MGB: Quiz - what original part of the MGB was made in the USA?

I found this part recently, it was installed on all late model US cars, probably from 1975, I don't know if it was installed in the factory or on all cars after import.

What was it?

spark plugs?

Catylitic converter???

Glenn

Michelin Tires!

EPA sticker?

Fuel pump inherta switch and the door alarm module as well as the seat belt warning switches inside te seats were not supplied by Lucas but came from AC Delco, I think.

Factory Electronic Ignition Module.......?

Rust?

I'm not going to say no to any of the suggestions above as I don't know about them, but the part I found actually has "Made in the U.S.A." on it.

Collapsible steering column - Saginaw Michigan

lots of parts were originally USA sourced....like '68 crash column....Saginaw (GM) all the way to LE stripes and trunk rack in '79-'80...what year you lookin' for?

John -- not fair, with your background you should be considered a ringer :)

The brake distribution block on the dual master cylinder non-servo cars (early 1970s) is *identical* to that used on Fords of the same vintage - I'm assuming it was made in the USA.

I believe that most of the luggage racks and car radios in that era were also sourced from the USA.

Parts installed by the US MG distributor or the dealer (radios, luggage racks, extra mirrors, etc) dont count.

The question asks for... US made parts that were shipped to GB and installed at the FACTORY.

[quote=200mph]

The question asks for... US made parts that were shipped to GB and installed at the FACTORY.[/quote]

I'm not 100% sure this part was installed at the factory, but I would think it most likely, it was installed on ALL late MGBs (and Midgets) and the logistics of having it installed here would have made it difficult.

[quote=balloonfoot]
lots of parts were originally USA sourced....like '68 crash column....Saginaw (GM) all the way to LE stripes and trunk rack in '79-'80...what year you lookin' for?[/quote]

In my original post, 1975 onwards.

Mike -

Given the wide variety of good answers offered here, coupled with the disclaimers evident in each of your replies, it's probably time to reveal the identity of this apocryphal part of yours. :)

-Jim

WAITING!!!:thumbsup:

Patience is a virtue. :drinking:

OK, the part in question is the restrictor in the filler neck preventing a leaded gas pump nozzle from being inserted. If you think about it, these were only necessary in the US so it is logical they were sourced here:

Good one

Hmm, my 75 doesn't have one. Maybe just Ca.in 75 and the other states in 76? Joe

Well done.

And you're right, it would have been impractical to seal the gas tanks at the factory and install the US necks here.

Most likely they were made here, and shipped there for installation on the line.

Okay, now that the burning question has been answered, what part on all US (at least) MGBs from 68 on was made in Japan and is so labeled?

Don't offer it up yet, John.

Brad

[quote="The Wiz"]
OK, the part in question is the restrictor in the filler neck preventing a leaded gas pump nozzle from being inserted. If you think about it, these were only necessary in the US so it is logical they were sourced here:[/quote]

That's funny, the one on my '80 doen't look like that at all.. It is a piece welded into the bottom of the neck with a hole in the middle for the pump nozzle and 3 half-moon cutouts around the edge. I'm the original owner so I know it hasn't been replaced..

The third windscreen wiper?

Slightly off topic... but on the factory MGB GT V8 the alternator and the hydraulic lifters were sourced from General Motors.

Made in Japan labels

gee wiz, WIZ....cool quiz

"Okay, now that the burning question has been answered, what part on all US (at least) MGBs from 68 on was made in Japan and is so labeled?"

My guess is the smog pump.

Clifton

loose nut behind the wheel?

The nut behind the wheel.....

:)

Gulp valve?

You probably have to add that many items were simply made in Britain but licensed from US makers. So what might have been made by Lucas or Hardy Spicer, may well have been designed and spec'ed here, but made there. They might look identical, or not. The same with the brake distribution block. When a parent company, like Ford or GM has a presence in another country, like Britain, it is also likely that they will be sourcing stuff, either finished or to be built in country from the parent. It would not be much of a stretch then for the local company to make a few bucks selling off some extra units to the competition. That has happened throughout automotive history.

I'm still smiling that John Twist emerged from the shadows to take a crack at the last one.......that's like having Richard Feynman show up for your high school physics quiz. What a cool forum this is :)

Antenna?

I second the smog pump. Took one off a 69 roadster and took it apart. Had a made in Japan label on it. But it also had a Lucas label.

Smog pump it is and you win the cigar. Odd that the pump has a tag which reads "Lucas" and "Made in Japan"

I still claim that Made in Japan tag was made in Japan :D

Damn Bob, I should have learned by now, but I'm always eating something when your avatar pops up.

From Japan? has to be electronic most likely? a relay or how about the radio?