John Moore's Journal

"New" 1968 MGB GT

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 09:23:40 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

On Nov. 9, 2010 we got a "new" 1968 MGB GT that we purchased from our friend Saul Morse in AZ. He needed to "thin the herd" and when we saw them on AZ over the summer we talked about buying the GT as a father and son project with my soon to be 14 year of son. It's a great driver, with OD and new Moss Leather seats. Saul did some rust repair on the right side lower front fender, rocker and dogleg. I'll have to do the same on the other side, but beyond that it's a very solid car! It just needs to be finished off! I've been having a great time driving it the past few weeks.

<In the garage like "cord wood'!>

Posted 2010-12-10 09:23:40 by John Moore

Supercharger Install

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:28:57 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

Tho' I've had the kit for awhile, I've just been too busy traveling with my job to get good garage time, so I made time today! The nice weather we've been having in the Northeast has made me want to get out in drive!

Before I started, I put in a 4 degree offset key to match my Delta 262 cam. That was pretty straight forward. While down there I used Jeff S's timing pointer and relocated my timing marks to the top side of the pulley. I used a MSD Timing sticker (PN 8985) for a 5.25" pulley that I bought from Jegs. I had to cut the sticker WAY down to make it fit, but now I have good hash marks I can follow. I"m sure this will be a nice touch when it comes to tuning the SC.

So far the Moss Supercharger has been pretty easy to install. The instructions are great, have photos and everything including hardware is included. I've got the pulleys and new alternator and water pump installed. I just bolted up the blower so I thought I would share a few photos.

Also while I'm doing this I'm adding to my thermostat a blanking plate to help with hot days. Also, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my old SU set up. I'm temped to sell them to help with Bugeye cost, but I guess I better make sure all is well with the blower first! lol

Update...

Here's the latest. I have the tensioner pulleys installed along with the serp belt. I've also been working on re-routing the accelerator and choke cables. The K&N is installed along with the fan. I've also been cleaning up stuff and repainting were needed. Next up I need to finish installing the radiator and figure out what I'm going to do with the return pipe. I bought a new one, but it's off at the chromers. I should have it back next week. Right now I'm going to use my old brass pipe. I also need to finish installing the t-stat housing for the blanking plate I'm not running in conjection with the t-stat. I also have to hook up the PVC and dist. advance. But I'm getting close! woo hoo!

Update....

I can't wait to get out there and drive today! Unfortunately, I'll have to dodge the rain drops.

Last night I originally had it set up at 15 degrees BTDC but heard some pinging, so I backed it down to 13. I'll have to listen to it closely today and get it dialed in. Having the timing numbers on top is a HUGE help! I was also suprised that I didn't have to do anything to the SU HIF44. It cranked immediately, idled at 800-900 when the car warmed up and drove really nice! I'm sure I'll check the plugs later for color.

Here are a few photos. As I mentioned before, I need re-route a few things like the crankcase hose and I'm also going to go back to the original heater return pipe, when it gets back from the chromer.

<Timing Pointer moved to top side>	<Bolting up the Blower>	<Coming together....>
<First Drive!!!>

Posted 2009-04-29 19:28:57 by John Moore

Engine Refresh II - GOTCHA!!!

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:09:55 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

The engine rebuild went along pretty much without incident, I even installed it myself without a hitch. But shortly thereafter the "GOTCHA's" showed up big time and REALLY tested my patience!

The first was no oil pressure! UGGG! I spun it over and over to no avail. Finally, I took the advice of Paul Hanley and poured oil down the rear oil cooler line and turned the engine over backwards with a wrench to prime the pump. Success!

The next day, I planned on starting it. Yeah RIGHT! While taking the front end down off the jackstands, I was using a 2x4 shim on top of my jack under the front cross member. It slipped and the weight of my car came down on my jack right on the oil pan. CRUNCH! My oil pan was seriously dented! When I finally got it off, I discovered I had broken the oil pump. GOTCHA! What a major pain!

So I finally get the new oil pump and pan installed. I get oil pressure... yay! But GOTCHA! It won't crank... all it wants to do is backfire out the SU's and tail pipe. During the rebuild I was VERY careful to keep #1 at TDC. Well somewhere along the way I goofed an got the distributor 180 degrees off. That took alot of head scratching to figure out. But FINALLY it cranked! YAY!

The first impressions of the re-curved dist and P&P'd head are remarkable! The car just really wants to accelerate and rev! The butt dyno really likes it! lol! Now I need to dial it all in, but that's the fun part... I hope!

<CUNCH!>

Posted 2007-03-24 04:09:55 by John Moore

Engine Refresh

Thu, 08 Mar 2007 13:46:15 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I've pretty much got my engine back together with the new Sean Brown head. I reused the old main bearings as they looked new and plastiguage said they were within spec. I put in new rod bearings. The new Deves rings also measured within spec and the balance of the engine went together with out any hitches. I put in new front and rear main gaskets and used a Payen Head gasket and other Payen gaskets throughout. This time I only lightly coated the rings in WD-40 and used moly lube on the cam. Mostly the cam followers looked ok. One had a bit more pitting than the others (# 7) so I'll watch it closely.

