May 27, 2010 - Entry Two

Did a few basics today,  replaced the spark plugs with Champion _ , new air filter, was checking some wiring under the dash and mistakenly tripped the "Inertia Switch" ( a sensor that cuts off fuel flow if you flip the car - I just learned this one too hehe just took me a few hours and a sticker to figure it out.  Ahhhh learning experience.  But here's the good news.  I didn't need a computer degree to figure it out.  Logic and web search... yahooooooo.

28 May 2010 Entry Three

The work goes on... and so does the joy. Today was a very productive day, Check and fill spare tire. Quick trip out to Motorhead in Fairfax, then Meineke in Fairfax to get her on a lift & check on modifications made to the exhaust system (Thanks Chris) and see first hand the “West Virginia” undercoating... but I can fix the oil leak. Ok, so today filled up with gas first time, found small leak from filler tube, no biggie. So get this,

     Fuel Line related: in the truck is the “Vapor Separator” (a hose comes from the engine compartment from the “absorption canister” to the trunk and passes through the “Vapor Separator” then back in to the “fuel tank”)(Get the picture so far....) well the hoses from the “VS” were hard, crumbling, and one was laying in the trunk bed. “Might have been an issue” haha. Few pieces of fuel line later, plus one on the absorption canister, all fixed. Then replaced old metal fuel filter with new Moss Motors clear filter (see the fuel now).

     Reverse Lights: Not working, think complicated.... ok Darrell.... “Reverse light switch above transmission... faulty or burnt out wire... or.... Ok Wait, simple first, look in trunk.... Oh whats this... right one is not plugged in... wow works now, go figure... left one, broken connection held on with electrical tape – will solder and fix this weekend haha. See no computer degree but can track down a wire hehe.

     Unexpected Guest: Day one when I picked up the car, found a dead mouse on floorboard, ok, happens, today took out trim under glove box to reach the turn signal relay (oh yea – TURN SIGNAL's work again) found the mouse's nest and dead partner.... R.I.P. But cleaned out now.

Well that's were things are, still need to do some front end work, decide on tires, and replace a faulty cooling fan (only one of two are working). Good news is, she's still good for short drives, and hoping for good Sunday weather....

Have a wonderful weekend, and remember “Thank-A-VET”

01 June 2010 Entry Four

Well lets see.  Coming up to speed, replaced faulty back up light and cooling fan.  And for any of you in the know, replacing a cooling fan can have many issues, not the least of which is loosening and removing the blade.  Ok, generally speaking.  I was amazed to remove it without challenge and replace the motor.  A little noisy, but good used part from a friends stock pile.  Had a little extra time this afternoon, now my car is inspected and legal.  It's a good thing.  That's it for now....  oh yea, I'll get to drive it to my new project tomorrow - BONUS!!

05 June 2010 Entry Five

Nice ride today, local.  Then had the South Lakes High School team hand wash my baby for the show tomorrow.  Also took out the old radio, been examining the wires, hope to install replacement tomorrow during the show.  If we don't see you there, pics will be posted.....

                                            

Thanks again to the South Lakes High School group that did an excellent job at the car wash today.

07 June 2010 Entry Six

Nice show on Sunday. at Lilypons Water Garden in Maryland.  Good number of VERY nice cars, (300+ I would say), worked out a number of things, plus my complements to "Triple-c.com" for doing an incredible job creating 2 sets of spare keys on the spot (2 door, 2 ignition, one glove box) all that for $24 - I am VERY VERY PLEASED.  Raced home, made it just before the storm hit, great ride, storm on my heels.  hehe.   This was "Goldie's" first car show (As I understand it).  Yep, "Goldie's" I just now named my car.  Not very creative, but Grandma Esther's sister was Goldie.
  
I am very pleased with this car, even though I might piss and moan about little things, it really is an amazing car.  I'm working to tweak a few things yes, and there are projects, but day by day I'm making it my own.  But that is only a joy because of how great the previous owners took care of her.  My hats off to them.  PS. Radio still giving me a small challenge, but I'll let ya know how it works out.

Storm on my heals... hehe.  But kept top down the whole trip back.

11 June 2010 Entry Seven

Wow, another amazing MG day.

This evening Goldie got some “good” tweaking,

- Adjusted valve gap settings

- Replaced another vapor hose

- Replaced radiator thermostat unit and plug

- Took off wheels and lubed spines. I was so incredibly lucky, one was very rusted and dry, one was rusty and dry, another was drying up. This is a 6 month maintenance thing, I'm thinking last time was 6 years. But I live and learn one step at a time. VERY happy wheels came off.

Hopefully this week I'll get the tires looked at by someone that can handle spoke wheels.

Safety Fast, now off to leadership.....

17 June 2010 Entry Eight

Wow, another amazing MG day.  I have been pounding my head trying to resolve what to do regarding my MG wheels and tires.  My MG mentor gave the solution tonight.  He had some amazing 72 spoke chrome wheels with Croker tires from his MGB baby.  He converted to 15" wheels so I gained!  Good negotiation, WIN-WIN situation for us both.  Most importantly, I can drive my wife around in safely.  Plus it looks Great! 

