The MGA With An Attitude
22-Year SERVICE LOG for an MGA
From 8/12/77 to 8/12/99
Someone asked once, and this didn't exactly fall into the MG Tech Tips category (maybe "Care and Feeding"), so I did a copy and paste from my service log. This should be self-explanatory. If you don't get too bored reading, you might find some interesting trivia about how often a gearbox needs service when I seriously thrash the car for road rally, autocross, and over 100,000 miles of trailer towing. Also see what happens when you get bad quality valves and pushrods.
MGA SERVICE LOG
Date Miles Description Cost
8/12/77 150,000 Purchase 1958 MGA - 800.00
12/31/77 1977 restoration expenses 535.60
12/31/78 1978 restoration expenses 998.82
12/31/81 1981 restoration expenses 21.72
12/31/84 1984 restoration expenses 54.45
12/31/85 1985 restoration expenses 120.00
11/31/86 1986 restoration expenses 6,598.73
11/30/86 00,000 Restoration finished, total cost = $9,109.52
(Reset odometer to zero)
12/15/86 "18" cylinder head, gaskets, heater valve 349.85
5/26/87 New fuel pump & bits 63.41
9/15/87 Install timing cover with rubber seal, etc 75.75
3/18/88 Install spin-on adapter, new front bumper 146.45
3/28/88 1,524 Recondition speedo & tach 153.05
4/12/88 Front & rear sway bars installed 109.49
5/12/88 Michelin tires 319.83
11/11/88 New rear brake shoes 25.62
12/22/88 Oil cooler 147.75
12/23/88 Dimmer, o-filters, spare w-pump 94.80
12/29/88 Recore radiator 155.77
12/30/88 Inverted spin-on adapter, exchange 52.71
5/9/89 8,500 S-visors & W-wings & antenna 123.70
5/20/89 Install radio and speakers 309.58
6/11/89 8,662 Start '89 tour
6/14/89 9,962 Pikes Peak
6/17/89 11,581 Seattle
6/19/89 12,220 Repair fuel tank, Oregon 25.00
6/26/89 13,944 Baja Mexico, Ensenada
6/27/89 14,460 Radiator tester, Ghila Bend, AZ 75.74
6/28/89 14,712 Head gasket, Phoenix, AZ 28.52
6/29/89 15,088 Head Gasket, fiber, Flagstaff, AZ 31.60
7/1/89 15,565 Resolder radiator 66.10
7/2/89 Fuel pump & bits 36.80
7/2/89 15,764 Head gaskets (2), oil 148.67
7/4/89 17,203 Coil 33.87
7/5/89 Labor, broken crankshaft 51.46
7/5/89 Cylinder head 422.52
7/7/89 Engine hoist rental 23.32
7/7/89 Bearings 81.45
7/8/89 17,381 Bearings & gaskets 71.58
7/13/89 Jim Sutorus for crankshaft 125.00
7/20/89 21,233 Broken rocker pedestals, borrow parts --.--
7/22/89 Poly front susp bushings (spare) 14.95
7/23/89 Fuel pump (Chicago) 61.00
7/30/89 MGB rocker shaft ass'y, used 50.00
7/31/89 21,500 New gear lever & rocker bits 101.06
6/25/90 Mallory dual points distributor 129.00
(not installed until 7/22/92)
6/25/90 Crankshaft pulley & bits 180.35
7/6/90 Refurbish safety gauge 86.00
10/13/90 Batteries 92.77
12/31/90 22,700 (mileage est.)
5/24/91 Brake hose, front left 21.80
7/--/91 GT-16, Huntsville, AL
12/31/91 24,400 (mileage est.)
7/22/92 Installed Mallory dual points distributor
(which was purchased 6/25/90)
7/26/92 Broken crankshaft, major damage 836.00
(Starter fell out). Note to self: Helicoil all threads in aluminum housings. Sleeved #4 cylinder, installed a used crankshaft, used camshaft, two used con-rods, used dizzy drive gear, and new oil pump.
8/7/92 Mallory spares 57.97
9/7/92 #1 rod bearing failure - bad used crankshaft.
9/8/92 Another used crankshaft & regrind 110.00
9/8/92 Gearbox for parts 40.00
9/11/92 Crank bearings & bits 130.42
9/11/92 Trans mount & bits
12/31/92 29,400 (mileage est.)
