Drove the GT to Braums - First time it's driven in 20 years.

All,

I drove the GT project to Braums to get some ice cream. The dash isn't in yet, but the Texas Temp tag is in the window, brake lights work, and I thought, what the heck! It's the first time it's been on a public road since 1989.

I did notice a few things, and I could use some input.

1. Steering is for crap. The wheel is very stiff to turn, and does not return to center. Could the alignment cause this? I know the tow is very bowed at the moment.

2. A/C works GREAT. I'm really proud of myself. I will post some pictures once it's really done.

3. Vaccum advance line poped out. Any way to really secure this? The power really was bad, and I'm guessing that might have been the cause.

Jim in Allen, Texas.

Also, my wipers work for sh^t. They go about half way and stop. I have to lift them from the windshield to get them to return.

I've cleaned out the rack, and I even replaced the motor, and they still are slow. Any other thoughts? Should I run a relay to them?

Jim

I can't imagine 20 years! Maybe the steering problem is caused by lack of lubrication in the rack? As for the wipers, try cleaning all the connections down to bare metal, and use diaelectric grease on them to resist corrosion. I am running my car with the vac. advance disconnected.

peace, Kyle

If your towed out steering can be difficult. Does it turn freely with the wheels in the air? If so get an alignment, if not , start greasing.

Jim,
You say you replaced the wiper motor? The GT has a different gear in the motor that gives more of a sweep than the roadster, 125 instead of 115 degrees. The numbers are stamped on the gear and can be easily changed. Hope you saved your old motor. The motors that you get from many sources have the roadster gear. I would recommend removing the unit with rack and wheel boxes and cleaning and lubing everything.
The steering rack may be dry and stiff, but the king pins may also have hardened grease. Get both wheels off the ground and disconnect the tie-rods from the steering arm. The swivel axle should move freely. Grease the heck out of it and turn it side to side and repeat several times to get fresh grease into it. Check the rack boots for splits and replace if necessary. The rack should be filled with about 6 0z of 90wt gear oil. Fill it through the top plate with two bolts holding it and the adjustment shims in place. Once you have it all back together turn it side to side to check for binding. It should be a lot easier to move back and forth. Now grab the tie rod on the driver's side right next to the boot and shake it. There should be no percepible play, if there is you need to take a thin shim out. Check it for binding and if there is, you took out too much shim thickness. Hope this helps. Congratulations on getting her on the road.

Checked both the new and the old one, and both gears are marked 115.

Would that explain why they are stopping half way? Not enought torque from the gear?

Jim

I agree with Kuz1, I work in the auto center at Sears and alignment is one of the major causes of excessive tire wear.

Jim. I appreciate your situation. I've got the '72 convertible that hasn't been on the road since 1982. 25 frigging years! At least yours is up and running and not that far away from being street worthy. Mine's at least a couple of more years away from that at best. I realized just yesterday that I haven't driven an MGB in 21 years! That's pretty sad for an MGB fanatic such as myself. I guess it's more about the car itself than the instant gratification for me. That's why I just bought a ready-to-drive '74 GT. When it gets here, next week, I intend to make up for so much lost time! After the '72's finished I'll probably do a full restoration on the '74. But I can't be too sure about that because I've been getting the '60 MGA bug as of lately. Where oh where does this madness stop!?

Shawn Escue