Questions & Opinions

Hey MGE

So, as I'll be starting the teardown of the GT soon, I figured I should work out a master plan. I figure I'm going to get the thing running, see if there is any problems with the power train, fix that, then set to work on the body and suspension. Ideally I would like to pull the engine/trans to paint the car, which I want to do myself. (Basically this car will be a test bed for some stuff I've never done before, but I'm going to try to do it the right way. I don't want to muck up a perfectly serviceable MG)

So a few questions, and requests on your opinions of things:

Painting!- What color? I know its ultimately my choice, and I'm not asking for you to choose for me, but is there just some colors you should'nt paint these cars, (aside from obvious ridiculous colors) or colors that are just overdone, etc? Like- "Oh crap, not another BRG MGB..." Trying to avoid a paint faux-pass :P
I plan to paint a stock color, just solid, no fancy metallics or anything. I was thinking a darkish blue.

Wheels!- Any advise on wire wheels? I have all 5 wheels, they all look servicable but rusty. I have not checked splines or trueness, and have not checked condition of the hubs. Assuming they are useable, I was thinking of blasting them off, getting them trued and then powdercoated a nice silver, as I am poor and cannot afford chrome plating...:D

I'm planning on pulling all the glass and interior out of the car before painting, try to do as complete a job as I can. The dash in this car is pretty rough along the top, cracked and what not. I read the article on dash repair and it seemed pretty straightforward. I also saw the 'Dash top repair panel' on the Moss website for 50 bucks. Has anyone used it? Is it nice, or does it just look like a big ugly plastic cover on your already oversized foam dash?

I'm sure there is more I'm not thinking of. It's late and I've already spent way too much time one MGE and the Moss website...I cant get it out of my head :D(:D

Colors: http://www.teglerizer.com/mgcolors/ - Greg, found these in the "library." I like "Black Tulip."

Good news on wires, factory painted them gray. GM "medium gray" is a good start.

Moss dash repair panel - Hmmm. Try fixing it with some vinyl before you spend real money on that.

BRAKES!

These cars are real easy to work on - keep in touch!

Engine drive train suspension brakes. That would be my approach.
The dash cover is a good bargain imho.
Rust pitting and sanding can take a toll on spokes...be sure you have good true wheels before powder coating. Some folks opt out of the stock silver grey and use the body color or contrasting color for spokes. A black car with red interior looks nice with red spokes, also imho.