3/3/93 Front wheel bearings (spares) 84.35
5/18/93 Trans spares 136.30
5/20/93 LH door lock 32.70
5/22/93 Resolder radiator top tank 60.00
7/8/93 Bridgestone Potenza tires 456.43
7/19/93 Rod bearings 34.65
9/28/93 Trailer tire (1) 27.15
12/31/93 42,600 (mileage)
2/15/94 Race numbers, books, etc 169.80
2/15/94 Tranny parts, bits & clutch hose 70.55
2/19/94 Rally Computer ($989.00)
3/22/94 Synchro ring, fire extinguisher 70.80
3-28-94 (4) wheels, Brit auto, East Moline 140.00
4/4/94 Trans input bearing 32.65
5/18/94 MGB flywheel, p-plate, trans cover, t/o arm 125.00
5-20-94 43,300 Install rebuilt trans, early 1500 type
5-26-94 Bleed brakes
5-31-94 Competition pressure plate, engine mounts 211.33
6-3-94 Install HD Clutch, MGB flywheel, engine mounts
6-13-94 43,750 Valve job, Bronze guides 166.81
Engine rear seal parts installed
6/20/94 First set race tires 477.00
6-21-94 (2) street tires 136.64
6-25-94 Electric cooling fan 155.70
7-5-94 Trailer bearings
7-19-94 44,420 Coolant recovery system
7-29-94 47,193 Oil & Filter
8/5/94 47,436 Resolder radiator (new top tank) 48.00
8/3/94 48,000 Rebuilt speedometer (broken ODO gear) 136.63
9-15-94 Trans parts, seat cushion 176.85
9-19-94 49,400 Recore radiator, VT core 209.93
Trans repair, 3rd gear retaining washer
11-1-94 52,700 Oil & Filter
12/31/94 53,600 (mileage)
1-1-95 53,600 New rear wheel studs
3-18-95 Fuel Pressure regulator 22.04
5-27-95 57,731 Valve job, D.G.A.P. 52.00
Oil & Filter, Install front brake shoes
7-18-95 61,735 (2) Dunlop 165-15 tires
7-18-95 (4) race wheels, aluminum
7-19-95 61,761 Oil & Filter, A-arm bushings GT-type,
Urethane sway bar -124s, front
8-20-95 66,020 #1 rod bearing, Oil & Filter
9-9-95 66,280 Regrind .030, rod bearings, SiBz guides,
Stellite valves, Oil & Filter
10-28-95 70,012 Oil & Filter, right rack boot, front wheel studs
12-6-95 72,100 Generator LIFETIME, Rick's Car Quest
12-13-95 72,135 Regulator, Moss
1-1-96 72,509
2-20-96 purchase spare generator, Victoria British
3-22-96 72,600 Install rebuilt front shocks. Install rebuilt trans,
late 1500 model (original). Front suspension rubber, grease
4-10-96 73,944 Oil & Filter
4-20-96 74,935 Head gasket, #2 intake valve, New cruise control,
Rebuild spare drive shaft (for early trans)
4-30-96 Replace front shocks (2nd set)
5-21-96 78,005 Oil & Filter & grease
5/28/96 Replace 4" Si. Rear crankshaft seal
6-1-96 78,500 Regrind rod journals, new .040 bearings (#3 bad),
Replace 4" Silicone rear crankshaft seal, Oil & Filter
6-14-96 80,700 (4) Dunlop SP4n tires, 165SR15
6-30-96 82,614 Oil & Filter
7-24-96 84,615 Rear hub O-rings & gaskets, Rear brake shoes,
hand brake boots
8-1-96 Replace lower right trunion bush & tube,
Replace front shocks (third set)
8-13-96 86,800 Oil & filter
10-12-96 Resurface & regrind crankshaft, new bearings R.000
10-26-96 Rod bearings, new oil pump & screen modification
Oil pump cavitating at 7000 rpm noted to be cause of failed rod bearings (3 times). Later model oil pickup parts should fix this problem.
10-27-96 90,886 Oil & Filter
11-4-96 92,892 Replace generator 21K (free Car quest unit, LIFETIME)
11-30-96 94,768 Change rear crankshaft seal to Viton, Oil & Filter
1-1-97 94,840
2-23-97 (1) new steel wheel
3-21-97 95,699 Lucas sport coil (2nd one), Driver side door latch
and striker, Front throttle arm & screws in butterfly
3-27-97 (1) used steel wheel, straighten & paint
4-3-97 97,181 Drill lap #3 intake valve (50psi -> 110 psi)
4-3-97 New engine rebuild complete (not installed).
