Pass it down (my rant)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

sethdude — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:40:02 -0500

If it gives some of you older guys hope, I'm only 30, and neither my parents or grandparents owned a B in my lifetime. I just always liked them.

Feel free to send me any spare parts you don't see yourself needing anymore.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

NewBRG72B — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:09:18 -0500

In reply to # 2058215 by lawnvett A teenage neighbor will be amoung a group of LBC buddies coming over this afternoon to help me get my BGT un-stuck from the gate crashing the other day. See the earlier post that should have been titled " I'man idiot" my car rolled down the driveway through a closed wooden gate.

Don't feel too bad. I found my Saab 9000 a block away in the woods. Forgot to set the hand brake and it popped out of gear. I still don't know how it miised all those trees, not a scratch.::o

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Fri, 04 May 2012 10:01:14 -0500

At least you have an instructional bit of wisdom to pass down to the young fellow for the day when he has his own MGB sitting on a hill.(tu)
Hope your knee heals quickly ! Did you jump up and look around to see if anyone caught you in the embarrassing position?;)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

lawnvett — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:46:30 -0500

A teenage neighbor will be amoung a group of LBC buddies coming over this afternoon to help me get my BGT un-stuck from the gate crashing the other day. See the earlier post that should have been titled " I'man idiot" my car rolled down the driveway through a closed wooden gate.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ChuckoldNavy53 — Fri, 04 May 2012 07:29:33 -0500

I have a neighbor whose son is 16 and most times that I open my garage to work on a car he's there to watch/help/learn. Currently all three of my cars are Asian and he get's right in there with me. I told him I was getting an MG and the first words were can I help you with it. I don't expect it to need a lot of work for a while.
But I can bet when I do he'll be right there. His fathers' a nice guy but has what we used to call "Hitler Hands", everything he touches he destroys. So he doesn't do any car or repair work. When he does try, they usually have to have someone else, sometimes me, redo what he did.
So here's a young man that I believe will get the MG bug and carry it forward.

Chuck

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ghettosled — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:50:55 -0500

it's not sitting on the driveway in the rain/snow that hurts my $30k vehicle for me, it's the salt/deicer/sand covering the roads during winter that does.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

HuckFinn — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:41:12 -0500

In reply to # 2054664 by lawnvett but in my area prone to car cancer, it is quite difficult finding decent older cars for sale. i can't imagine how limited the selection will be in 10 years.
(tu)My guess is that the supply will be plentiful in ten years as many of us old guys sell MGs that have been well cared for and used less and less as the years go by. I find it more and more difficult to get out of my car every year, arthritis etc.

The greatest quote regarding cars occured about 30 years ago: "Why does a person keep their $30,000 car outside in the elements, so they can house their $1000 worth of junk in their garage?"

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

lawnvett — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:37:03 -0500

but in my area prone to car cancer, it is quite difficult finding decent older cars for sale. i can't imagine how limited the selection will be in 10 years.
(tu)My guess is that the supply will be plentiful in ten years as many of us old guys sell MGs that have been well cared for and used less and less as the years go by. I find it more and more difficult to get out of my car every year, arthritis etc.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ghettosled — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:27:18 -0500

i'm 34 and have two boys, 5 and 7. they are curious about various vehicles and even though they have only rode down the street in the B (bought it a week ago and want to get insurance and registration in place first) they are anxious to go for a real drive. they like cars and are out there occasionally when i'm working on something but i don't want to force them to help me (that it until it's their car i'm wrenching on). they do like older cars (sound, smell, feel...) and go with me to the occasional car show so maybe one day they will buy something like a B. but in my area prone to car cancer, it is quite difficult finding decent older cars for sale. i can't imagine how limited the selection will be in 10 years.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

9146 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:22:36 -0500

A few years ago I drove by a bunch of teenagers in Philadelphia in my 70 Mini Cooper (since sold) dark blue/white roof,right hand drive 10 by 6 Revolution Wheels loud Peco exhaust. I only got a few blocks before I was pulled over by a bunch of Hondas. They thought the car was really cool. I let the cat out of the bag and told them I guy in NC was putting Honda Vtech engines in them.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 21:18:18 -0500

Get an obd2 scanner for $50 at harborfreight tools. Plug it in under the dash,read the code and post it.MG guys can fix anything;)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

DoDEEJeroo — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:55:54 -0500

I'm 25 and currently own a 67 and 72 MGB, both grandfathers had Healy 3000's, and my father had 3 MGB's and a spitfire at one point. I try to infect who I can.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

OldBloke — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:52:16 -0500

Took the roadster out for a 90 mile errand cause I couldn't figure out why the 'Check Engine' light was on in my modern mobile.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

forestghost07 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:32:22 -0500

X2 Rob - the feeling I get from a successful work session on my B is the same as when I've composed a new guitar piece; creation, accomplishment, and satisfaction. And I am passing the karma on to those around me who are receptive :)

My B's gonna carry me 3000 fun miles this coming June; my SUV is NOT.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:23:21 -0500

I wish to be completely dissociated from
In reply to # 2053397 by 80MGBLE

He and I are diametrically opposed in thoughts on MG's.
If you can't keep one of the simplest little sports cars properly maintained and on the road without fear of it falling apart or not being both fun to own and drive,it is probably time to turn the keys in and as he so aptly put it make it his last British car.

