger

Fixed, Hopefully

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:42:47 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took the MG back to the shop where they replaced the clutch master, hose and slave cylinder since it was balky at shifting since I picked it up last week. They installed a new slave pushrod and its all better! Drove the heck out of her tonight and seems normal.

Posted 2012-09-19 18:42:47 by George Heissenberger

Back To The Cabin

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:07:59 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took the MG to the Log Cabin cruise night tonight, and parked next to My buddy Rod and his MGB. Got there late and some folks were getting ready to leave already. Getting near the end of cruise nights as some have stopped after Labor day. MG drove fine, but I have to get used to a different clutch feel than what I was used to.

<MGBs next to each other.>

Posted 2012-09-12 18:07:59 by George Heissenberger

MG Back From Repair

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 05:08:09 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I picked up the MGB from the shop yesterday. Before I hurt my back around memorial Day I would have replaced the hub myself, but for now its safer for me to have someone else do it! The clutch hose was leaking so they replaced that also and when they did that the clutch master was also leaking so in went a new clutch master and slave cylinder. They had problems bleeding the slave cylinder so it took an extra day. Even so when I picked it up the clutch did not fully release on the first try going into reverse, but then worked fine so I am going to see if this is a big problem or something that will resolve itself. The wheel is ready for tube and tire, but I'm going to go tire shopping and replace all four of my old tires.

<finished painting wire wheel>

Posted 2012-09-12 05:08:09 by George Heissenberger

Preparing Wire Wheel

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 10:45:04 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I am painting the new wire wheel I got sandblasted on Thursday. I bought it a couple of years ago to replace one on the MGB that is slightly off true. It cleaned up really well and looks great. Now I will probably use it to replace the front wheel that came loose on the hub, although several folks have told me the splines on that wheel look OK and the hub was what mostly stripped. Primer is on and later today I will give it a coat of silver aluminum.

<Wire wheel primed and ready for paint>

Posted 2012-09-08 10:45:04 by George Heissenberger

Watkins Glen Vintage Grand Prix

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 19:26:47 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Had another great time at the Watkins Glen Vintage Grand Prix festival! The MG is still waiting for parts so I took the Jeep. Lots to see and do there! Great weather and lots of cars and crowds.

<Race cars up close>

<Berkeley roadster>

<Milliken's corner>

Posted 2012-09-07 19:26:47 by George Heissenberger

Wheel Bearing

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 14:49:00 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Drove the MG to my mother in law's birthday lunch. On the way the left front wire wheel nut came loose (but not off). We heard grinding when coming off the expressway a mile from her house. I recognized what it was and jacked up the car and tightened the nut so we completed our trip. Looking at the wheel later it looks like the hub and wheel splines stripped and the wheel bearing is shot.

Posted 2012-09-02 14:49:00 by George Heissenberger

More UK Car Day Photos

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:45:12 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I am posting some more photos from last weekends UK Car Day at Riverbend park Rochester, NY. I will be in Watkins Glen for the vintage Grand Prix Festival next Friday.

<Jags>	<MG's>	<Cluster of Brit Bikes>
<Triumphs>

Posted 2012-08-31 11:45:12 by George Heissenberger

UK Car Day

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:47:22 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I took OURMG to this years local British car show this past weekend. There were quite a few MGBs there. Nice weather and music and food made the day fun!

<OURMG in theineup of MGBs.>

Posted 2012-08-28 19:47:22 by George Heissenberger

Charity Car Wash

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 15:22:20 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My company held a charity car wash to benefit Team Carter- (a little boy named Carter with Spina bifida) and Ronald McDonald house. I drove the MG to work and got it washed for a good cause!

<Car wash for Ronald McDonald House and Team Carter>

Posted 2012-08-24 15:22:20 by George Heissenberger

Happy Cruising!

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:49:05 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

The MG Car Club of Western New York was well represented at tonight's Fairport cruze night at Fairport New York on the Erie canal! MGTD's, MGA's, MGB's, as well as Triumphs, Jaguars, Morgan and even a Volvo were all in attendance. Beautiful night in the 70's - perfect for a night out listening to the live band and enjoying the food and many pubs in the vicinity of the cruise night!

<Line up of some of the many cars there>

Posted 2012-08-21 18:49:05 by George Heissenberger

Cruise Night!