4-17-97 97,610 Install new engine. Oil & filter.
4-27-97 98,772 Cook rod brgs (low oil) new engine, Peoria.
5-12-97 98,917 Install original engine, valve reface,
rear VITON seal, Oil & filter.
5-17-97 98,948 Install new rear springs, poly bushs in sway bar,
Check rear shocks. Clean rear brakes. Chassis lube.
5-17-97 Repair/paint LR fender. Make/install navigator's desk.
Driver's seat: repair back & install seat bun
5-18-97 Blow new clutch disk @ ICC, Peoria
5-24-97 99,260 Re-install new engine with 20/20 regrind,
Install another new clutch disk, Oil & Filter
5-27-97 99,500 Install (4) Dunlop SP20 tires
5-27-97 Passenger seat, install seat bun
5-29-97 00,840 Install radiator shroud @ San Antonio, TX
6-6-97 03,143 Oil & filter @ Choteau, MT
6-8-97 Replace broken aluminum water pump, Cache Creek BC
6-16-97 07,437 Oil & filter @ Fairbanks, AK
6-22-97 09,130 Install new fuel pump @ Anchorage, AK, 3:00-am
7-3-97 11,069 Oil & filter @ Fairbanks, AK
7-4-97 11,269 Install tie rod ends & drvr door latch @ Central, AK
7-9-97 13,085 Wheel balancing. Kitwanga, BC. (Back on paved roads)
7-9-97 Replace broken positive battery cable terminal.
7-10-97 13,685 Replace distributor points (2 sets Mallory)
7-15-97 16,059 Oil & Filter, Leveland, TX
7-15-97 16,305 Main odometer stopped working
(keep records with trip odo)
8-31-97 19,550 Install rebuilt front shocks, #8 & #9
9-25-97 20,042 Fresh Bearings, Mains & Rods, Timing seal (new eng)
9-25-97 20,042 Oil & Filter
9-27-97 Disconnect rear anti-sway bar
10-1-97 21,674 Repair Speedometer (main ODO gear), miles corrected.
10-11-97 Install new tail bushing, early gearbox
10-11-97 22,975 Replace Generator brushes, 30K mi (Car Quest on car)
10-20-97 23,113 Replace speedometer cable (lost 173 miles)
10-22-97 23,145 New engine & original gearbox & driveshaft out.
Replace front u-joint original driveshaft & paint
10-26-97 23,145 Early #3 gearbox & driveshaft & original engine in,
new t/o brg, original heater valve, hone & repack clutch slave cyl, 10W40 oil & filter, 20W50 gear oil, 269 mile Champaign trip, no oil use, no drips.
11-8-97 23,414 Install 190d thermostat
11-15-97 Paint 2 wheels (rusty from under trailer)
11-17-97 Bought wheel balancer
11-17-97 23,806 Coolant recovery bottle & tire valves 10.86
11-17-97 2 SP4n tires on front, balance 4 wheels
12-12-97 Installed new 0.010 O/S Throttle Shafts
12-13-97 23,980 Rebuild carbs, new jets & teflon jet seals
4-1-98 to 6/15/98 Held hostage in paint shop.
6/15/98 24,037 Truck home from shop, paint incomplete.
7-16-98 24,037 Install new rear brake hose, bleed brakes
7-17-98 24,037 Finished new paint job & reassembly 878.00
Windshield, plating, f-bumper, misc 601.54
Top, tonneau cover, carpet (not instl) 576.00
There is an interesting cost fact that comes out of this. I track costs in two classes. "Operating Expenses" include oil changes, tires and brake linings, as well as fuel and minor repairs when traveling. Sum total and division by miles traveled can yield daily operating cost in pennies per mile. "Repairs and Restoration" includes major repairs like engine and gearbox overhaul, replacement of rag top and interior materials, and general restoration and repainting. Sum total and division by calendar months or years can yield a figure related to what it costs to keep the car on the road indefinitely rather than scrapping it and buying a new car when it might become too decrepit for continued service.
