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Y'all lose parts?

Posted by robieusa

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Y'all lose parts? #1
robieusa Robert Flynn Lexington, KY, USA 1973 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 08:28AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 642

When I was actively working on my B, I would order & trade lots of parts: lamp assemblies, seat do-dads, grille, top frames.

I recently moved and now go to the garage with very distinct memories of, say, being satisfied with the replacement grille I found on eBay 3 years ago. Only to dig & dig through boxes of parts I don't even recall having only to *not* find that grille.

Curious if it's senility or part of the normal experience of B owner.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #2
Dave Braun Minnesota, USA 1952 MG TD "Tommy" 1970 MG MGB "Maggie" 1974 Triumph Spitfire 1500 "Sammy"	Posted: June 10, 2012 08:40AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1,979

I label boxes- on two sides so I can place them in stacks and move them about and still read what is in the box.

I keep all my parts organized and try to leave nothing sitting out.

I throw away old parts as I replace them if they are not rebuildable (like interior panels, carpet, etc.)

And I still loose parts.

warmly,
dave

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #3
jjgerding jay gerding Spring Hill, Florida, USA	Posted: June 10, 2012 09:31AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1,049

It's all part of the game and includes tools, too. I have in the past spent a full day looking for a part or tool without success, only to stumble across said item immediately the next day. It's a pretty amazing phenomenon. I think it may be the ghosts of the PO's.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #4
sws615 Stephen Struck Grand Haven, MI, USA 1967 MG MGB GT 1975 MG MGB "Commission # G23N124120" 2007 Acura TL Type-S	Posted: June 10, 2012 10:40AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 3,550

I'm with Dave. I labeled things religiously, tried to keep like parts in the same box, reviewed contents from time to time and still had to go on search missions sometimes. All part of the game I guess.

Steve

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #5
j-blueridge Jamie Bourland C'ville VA, USA 1968 MG MGB GT "Antichrist"	Posted: June 10, 2012 11:04AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 640

I work at a boarding school and I before I got a barn for the GT I had bits stashed here and there in dry places.

Now I cannot find: front bumper carbs air cleaners rear shocks some "chrome" strips any photos of tear-down process! more TBD

I did find 2 complete sets of window glass 2 standard trans, 1 overdrive (Quantum Mechanics) 2 1/2 Aluminum hoods 2 drivers front fenders (not originals)
2 drivers doors (not originals) 4 oil pumps 3 oil pans 7 newer connecting rods 5 old-style connecting rods more.

Where the heck are my carbs!

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #6
rocannon Frank L Oklahoma, USA 1980 MG MGB "Restored By Photoshop Inc."	Posted: June 10, 2012 11:48AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 2,126

It's finding a tool or part after I've given up or don't need it anymore that's the frustrating part!

Procrastinate... later.

TANSTAAFL !

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #7
29desoto Wayne Sanders Outside Otis, OR - in the woods!, USA 1965 MG MGB V6 Conversion "Tubby" 1977 MG MGB "Ole Yeller" 1979 MG MGB "Kermit" 1984 Chevrolet Corvette "The Green Weenie" 1994 Chevrolet S10 "Lil Red"	Posted: June 10, 2012 11:55AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 6,023

And when you do find the part, it's a good laugh.

I sold a house four years ago, and my son was helping me sweep out the garage/shop. He picked up a funny looking bolt and asked what it was.

In two seconds I told him it was the clutch fork pivot bolt from a 58 Bugeye.

I'm pretty sure he thought I was kidding. I was NOT kidding. I looked for that thing for hours. Lost it about fifteen years ago now.

Wayne Sanders
Rose Lodge, OR

"I don't care to belong to any club that accepts people like me"-joined Willamette Valley Club in 2011

77 MGB - Four tone paint - some kind of electronic ignition - hood props - cheap tires - new springs all around - mixture of poly and rubber bushings - original exhaust - fuzzy seatcovers - stereo out of old F150 pickup - virtually no rust - right front wrecked and semi well repaired - just about right for me!

78 MGB - Done right by a good PO, and I only bought it. Tell Jim how nice it is. But I did put in a Datsun 5 speed.

79/65 MGB - Tubby - Carmine Red - V-6 - T-5
Going to do this one more right, less rat rod!

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #8
jonathan.lipkin jonathan lipkin ., Long Island, USA 1972 MG MGB 2012 Volkswagen Passat	Posted: June 10, 2012 11:58AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 448

Jamie, your carbs are right next to the drain plug for my gas tank, which I just put down over there...

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #9
robieusa Robert Flynn Lexington, KY, USA 1973 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 12:07PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 642

Hehe. Even sealed and labeled parts tubs are not safe from PO gremlins.

Thinking of restarting the swaps of things and don't need and don't recall ordering to replace the things I'm pretty sure I've ordered but have gone missing.

Up first for offer:
Early 70s bare seat frames with black vinyl headrests; complete windshield; lots of blinker lights.

Needed:
Fish mouth grille; seatbelts; seat covers; seat diaphragms.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #10
Reese Reese Moore Texas, USA 1970 MG MGB GT "Redrum" 1970 Triumph GT6+ (MkII) "Scooter" 1974 MG MGB GT "Booger" 1974 MG MGB GT "Snowball" 1975 MG MGB "The Beach"	Posted: June 10, 2012 01:25PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 202

Been there and done it! I find that if I rebuy the missing part or tool, the missing item shows up in a day or two. I have two complete sets of wrenches, so theoretically I should have one wrench in each size. I cannot explain why I now have no half-inch wrenches and three 7/16 and three 9/16 inch. Poltergiest?