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 19:18:42 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Went to the Log Cabin cruise night after work tonight. MG Club friend Rod and I kept up the MGB contingent! Ran into my neighbor Vinny and Steve Oosterling too.

<Ron and Our MGs>

Posted 2012-08-15 19:18:42 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Progress

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:13:03 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

With fall a month or two away I got another coat of gloss white on the interior of the hardtop headliner. I cant get the screws out of the side window frames so am trying plastic polish on the cloudy perspex, and one came out quite good. The left side not so clear but eventually I may drill out the screws anyway since I have new plexiglass side windows. I'm going to have a friend paint the outside Glacier white to match the car. I got new seals from The Roadster Factory and MacGregor so that is ready.

<hardtop>

Posted 2012-08-12 15:13:03 by George Heissenberger

35 Years Later Still Having Fun With MG's

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:48:09 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I already posted this as a thread last week. As a follow up to the pic of me and my '71 MGB in the summer of 1977 my wife took a pic of me and our 1973 MGB in the summer of 2012 in the same pose just for fun. Still having fun with MGB's after all these years. Two of the wire wheels and the shift knob now on the 1973 B came off the 1971 B. I sold the '71 B in 1980 and bought the '73 B in 1983, so as of June next year we will have had this car for 30 years.

<MGB 1977 and MGB 2012>

Posted 2012-08-12 14:48:09 by George Heissenberger

Cruise Night Fun

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:18:16 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took the MGB to Fairport on the Erie canal for the weekly cruise night Beautiful night for a get together with MG car club friends! You may recognize George's BRG MGB in the foreground as same MGB in the MG Experience header photo.

<Fairport cruze night>

Posted 2012-08-07 18:18:16 by George Heissenberger

Old Photo

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 19:11:18 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

An old friend was clearing out old photos and found a pic of me and my 71 MGB taken about 1977. How funny is that! When I bought the '71 MGB, it was 6 years old, had about 70,000 miles on it and was pretty worn out. The car had been driven through Upstate New York winters, and came equipped with a set of studded snow tires on very rusty wire wheels. The floorboards and sills were very rusty and full of bondo, and the car had already been repainted and fiberglassed to hide the rust. Something we don't appreciate today is how quickly these little cars were consumed by daily driving. The body flexed so much over bumps I gave it the name "Flexible flyer". The battery boxes rusted out and once both batteries just fell out of the car onto the road behind me while I was driving. Still I loved it and it proved to be a long term fondness. I sold the '71 for more than I paid for it shortly before our marriage in 1980, and within three years had bought the '73 that we still have today. Drove our 73 MGB to work today as a matter of fact. Still loving MGs after all this time!

<331669 10151079098077372 635839590 o>

Posted 2012-07-30 19:11:18 by George Heissenberger

Drive Time

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 17:51:04 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I put over 100 miles on the MGB this weekend all in short trips- closer to 200 actually. Good weather and the car is running good, and its still pretty hot out. My only regret is we didn't take the MGB to a play that was about 40 miles away, because I wanted air conditioning on the way there. I had been working around the house and was a sweaty mess before changing for the play and didn't want to get there looking like a wet dish rag. Hope I am not turning into a wuss.

Posted 2012-07-22 17:51:04 by George Heissenberger

Log Cabin Cruise Might

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:33:47 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I took the MGB to the Log Cabin Restaurant cruise night tonight for the first time this year. They get a big turnout but its been so hot I didn't go on previous Wednesdays. Saw two club friends with an MGB and MGA and had a good time.

<1803 Photo 07>

Posted 2012-07-18 18:33:47 by George Heissenberger

New Photo

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:43:44 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I just got sent an email linking to club photos from our summer picnic. There was a smart looking photo of OUR MG as we were pulling in, with my lovely wife driving included with the picture gallery. I liked it so much I am using it as my profile pic! At the time my back was killing me and I was just a few days after having been to the Emergency department for a ruptured disc. Much better now after almost two months recuperation.

<New profile photo>

Posted 2012-07-17 16:43:44 by George Heissenberger

Hot Days

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 19:15:22 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Been real hot for upstate NewYork, with temps in 80's and even 90's today, MG ran great round trip to work and back, temp needle never got past N, most of the time it was on the lower side of N. Can't say the same for me, it was darn hot, especially when stopped at a traffic light! Filled up with gasoline, no ethanol, got 26 mpg.