To top it off, I used chrome acorns on the head and new stainless hardware. It really looks great with the chrome valve cover. I also got a chrome oil cap from VB, it breathes soooo much better than my original. Hopefully, that will also help with the oil consumption issues I was having.

I also sent my intake and exhaust manifold to Jet Hot to be coated! I can't wait to see how they turn out.

The next step will be to install the flywheel, clutch and transmission.

<Engine Refresh A.JPG>

<Fish on a hook a.JPG>

Posted 2007-03-08 13:46:15 by John Moore

Head Work

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:31:09 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

While my engine was apart I sent the head to Sean Brown for a port and polish job as well as having the intake port matched and polished. A total of three MGBexperience members sent him heads for work and he did an excellent write up on the process on his website. www.flowspeed.com Definitely check it out. I also got my block back last week, I had it cleaned and the cylinder bores honed. It looks like the original rings never set properly. I'm attributing this to using too much assembly lube during the rebuild. ROOKIE ERROR! I was lucky to be able to find a set of .030 Deves Rings.

Hopefully, next week, I'll get around to putting it back together.

ps- oh yeah! I had Jeff rebush, recurve and install a petronix flame thrower in my Eurospec 45D! woo hoo!

<Cylinder Head just arrived from Sean!>

Posted 2007-02-11 10:31:09 by John Moore

My New B!

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 20:49:52 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I thought I might go backwards a bit....

I bought my B on April 6, 2003 from a guy in Northern New Jersey. After being into Land Rovers for some time, I got the itch to own another MG. Someone on one of the Land Rover boards turned me on to the MGBexp. After looking at a few, I found this one in the autotrader. It was running, but didn't have an interior. I was carefully looking for rust.... (wow! What I didn't know then) I did find rust on one of the trumpets and was about to walk with the guy quickly lowered his price and pointed out that it came with a hard top and and OD transmisson. $2000 later my adventure began....

<MG & Rover.JPG>	<MG Grill.JPG>	<MGB 4.JPG>
<MGB Front.JPG>	<MGB Interior.JPG>	<MGB Side.JPG>

Posted 2007-01-13 20:49:52 by John Moore

Engine Apart Again

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 13:12:42 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

Towards the end of the 2006 season, I really started to burn oil, approximately 1 qt per 300 miles. My thought was either bad valve seals or the one piece oil control rings I had used during the rebuild three years ago.

Barney, Bill and Dennis came over the Friday before New Years and helped me pull it from the car. Thanks! When I pulled the head, I noticed that cylinder #3 was pretty carboned up, but the good news was that there was no evidence of cylinder bore damage from a broken ring.

I finally pulled the pistons and still no smoking gun. But on pistons 2,3 & 4, the ring gaps had moved close to each other! weird.

I had the head magged and bead blasted. No cracks! yay! The plan right now is to send it to Sean Brown for a P&P job and to continue to break down the engine. Have it honed, put in new gaskets and rings.

<Engine Crank.JPG>	<Engine Piston.JPG>	<Engine Piston Bearing.JPG>
<Engine cylinders.JPG>	<Engine Studs.JPG>

Posted 2007-01-11 13:12:42 by John Moore

MG Summer / 2006

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 08:56:32 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

After getting my B back on the road earlier this year, I've had an incredible MGB Summer! I've driven it everywhere logging an estimated 8000 miles. (my odo quit the last two months!) The highlight was driving 14 hours from NY to Gatlinburg, TN for MG2006. That was AMAZING! I've had a great time attending many shows and meeting all sorts of MG people. That is really the highlight for me, MG people are the best.

Some shows include:

Celebration of Celts (ATA)
MG2006 (3rd Place in Class)
British Motorfest (1st Place in Class)
Ticonderoga Auto Show
Bergen County Art Museum (2nd Place Best of Show)
Edaville Cranberry Festtival Boston Area MG Club/Bay State MG Clug (Crowd Favorite, 2nd Place Best of Show, 2nd Place in Class, Best Interior, Furtherst Distance)

And countless other Cruise In's, Drives and Rally's

Now I've put her away for the winter and have a few plans in place, including finding my oil loss problem.

But WOW! What a year!

<Blake & John's B's at MG2006>	<Cranberry Festival>	<British Motorfest>
<Celebration Of Celts>	<Janel and I at MG2006>	<Carl, Peter and my B in Brooklyn>
<British Motorfest>	<MGBexp gang at MG2006>	<MG2006 Greg Bowman's and my B>
<More B's in Brooklyn>

Posted 2006-11-19 08:56:32 by John Moore

Daytons!!!

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 19:31:20 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

Today I installed new hubs on all four corners and new Dayton Wire Wheels!

