MGB: Cool Stuff I saw at Carlisle

Some of you may have seen this... I stuck this into an old thread by mistake. I apologize for cross-posting.

Sat in on a speed tuning session hosted by John Twist, University Motors. He covered basic B tune-ups. It is amazing how someone who is throughly familiar with a topic can demystify it.

Saw this really cool torch... before I describe it, I have to tell you that I know nearly nothing about welding. So maybe I am too easily impressed...I used to be excellent with a soldering iron and and pretty darn good soldering plumbing and refrigeration lines... but that is about as close to welding as I have ever come.

This torch is a low-pressure Oxy-acetylene unit from HenRob. I was just amazed at how easy it looked to weld and cut steel and aluminium panels . This thing even cut through half inch steel like it was butter. Maybe the guy selling it was the Tiger Woods of welding for all I know, but damn, he sure did make it look easy. Looked very easy to use... I am sure like anything else, it would take practice to become proficient. A really interesting feature was that he was able to change tips by hand immediately after cutting or welding a panel. No tools... no burnt fingers... no mask.

I have been kind of dreading the eventual body work that I MAY need to perform on my B, but now I am pretty sure that I could actually do it.

I also saw a company (don't remember the name) who is offering completely rebuilt MG frontends for about 2K USD. Includes everything... hub to hub... all cross members, shocks, kingpins, rollbar, everything... Looksed as though it just bolted on to the frame as a complete unit. (Is this actually possible?)

Yes you can bolt an entire front end unit up. I think Tom B has them in stock for less.

Try this site for cool stuff. This cat does some remarkable stuff.

Chris is right. Tom B put a new frontend on my 79, a couple years ago for less than 2k. Excellent quality.

I dont think that the torch was cutting aluminuim, oxy acetalyne wont cut non ferious metals because it wont oxidize fast enough and thats how those torches cut. If your looking to buy on you can get a set up with gas for less then 300 easlily

Wow Sam, you took your car to Memphis for front end work!? Tom must be really good.

BTW, are you coming to the Drive Your British Car Week gathering in Johnson City next week?

He did, and Tom is THE BEST. He keeps one of those front ends built up and on had all the time. Tom is a mechanic with a true afinity for cars, not an automobile technician/parts changer.

The coolest thing I saw at Carlisle was that 1965 Sunbeam Imp for $1700. I must be cured, bacause I had the money in my pocket and an empty trailer and I still didn't buy it. Wooo hooo, I'm cured.