Posted 2012-07-07 19:15:22 by George Heissenberger

Car Club "flash Mob" Meet Up

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:23:31 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Our local MG car club has been trying to organize more spontaneous meet ups at local cruise nights, kind of a fun thing. Nothing special, just meeting up and hanging out. Tonight several of us met at a regular weekly cruise night and saw one of the "Great Race" participants that won last year. Fun night!

<Good showing of MGB's>

<More club members cars>

Posted 2012-07-03 18:23:31 by George Heissenberger

29 Years And Counting

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 17:17:03 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Sometimes I walk out in the garage and I see the MG and I stop and it feels like I just bought it...holy crap, what a great little car! This was one of those moments. As of last month we have owned this car 29 years, and no regrets.

<MGB garage>

Posted 2012-07-01 17:17:03 by George Heissenberger

One Of Those Special Nights

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:26:38 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took OUR MG to a Canandaigua lake restaurant for dinner with good friends last night. We had a great meal and lots of fun conversation, then a lovely walk with my wife to a gazebo at the lake shore to watch fireworks from the cottages along the lake. A lovely night for the MG with the top down for a drive to pick up dessert at a local store and then home again in the B to enjoy our dessert! What a great night. Those of you with your cars in pieces, think about when they are back together and this is what it can be like.

<Canandaigua Lake>

Posted 2012-07-01 16:26:38 by George Heissenberger

Stormy Sky

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:44:55 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

This was the sky last night when I was out for an MG ride. Warm night but it did darken and rain after I got home.

<sky>

Posted 2012-06-26 19:44:55 by George Heissenberger

A Little Game She Plays

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 18:56:18 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Every so often the black wire on the starter solonoid comes off because the female spade connector is really loose and when I turn the key it just clicks. It happens so often I am good about nopping out and pushing the wire back on the solonoid. Tonight it did it again and this is the first time since I hurt my back. At least my back felt ok enough to attempt to bend over the fender, reach down and push the connector back on the solonoid, in the dark. But when I got home I gave a squeeze to the connector a little tighter so it stays on. It was a problem a bunch of years ago, then didn't come up for several years, now is pretty regular. Well see how long this lasts.

Posted 2012-06-25 18:56:18 by George Heissenberger

Beautiful Day For A Ride

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:11:43 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

It was a beautiful day today so I took the B for a ride to the store to buy more sta-bil and drop off an old battery. I took the B to get gas (no ethanol) yesterday, Running great.

Posted 2012-06-23 19:11:43 by George Heissenberger

Beautiful Night For A Cruise In

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:13:29 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took the MGB to the local Cruise night in Canandaigua NY. Saw some nice cars there, and ran into a car club friend. Our club is trying to do more "flash mob' type meet ups at local cruise nights. I met up with a car club friend - he brought his 60 VW bug instead of his MGTD.

<OUR MG surrounded by Tri Chevys>

<"29 Pierce Arrow next to blown MGB>

Posted 2012-06-14 18:13:29 by George Heissenberger

Its Not Just British Cars

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:31:53 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Folks are always quick to jump on Lucas electrics, but its not all Lucas fault! Besides Our MGB my son has a 1975 Dodge Dart and he has had a spate of electrical charging problems, starting with a bad Mopar alternator a while back. He's also replaced his voltage stabilizer in the dashboard, which like the MG is a stock bimetallic device that controls the voltage to the gauges, with a solid state stabilizer. He's replaced the alternator twice still with charging issues, and then the voltage regulator twice. Turns out one of the remanufactured alternators was no good out of the box, and the first voltage regulator was iffy resulting in wavering voltage and amp levels. The second alternator was clearly putting out better output, and the second voltage regulator works perfectly, with stable readings and no more fluctuations.

Posted 2012-06-08 10:31:53 by George Heissenberger

Progress!

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:10:12 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Surgeon decided no surgery needed, sent me to my primary Doctor today, who is tailing me off meds and gave me permission to go back to work tomorrow! Woo hoo! I will be glad to be back. I celebrated by slipping into the MG and going to the Wegmans Cruise night for an hour. just long enough to meet some former and current MG enthusiasts and to dribble mustard from my burger on my shirt!