Total of Repairs and Restoration expenses from end of first restoration in late 1986 through end of repairs and repaint in early 1998 came to $7,200 in 124,000 miles over 12 years (144 months). Conclusion is that $50 per month (5.8 cents per mile) seems to be enough to keep this car serviceable indefinitely (hopefully forever). There will be a follow up on this issue ten years later.
7-24-98 25,857 (home from GT-23)
8-2-98 26,500 SPEEDI-SLEEVEs & seals in rear hubs 115.00
8-6-98 Install new tonneau cover
8-7-98 Order pistons & brake hoses 232.57
8-8-98 26,500 Install new top
8-14-98 26,824 Add ground wire to fuel sender
8-15-98 Replace heater lever & switch, 2nd time. Heater blower fried
8-22-98 Original engine broken piston in autox
8-24-98 --(Original engine retired)--
8-27-98 27,125 Install 2nd engine, new pistons & rings
New choke links & pins & felt pads
9/11/98 28,852 Install good used heater blower motor
9/13/98 Buy (2) front shocks @ Brit car fest. 80.00
9/19/98 29,057 Install all new hydraulic kits, brake hoses, and
DOT-4 fluid. (Not the clutch hose). Turn front drums. Repack front wheel bearings. Replace RF shock absorber.
11/9/98 32,180 Oil & filter. Install iron w-pump from #1 on #2 engine.
11/29/98 Reassemble #3 engine (except head)
11/30/98 Engine gaskets & seals, Classic Rest. 118.06
12/4/98 Gearbox parts, Classic Rest. 210.29
12/7/98 Sell head from #3 engine (150.00)
12/12/98 Rebuild 1600 gearbox
12/13/98 Rebuild #1 1500 gearbox (now spare)
12/15/98 Buy #3 gearbox, early 1500 50.00
12/15/98 Buy lower right swivel link 40.00
12/30/98 32,865 Install new carpet, padding, p-wood seat rail
spacers, pedal pads, w/s washer check valve, paint seat rails, replace heater valve (used from engine #1), new trailer connector, remove defunct cruise control.
1/1/99 32,865 Replace driver door latch (aluminum latch pin)
1/6/99 Make 4 latch pins, repair 1 LH door latch (spare)
1/13/99 33,137 Rewind heater motor armature, Repaint dash, 25.87
1/18/99 refresh turn signal switch, drill T/S jewel, install
speaker blanking plate, remove radio, new rubber rings on instruments.
2/5/99 33,756 Repair generator, new brushes (broken), patch field
wire (burned off?), adjust voltage regulator.
2/7/99 Remove rear 5/8" A/S bar (previously disconnected),
Reinstall original rear leaf springs (lower ride). Install new silentbloc bushings in leaf springs.
2/8/99 Replace suspension lower right swivel link. Bleed brakes &
clutch (dirty fluid, yuck!). (all new on 9/19/98? Maybe DOT4 ain't so great) Replace fuel filler connector hose (NAPA part).
2/11/99 Turtle Wax remove overspray & shine it 100.00
3/11/99 34,667 Re-adjust voltage regulator (low charge)
3/31/99 Spare crankshaft reground (from Elva) 100.00
4/1/99 36,982 R&R drive shaft, replace 2 u-joints. Chassis lube
& fresh gear lube in rear axle.
4/18/99 37,597 Oil & filter
4/28/99 Magnaflux & machine 6 con-rods 150.00
4/26/99 Check on con-rods, British Motor Classics
4/30/99 38,023 Replaced broken transmission front plate. Removed
competition pressure plate (noisy & loose thrust plate), installed stock MGB pressure plate (used). Installed new oil pump. Changed cylinder head (original one not bad but low compression). - Install new head, hard seats (not), iron guides, rubber/teflon valve seals, new stellite ex-valves, new in-valves, 180dF thermostat. Fresh connecting rods, slightly lightened and balanced (from engine #1), new rod bearings.
38,023 Oil & filter.
5/19/99 38,968 Replumb fuel pump (3-2 psi), remove p-regulator,
install inlet-filter & 2-pin connector. Configure spare f-pump (7-4 psi) with regulator, 2-pin connector and inlet filter. Make quick mount bracket for radio blank plate.
6/11/99 40,703 New tires, Dunlop SP20. Paint wheels.
6/20/99 41,600 Adjust #4 exh valve, no clearance
6/21/99 41,789 Front end alignment
6/23/99 41,829 Oil, Filter, Lube
6/26/99 42,221 New front brake shoes, turn rear brake drums
7/17/99 43,506 Replace #4 intake valve (broken stem at keeper).
