MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - New to MGAs

I drive a '53 MG TD and spend most of my time on the TD-TF forum where I started the following thread:
http://www2.mg-cars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=thread&access=&subject=8&source=T&thread=2015021822080831290

I went to look at and touch the car today and it is immaculate. The only problem is that the engine has not been started for 10 years and the owner has been advised (perhaps correctly) by a mechanic she trusts to not try to start it until all the existing fluids have been flushed out and replaced. She states that the car ran well when it was garaged 10 years ago and I believe that while she's no mechanic, she is honest.

Are there any tests that I can perform without starting the engine to increase the probabilities that with just replacement of the fluids, plugs, points and condenser and batteries, the engine will run good enough for a daily driver?

Also, assuming worst case that I buy the car and the engine needs a major overhaul, what kind of cost might I be looking at.

Thanks. Jud
J K Chapin

Hi Jud: I too have a 53 TD that I restored and been driving for a few years. Last fall I bought a 59 MGA that a friend had partialy restored than quit and stored the car for 15 yrs. The engine was free, so squirted some oil in the cylinders and let it sit for a day. Put fresh gas in the tank (it was emty) The engine started right up, I ran until warm then drained oil and coolant and gearboxes. The brakes had leaked and soaked the lining so replaced all brake components. Tires were rotten. Should have it on the road by April. the TD looks envious on the other side of the shop.
Dave
DL Rezin

I suspect that would work but I think it's for the owner/seller to do it and then I can decide if I want to buy it. As beautiful as the car is and as much as I want it, I've decided that I'm not going to buy someone else's problem. If the owner/seller is willing to get it running and drivable I'll probably buy it. Thanks. Jud
J K Chapin

Jud you are correct. If the seller wants to sell it they should at least show it runs. Unless it is seriously reflected in the cost. To change the fluids and put a fresh battery on is nothing and very little cost. I would be concerned if I were you.
Paul
p anderton

Personally the mechanics would be of little consequence to me. I would be more concerned with the bodywork and chassis. If they are sound I would consider buying as seen and making an allowance in the price. I don't think it is a condition to be put on the current owner to rectify everything and run the engine before sale. It makes for a good bargaining point.

If I had the car in my possession I would first change the oil, filter and fuel; check the points and plugs; fit a new battery; then spin the engine with the plugs out and coil disconnected until the oil pressure came up. Then refit and fire up. The condition of the engine should then become apparent.

Steve

Steve Gyles

I am with Steve on this one. I would expect to have to fix everything on a car that has stood so long and what didn't need doing would just be a bonus!
Neil MG

I agree that's what I said but it needs to be reflected in the price. You are after all buying a non runner.
p anderton

I bought mine from a friends estate. The Widow is 99 yrs. old. So there was no question who would get it running(me).I did get it running before I bought it. Would rather do that then trust it to a mechanic that does'.t know MG's
DL Rezin

I agree with the above - if they couldn't be bothered getting it running then that is a definite plus for you - you can knock off the price of a refurbed engine ($2k ??)- so it's a win win for you - good car body wise and at a bargain price - because the engine should be straight forward - as Steve says it's the body/chassis that will cost you if it's not right.
Cam Cunningham

I, too, would be happier doing the recommissioning myself.
Dave O'Neill 2

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2015 and 25/02/2015

MG MGA index

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