They are beautiful and handle even better. I feel like the car is transformed. No more wiggles, shimmies, shakes or rattles. The car fells like its riding on rails and the steering is incredibly responsive.

My Daytons are DB72-145, chrome and tubeless. 14" 72 Spokes.

<Daytons 1.JPG>	<Daytons 2.JPG>	<Daytons 3.JPG>
<Graveyard 3.JPG>	<Graveyard 1.JPG>	<Spinners.JPG>

Posted 2006-06-17 19:31:20 by John Moore

On The Road Again .... Finally!!!

Fri, 05 May 2006 05:17:55 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

Woo hoo! Last night I put in the seats and belts and cleaned the wire wheels up a bit. She's insured and licened and ON THE ROAD AGAIN! The only thing left to do is install the chrome side strips, I hope to do that tonight. I'm not gonna call it finished (as you never finish a B ) but I can drive her again! I have new Daytons on the way and eventually, I would like to P&P the head and maybe Supercharge if I can save that many pennies.

I put about 50 miles on her today. She did GREAT, the only teething trouble so far has been a fluky gas gauage (tends to wander) and some deisling after I turn it off. But oh man did it feel good!

I was going to call out individuals for thanks, but I'm sure I would forget someone and feel like an ass. But I couldn't have done it with out the ongoing support of this incredible community. As Carl French once said, it's like being in a garage with all your Frat buddies, going "Do it, do it, do it"! I can't believe I listened! LOL!

UPDATES>>>
- Gas guage... bad ground.. Duh!
- Dieseling... loose vacuum hose.
- Chrome strips... done! Not so bad. I lined them up with masking tape and drilled away! Look great and really finish the car.

<On The Road 1.JPG>	<On The Road 2.JPG>	<On The Road 3.JPG>
<On The Road 4.JPG>	<On The Road 5.JPG>	<Chrome Strip 3.JPG>

Posted 2006-05-05 05:17:55 by John Moore

Floor Pans

Sun, 23 Apr 2006 20:29:19 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

This is out of order but here is how I did my floor pans.

From 6/6/05

I'm making good progress. I got the heel board extensions welded in. I followed Brian's lead and took Bill K's suggestion and welded 1/4" bar stock onto the bottom of my repro floor pans for my seat bolts. Later when I fit the seat rails, I will drill and tap these steel squares. I prepped the floor pans for welding and they slid right into place! No massaging necessary! Woo hoo! I need to make one patch near the floor boards, but hopefully they will be welded in shortly. After that, power wash the bottom and paint. Then fit the doors, fenders and bonnet.

<Rusty Heel Board Extension>	<New Heel Board From Bottom>	<Floor Pans Test Fitted>
<Floor Pan Captive Steel Welded In>	<Old Floor Pans Cut Out>	<Floor Pan Finished!>

Posted 2006-04-23 20:29:19 by John Moore

MKII Console & Hood

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 04:05:21 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

When I purchased my B, the interior was completely stripped so I had no direct point of reference as to how it was done a the factory. Originally, I sat my center console on top of the transmission tunnel carpet. But it was pointed out to me by Gary Alpern and others that the carpet should lip up around the console. Unforntuatley, my carpet from Presitige wasn't cut that way. So after looking at many photos and getting great instructions from Gerry Masterman, I took a mat knife to it and slowly cut it back and folded it under. To hold it in place I used a loop stitch.

And the Hood!

I was concerned that after a year and a half in my basement it would have shrunk or been damaged, but it did ok! I still have a bit of a gap along the middle of the header rail and I can't button up all the lift a dots yet, but it's definitely looking like an MGB again! I figure one day in the sun and all will stretch out nicely.

Fingers crossed I get my bits back from the zinc plater on wednesday as promised or I will surely stall.

Not too long now!

<Console on top of the carpet>	<Console in carpet>	<Console in carpet>
<Recovered console>	<Hood 1>	<Hood 2>

Posted 2006-04-11 04:05:21 by John Moore

Truck Bed Liner

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 04:36:41 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I did this awhile ago (right before paint), but I get so many questions about it, I thought I would create a journal entry.

I had heard about Hot Rod guys using bed liner and seen a few guys on the board use it too. So after some reading and investigation I decided to do the same. I had three criteria:

1. I wanted it tinted body color
2. I wanted to be able to apply it in my garage
3. I wanted to buy it locally to save shipping

Hippo Liner met all three criteria.

Some of the other choices are Rhino Liner (only comes in 4 colors) or LineX (must be done at a LineX shop)

I mostly brushed it on; However, it can be sprayed with a shutz gun. I applied it over an epoxy primer at the recommendation of the auto paint suppy house where I bought it. I had considered putting it on over POR-15, but thought that would be overkill and I was concerned about adhesion. It took two kits to complete the job @ $70 per kit. I also had enough left over to do the top sides of my floor pans as well as the t-tunnel. It has an orange peel like texture.