Snow 2012 went for a drive later that day.No worries about anything breaking,falling off,or not getting me to my desired destination.(tu)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

forestghost07 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:04:48 -0500

In reply to # 2053397 by 80MGBLE

In reply to # 2053341 by ohlord

Some people get on here and brag one day about how fantastic their car is and the next thing you know they have that POS all apart with pictures delving deep into the annals of it's broken engine.

How timely this bit here is for me LOL. This weekend's work which I posted, (replacing an inferior pot metal water pump and 40 yr old timing cover seal), was hardly a "broken engine" issue, just maintenance ANY machine needs sooner or later. My 1972 "POS" has less things wrong than my hi - tech "no user serviceable parts inside" late model Chevrolet truck 8-)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

zedvictor1 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:42:47 -0500

In reply to # 2053789 by oily-hands
If I'd seen this forum before buying an MG, I'd never have bought one, but fortunately I knew better. It did cross my mind that MG must have kept the good cars for the UK and only exported he rubbish. :D

That's interesting, Owen. MANY factors (real and imagined) and some rotten luck have conspired against my MG ownership over the last few years, and perhaps my fascination with this site is one of those factors. I think it will take a miracle now for everything to fall into place and for me to be happy with an MG in my driveway.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

forestghost07 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:39:14 -0500

I had a reverse scenario - my 23 yr old niece re-infected ME with the MGB bug after a totally surprise 2 AM call in March '11. ::o I hadn't given them a thought since I sold my college days '68 RD in 1986.

I tried hard to interest my foster kid (hes 20 now) in MG's but to no avail. However I have lit up kids eyes at local shows and one 16 yr old is diligently saving $200 a month towards a B as we speak; he keeps me posted and as time permits comes by to help me tinker with mine >:D<

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

HuckFinn — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:06:11 -0500

In reply to # 2052604 by NOHOME Troy:

I have to say tthat yes, the hobby will decline. Will it die out entirely? No, since people will always be in need of a hobby.

Driving in general is declining with young people. I was reading an article that claimed a 20% decline in 16-20 year olds driving when compoared to the 1970s. Truth is the group of kids that can afford to drive is declining at the same rate as the middle class in North America, so it will be a lucky kid who can afford to drive one of these cars 20 years down the road.

As to interest? I live two doors away from the elemetary school, with a virtual river of kids walking by at 8:50 am. It is a rare one that will notice the MGB GT as I am trying to get out the driveway.

Two thoughts: One: As a teacher who acquired her license 3 days after the 16 th birthday, married to a pilot who was driving farm trucks at age 9; parents of two children who have been driving since age 11, (both now drive stick, one at age 15, the other at age 12); I cannot fathom the new "non-driving" trend.

Second: I don't know about you, but that MGB is a 12 year old head turner! From about third grade up, they go nuts for it! It is the one thing in middle/high school that catapulted those two kids to rock star status! I pull up to pick up either one of them, and as they are departing, the heads turn and the screaming (middle school, they're too cool for that in High School) starts. My son is like a friggin' parade king! Daughter can drive it, so she is tres cool...

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Russ Johnston — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:32:11 -0500

I plan on giving it to my kids. I need to keep it running for another 13 years though...better get used to me on the forum!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Flobear — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:18:24 -0500

My five year old grandaughter is alway asking for a ride in my B. I rarely turn her down. 40 degrees out and raining are my usual reasons. My children always give me crap about my LBC, but I know they would like one of their own!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

80MGBLE — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:07:19 -0500

"Have you hugged your MGB today?"

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:13:46 -0500

And I have a good laugh as I in My 41 year old MBG pass by a Honda ricer with two teens under the hood,engine smokin,scratching their heads. Done properly the MGB with all the modern gear available is every bit a dependable daily driver and far easier to maintain than any current car. Have never hesitated jumping in and driving round trip cross country the U.S.A.
You just need to build them properly. The members that understand that and know how to do it enjoy their MG's.the ones who don't complain of problems and issues sorted out years and years ago.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

oily-hands — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:28:25 -0500

Why in the world would any youngster want to have anything to do with MGs.

They're unreliable, noisy, uncomfortable, underpowered, the electrics don't work and SUs are crap and need replacing with a Weber. That's according to many on this forum anyway.