I'm not a complete idiot--some parts are missing

1970 MGBGT Red
1970 Triumph GT-6 Burgandy
1974 MGBGT White
1974 MGBGT Tundra
1975 MGB Flamenco (converted to CB w/'69 motor)

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #11
RKM Richard Marcks Palm Desert, CA, USA 1973 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 02:50PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 758

I will buy a new part and then find that I already had one.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #12
lewisrn Bob Lewis Danville, IN, USA 1980 MG MGB "The "B""	Posted: June 10, 2012 03:16PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 3,575

In reply to # 2090137 by RKM I will buy a new part and then find that I already had one.

Man! I'm glad I'm not the only one! Anyone need the metal channel for the rubber seal on the top header rail? I now have an extra!

Life is a state of mind.

80B - Engine overhauled 1/11, SU HS4's, O/D, all Speedhut gauges, cruise control, front & rear suspensions rebuilt, tube shocks on rear, Moss lowering kit, Bell SS Exhaust, Ed's 110 amp alternator, Schlemmerized distributor with Pertronix, LED tail lights, halogen headlights, Limey's fuse box & relays, etc., etc.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #13
NewBRG72B Rodney McLain Greenville SC, USA 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class "The SLK" 2004 Volvo V70 "The Wagon" 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 "The Diesel"	Posted: June 10, 2012 03:20PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 786

I lose them in the garage and have lost them on the road. sad smiley

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #14
melbaver Chris Howells Broadwater NSW, Australia 1968 MG MGB "Moneypit" 1996 Jeep Cherokee "Shopping Trolley"	Posted: June 10, 2012 03:53PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 4,949

If all the time I've lost looking for misplaced parts in my workshop (and eventually finding them) was applied to my restoration, the car would be finished and I'd be starting another one.

Chris Howells

1968 MGB Purchased already dis-assembled which is why I'm often ignorant about what some parts are, and even more ignorant of where they go.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #15
rocannon Frank L Oklahoma, USA 1980 MG MGB "Restored By Photoshop Inc."	Posted: June 10, 2012 04:02PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 2,126

those are called spares... grinning smiley

Procrastinate... later.

TANSTAAFL !

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #16
bpaquette Bob Paquette Grand Prairie, TX, USA 1969 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 04:10PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 601

For me it's always some little thing that I can't find and keeps me from completing some task. Today it's the flat aluminum bands that are used like cable ties for the fuel & brake lines and wiring that run under the car. I know I have them and they have been cleaned and straightened ready to be put back on. I think they are someware in a zip lock bag but I've been through ever box, bin, and coffee can and can't find them. Oh well I've quit for today. They'll turn up eventually.

Bob

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #17
JohnTF John F Northeastern Ohio, USA 1970 MG MGB 1970 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 07:05PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 843

I looked for my soldering gun for a year, mind you, I have two, -- found all the parts to them, and it took a month after I bought a replacement before I found the old one.

I just bought some of the magnetic pans just so I can keep track of the parts and small tools while I am working on the car.

I also keep a lot of parts in the trunk, or in certain boxes that they came in until I put them on. I try to order a variety of parts to consolidate the shipping, I think I had to pay $5 shipping last year for a bottle of LMA, after checking locally for a month.

Some of the parts in the trunk are the obvious, spare radiator hose, light bulbs, fuses, brake fluid, oil, zoom oil filler for the carbs, -- and some stuff I just don't want to lose before I figure out how to install it. ;-)

There was a swap meet at the first show of the year, and I gave some other MG folks some great deals on spare parts, as did a few other people.

Regards, John

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #18
saanich2006 Robert Browning Atlanta, Georgia, USA 1968 Chevrolet Corvette 1973 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 07:39PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 1,787

I think we have all been there at one time or another - whether we want to admit it or not.

Yesterday, I needed to get the metal locking clip out of my old choke cable. I looked for about two hours and then saw it hanging on the wall!

What I hate the most is when you drop something and it goes into the twilight zone. I was putting the pulley back on my alternator and dropped the little half moon, pulley key. Of course it was 11:00 at night and no place was open to get another one. I looked everywhere with a 12' diameter and I still never found it!

When I was just redoing my engine compartment, I labeled every screw and bolt and part I took off. I had been collecting the small plastic cups they use at fast food restaurants for about a year. They have a clear lid and are a great size. The ones from Chick-fil-A are the best. I put a yellow Post-it note inside everyone. It worked great.

"He had delusions of adequacy."

Law of Mechanical Repair - After your hands become coated with grease, your nose will begin to itch and you'll have to pee.

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #19
Ayu Wayne Caldwell NM, USA 1968 MG MGB 1969 MG MGB	Posted: June 10, 2012 09:39PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 65

20 Years ago when stationed in Naples, Italy, Chris would receive a tool catalog from the US. I never ordered anything from that company- I had enough "Hard To Find Tools". And still do.

It's just as frustrating to be working on whatever part, put the wrench down, turn around for something, and then can't find the wrench I just had in my hand. Another of those 'Hard-to Find Tools'.....

Wayne

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Re: Y'all lose parts? #20
forestghost07 Marco Sinai Florida, USA 1972 MG MGB GT "Viajero" 1999 Chevrolet Blazer "Works For Gas"	Posted: June 10, 2012 10:39PM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 2,225

Still wondering where the heck is the rear bumper center section off my '73 Alfa Romeo Montreal which disappeared from the trunk of my Mom's Alfa sedan in 1990 before I got it to the chrome shop. confused smiley

That was the longest and most $$$ parts hunt I ever experienced. The replacement showed up 3 weeks after I sold the car in '92! eye rolling smiley

~ Marco and Viajero ~

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