21 June 2010 Entry Nine

Amazing Friday night - Friday Night Classic Car Cruising in Sterling.  First long drive this weekend 400+ miles.  All and all, Very nice.  New Wheels look Great. 

05 July 2010 Entry Ten

Well it's been a few weeks, and I have lots of updates.  So lets see where this goes.....
-- Radio...  Still working on it, rather frustrating, power to it, all seems right, fuse good, but does not work.  Hope for more positive update soon.
-- Front end... wow, well lower A frame bushings were in hideous shape.  Literally falling out and in to your hands just by pulling.  Plus drivers side Tie Rod end was frozen and would not come off.  So the game began.  Short version...  My MG mentor and I jumped on the project.  Replaced steering rack with a refurbished one, replaced tie rod ends, boots, and most importantly replaced bushings on lower A-Frame (with upgraded prothane bushings).  Straight forward but not nearly simple.  Tweaking the steering rack was key, shims, and adjusting.  Tie rod ends turned specifically the correct number of times. etc etc.  If you have done the repair, you KNOW where I'm coming from.  But VERY VERY satisfying.
-- Education... Helped my friend strip down an old 77 MGB.  I MEAN REALLY STRIP IT DOWN.  The picture below was not even the end of it....
Enjoy the photos.....

08 July 2010 Entry Eleven

WOW... Houston we have sound......  Installed Barbara's Stereo (with CD & Aux) in my Goldie 77 MGB.  Special thanks to all those that helped me - Randy, Best Buy Installation Team - Reston, and MG Experience MGB Forum.  Music & BOT at last

07 November 2010

Well, the time has come, and Darrell finally did what needed to be done.  As I don't have a garage here, I couldn't stand leaving my Goldie (MGB) out in the elements anymore.  So, I broke down yesterday and rented a storage bin for the season.  Who knows I might even get some work done that way....


Also, I gotta say.  It felt nice to pull my auto parts and tools together again.  Looking forward to making progress once again.

06 Jan 2011

I took some time yesterday to check on my Goldie.  She's doing well.  But it's time to get back in there and work with her again.  Run down some fluid and electrical issues.  and take her for a spin.  It's been 2 months.  Time and Focus aye.  Cheers.

27 Feb 2011

YAHOOO - Got behind the wheel again today.  Fill up, Seafoam, topped the oil, air in tires, and took Goldie out for a spin.  Amazing afternoon.  Unfortunately - found a few broken spokes, but that was the only down side.  Hope to work on that this week.

  

26 March 2011

Cool, working on getting wheel repaired so I can be more comfortable getting on the road again. 

June 2011

Took Goldie in to have her checked out by the best in our area (Fairfax Co, VA that i), Motorhead in Fairfax, VA.
Amazing people there.  Owner went over her with me, made some adjustments, recommendations, and basic repairs ($500) needs just a little more.  Like he said, easily worth $6,000.00  I love this car, but with a few medical issues, I just can't drive a stick shift on a regular basis anymore.  So I have decided that the only thing to do, is move her to a new home.  Not gonna GIVE her away, but will price to sell, relay all I know, and wish her my best.  

April 2015

Lot of middle ground to fill in, dont know how it will end.  Not logical to keep her, not logical to bring to TX, Not logical after all this time to just let it go.  grrrrr.

May 2015

Logic be damned lol.  She is now home in Texas....
Was an amazing journey, in the end used UHaul and auto carrier.  Long hard trip.  Yesterday I gave her a little spit and polish, 5 gallons of gas, and a quick 3 mile run.  Lots to do, hoping to connect with locals too.

June 2015
25th So many updates to add, still reviewing my format here.  But here are a few basics.

Yesterday Babara and I took a spin down towards NASA, great run MG purring (ish)

In the last month

• Registered with State of Texas
• State inspection complete
• Joined HoustonMGCC & attended meeting
  
• Fixed lighting issue
• Replaces Flasher Switch
• Discovered why fuel sending unit not working
• Corrected some wiring issues
• Replaced Back Up sensor on tranny
• Cleaned (ish) under engine and tranny
• Replaced all radiator related hoses and flushed system
• Removed and re-padded drivers seat
• Updated 3 dash lights to LED
• Re ran choke cable thru rubber plug between cabin and engine compartment, what a difference THAT made
• Took 3 grandsons on individual 10 mile runs, very nice
• 
  

July 2015
July began with a wonderful ride,

Looking forward to more very soon.  Still tweaking Goldie for full day run.

2017 Update, its amazing what can happen, loving Houston area and weather, Jan 30th and out and about.

 

June 2017
Last update....  Had multiple repairs done at shop in north Houston.  Complete replacement of brake system, tune up, head gasket and all fluid replacement.

About 3 months later, hit a bump, there is a loose wire somewhere, will not start.  Sat in garage for 6 months, finally with move and all, sold