If I'd seen this forum before buying an MG, I'd never have bought one, but fortunately I knew better. It did cross my mind that MG must have kept the good cars for the UK and only exported he rubbish. :D

There are youngsters interested in old cars, but most I know want to drive them and want reliability. The MGB has a much undeserved reputation for unreliability and won't interest the youngsters I know.

Keep perpetuating the myths and few will be interested.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Maine — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:03:17 -0500

I think the Brits built there TD`s motors after our Model A`s excep for that thing you call a carb..Just kidding around I drive my older MGB all the time.I drive it hard bring it home wet and park it untill i take it out again.It hasnt failed me sence I fixed the Grounding problem a year ago.It will do 70 like nothing and it cheeper to run then my full size Chevy PU and a hell of a lot more fun to drive.I found her about 8 years ago sitting behind a pile of dirt behind a house I gave $300.00 for it weeds and all stripped her down for a couple of years.Put a cheep paint on itand have been running it sence.Now I have bought a pile of new seals rubbers and crome will put a grant paint job on it this summer.
I have been playing arount with theses cars sence i was 14 my Br had a couple of bugeyes they were a blast to drive.Iam tinkering on the TD today the dam Vapor locking problem I will beat that problem.Being a old combat Eng.Iam used to doing strange stuff to get the job done.
Shirley Sr.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

100DashSix — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:12:23 -0500

I'm 26 and got into little British sports cars when my father bought a '57 Austin-Healey 100-6. There were a number of years when I did nothing more than hold the light (years in which the car didn't capture my imagination), but I learned lessons about repair, patience, and engineering as my father and uncle worked on the car. In high school my uncle gifted me his rolling tool chest once it became clear I'd put it to good use, and I started working on the Healey.

The Healey was both intimidatingly expensive and not comfortable enough to be a daily driver. Sophmore year of college I found an MG for sale nearby, and immediately fell in love with it. I tried my best to do an inspection for rust, bondo, faulty parts, etc., but still ended up overpaying for what knowledgeable MG owners would consider a parts car. I believed the DPO when he said it had no rust, that the carbs spitting back were just because it needed a tuning, that the engine rebuild was done by a competent mechanic. It had rust in the castle rails, lip of the bonnet, and trumpets, speaker holes cut out in the rear firewall, the head wept from what could be a hairline crack, and it had 86k miles. Still, I bought it, and I've poured TLC into that car; it's still my MG, and I still love it.

I love that I can work on it, make mistakes, and not worry that I've damaged something priceless; I can use it to learn, and it's all the more satisfying when I fix one of its numerous problems; the car rewards me with every mile I can drive in it. Sure, shitty DPO repairs often leave me stranded on the side of the road, and it was interesting when the clutch failed in rush hour traffic, but, for me, it's part of the spirit of the car. If none of those things could happen, I'd be driving a modern, plastic box.

I got a Miata with the idea that I'd have a reliable sports car to use while my MG is undergoing repairs, and it does serve this purpose...But the Miata feels soulless. It's too clean. I don't touch the road enough. Too much plastic. I can't feel the steering rack as I turn the wheel, and I can't picture the functioning of the hydraulic system when I push the brake. I have no idea what the computer is doing to the mixture and advance when I stomp on the gas. (And I get enough of computers in my day job.) And any old schlub can buy a Miata, turn a key, and drive. It takes commitment, patience, and mechanical ability to drive down the road in an MG.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

PaulF — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:47:30 -0500

In reply to # 2053558 by ohlord Miata, MGB that was built properly.

Fixed that for you. (:P)

I have already expressed that I love my MG's, but I don't know anyone with a totally stock MGB that does a track day and other motorsport events at "ten tenths" every single month without mechanical issues. I know a number of MX-5's that do just that.

Maybe you American folks just built your cars better to begin with.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

costerhus — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:46:59 -0500

In reply to # 2053528 by PaulF Young people and MG's: I'm 19 and I love my LBC's, but I won't be owning one for a while until I can afford to have 2 or probably 3 cars. I do love them though, in part because I've grown up around them. However, I certainly think that in my area the number of young people getting into the classic British roadsters is dwindling and the local scene doesn't seem too interested in doing anything about it.

I got my GT when I was 28. Granted, it was a total mess, but still. I too grew up around them--the GT was originally my dad's car. He drove it a few years, then pushed it into a garage when the tired engine finally went. Now, it's been restored, and most of the attention it gets...seems to be from the younger folks. Probably, because many of them have no idea what it is...or because it's bright orange and has a loud exhaust! Still, when I've been to shows, the younger folks usually do check out the MGs, and enthusiastically squeal when they find one for sale. Granted, they might not be able to afford it, or even purchase it...but the interest is there. Remember too, that there aren't as many of these cars compared to 30 years ago...and they're more expensive (usually) to obtain than a beat-up 10-year-old Honda.

Quote: Reliability: I've been driving a '77 BGT almost every day for the last 2.5 years. Has it left me on the side of the road? No. Has it broken? Oh, yes.

