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MG MGA - Looking at a 1959 MGA tomorrow

I am from the TD BBS and am looking at a 1959 MGA tomorrow. What should I look for? I think I might bring a paint meter to see how much bondo is on it. Any hints, tips, and advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Dave Kirkpatrick
david kirkpatrick

Look at MGA guru site, all the info you need.Bob
B Walker

Dave

As Bob says, Barney's site will tell you a lot if you have time to read through the relevant sections before your viewing. If you are also taking a magnet with you to check for repairs etc, worth knowing at this early stage that the doors, bonnet (hood) and boot (trunk) are all aluminium skinned. Perhaps also take a note of the chassis number on the identification plate on the front edge of the horizontal section of the firewall, just aft of the carbs. If you post its number here we can tell you about its age, original colour, etc. The engine number is on a plate between the 2nd and 3rd spark plugs. Again, we can give you an indication (not precise) if it is the original equipment.

Steve
Steve Gyles

The first thing I would recommend is to take another MGA owner along with you - they will know where to look for all the "grot spots" . This is what I did 10 years ago even though I had owned an MGB for 12 years before that and midgets many years before that too. I love going to look at other MGAs for sale - you can have a great time checking them out.
As others have said - look at Barney's web site pages http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/buying/buying.htm
which will give you all the details of what should be there for your particular model.

If you do go on your own the engine is last thing to worry about unless it is obviously blowing smoke and on its last legs - it is the body and chassis that will cost $$$$$$$$$ if it is not right.
The wings both front and rear will rot at the bottom where the wheels kick up stones. this is where you will find the filler (bondo). The front shroud around the engine compartment rots along its edges where it joins the wings(fenders). Then look in the boot (trunk) - the floor is favourite for rotting out . The inner and outer sills underneath the doors also are prone to rotting especially where they run along the chassis rails. the chassis should be solid but its weak point is where the wooden floor boards rest - here you may find that the rails holding the floorboards have gone and taken large chunks of adjoining chassis with them. If all that passes the test - then start looking further for correct instruments and other fittings - which will cost a lot to replace if they are wrong or missing . But apart from that - have fun looking - and keep us informed of what you find - with photos if you can. - Good luck
Cam Cunningham

David,
Things that often get altered on an MGA...SU fuel pump replaced with an electronic one, spin-on oil filter replaces the original housing that has a central bolt, one 12V battery replaces 2 6V batteries, positive ground switched to negative ground, Petronix electronic ignition replaces points, alternator replaces generator, light alloy housing waterpump replaces steel waterpump. If it's a 1500 check whether it has disc brakes or drum brakes on the front. Drums are original. 59 is probably a 1600, so should have disc brakes. I would also verify the engine and cylinder head. Whether you consider these mods upgrades or not depends on what you are looking to do with the car. Do take a careful look at the wiring harness all the way round. This can be one of the most botched items on the car. Many things can be altered over the years. As suggested, taking a long-time MGA owner along is a good idea.
Have Fun!
GTF
G T Foster

Here's a pic


david kirkpatrick

Come on Dave some detail please. What is it like?
Bob Walker

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2013 and 16/01/2013

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.