The amazing things we find with our MG's

I had asked once before about the previous owners and the car's history. I was told you don't want to know. I agreed somewhat. But I have made some interesting discovery's on my 70 GT. I was having trouble getting a steering motif to fit with the new steering wheel I bought. I was discouraged and finally used the center insert that was with the old wheel and had that installed in the new motif. Now looking at the play in the column, I find out it is not the original steering column, but an earlier model. Is this safe?
Also when the electrics were first started the color wiring diagram I bought for the 70 didn't match. I thought I was given the wrong one first. We were able to use the small printed version in the repair manual for a 73 model year. I can't believe the wrong wiring harness was bought by a previous owner. I never had anything working on the dash, and only the headlights worked. Well sorting out all problems is half the fun right? Now I know why I got the deal I did. The good news is all issues are being sorted out, and the 73 harness will work.
Still concerned about this steering column issue, any advice will be accepted.........Thanks Ken

Well, I guess I was lucky in that regard. When I got the '73, the only lights that worked were the headlights and one brake light. Except, of course, the "brake light" was actually one of the turn signals hooked up incorrectly. At least the PO didn't swap out harnesses on me.

Good luck with it - you'll learn a lot while you're sorting it all out. Lots of work, but worth it when you're done.

I have no direct input on the mix and match. I would say excessive play in the steering wouldn't be what I would care to live with. I have nothing to offer but I'm reasonably sure others could supply a proper piece for little cost. Shipping is another matter...any "assests" near Boynton Beach?

What I learned from restoring my '64 was that I should never have purchased those three cars in the first place.

Lonnie

I recently acquired a parts car that was supposed to be a 71. It is actually later (dash vents and a glove box are a giveaway). Then I noticed the serial number is GHDxxxxxxxxxx. At some point it had a bare shell restoration with a complete color change(even behind the dash). It must have been at that point when it went from a 73 roadster to a 71 GT. Oh well, it has a date with the crusher as soon as it is stripped of all usable parts.
Bruce

I've got a winking Sprite. One fender is a later model with the turn signal lens lower then the other.

I'd like to know more, and nothing would surprise me! I do know my friend Dave bought it for $625 as a Christmas gift for his wife in 1988. She didn't like it, so it sat in his yard until I bought it it in 1998.This '74 GT with Sabrinas had a '69-'71 intake manifold with '73 HIF4s. And I don't think there's a body part that hasn't been hit, hammered, or Bondo-ed! Except the roof and the cowl. And, of course, mystery wiring under the dash!