Mine's only let me down twice. Mainly because I maintain it, and I resist the urge to fiddle with things. Plus, I don't let the car sit if I can help it. Regular use is a *good* thing for MGs. Plus, we're talking about a 35-year-old (or in my case, a 43-year-old) vehicle. It's going to need more attention than a newer car. Things are going to wear out after that many years. The MG gets a pass, in other words.

Quote: Miatas Putting the Miata in the same boat as the Camry is just ridiculous.

For me, the Miata/MX-5 has been a modern interpretation of what the MGB (Lotus Elan/MGA/Healey/etc.) could be. Mazda knew that the market for an affordable two-seater was still there...and exploited the hell out of that fact. In fact, most of their copy hinted at the Jaguars/MGBS/Healeys in the past. Same idea--build an affordable, fun-to-drive car with off-the-shelf mechanicals, and you'll have a winner--same now as then. As for the Camry, it's not a bad car, but is a bit boring in comparison. If you really want a sedan (saloon) that handles well, look at an older Mazda Protege (323). When the copy said "it has BMW verve for half the price," they're not kidding. Great driver's car, a blast on twisty roads, and (electrical issues, at least with mine--see the Lucas connection?) annoyingly reliable.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

80MGBLE — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:35:09 -0500

Jesus fella's chill out. It's just an F'ing car. Can you marry a car yet in the NW USA? Seems you can marry everything else out there.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:31:48 -0500

Miata, MGB without a soul. Nice little drivers for a chick car.;)
The tie in between Miata and camry was brought up as reference to future classics by a disgruntled 1980 MGB LE owner that thinks driving an MGB is fun but owning one is terror.
I chalk that up to the owner and his lack of skills maintaining a car. Most likely any car.

Son and neighbor both several years ago. He now drives and loves the New Bedouin 1971MGB
Wants one or a MG Magnette if I can find a nice builder for him to work on.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

kaduku — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:24:08 -0500

I fell in love with MGs ever since I my older cousin bought an Midget. I was 10 yrs-old at the time. I bought my first MGB 25 yrs ago, then another a couple years later. My last one 3 yrs ago.

My son is 17 yrs old, and has not shown any interest in my MGB, though he thinks they are cool. He is my only child and of course everything will go to him one day.

Hopefully he develops sometime later, but it is not promising. I am afraid he will just sell it once I am gone or let it sit and rot :(

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

PaulF — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:01:30 -0500

Young people and MG's: I'm 19 and I love my LBC's, but I won't be owning one for a while until I can afford to have 2 or probably 3 cars. I do love them though, in part because I've grown up around them. However, I certainly think that in my area the number of young people getting into the classic British roadsters is dwindling and the local scene doesn't seem too interested in doing anything about it.

Reliability: I've been driving a '77 BGT almost every day for the last 2.5 years. Has it left me on the side of the road? No. Has it broken? Oh, yes. Current list of things to be fixed or replaced: Windscreen wipers (stopped in the middle of pouring rain); heater; front suspension bushes; rear leaf springs; quarter window latch; a bit of rust here and there (despite having all rust cut out a few years ago)... So while it has never left me totally stranded, it still breaks. Quite a lot. Our MGA has not been as expensive, but it's also had much less use and it's also off the road at the moment with gearbox issues.

Miatas (or MX-5's as they are known in my part of the world): I was a little disappointed to see some very disparaging remarks about these fantastic little cars. I am very fond of them and I (like most of the motoring press that I've seen) do consider them to be a modern classic - particularly the first generation. Honestly I struggle to understand why someone with such a keen interest in British roadsters would be so negative about the definitive roadster of the last 25 years. Putting the Miata in the same boat as the Camry is just ridiculous.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

lawnvett — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:23:49 -0500

I am taking a neighbor's son to a LBC breakfast next Sat, he is 13 and would love to have an MG and would like to take shop class.. I recently taught my 16 year old grandson to drive a standard transmission in my 78 MGB. (and yes the car is still ok). Driver's education is in automatic tranny here in NC . So there is hope for the young ones.

As to the reliability of our old cars, I'm 63 years old, my MG's are 34 and 38. I do not have any other cars. It took a while to get them sorted out but now they are both as reliable as my wife's car, a 2006 toyota. Many people think I'm nuts but I enjoy driving my MGs. I am not worried about being stranded on the side of the road. Has it ever happened, yes but got going again pretty quick since these cars are relatively simple to fix and parts are readily available and cheap.

I have driven each of the MG's on long distance trips many times, Rallye to Reno last summer, NC to MG 2011 in Bellville, Ontario, MG 2008 in Philly. Last weekend I drove the 78 MG 600 miles to visit my sister. I'm driving the 74 to TX in May and the 78 on the 1600 mile NC Border Tour in June to attend MG 2012. Not bragging just trying to make the point that these fun little cars can be daily drivers.

