Journal: RichK98's 's Journal

Bought a newly repainted 1969 MGB Gt this afternoon from a retired marine who has been driving it regularly for the past 18 months. He's done some nice work including an inexpensive repaint, replaced some chrome trim, new tires, new front suspension and rear shocks. There's a long story behind this vehicle and the rest it had between 1978 and 2001 (when it's resurrection by another PO began). I am pleased with the purchase and am developing some plans to improve the interior (carpet, seat upgrade etc), rear suspension, new wiring, etc. The PO provided me with a few boxes of parts including new rear leaf springs, body seals etc. Once I decide the direction I'm heading with this vehicle I'll get to work, but for now I'll drive it and get to know it before doing anything I may regret or find needs to be reversed.

I owned a rubber bumper Midget in the 81-82 timeframe when in college and loved the originality of the MG. I haven't forgotten the reliability issues (more hours in the driveway than the freeway), but after recently restoring a BMW 2002, I am convinced the MG is a great value in terms of parts availability, pricing and ease of repair. I'm looking forward to learning the tricks and methods of keeping this vehicle performing for many years to come.

Day one of ownership was not uneventful. My youngest son rode with me from the PO's home. All started well as we moved off and accelerated through all 4 gears
[:( = non overdrive] heading to the freeway. As we merged into traffic it was up to 60 mph at about 3000 rpm (hard to tell exactly as the speedo was bouncing and the noise levels increased - a bit distracting). After 30 seconds, the vehicle bogged down, rpm fell to 2000 and I lost speed. I limped to the first exit ramp and drove the side roads for 15 minutes at no more than 45 mph and still noticed some bogging at 45. The GT ending up stalling and despite several restart efforts I couldn't get it to stay running. At this point I thought the fuel may be low (learned not to trust gauges on 40 year old cars that I know nothing about)or the fuel filters may be clogged. The car eventually stalled and I couldn't keep it running after many restart attempts. At this point, the cranking power of the battery was gone. A flat bed tow to my house for the last 10 miles, some gas, and a battery charge overnight and wouldn't you know it, it started right up and ran great the next day. :)

I love these cars.