http://www.mgbgt-restoration.co.uk/index.htmThe restoration of a 1968 MGB GTentheblogger@mgbgtrestoration.co.ukCopyright 2006-11 - Thom Poole & Schalun Organisation2007-11-01T09:30:14+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 13:56:08 +0100theblogger@mgbgtrestoration.co.ukOther2007-11-01T09:30:14+00:00http://www.mgbgt-restoration.co.uk/blog/files/acabd4c04d96d829b21939f572b98d30-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.mgbgt-restoration.co.uk/blog/files/acabd4c04d96d829b21939f572b98d30-1.html#unique-entry-id-1
I know that many aficionados dislike cars that fail to retain their original bodies, and try to keep as much original as possible, but where previous owners have failed to keep the car correctly, I am afraid such actions are called for. The only panel I can see that can be saved is the bonnet - the doors are rotten, and I am loathed to open the tailgate any longer in case it falls apart.

I recently had to move the car from the garage to allow a new roof to be put onto it. Given that much of the engine is no longer in place, this involved dragging it out on a tow rope, which almost burned out the clutch on my main car, especially as one rear wheel had seized. Dragging it out was less of a problem, rolling it back in, without the aid of a tow car was more problematic, especially given the slope of my driveway down to the garage.

Work has, however, now stopped for reasons other than time. My wife and I are planning to move house, moving about 150 miles away. As a result, it makes sense not to transport too many parts removed from the car. We have not yet found a house to move to, and it is also possible that the MG may not have a garage immediately, so too much work could create a liability in terms of storage.

One job I have considered doing over the winter, however, is rebuilding the engine. It should be possible to renovate the engine and rebuild it, replacing it into the car before the move, and getting that job out of the way.

I will be doing a full photo diary for the engine rebuild, decoking the engine and replacing any worn/damaged parts. I will then store it with a thin layer of oil over it, rather than filling it with oil, adding to the weight - I will still need to remove the engine when I replace the body.]]>theblogger@mgbgtrestoration.co.ukOther2006-04-22T11:19:41+01:00http://www.mgbgt-restoration.co.uk/blog/files/534bde4e47dc3fe853920950521af448-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.mgbgt-restoration.co.uk/blog/files/534bde4e47dc3fe853920950521af448-0.html#unique-entry-id-0
I used to own a Triumph GT6 Mk1 and a Triumph Spitfire Mk3, but had to sell them both to fund my studies. I have now jumped ship and joined the other camp - the MG's for no other reason but they are more accessible in terms of finding and restoring the cars. I will get myself another GT6, but I need more space - my wife won't allow me to kick her car out of the garage!

The thing I love about the car is the noise - the sound of that engine! Driving it is a bit of a work-out - uncomfortable compared to modern standards and with the lack of Power steering and ABS, you need to think about 30 yards ahead of your modern car thinking.

I bought the car out my redundancy package, as I was looking for a 'cheap' car that wouldn't lose me any credibility when I visited customers. I paid £2,500 for the car, which when I compared other cars at that sort of price, had as much rust, but looked so much better. When I draw up to customers, they see a classic sports car - if I had got myself a boring car for the same price, they would probably say, "poor old Thom, he's down on his luck, having to drive something like that". Being a marketer, I know it is all about image!

During this summer (2006) I will just be tinkering with the car - the restoration will start in ernest in the autumn. Last year I paid to take part in the South Downs Run, but due to some mechanical and legal issues left over from the sale, I couldn't make that, so I plan to be there this year, then I'll take the car off the road. It needs some panels restoring/replacing and the electrics need an overhaul. I will be taking the car apart to ensure that everything is in good order, and with the repaired and replaced panels and doors, I will then get the car professionally resprayed (I have experience of respraying with my Spitfire - never again).

Look out for me in Surrey and Sussex, and if you are on the South Downs Run this year, I look forward to meeting up with you.]]>