Stoplights Yes, those things at the back of our cars that we rely on to warn other motorists behind us that we are applying our brakes. Without these lights, there would be many more rear-end collisions. Since we have little or no protection at the back of our little cars, and the T-series cars have…
By Steve Tom The sparse instructions for replacing the steering rack boot contained in the MGB workshop manual and the more complete instructions provided in the Moss MGB catalog require removing the tie rod end from the steering arm and then counting the turns required to unscrew it from the tie rod. Separating the tie…
Speedometer and Tachometer Quick Check When picking through the instrument box at a swapmeet or looking at a British used car parts store, bring along a battery-powered portable drill. Set it to the highest speed setting and install a large Robinson screwdriver (or similar) bit in the chuck. Insert the bit into the cable input…
By Kelvin Dodd MG Caliper Rebuilding The Lucas Service Bulletin calls for replacing the bolts when “halving” calipers in order to replace the O-ring. The bolts, however, have never been available. Rebuilding calipers without replacing the inner O-ring doesn’t seem safe. Am I stuck replacing my calipers just because they need O-rings? —Ben Severson The…
An aftermarket CHMSL improves safety By Tom Morr Center high-mounted stop lights (CHMSLs) became mandatory for all U.S. street-legal vehicles in the mid-’80s. The Department of Transportation theorized that greater brake light visibility would assist driver reaction times, thereby minimizing rear-end accidents. Many older cars come from the factory with small, dim brake lights—some seemingly…
By Kelvin Dodd SU Fuel Pump Retrofit I want to re-install the original SU electric fuel pump in my car, but the original steel lines have been cut. Is there any easy way of doing this? —John Campbell The original SU fuel pump is a very reliable unit, so refitting it is a good idea….
Install a rev limiter to keep RPM under wraps Story and photos by Leonard Emanuelson Racers aren’t the only ones concerned with over-revving their cars. Parents of teenaged drivers who own classic sportscars undoubtedly wonder what kind of abuse their engines undergo when the kids borrow the keys on Friday nights. Installing a rev limiter…
MGB Radiator Replacement The smell of warm anti-freeze and the ’62 MGB’s right-pointing water temperature gauge indicated a serious cooling problem. Lifting the hood confirmed it: green wetness adhering to the soundproofing on the bonnet’s underside. This almost 40-year-old radiator had served well and recently survived a cross-country odyssey. However, the metal top-hose outlet had…
By Tom Morr Auxiliary fans are a relatively easy and affordable way to improve cooling performance. They keep the cool air flowing across the radiator’s fins, which can be particularly beneficial in stop-and-go conditions. The Moss catalog lists the recommended fan sizes for various British sportscars; our guinea-pig TR6 here takes a 14-inch kit (231-658)….
By Kelvin Dodd Supercharger Stress I have a question about the MGB supercharger kit in the Summer 2003 issue: How does the use of a supercharger affect the stress experienced by the engine, piston connecting rods, etc.? —Tim Harrington The supercharger does a much better job of evenly filling the cylinders, so normal driving stress…