Are they "safe" at 70-80 mph on the Interstate Highways, oh well. . . . I rode motorcycles for decades so my risk tolerance is above average.
Hope all who read this long reply enjoy a drive today.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

tazman72 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:18:22 -0500

In reply to # 2053397 by 80MGBLE

In reply to # 2053341 by ohlord Not wrong,misguided maybe. ....
...Someone is going to be driving them or at age 61 I am going to be gathering up quite a nice collection to use into my 90's:)

I am neither wrong nor misguided and I can assure you that you are going to have a cheap supply of MGBs and or MG midgets to drive for the rest of your life. Since I was 16 and bought my first British sports car until I sell this one, my last British sports car, they are fun to drive but not enjoyable to own. Everyone on here knows it's hit or miss on a day to day basis whether your car will run the same way it ran just last night after you shut it off. Some people get on here and brag one day about how fantastic their car is and the next thing you know they have that POS all apart with pictures delving deep into the annals of it's broken engine. They are not something kids today are looking to own.

Never been stranded once and I've had two B's in 25 yr's, a 75 roadster, since parted out because of a rusted frame and a restored 72 for the past 8 yrs. I think you must have had a lemon or didn't do proper maint. I still have the lump & trans from the 75 as a spare.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

favedave — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:57:05 -0500

Occassionally you will find a young person who just likes the looks of these cars, and sometimes you'll find a young person who just likes to work on cars. But, if you want to recruit young people, you have to let them drive a solid MGB (or other LBC) in the manner they were built to be driven, on roads that bring out the car's personality.

Introducing them to the "joys" of maintainance and restoration first is bass-ackwards. We all got into owning these cars because they are a blast to drive, not because they are simple to fix.

Now a word about "modern" cars and kids. There is a segment of the public today who are called Tuners. They are driving and 'restofying' small bore vehicles which are absolute beasts. They can text and drive in a drifting competition (which didn't exist when I was young, but boy would I have so been doing that!) at the same time. The workmanship on these cars is exacting and often executed by the owners themselves.
They are just part of the car scene today, which includes rat rods, trucks, restofacations of muscle cars, etc. If the PowerBlock and Speed auto programs are any indication, the car hobby has never been so huge and healthy with plenty of young people entering it every day.

Now I've got a question for all the folks bad mouthing more recent classics: Mazadas, Toyotas, Hondas, Kias, Hyundais, etc.

Each of these companies have put out some fun 'sports cars' in the past which have not really caught the imagination of rebuilders. You won't find them in the pages of Classic Motor Sports (in fact the next issue is supposed to be delving into this issue). The Mitsubushi 3000 GT comes to mind.

I own what I consider to be one of the very best of these future classics. It is 17 years old and gives me a solid kick every time I see it crossing the parking lot and even more pleasure every time I drive it, which is a lot. With 228,000 miles on the odometer and regular maintenance my 1995 Ford Probe GT is a great daily driver that I would not think of trading in for anything new. I'm hoping my MGB GT will provide something approaching the driving pleasure my Probe does so I can put the Probe in for some cosmetics before driving it another 200,000 miles.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:04:55 -0500

Wow,What pessimists.Did you buy your first MG yesterday? Or buy a piece of crap and don't know how to work on it? Like I said our club membership is climbing. We are attending a group drive to attend a very enthusiastic Voc tech school that can't wait to see the cars and how they work. I have owned various MG's since the beginning of the 1970's and never experienced any of the angst you mention.So please leave me out of your poor attitude "Everyone on here knows" it's hit or miss on a day to day basis whether your car will run the same way it ran just last night after you shut it off. Neither I nor a lot of MG owners I meet on a weekly basis lack the faith that a properly Maintained and operated MG will run and deliver you to your destination when needed.
I won't presume to lump you in with the group that neither knows how to maintain nor operate an MGB BUT IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE A DUCK QUACKING ! If you don't like the Marque please stop abusing the poor car and move onto a Mazda.You know one of those classics,or maybe a Camry.Those seem more to your liking and abilities.
Yikes,you must be a real joy to be around on a 250 mile Saturday drive with your local MG club.
Although I seriously doubt you ever drive it that far for fear you put something together improperly again and it might fall off overnight or since the last month you drove the poor thing.
To which I will also bring up an old adage " We always say this about previous owners: If you don’t know what you are doing, please do not work on your own car."

Good day

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

67MGBGTCOUPE — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:47:05 -0500

I inherited a 67' MGBGT, and I have my kids help me when I work on it. They are only 11 and 5, but they love to ride around in it.I will pass it on them someday. We have to try to keep people interested in these pieces of history.

