engine start up

After some initial difficulty with the SU fuel pump the rebuilt engine fired up and sounded sweet. And the throaty exhaust note was just terrific.

A real "barn find".  Been there for over 20 years without rolling a wheel.  The garage which is in Liverpool is an old asbestos type so whilst protected from the weather is probably not the driest.

One owner from new but nature had taken its toll with the brakes being frozen, the engine seized and all the chrome quite badly corroded.  But the body didn't look too bad........

Tyres pumped up, brakes freed and onto the transporter ready for the long haul back to North Devon

Enthusiasm runs high and once home the strip down commences with great enthusiasm, being careful to label parts coming off and take dozens of pics

A decision is soon made to take it down to the bare chassis as the tub is far worse than expected and anyway this is probably my last full on restoration so lets go for it

This being one of the main reasons!  The inner wings are rusted through in places

So gradually the body comes away, piece at a time.  All the wings are in really good condition thank goodness

Until there is little more than a grubby rolling chassis with a seized engine

And oh goodness what horrors the trim concealed.  The main rail on the left fell to pieces but it was hoped to rebuild the tub still.

Not a pretty sight

Still more tin worm on the right side

New ash parts to rebuild the tub but it looks quite a challenge.  It could certainly be done but some coachbuilding skills would be needed

So lets concentrate on removing the engine and gearbox

And get down to a rolling chassis.  At least its now easy to push around

Even rust inside the engine and the pistons are well and truly stuck.  Even the big ends are stuck, as is the camshaft.  Stuck solid altogether which is a pity as there is very little actual wear

A bare chassis at last.  Not a nut or bolt left on it.  This is a turning point as the strip down changes to restore and rebuild

All nicely blasted and hot zinc sprayed.  A chap just down the road did this in one morning!

Several coats of chassis black later it starts to look really good

Its a big step and many hours to this stage but doesnt it look good.  All the brakes are on, so is the steering and restored rear springs, new front springs and all new bushes.

Just could not resist cleaning up the bronze parts.  The shocks have been rebuilt of course

After a TOTAL engine rebuild ( new bearings, regrind, rebore, new pistons, sports cam and oil seals) and many hours assembly the engine goes back in the chassis.  It took weeks in the hot tank and then a hydraulic press to remove the pistons by the way

And this is it after 18 months work, on and off of course

Looking like a proper MG at last.  Keen observers may have spotted that the wheels are not TF wheels but are in fact very early TD ones kindly loaned to me whilst mine are away being blasted and powder coated

After initially planning to rebuild the original body tub as the intention has always been to restore not replace, it was decided to buy a brand new tub.  The old one can be seen safely stored at the back of the garage.  I may eventually sell it but at the moment it is still my spiritual TF! 

Chris Bonner has spent months developing this superb extractor manifold and called in to offer it up to my engine.  It looks excellent and will no doubt sound good and give a few extra bhp but as the car is to remain as original as possible I just cannot decide.  The plan is to run the engine in chassis only form initially so that will be a good opportunity to try it out!

Wow it seems like only yesterday but it is May already and whilst I have spent some time on the MG it never seems enough. However the distributor is fully restored as are the SU  carbs and they look just superb. Also an amazing piece of kit is the TT exhaust system which arrived and is in highly polished stainless steel. It looks too good to use! 

I have just made a "fire up engine" list which whilst quite long does say something: like its within sight at least. Anyway here is a pic of todays efforts. Looks like a chassis doesnt it?