Replace front float chamber grommets.
7/23/99 44,675 New generator (front bearing failure) 80.30
- Taxi fare & tip for above 45.00
8/13/99 45,791 R&R gearbox & propshaft, installed #1 GB.
#3 GB getting noisy in 2nd & 3rd gears
8/20/99 45,791 Oil & filter, new clutch disk
8/26/99 46,370 New clutch disk again
8/28/99 46,645 Replace LF shock absorber
9/25/99 47,550 New Spark Plugs 6.42.
Adjust #4 exh valve, no clearance (last done 6/20/99, 5950 miles)
10/16/99 48,618 Clutch failure, broken bellhousing on #1 GB.
Install gearbox #4.
10/21/99 48,618 New pressure plate, Oil & Filter 58.46+
11/13/99 49,314 Adjust #4 exh valve, no clearance
(last done 9/25/99, 1764 miles ? )
11/14/99 49,733 Ref
11/24/99 49,733 Open engine, 2 flat cam lobes, 1 recessed valve.
2/26/00 49,733 Running, new Crane cam, timing set & tensioner,
OLDER HEAD (from #1 engine?) 443.97
4/29/00 52,108 Oil & filter, compression check, 140, 145, 135, 140.
5/26/00 53,162 #2 intake valve bent with broken stem, #2 exhaust
valve slightly bent, #2 piston holed, #2 intake pushrod badly bent, #2 exhaust pushrod slightly bent, 6 of 8 Crane pushrods with loose top fittings and one top piece found in oil pan may have been the cause of the problem. Also two p-rod bottom fittings loose.
6/10/00 53,388 New pistons & rings, County 5-ring .030, replace
2 valves #2 cyl. All new pushrods, 1-piece 18V engine type from Moss. #2 cyl heavy honed, approaching size limit with .024 ring gap, others about .014. Rod bearings excellent condition reinstalled. Oil & filter.
6/10/00 53,388 Modify air cleaner housings and install K&N filters
6/10/00 53,397 Retorque head, adjust valves after test run.
6/21/00 53,970 Oil, filter, lube, compr. test, 128,130,130,127.
7/16/00 56,950 Replace passenger side door striker
8/2/00 57,824 Oil, filter, lube
8/23/00 58,626 New stainless steel muffler (3rd replacement)
9/8/00 59,000 Replace one road wheel (cracked)
9/23/00 59,277 Replace delaminated clutch disk & release bearing.
Replace head gasket. Bush choke link.
9/27/00 Finish rebuild of engine #4 (1600 spare).
10/8/00 59,747 #2 engine dropped #3 intake valve, broken piston,
towed home (how embarrassing). 60,790 miles on #2 engine. Three intake valves now broken at keeper groove. Conclusion is bad production batch of intake valves. Bummer.
10/28/00 59,893 #4 engine installed (new 1600) 20W50 oil.
11/6/00 60,723 Oil & filter. 20W50 for last race date.
11/18/00 61,076 Compression check 138, 130, 130, 132
12/2/00 61,178 Oil change to 10W40 for winter.
12/31/00 61,264 Ref
1/1/01 61,264 Ref
4/8/01 62,540 Compression check 135, 135, 115, 115
- Carbs whacky, may be carbon on valves.
4/22/01 62,740 Oil & Filter. 20W50 Tighten fan belt (very loose).
Tune carbs. Rear carb was way rich (see above).
5/11/01 62,957 Install 7/8" front sway bar
5/26/01 Replace fan belt
6/9/01 63,901 Clean T/S relay contacts. Swap crankshaft pulley
6/21/01 Replace generator out of stock (fried)
7/6/01 New 72-mo Battery, prorata @ Kmart
8/2/01 66,297 Oil, filter, lube 20-50. 130,130,110,110
10/5/01 Weld center hanger on frame.
10/30/01 Windscreen frame plating (not installed)
11/11/01 69,678 Oil, filter, lube. Gearbox and differential
oil change. Repack front wheel bearings.
12/11/01 Replace front parking lamps
12/31/01 70,139 Ref.
1/12/02 70,171 Bumper to bumper hydraulics rebuild. Repack all
clinders, replace all hoses (again). Install DOT 5 fluid.
1/26/02 70,203 Install re-chromed windscreen frame.