<Bottom_Bedliner_1_small.jpg>	<Bottom_in_Bedliner_1_small.jpg>	<Bottom_Primer_small.jpg>
<Bottom_In_Bedliner_2.JPG>	<Floors_Bedliner_small.jpg>

Posted 2006-04-06 04:36:41 by John Moore

Carpet And Panels

Sun, 02 Apr 2006 18:04:23 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

Over the last two nights I got the carpet and most of the panels in. It pretty straight forward, nothing tricky. Tho' I did build up the transmission hump a bit with duct insulation from the Homey to make the carpet there lay better.

The doors are still bare since the zinc plater has my latch hardware, the striker plate and latch itself. I'm not sure how much of the door I can put together with out those two itmes. Also the zinc plater also has my seat rails. If I don't get that stuff soon he's gonna stall my project. Bummer!

Barring that, I really hope to be done in the next few weeks! Just in time for convertible weather!

<Carpet_T_Hump_A_small.jpg>	<Carpet_T_Hump_B_small.jpg>	<Carpet_A_small.jpg>
<Carpet_B_small.jpg>	<Carpet_C_small.jpg>

Posted 2006-04-02 18:04:23 by John Moore

Sound Deadener/ Floor Heat Shield

Sun, 26 Mar 2006 20:18:18 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I didn't get much garage time this weekend, but I did manage to install sound deadener/heat shield on my floors and cockpit. After reading...

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com/

I chose Second Skin Damplifier. It has similar characteristics as Dynamat at a slightly better cost. $110 shipped for 40 sq ft. It's also a buytle/aluminum product versus asphalt with much higher heat tolerances. I found it very easy to install. The worse part was cutting the aluminum. It did a number slicing and dicing my hands! (it hurts to type!) The sheets are 12x24". I put it over the truck bed liner which is on the bottom and top of my floor boards. I'm hoping the combination will cut down on the heat and rattles. I've already noticed that my B has a nice luxury car "thud" when you close the doors or knock on the floor.

Next step will be to install the interior. I'm still waiting on the zinc plater for a bunch of bits and pieces.. It been almost two months now! Arrrg!

PS - I also need to extend thanks to Frank (MGBjockey) for his help and feedback on this project.

<deadener_a.jpg>	<deadener_b.jpg>	<deadener_c.jpg>
<deadener_d.jpg>

Posted 2006-03-26 20:18:18 by John Moore

She Lives!!! Woo Hoo!

Tue, 07 Mar 2006 21:17:56 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

Tonight with much apprehension, I put my fully charged battery in the well and hooked it up. (fire extinguisher by my side) I looked for a tell tell spark and there was none. This is the first time I've replaced a compete harness and I was VERY worried I would let out the smoke! I checked a few things, wipers wiped, horn honked, dash lights.... ummm... glowed (ah! normal) and most importantly I heart the tic tic tic of the good 'ol SU fuel pump! yay!

Next I tried turning her over. All went well. It's been over a year since I fired the greenie up, this is a long time coming. Next I checked for oil pressure. It seemed like forever of cranking and cranking but finally I showed 50#'s on the guage. (with coil lead disabled) I static timed her, filled up the radiator, and put some fresh gas in the tank. I turned on the ignition again and after another short while I finally saw gas hit the filter and I could hear it fill the SU float bowls and the ticking slowed and stopped. So the moment of truth. I pulled the choke and gave her a whirl. She started on the first lick! YAY! She belched smoke as all the marvel mystery oil burned off the cylinders. She idled smoothly and showed 70#'s of pressure! I was dancing a jig!

I was hovering over her like a nervous mother while she came up to operating temp. But while I was looking over the bay, I noticed drops of liquid hitting my face. Closer inspection revealed she was pissing a good stream of coolant from under the thermostat cap. I immediately shut her down and ran for the towels! lol! I tried torquing it down, but I think the rear stud will need a heli coil. Oh well!

Man that was exciting to finally hear it again after all this time!

<she_lives!.jpg>

<she_lives!_2.jpg>

Posted 2006-03-07 21:17:56 by John Moore

Windshield In, O2 Sensor, Vin Plates

Sun, 05 Mar 2006 06:30:33 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

Saul came over and helped me get the windshield in yesterday. Thanks man! Come to think of it,the first time I met Saul, I asked him to help me with my windshield. LOL! Gotta stop doing that!

I also got many other little things done. I got all new VIN and Commission plates. I had them engraved at a local trophy shop. I welded in a O2 Sensor Bung and got a sensor for my exhaust. I also got the exhaust 90% installed (gonna go look for some brass nuts today)

So it's humming right along. Now that the windshield is in, I'll start to work on hooking up the dash to the harness. That will be exciting 'cause once that's done I'll be able to crank it again. It's been about a year and 1/2 since she last ran.

I've ordered Second Skin Damplifer, a sound deadener similar to Dynamat. That is supposed to be here Monday. So soon I'll start on the interior. The zinc plater has had my parts (seat rails, door latches, etc.) now for almost three weeks, he is really taking his time, bummer. I still have some work to do on the doors to get good gaps.