Thanks,
Brian

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

jmor99 — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:19:18 -0500

This same concern is expressed in an article by Peter Brock in the March issue of Classic Motorsports magazine.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

80MGBLE — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:05:31 -0500

In reply to # 2053341 by ohlord Not wrong,misguided maybe. ....
...Someone is going to be driving them or at age 61 I am going to be gathering up quite a nice collection to use into my 90's:)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 02:04:58 -0500

Not wrong,misguided maybe. We have several hundred members in the MGCCNWC and lately membership has been on the rise and lots of new younger members joining. People used to think Hot Rodding had seen its day and now you have a youth movement building cutting edge old school Fords and Chevys and Rat rods and their are more rods on the road than anytime in the past 30 years. Met a 29 year old driving a 39 Hudson street rod at a local show and shine last week and a couple in their thirties with their new pride and joy early 70's Midget. There is hope. Someone is going to be driving them or at age 61 I am going to be gathering up quite a nice collection to use into my 90's:)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

David Kiehna — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:34:54 -0500

I'm 27, and got my first MGB at age 17. My dad is currently 66 and had B's at my age. I learned everything I know from him, fellow British Car Club members, and this site. Sadly I also think the restoration of LBCs is declining rapidly. There are less people driving them out of fear of modern traffic and crash worthiness. Most owners seem to be scared to do more than 50 MPH in their cars. I would jump in my B tomorrow and drive 500 miles, top down, at 70+ mph in a heartbeat.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

80MGBLE — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:01:17 -0500

In reply to # 2053269 by ohlord Classic cars are classic cars for a reason. A toyota camry or Miata are never going to be classics,just like a new C63 Mercedes will never be on par with a 1955 300SL Gull wing.
Your 13 year old Nephew may never be thrilled with a 1980 rubber bumpered 65 horsepower former vision of itself MGB,that and your attitude might have some influence.
BTW my Grandfather born in 1883 and died in 1977 did pass down a Model T.
You don't pick a future classic,they are born the day they leave the factory.
Camry? Miata?:)o

If I were wrong the OP wouldn't have a reason to "rant" in the first place would he?

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Maine — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:52:05 -0500

I let the Kids sit in my TD and they love it so dont there folks.I love seeing the smil when there told to sit behind the wheel just dont step on the paint hahahhaha

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Maine — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:46:59 -0500

If the boy is Texting and not doing what he should be take the dam phone away after all you must have given it to him you can take it away.Then give him some thing to do on the car other then hold the light.I know holding a light is help but its boring.I see so many folks that dont like what there kids are doing or how they dress.well who bought them the ugly cloths in the first place and who let them get bored so there not doing any thing worth while.Find the kids a old fixer upper MG and put them to work on there own car that way they wont hurt your car and most likly will come and say DAd or Gramp can you help me.That would make your day I know it does mine.MY son and Grandson love all 4 of my Mgs Esp. the 53,MG TD mk.2 the grandson asked if it would be passed down in our family I told it would as he already owns the 75 midget at 11 years old.One has to make stuff interesting to the kids in order to sway THEM AWAY FROM TEXTING AND COMPUTER GAMES LIKE X bOX.RIGHT NOW MY GRANDSON IS WEARING A SPL. WATCH THE SCHOOL HAS PUT ON EVERY KID IN HIS GRADE IT RECORDS EVERY movement HE DOES. Its to see just how much the kids are sitting around doing nothing or out doors doing some thing it will record stuff like helping on the cars that both he and his father love to do.I plan on keeping the MG dream alive as long as I can aford to do it.Then ill give the cars to them.
Shirley Sr.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

danc — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 23:13:48 -0500

I let any young ones that want to sit in my car at show, hoping even one will remember when they get older. Its the only thing I can think of to further the hobby.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:39:02 -0500

Classic cars are classic cars for a reason. A toyota camry or Miata are never going to be classics,just like a new C63 Mercedes will never be on par with a 1955 300SL Gull wing.
Your 13 year old Nephew may never be thrilled with a 1980 rubber bumpered 65 horsepower former vision of itself MGB,that and your attitude might have some influence.
BTW my Grandfather born in 1883 and died in 1977 did pass down a Model T.
You don't pick a future classic,they are born the day they leave the factory.
Camry? Miata?:)o

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

eightyb — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:34:15 -0500

In reply to # 2052660 by MG Unlimited Part of the reason is that less high schools teach trades anymore. Every high school i knew of in the late 70s early 80s had at least a small engine repair class. They used to have auto body classes as well. Kids would bring their cars to school and fix and paint them. Now, my son's high school only has one trade left a small carpentry class and i think that is going by the wayside. Also, don't count on your son being interested. They have a lot of things avaialble to them now, computers, games even sports. I have two sons, i would like nothing better than to have them work on cars with me but neither is interested...even when i'm working on their cars!!!! If i'm under his car doing something and his only responsability is to hold the light, the light will start moving all over the place because....HE'S TOO BUSY TEXTING!!!!