<Wegmans Cruise night, Canandaigua NY>

Posted 2012-06-07 17:10:12 by George Heissenberger

MG Car Club Show And Shine Update

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 13:18:14 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Peg drove OUR MG to the MG car club show and shine picnic this afternoon. We stayed a couple of hours just long enough to beat the rain, see our friends cars, and enjoy the sunshine, then back home so I can put my feet up. As soon as we arrived home it started raining again!

<MG Show and shine with 25 members cars>	<OUR MG and Sue Keppelers MGA deluxe>	<Another view of the cars>
<MG Club members like to eat!>

Posted 2012-06-03 13:18:14 by George Heissenberger

MG Car Club Show And Shine Picnic

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 07:48:31 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Today our local MG club is holding a members "Show and shine" picnic instead of our annual big car show. Our hopes for a sunny little car gathering have been dashed however. Good thing we didn't go all in and hold a big show without a new partner club as today its raining with gray skies and expected to get even worse with thunderstorms later. My wife is driving since I'm on pain meds and were going to stay for a little while, possibly not even taking the MG due to the wet weather and my bad back.

Posted 2012-06-03 07:48:31 by George Heissenberger

One Step Forward, Two Back

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 11:57:32 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I have been feeling good, went back to work, and took the MG for a ride a couple of days ago. Our car club is doing a show and shine Sunday so I washed the MG in preparation. The next day my back and leg went into spasms requiring a trip to the emergency room. I had an MRI showing a ruptured disc. The neurosurgeon thinks it may recede on its own with rest so I am again off my feet for a week.

Posted 2012-06-02 11:57:32 by George Heissenberger

MG Ride

Sun, 27 May 2012 06:54:07 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My back is improving each day, but I still have some knee pain so yesterday my wife took me for an MG ride. She likes to drive it as much as I do! Beautiful day for a drive, and car is running great again after I recently adjusted the carbs.

<MG ride>

Posted 2012-05-27 06:54:07 by George Heissenberger

Feeling Better

Fri, 25 May 2012 05:00:47 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

My back is getting better - I am able to drive again after resting and being out of commission for a few days. Instead of a ruptured disc again my Doctor thinks its a pinched nerve or sciatica. It sucks getting old! Anyways I'm feeling up to a nice MGB drive this Memorial Day weekend, although probably not in the local Memorial day parade as my wife has done in the past few years. Our MG Club used to participate in the parade with a local Lions club who helped put on our annual car show, but they dropped out and there is no car show this year(sniff). I'm also a volunteer fireman and am usually in several parades, but this year I'll just ride in the truck cab!

<My wife driving OURMG in Victor NY's Memorial parade>

Posted 2012-05-25 05:00:47 by George Heissenberger

Car OK- Me Not So Much

Sun, 20 May 2012 14:30:42 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

After working on the car yesterday I must have done something with my back bending over. Back and leg pain all last night. Its one problem with being older- things you used to be able to do all the time you maybe can't so much anymore! Anyway my son stopped over and finished working on his Dart so he could take it home. I just sat on the porch like an old timer!

<1974 Dodge Dart>

Posted 2012-05-20 14:30:42 by George Heissenberger

Problem? What Problem?

Sat, 19 May 2012 17:53:47 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I have been driving the B all around town as the weather has turned nice. I drove the MG to work Thursday and she ran great. I have about a 40 mile commute round trip. I filled the car with 100% gasoline on the way home, at a station our club has been advertising in the newsletter. About 5 miles from home the MG started to backfire, and in particular there is a big hill not far from my house and I really thought I would not make it. But she did OK at part throttle, as long as I didn't get over 3000 RPM in 4th gear. I suspected bad gas. After changing the fuel filter and swapping the coil, with no change, determined the Pertronix is good, and the plugs cap and rotor are all about a year old and also good. I checked the mixture using the lift pins and the front carb stumbled and fell off on lifting the pin so I suspected lean mixture. After turning the mixture on the front carb a 1/2 to 3/4 turn richer the car runs great again. I think maybe the E 10 fuel I had been using burns a little bit different than the 100% gas so the car acted up a bit.