But it feels like I'm making good progress.

<windshield_2.jpg>	<windshield_3.jpg>	<o2_sensor_a.jpg>
<o2_sensor_b.jpg>	<o2_sensor_c.jpg>	<vin.jpg>

Posted 2006-03-05 06:30:33 by John Moore

Dashboard Confessional - A Pillow Project

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 13:36:34 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

This was a serious "Might As Well", but I re-skinned my console and much maligned Abingdon Pillow Dash. I know this dash doesn't get alot of love, so I thought I would give it an opportunity to shine. My old dash was just "good" not great. I had put a topper on it, but it was showing it's age. My console definitely needed replacing.

I did the console a few weeks ago, a pretty easy job. I stripped the old cover and foam, painted the backer with POR-15 and quickly assembled it. The dash it self was a bit more of a project. I stripped the old cover and did my best to get rid of the old adhesive. I painted the back side white. I don't know who suggested that, but I thought that was a great idea to give more reflection in the future when I have to do behind the dash repairs. I took two days gluing on the new cover, but putting in the new guages just took a few hours. I left old harness "pigtails" on each of the connections to hopefully assist in hooking up the harness. I won't hook it up to the harness until I get the new windshield in.

But so far, a fairly easy project with VERY good results.

<console_new_small.jpg>	<dash_stripped.jpg>	<dash_b_small.jpg>
<dash_d_small.jpg>	<dash_d.jpg>	<dash_e.jpg>

Posted 2006-02-18 13:36:34 by John Moore

More Small Stuff And The Week From Hell...

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 20:06:34 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

This weekend I got to make some progress on the B. Mostly small stuff. But it's amazing how it always takes more time than you imagine. I got new lift-a-dots installed on the rear cowl as well as the rest of the convertible hardware. I bought stainless lift-a-dots at West Marine. When I was installing the rivets on the top slides, I managed to mar the paint pretty good. Bummer! Thank goodness for touch up paint. I also got the wiper motor installed. While it was out, I cleaned out all the gunky old grease and put in new lithium grease. I also cleaned and painted the assembly. Lastly, I installed the heater tubes and vents.

It was the week from Hell. Last Saturday was my birthday. We had planned a trip to Mass to go skiing, but canceled at the last minute do to the lack of snow, but mostly as our Cocker Spaniel Doogie wasn't doing well. He was 15, and a wedding present from my Mom. He had taken a turn for the worse. We did go skiing anyway at a local resort on Saturday, which was fun. Saturday night Doogie really struggled, both my wife and I expected him to pass away in his sleep but he continued to hang on. Sunday morning we were awakened at 6 AM with my little guy (6) throwing up everywhere as he had a stomach bug. While my wife attended to him, I went to fill the steam cleaner up with hot water. While doing that I noticed there was no hot water from the tap. I went to the basement and there was an inch of water everywhere! I quickly figured the bottom has rusted through. After lunch I went to buy a new hot water heater. I brought it home and installed it, but kept getting leaks. I finally gave up as I was exhausted. Doogie had another horrible night and we got no sleep. So Monday early, I took him to the vet to have him put to sleep. It was the only thing to do, how sad. When I got home, I called the plumbers, then buried my dog. The plumbers came over after lunch. They quickly informed me I had the wrong hot water heater and needed a self venting one. I paid them for their joy ride and sent them on their way. I uninstalled the hot water heater and got a new one. I finally got it installed around 10:30 that night. I finally got a hot shower Tuesday morning.

Turning 38 sucked, but doing some small stuff on the B sure did feel good this weekend!

<liftadots.jpg>	<wipers_a.jpg>	<wipers_b.jpg>
<heater_plumbing_a.jpg>	<heater_plubing_b.jpg>

Posted 2006-02-12 20:06:34 by John Moore

Front Bumper

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 16:56:01 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

As is often with MG's, nothing is easy! I thought this should be a simple bolt up affair, but ended up taking a day and 1/2! My original front bumper was in horrible shape so I bought a complete bumper kit from Moss. I assembled it on the car and all went well 'cept for the overriders. A 3/8" bolt is supposed to go from the back of the bracket, a spacer, bumper and to the overrider. I could just never make it work. It also appeared the build quality of the overrider was poor and the entry angle of the captive nut was off. After fighting with this for a few hours, I went to an auto parts store and bought a 3/8" stud. This allowed me to put the overrider on from the front and made installation much easier. I'm pleased with the all chrome early overriders. The grille is in the photo just for show. I won't mount it up 'til I finish wiring the head lamps and turn signals.

Next step is to rebuilt the dash. I also need to clean up my door latches as I plan on having them zinc plated.

