MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Rebuilding the universal joints in my 40 year old drive shaft was painful, difficult, annoying, etc. The final result was OK, but it isn't an impressive piece even when it is finished.
Is there any other less satisfying job during an MGB restoration? Or was I just in a bad mood?
If you want really painful, annoying, and tedious, try removing the undercoating from the tub. It is pretty well attached and doesn't react to most solvents well until you get it down to a thin layer. I have been working on this for several months on a sporadic basis in the midst of bunches of other things. I got really bored with it so I went to the other side and am removing the remains of the floor pans (after having cut the majority of the rusted metal off the car so I dodn't have to worry about the undercoating) by digging the spot welds out with a spot weld cutter.
It is always a new challenge.
I thought it was until I watched John Twist's uTube change a ujoint in 5 minutes. He made it look easy and I did everything the hard way.
#1 Replacing the transmission mounts.
The undercoating comes off real quick with a propane torch or paint remover gun. If you dont care about the paint on the otherside its the way to go.
Having done that and the rear crossmember, I'd say the crossmember wins hands down. At least when you talk u-joints and drive shafts, it elicits the appropriate amount of nodding and pity among others. When you describe to non MGB owners, the difficulties involved in disassembling, cleaning, reassembling and re-attaching a rear crossmember, all you get is a blank stare. Very unsatisfying.
Greg.
Larry Kerr Wrote:
I wish that rebuilding the driveline was the most difficult thing!
I did my driveshaft with just a hammer and socket, after hearing people complain about how bad they were even when they used a press, and I don't really think it was anywhere near as bad as the internet says it is. Yes, it isn't as easy as just unbolting a part and putting it back on, but it isn't all that bad, as long as you are patient.
The degree of difficulty is directly proportionate to the quantity of rust and crud.
Number 1 worst job is replacing the front windshield glass. Never again for the hubby and me -- I'll outsource that job :)
I did mine myself too. It would have been ok, if I had known that I HAVE snap ring pliers, LOL. I found them when I was 3/4 of the way done:(.
peace, Kyle
scottydawg Wrote:
I'm doing the tranny mounts next so we'll see how it goes. Havent done the universal joints yet. The heater box and windscreen were fun though....right!
John...How many times have you poked youself in the back with that Rake?
JMoore...sill replacement??? Thats a complete hip replacement.
I'd take 10 driveshafts over one windshield any day! Maybe even 20. I'd even take 5-10 driveshaft rebuilds over a single sill job. I'd compare the driveshaft to something smaller like a clutch slave or a speedo cable.