<After adjusting the HIF's.>

Posted 2012-05-19 17:53:47 by George Heissenberger

Hardtop Project Part 1

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:33:45 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I was so excited to get the hardtop today that I thought I would use the energy to start tearing down the side windows and see how easy they are to take apart and replace the plexiglass. Turns out they are easy to take out of the hard top- all the trim came off easy and the window screws came out easy. The hard part is there are twelve screws that hold the side window frames together by corner brackets, and I could only get three of the twelve screws out, the rest are seized and are not moving, worse, I was starting to bugger up the screw head with the screw driver, even after soaking them in WD40. So I tried plan B, which is using plas-tex plastic polish to see how clear I can get the foggy, starred plexiglass thats in there now. Its working, but not as good as I hoped.

<Taking off the side windows>

Posted 2012-04-28 15:33:45 by George Heissenberger

Hard Top

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:38:48 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I just bought a factory hard top that needs some work from a fellow club member. It came with new side windows I'll have to replace and needs seals and paint. I'm thinking of painting it white. I used to have a Parrish hard top but sold it about 10 years ago. Last few years we've been driving the car earlier in the spring and keeping her out later in the year so a hard top again seems to make sense!

<Hardtop>

Posted 2012-04-28 10:38:48 by George Heissenberger

Swing Into Spring 2012

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:46:04 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

MG Car Club Western NY Centre held its annual Swing into Spring today at Mulconry's Irish Pub in fairport NY. Great time, good food, and Guinness- whats wrong with that! I even used the heater in the B today because my wife got a little cold in the 39 degree spring air!

<OUR MG, and the Goodwin's MGB>

<Chase's Mini and Keppler's MGA>

Posted 2012-04-22 16:46:04 by George Heissenberger

Snow

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:10:59 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took the MGB to the store tonight and the weather was clear. An hour later it was snowing hard here in Upstate New York. So I guess it will be parked for a little bit before I drive again. I talked to a friend from the MG club Sunday about buying a factory hardtop from him so more about that later.

Posted 2012-03-30 20:10:59 by George Heissenberger

MG Car Club Western NY Steak Roast

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:33:20 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

The Western New York Centre MG Car Club held its annual Steak Roast and Auction today. Besides enjoying a delicious steak dinner, my wife and I enjoyed the company of 50 or so club friends and a fun Auction of car parts and generally car related items. I scored a bottle of dashpot oil for $1 and a mint condition MGB service guide by Lindsay Porter for $5. Fun, food and something useful to take home!

<Dashpot oil>

<MGB service guide>

Posted 2012-03-25 15:33:20 by George Heissenberger

Headlight Problem Solved

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:10:32 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I think the picture says it all. Bad connection. It was that darn scotchlock fuse holder after all. I just crimp connected it with a spade for now to test fit and will solder it later.

<Headlights working>

Posted 2012-03-22 18:10:32 by George Heissenberger

No Headlights/taillights

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 19:34:31 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

I got the MG out of storage Saturday because it was so warm and beautiful. I drove it and all was well so we took the B to a friends house for dinner. When we went to leave at night the headlights did not work. No amount of checking poking and wiggling produced as much as a flicker. It is so out of character for this car. We had to borrow our friends car to get home, although he said the MG looked great in his garage. I returned their car and picked up the B the next morning. Four hours of pouring over wiring diagrams testing, checking and test wiring and two more tonight and I'm still stymied. It's going to be something simple I hope and not that mice ate the wires over the winter!

Posted 2012-03-19 19:34:31 by George Heissenberger

Beautiful Day For March!

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:19:20 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Considering the average is 45 degrees I'll take today's 70 degrees anytime, and so went for a "check ride" in the MG again to make sure the new radiator is all good. Just beautiful. I think we'll take the MG to our friends house for a dinner party tonight!

<Another "check ride">

Posted 2012-03-17 14:19:20 by George Heissenberger

First Drive Of The Season 2012

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:15:16 -0500

George Heissenberger's Journal --

Took my first drive in Our MG for 2012 on St Patrick's Day! 70 degrees and sunny! I went to the grocery store for Guinness and Bass Ale! Great first drive!

<Getting Bass and Guinness>

Posted 2012-03-17 14:15:16 by George Heissenberger