<bumper_front_test_fit.jpg>

<bumper_front_1.jpg>

Posted 2006-01-28 16:56:01 by John Moore

Windshield Part 1

Sat, 28 Jan 2006 16:44:11 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I've been busy with several projects at one. The biggest was the windshield. I've always admired the chrome look of the windshield frames of the early cars, so I decided to remove the anodizing from mine. First with 800, 1000 then 1200 wet sand paper. I finished it off with white rouge on a buffing wheel. Mirror finish! It was beautiful. I was concerned that I needed to seal it, so after seeking advice on the BBS I chose a POR-15 clear coat called Glisten. It turned out to be a nightmare! The etching coat left the mirror finish hazy and the glisten, didn't flow every well. It looked like a mess. The next morning before it hardened I removed it with Goof Off and finally Oven Cleaner. I had to start over again with sand paper and the buffing wheel, but eventually got the mirror like finish back. I've since decided to leave it bare and polish regularly with Mother's Aluminum polish. Assembling the windshield was a BEAR! $*(@)*!# I've done a few and they are NO fun. This time I used a "personal lubricant", Astroglide, rather than soap and it worked pretty good. It was super slippery! And it's water based so it washed right off. Right now I have the windshield sitting on the car, stretching out the frame to body seal. I used all new rubber from MacGregor.

<winshield.jpg>

<windshield_1.jpg>

Posted 2006-01-28 16:44:11 by John Moore

Body Back Together, One Year Later...

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 20:07:37 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

It's almost a year to the date, I started taking my B apart to get a paint job! Little did I know at that time, the odyssey before me! Well today I finished aligning the doors and other panels. The gaps aren't perfect, but OK considering how much welding I did. The RH door was a major bear, like the fender on that side, I had a good bit of trouble. Good thing I don't have to look at that side when I get in and out of the car! I'm sure it will drive me crazy whenever I look at it... Oh well... I'll know how to do it next time! Oh did I say 'next time'.... NOT!

The next step will be to polish the windshield frame. I want to strip the anodizing and give it a mirror like finish. I've got new glass and new rubber from Mac Gregors. I also went the the fabric store today and bought some new vinyl to go between the windshield and new dash. To strip the WS frame I plan on using wet sand paper and then steel wool. I've heard others have used oven cleaner but I'm concerned about damaging the aluminum.

I'll post some before and after shots.

<Back together after new Paint>	<One year ago>	<One year ago>
<Yuck!!!>

Posted 2005-12-29 20:07:37 by John Moore

Split Bumper, More Engine Bay And Hood Struts

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 20:25:42 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I've been wanting to do this for a LONG time! I had my split bumpers re chromed about a year ago, when I originally thought I was just gonna strip down my car and paint! (How easy that would have been! lol!) I had them triple plated at Sandy's Bumper Mart in Rochester, NY for $350 (ouch!) I'm using Moss over riders. I POR-15'd the mounts and used a Moss hardware kit. Unfortunately, the Moss Kit does not take into consideration the 70 bumper uses an extra pair of chrome carriage bolts. But I'm VERY pleased. The photo doesn't do it justice. As a non-stock mod, I used chrome over riders. A '70 was the first year with the rubber inserts, but I thought all chrome was much nicer.

I also tweaked my engine bay a bit more. I finished the braided fuel lines. I used an Eurospec T-stat housing (w/o bracket - Thanks Mark J for that suggestion!) I also put chrome acorns on the housing and on the heater pipe. I also changed my heater pipe clamps to all aluminum.

I also added the gas struts for the bonnet, open wide and say "Aaaahhhh"

I hope to get ALOT more done this week.

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Posted 2005-12-27 20:25:42 by John Moore

Engine Bay 99% Complete

Fri, 02 Dec 2005 18:45:55 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

I still have a few small things but it's basically done. I need to attached the Tudor bottle and tubing, choke and heater cable and I need to put straps on the oil cooler lines.

I like the copper tube for the heater box, but I need to find a way to secure it. Unlike the early cars that had this same set up, my intake manifold has a rather large bolt in the front that prevents the tube from running parallel with the manifold. Hmmm, a head scratcher....

Next step is to finish hanging the doors, bonnet and boot lid...

Update...

I put two 1 3/4", 5/16" studs in the manifold. The only fine thread ones I could find were fine thread on one side and coarse on the other, but it worked just fine. The part of the stud that sticks in the manifold I sealed with hylomar on the threads. I put a nut on bottom and top of the clamp and used slightly smaller clamps. Worked out better than expected! Perfect height!

Also, just for grins, I added chrome acorn nuts on the t-stat housing! lol!

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Posted 2005-12-02 18:45:55 by John Moore

Bottom Wiring/plumbing Finished

Sat, 26 Nov 2005 06:34:27 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

Yesterday, I laid down on the job and finished the plumbing the bottom of my B. Since I didn't have Heritage pans with the studs already welded in place, I used 1" 7/16 stainless hardware and held them in place from above with JB Weld. Worked great! I don't remember who suggested that! Also, I guestimated the clamp locations after pouring over photos and Clausager.