This is so true. I'm a retired Industrial Arts Teacher (shop class) and when I started 35 years ago we had 5 shop teachers in grades 7-12. The department is now down to 1 and it will all end this year. They have cut all shop classes, everything from home maintenance, small engine repair, machine shop, welding, sheet metal, basic auto repair, woodworking, and mechanical and architectural drawing. The administration feels if students want this they should go to a vocational school. That doesn't work, although some of the old shop classrooms have made real nice computer and study hall classrooms...

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

mgbracer80 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:17:01 -0500

Olin- keep it up! I encourage you to stick with it and keep these beauties on the road.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

mgbracer80 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 22:14:08 -0500

Well Jim- I care a whole lot ( hence to why I created the post) and it looks like about 17 other people care as well. Thanks for your opinion and please move on.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

80MGBLE — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:57:04 -0500

Not for nothing but the only reason we own these cars is because they were around when most of us were young. Nobody here has had a grandfather pass them down his Model T so why shouldn't kids now a days want to pick their own future classic cars? Yes, it might just be a Toyota Camry Solara or Mazda Miata. Who cares? My nephew just turned 13, he doesn't think my MGB is all that cool and I don't worry about it.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Youngmgbuilder — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:36:48 -0500

I can assure you that there are kids out there restoring cars. I'm in the 8th grade and there are a few kids in my class restoring cars. One is restoring a '65 Mustang, another customizing a '77 Chevy truck, and a friend in the 7th grade is making a '30's rat rod with his uncle. And then there is me who is restoring 2 B's, and I got started by my dad at a car show with him talking about how much he has always wanted one. So there IS hope with this generation!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Jack Long — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:58:50 -0500

In reply to # 2052874 by DiBiaso these kids drive and work on old hondas, toyotas and acuras. often they are one or two inspections away from heading to the crusher, but they have $1000 sets of wheels on them.

When I was a kid, my wheels and tires were always worth more than the rest of my car!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

ohlord — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:46:56 -0500

A. Drive them and let people see the beauty.They see,they fall in love ,they buy !
B. Teach the younger generation to work on their own cars, whether they be tuners or grocery getters.
That way when you pass the MG on they know and love the car.
C. Teach your kids or grand kids,or any kid how to drive them. Once they do they usually want one right now or will be receptive to owning one in the future.
D. Go to the local hot rod cruises or show and shines on Fridays and Saturday nights.
We always have at least a few MG's and even an MGYT at some of our local gatherings.
E. Form an event such as the one about 20 of us are attending this Friday with MG models from 1947 to 1980 attending www.snoisletech.com/ Auto vocation tech class. Some enterprising young tech may just see the potential in becoming the next John Twist,these cars are going to be around a long time and someone will carry the torch.

My son about 8 years ago proudly de-rubber bumpering an MG midget autocross car. At 16 he is ready with hundreds of hours behind the wheel for rally school and wants an MGB of his own,SOON!!!

Drive.....
Forgot one more thing.... Get out and race them. When you show some tuner that you can out drift him at an autocross event you let them really see what a non abs,esp,abs, car can do .

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

DiBiaso — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:58:02 -0500

i have actually seen some encouraging signs where i live.

here in new england, there is very high latino population. these kids drive and work on old hondas, toyotas and acuras. often they are one or two inspections away from heading to the crusher, but they have $1000 sets of wheels on them. regardless of appearing misguided (to me), these kids have a genuine love of their own cars, and can will talk for hours about JDM (japanese domestic market) bits and pieces they are going to add to their cars.

these are the kids that also seem to express the most interest when they see my car. they always ask what kind of porsche it is ;)

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Monkberry — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:22:23 -0500

I completely agree with your rant. I'm 51 and I grew up in the 70's, when you'd see new MGB's still rolling out of production and I fell in love with them. My friends all thought they were pretty cool too. I actually loved the lines on the MGA's so now I have one and have rebuilt it myself all using the vast knowledge of the internet and sharing knowledge and experiences in forums like this one. I love my MGA and it gets a lot of thumbs up driving around from all sorts but the majority are from guys my age or older. The younger guys like the car but a lot of them feel like it's un-masculine because it's so small. In this day and age when bigger is better and I drive next to monster size expeditions and tundra trucks, that's the thinking that propagates the young. It's only until they see the car up close and actually drive in the car, especially on those cooler damp days when the dual SUV carbs on her just change personality and start roaring down the road, taking turns like a slingshot, then they start to see that bigger is not always better! This car is a riot to drive and it's got real personality and no, I just can't picture the youth of today having passions fixing up their old prius's and cubes either lol. Peter

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

melbaver — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:22:21 -0500

In reply to # 2052675 by Jack Long and he is a good kid, very respectful and pleasant.

Gotta get that out of him, cussin' is an essential part of the toolbox.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Jack Long — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 08:12:17 -0500

I have a 17 year old neighbor who wants to train as an auto tech and restore muscle cars. Last week he helped me change out a heater valve on one of my MGs and was quite smitten. He took the old heater valve home as a souvenir and asked me to call him the next time I'm working on either of my B's.