3/10/02 70,203 Rebuild inner tie rod ends. Replace left rack boot.
Replace flasher unit. Replace inner half driver seat belt.
3/18/02 70,747 Replace driver side door latch pin.
4/09/02 74,545 Oil, filter, lube. Replace rear bumper and LR
overrider. Replace dual points in Mallory distributor. Inspect generator, brushes like new, install helicoil for lower bolt in front plate. Install Halo Spark plugs.
9/5/02 77,270 Oil, filter, lube. Replace failed clutch disk
(broken spring), valve-cover gasket, throttle cable. Compression test 125,110,110,125. Patch tach cable outer jacket with hose cover to prevent oil leak.
10/18/02 78,546 Install 4 new tires 165TR15 Kuhmo EuroMetric 771
11/10/02 79,120 Install Gearbox oil - Redline MTL and Differential
oil - Redline 75W90
12/31/02 79,300 Ref.
1/1/03 79,300 Ref
4/13/03 80,333 Oil, filter, lube
6/20/03 81,853 replace u-joint, rear 36.51
6/22/03 82,676 ref
7/16/03 82,956 Trim 4 cockpit rails, door pockets, door and
rear kick panels
7/17/03 82,956 rep 2 broken Al v-spring caps, I2 & I3 with steel parts
8/23/03 84,125 Broke 2 steel wheels. Install AL wheels for road use.
9/6/03 84,379 Oil, filter
10/18/03 85,055 Install 3.91 differential (11/43), barter/swap,
& 80W90 oil.
10/24/03 85,096 Replace bent outer rim on one race wheel.
10/25/03 Remove speakers & wiring. Install front kick panels.
11/19/03 85,360 Trim front & rear rails and install new window bag.
12/31/03 85,516 Add 46 miles for lost drive due to ODO error
12/31/03 85,562 Ref.
1/ 1/04 85,562 Ref.
1/31/04 85,889 Jan miles = 327
1/31/04 85,922 Add 33 miles for January lost drive due to ODO error
2/ 2/04 85,922 Ship speedo/odo to Mo Ma for gearing change.
(ODO reading 85843 - Mo Ma reset to 85891)
2/29/04 86,020 Feb miles = 98
2/29/04 86,030 Add 10 miles for February lost drive due to ODO error
3/2/04 86,030 Install re-calibrated speedometer (adjusted to 86030).
Final gears changed from 58 teeth to 53 teeth. Turns per mile changed from 1450 to 1325.
3/11/04 87,727 Install new tail light bases, steering u-joint,
steering column bushings (with Lock Ease graphite oil).
3/19/04 87,895 Oil, filter, lube.
9/11/04 90,814 Diff Gear Oil. Replace broken LH half shaft.
11/7/04 Weld base of driver side seat back
11/14/04 92,083 Engine oil & filter & Gearbox oil (10W40)
12/31/04 92,204 Ref
3/20/05 93,500 Rebuild seats, back padding & leather covers
5/12/05 94,257 Refurbish wiper motor, clean and lube
6/12/05 95,135 Broken throttle cable
6/18/05 95,280 Replace throttle cable, and install rebuilt
oil/temperature gauge
6/20/05 95,518 Install modified TS Relay
7/2/05 95,597 Install four-way flashers
7/8/05 95,670 Oil & Filter, install inverted filter mount
7/13/05 96,013 Lube
7/17/05 96,330 Gearbox stripped 3rd gear
7/20/05 96,404 Install A-1 used gearbox (20W50 oil)
8/5/05 96,406 Replace rear axle housing (cracked), Thanks to
Terry Gaskin for the part. Fresh differential oil. (Developing a whine shortly thereafter)
11/13/05 99,429 Differential oil, +oil, filter, lube
11/13/05 99,436 ref
12/31/05 00,243 ref.
8/18/06 02,099 Replace gearbox (bad lay bearing. Oil & filter,
new battery, paint battery carrier. New tachometer cable, valve cover gasket & grommets. Replace broken alloy spring cap on #1 intake valve. Replace antifreeze-coolant. New heater valve.