As with most things MG or that look simple, this took me much longer than expected! I had to keep fiddling with the wires and battery cable so they laid down properly, I bolted and unbolted the whole deal several times to get it to lay properly. I can't get a photo of it, but the most challenging part was the area where the lines go behind the fuel pump and across the bottom of the trunk floor.

I think I need to add a wire tie or two where the battery cable and harness comes up into the bay as they hang a bit there. Let me know if I missed anything or if you have suggestions.

I also installed the handbrake.

PS - I apologize in advance.... yes, that is a bit of grime on the bottom of my transmission and oil pan! lol! :)

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Posted 2005-11-26 06:34:27 by John Moore

@#$*& Right Fender!!!

Sun, 13 Nov 2005 06:31:14 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

For those of you who have been following my progress, know I've had a world of problems with my right fender. I bought new front fenders as my original ones had too much bondo in the nose. The fenders I bought were repros off a parts car, I don't know their history, but my guess now is that they are not Heritage Fenders, due to the poor fit of the RH one.

Before paint the bottom did not fit, at first I suspected problems from where I welded up the sill, but that checked out. I ended up replacing the fender bottom and the fit was better.

Anyway, last night I decided to bolt it up. Everything seemed to go fine. I did put a few washers under the first three holes near the cowl to give it a smidgen of height. But as you will see in the attached, photos, it caused the bead to be off by the height of a washer! Go figure! So I might pull them out. I finally got the bottom to bolt up, the gap between the rocker and fender was OK. You won't see it unless you look. I checked the alignment holes I made before paint, they were good, so I snugged it down. So far so good. But later when I was putting on the front cowl, I noticed the wheel arch stressed and cracked the paint! @@#*(&@@&*#)$!!!! So I went to bed pretty disgusted.

I guess, I'll finish fitting the panels and call my paint man on Monday to talk with him about repair.

Moral of the story - If you need a fender, buy original or Heritage. DON'T MESS WITH REPROS. Not worth any money saved!!

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Posted 2005-11-13 06:31:14 by John Moore

Engine Bay

Sat, 05 Nov 2005 20:04:01 -0600

John Moore's Journal --

Today I installed the powdercoated heater box, blanking plate, pedal box and cover, radiator surrond and radiator! Looks great, I'm really pleased. I also polished my SU dash pots and changed out the throttle plates with the run on valve for earlier solid plates. I later installed the SU's. All I need to do now is plumb the radiator and gas hoses.

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Posted 2005-11-05 20:04:01 by John Moore

Powder Coating / Header

Sun, 23 Oct 2005 21:17:58 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I decided I wasn't happy with the rattle can paint on my heater box, pedal box, blanking plate and radiator surround and supports so I had them powder coated in glossy black. It went from great to WOW! The bad part is that it really shows the pits, but fortunately, most are down low and will behind brake line plumbing. I also had the header sand blasted and I painted it with Eastwood Silver High Temp paint. Turned out great. At the same time I POR-15'd my tranny cross member.

I also using an early intake manifold this time without all the extra plumbing and fixtures as all the smog suff was removed by my PO anyway. The intake manifold, I sand blasted, polished on a wheel and finished with high temp clear.

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Posted 2005-10-23 21:17:58 by John Moore

Engine Is In!

Sun, 02 Oct 2005 19:15:44 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

Got the engine in today without too much drama! It's really coming together.

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Posted 2005-10-02 19:15:44 by John Moore

Progress, Mostly Small Stuff

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 18:32:40 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I thought I would give you guys an update. As said, mostly small stuff. I finished up the pedal box, I blasted and painted the pedals, replaced the hardware and clevis pins. One thing that is weird, is that my brake pedal is high. I hope that goes away when I bleed it. I also got the gas tank in. I bought it new from Moss two years ago. It had a small leak somewhere around the gas line fitting, so I really cleaned it up and sealed it with JB Weld. I'm hoping that will be the cure. I blasted and clear coated the original wire clamps, (I like that look) and put in new seals around the tank to body and filler neck. My next step is to put in the fuel pump and finish up routing the harness, wires and plumbing up toward the bay. Tho' I'm really ready to put the engine in. That would really make me feel good!

So it's coming along, nothing sexy, but slowly coming back together. What slows me down is looking for missing parts (tho' I bagged and tagged- there is just SOOO many!) and when I do find a part, I decide I need to blast and paint!

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Posted 2005-09-29 18:32:40 by John Moore

New Harness

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 21:04:19 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I got my new harnesses today from British Wiring. They look like a work of art! The front went in pretty easy, and I've started to hook it up. So far so good!