I have to say having a young athletic helper who was willing to dive under the car and retrieve dropped fasteners was a welcome event, and he is a good kid, very respectful and pleasant.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

MG Unlimited — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 07:54:47 -0500

Part of the reason is that less high schools teach trades anymore. Every high school i knew of in the late 70s early 80s had at least a small engine repair class. They used to have auto body classes as well. Kids would bring their cars to school and fix and paint them. Now, my son's high school only has one trade left a small carpentry class and i think that is going by the wayside. Also, don't count on your son being interested. They have a lot of things avaialble to them now, computers, games even sports. I have two sons, i would like nothing better than to have them work on cars with me but neither is interested...even when i'm working on their cars!!!! If i'm under his car doing something and his only responsability is to hold the light, the light will start moving all over the place because....HE'S TOO BUSY TEXTING!!!!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

JMoore — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:58:32 -0500

I"m about to restore a '68 GT with my 14 year old son... does that count?

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

sws615 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:46:41 -0500

I think the whole issue of where the next generation will come from is a challenge, but at the same time I'm hopeful. Our club has an increasing number of younger members. Often the back story is a couple generations of LBCs in the family, but not always. Just had a 19 year old guy join last month.

In our family my wife and I got the LBC bug in our younger days, but our children have already laid claim to the MGs......and I'm not planning on going anywhere anytime soon.

Steve

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

NOHOME — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:28:29 -0500

Troy:

I have to say tthat yes, the hobby will decline. Will it die out entirely? No, since people will always be in need of a hobby.

Driving in general is declining with young people. I was reading an article that claimed a 20% decline in 16-20 year olds driving when compoared to the 1970s. Truth is the group of kids that can afford to drive is declining at the same rate as the middle class in North America, so it will be a lucky kid who can afford to drive one of these cars 20 years down the road.

As to interest? I live two doors away from the elemetary school, with a virtual river of kids walking by at 8:50 am. It is a rare one that will notice the MGB GT as I am trying to get out the driveway.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

chormy — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:20:41 -0500

One MGC guy , gives his children and grandchildren a MGC , his 5-6 yr old is getting a C with T5 gearbox and all the work !! wish I could do the same.

I bought my eldest a TVR cerb LW and the youngest at the time 12 a sports fishing boat (so he could take grandad fishing)

Now they have sold them and got a house and a Mini ah well !!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

oily-hands — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:05:08 -0500

Here's a classic case of the elder passing things on to the younger.

I'm 64 and my 72 year old mentor is teaching me all sorts of new things. Trouble is I can't remember them. :S

There are quite a few young guys in my area interested in classic cars, but more Fords than MGs.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Basil Adams — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:50:22 -0500

In reply to # 2052550 by purdysmg The were different and every one was exposed to them and saying you did not like a MG or Triumph or Mini was like saying you did not like the Guess Who.

Only at MGExperience could a guy in Norway talk about a Canadian Band that sang about an American Woman and relate it to British cars. Well done!

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

purdysmg — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:36:57 -0500

Infect as many young people as you can but dont expect the high level of interest that people once had. I have always felt that one of the reasons for the success of these little British cars was down to a time of a big music and cultural revolution. The were different and every one was exposed to them and saying you did not like a MG or Triumph or Mini was like saying you did not like the Guess Who. They were available at a relative cheap cost and they could be fixed by yourself in your drive way from parts available from the local auto parts supplier. This same age group today is focused on other things for better or worse. I do find a larger following in Europe with the young than America seems to have maybe we are just more concentrated here. LBC and their parts suppiers will be around for a long time I believe.

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Maine — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:20:29 -0500

I have already given my 11 year old grandson my MGB and will most likly get the TD

Re: Pass it down (my rant)

Basil Adams — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:00:01 -0500

I have an extremely bright and extremely pretty 18 year-old niece. She keeps trying to talk me out of one of the MGAs. I figure if the hobby ever starts to die I'll help her get stranded by the roadside and watch 50 young guys suddenly become interested in MGs. The future is bright :)

Pass it down (my rant)

mgbracer80 — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:18:29 -0500

I have had the the upmost privilege to be mentored by a brilliant British Car guru at the age of 13. I am now 26 and the other day a small fear struck me- Is our passion for these vehicles going to die with us? I feel I am a rare breed and was lucky enough to be surrounded by this at a young age. In 30-50 years from now, when all of you and myself are gone, will they be restoring Honda Del Sol's and SMART cars? My point and my question is this: If the old man ran me off 13 years ago when I walked into his garage asking about his Austin Healy, I would never know the joy (and sorrow) of owning an MGB. Is there anything anyone is doing to pass this passion down like this old man did for me? I will certainly have a shot with my son in about 10 years time, but I feel I need to infect someone sooner:)