10/2/06 04,088 Install new Door Seals
10/16/06 04,667 ref
11/8/06 04,974 Replace differential assembly (worn bearings). $50.00
New differential gear oil (cleaned housing, suspect grit from prior abrasive blasting)
11/13/06 04,979 Install new side curtain panels
12/31/06 05,235 ref
1/1/07 05,235 ref
1/31/07 05,760 Install Mitsubishi alternator
4/15/07 06,752 Replace broken rocker arm (#3 intake)
4/19/07 06,785 Grease, oil, filter. Replace alternator bracket, Shim
steering rack, tighten steering u-joint, replace RH rack boot, replace tach drive seal and gasket, replace float bowl grommets, clean air cleaners, replace water pump hose, repair rear carb damper.
4/23/07 07,082 Install longer belt for alternator, replace J-bracket.
Repack master cylinder. Bleed Brakes and Clutch.
8/5/07 10,700 Grease, oil, filter. Replace Tachometer cable.
Re-attach bottom end of fast idle link. Clean & adjust points @36K, and reset maximum mechanical advance from 24d to 16d (20 idle +16 mechanical = 36 total max, maybe run cooler).
9/10/07 13,191 Install new aluminum water pump. Remove defective
lighting switch. Radiator filled with diluted weak coolant.
10/12/07 13,393 Install new lighting switch
11/11/07 13,760 ref
11/23/07 13,972 Begin disassembly to replace body sills. Notice
broken alloy valve spring cap #4 intake valve.
7/2/08 13,972 Replace broken alloy spring cap #4 intake valve.
7/11/08 13,972 Finish body sills replacement & repaint, ~$4,500 total.
Carpet, oil cooler & hoses, new K&N air filters, new pressure plate (from stock),
Terrace Supply paints $885, AutoZone paints $336,
Moss carpet $400, Moss other parts $492,
Sports and Classics rockers $105, Radiator recore $315,
Harbor Freight exp tools $167, Home Depot supplies $80,
NAPA misc $160, Ace Hardware misc $188, Meijer misc $52,
New tools $897 (including $142 compressor motor).
Not counting personal clothes, heat and electric.
9/18/08 18,117 Oil, filter, lube.
4/25/09 22,133 Oil & filter. Gearbox oil, rear axle oil. Adjust
brakes 4 wheels and hand brake cable.
6/19/09 24,591 Replace grommets on float chambers.
8/7/09 27,234 Oil & filter. Cylinder head swap. 67,371 miles on
1600 block & “18” head. #1E valve recession. Set head aside. Use “older head” from #2 engine. Touch up exhaust valves, all new intake valves, install HD valve springs. Ex-valves a little down, especially #2 & #3. Intake valves new, seats like new. Ex-valves used but OK. Seats getting low. “A” type valves & keepers. Silver head gasket, new valve cover gasket, new 180dF thermostat AND blanking sleeve.
12/12/09 - 29,808 Ref
Okay, here's the 10-year follow up report after the restoration work in early 1988. You may find a complete picture diary of the full body restoration and repaint done in 2008 here: www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/restore/rt601.htm.
One of the reasons I took the time to fabricate lots of sheet metal parts by hand rather than buying commercial parts was the interest in keeping cost down for a "hobby" car. The other reason was to show how to do it if you have more time than money. In this case I managed to fabricate slightly more than $1,000 worth of commercial parts from $18 worth of flat sheet metal. This helped considerably in attaining (retaining) the target of keeping the car on the road for $50 per month in major repairs and restoration cost.
Bottom line here is, for the period between end of the 1998 repairs and repaint, and end of the 2008 body restoration and repaint, total of Repairs and Restoration" expenses came to just under $6000, which was spot on target for 10 years (120 months at $50/mo). Dividing that by 94,000 miles gives an average of 6.4 cents per mile. This is a tad higher than the number from 10 years earlier, but it was for fewer total miles, and there has been some inflation (bit of an under statement).
To date, at end of 2009, the car is 120,000 miles away from accruing half a million miles. I have been cutting back a little on annual mileage, so this figures to take another 10 to 15 years, but I'm looking forward to it. If future inflation isn't too hard on the budget, I may be able to do the next repaint and re-trimming at half a million miles, and maybe still do it for the same $50 per month. It beats the heck out of the cost of trading in for a new car every five years.
These simple old cars are very economical to own and operate if you take proper care of the machine. It helps immensely that this particular model has retained enough value as a collector car to justify the continued maintenance and repainting and trim parts. For what it's worth, a friend with similar Do It Yourself frame of mind is currently rebuilding a set of seats, including stitching up his own seat covers from flat stock. You can see that exercise here:
www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int203a.htm
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