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Posted 2005-09-14 21:04:19 by John Moore

Blasting, Painting, Planning

Mon, 12 Sep 2005 16:58:32 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I thought I would give you guys an update. As the subject line says, I've been blasting, painting parts and planning my next move. I've been ordering seals and parts. I hope to get my harness sometime this week, so I can finish that part of the bay and get ready for the engine to go in. In the photo you'll see I got the steering column back in as well as the newly painted fresh air and heater vents in place. I'm also waiting for the harnesses so I can run the one along the bottom and put in place with my cleaned up brackets and grommets I've ordered. I also have new grommets ordered for the gas tank and filler neck. So that as to wait too. I put a new coat of AH green paint on the Green Greenie (so purists, shield your eyes!) I'm really trying to get as much stuff as I can painted before it gets too cold in the garage to paint.

Since I don't cover the car, I'm kinda bumming that garage dirt and dust is getting on my fresh paint. I can tell I'm getting extremely tiny scratches, but I'm trying not to sweat it and keep telling myself, I'll have to buff it out anyway.

But with each refurbed or new part I put back on, I go WOW, this looks GREAT! LOL!

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Posted 2005-09-12 16:58:32 by John Moore

Brake And Clutch Plumbing

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 15:09:39 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I've pretty much got the brake and clutch lines plumbed. I still need to finish up the clamps and stuff, but I wanted to take a photo while it was still light out, with the flash I lose the detail.

Two years ago, I bought one of the $60 Advance Auto Brake Master cylinders, while it had not given me trouble, I know they are prone to failure, so I got a rebuilt MC from Apple. I sand blasted, painted with epoxy primer, then black, the pedal bracket as well as the heater box. (The inners of the heater box are POR-15'd) Rather than buy the expensive Moss seals, I used 3/8" closed cell, door weather striping to seal the bottom of the pedal bracket and heater box to the car to prevent water ingress. $1.57 at Home Depot for 8'.

While the MC's were on the bench, I took Gerry's advice and tapped both for a 3/8" 16tpi bolt, stainless of course! I hope I don't have to take them out, but just in case, that will make it easier. BTW - the clutch MC is a new Lockheed unit I bought last time I redid the bay, two years ago.

[http://www.shadetreemg.com/master_cyl.htm]

My brake and clutch lines were in good shape so I cleaned them up and sanded them 'til they were nice and bright. I sealed them with clear coat. I also, cleaned them out with brake cleaner and blew them out with compressed air. Like last time, I plan on using silicone brake fluid.

I really like the look of the silver lines and black components in the red bay. I'm thinking about sticking with that simple color combo. We'll see! I still like my Austin Healey Green engine! lol!

I called Leslie at British Wiring last week and she has a new harness on hold for me, so that will be the next step one I'm done with the plumbing. Tonight I should get the gas line in, then move on to the gas tank or steering column or who knows what! lol!

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Posted 2005-09-05 15:09:39 by John Moore

Red Fenders

Mon, 29 Aug 2005 14:45:37 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

The Paint Man delievered my newly painted red fenders and doors this afternoon, so of course, I had to play around and see what they looked like on the car. Woo hoo!

This afternoon, I picked up all my stainless hardware from the fastner place and I just about have my pedal box and heater ready to go in.

As Chris Roop said, it's fun to play with clean parts!

PS - that's my old grille. I have a new chrome one for when the time comes! And a new Old Speckled Hen badge too! lol!

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Posted 2005-08-29 14:45:37 by John Moore

New Paint

Mon, 22 Aug 2005 10:20:08 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

I got the B back from the painter today. It's a beautiful blood red. Mini Chili Red. I should get the fenders and doors in the next day or so. I can't wait to start putting it back together!

Here is the link on the BBS:

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Posted 2005-08-22 10:20:08 by John Moore

To Paint!!!

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 19:55:03 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

The day finally arrived. I borrowed a trailer, loaded up my car and took it to the painter. In all the excitement I forgot to take a photo! But have attached one from the night before. I'm a little concerned the rear end is high, I hope it will settle. But it sure was nice to finally see it on wheels again. Last night I pulled the hinges and sand blasted them, the screws, and parts of the hood latch. I gave them to the paint man to be handled separately. Today, when I delivered the chassis, I got to see the work he had done on the fenders and doors. looked great. They were ready for primer. I was especially pleased with the work he had done on my RH fender, that I had trouble fitting. His filler work looked great. I can't wait to start putting it all back together. Let the fun begin!

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Posted 2005-08-03 19:55:03 by John Moore

Waiting For Paint

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 17:58:10 -0500

John Moore's Journal --

This all started last December when I decided to strip my car for a paint job. Once I got it pulled down, I discovered the DPO had done a dodgy sill repair job and had welded new metal over old and it was rusting inside out. I removed the floorpans and heel board extensions and then decided to go for broke. I replaced the sills on both sides including the inner sill. I then replaced the heel board extensions and floor pans. Once the welding was complete I painted the bottom in epoxy primer and coated the bottom in tinted truck bed liner. I re-attached the suspension and lined up all the panels. Once I determined they would fit, I sent them off to the painter so pre work could start. I hope to get the chassis up to him shortly.

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Posted 2005-07-28 17:58:10 by John Moore