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MG MGA - Spare Parts in the Boot

I'm off to Le Mans in June, and just thought I'd ask the usual question.

What would you regard as essential spares for an MGA 1600 that hasn't been driven enough?

Admittedly it's only 539 miles from home, so the round trip should be within 1500, but it would be nice to feel secure even for such a relatively short tour.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Nick

Make sure you have the legal emergency kit for driving in France. They can be quite hot on that.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Thanks, Steve. I'm glad you reminded me about this, as requirements have grown since I last went. I've got the hi-vis, the triangle and the first-aid kit, but I did not know about the breathalysers! What are they for, I wonder?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Don't you need spare bulbs too?
The breathalysers have had an odd legal history and I'm not sure whether it is actually an offence not to carry them nowadays. In my view it's not worth winding up the French police by not carrying them. Buy them on-line before you go and make sure they carry the correct markings and date.

And I think the hi-viz needs to be in the car, not the boot.
Graeme Williams

Remember you are supposed to carry 2 breathalysers!

Paul
Paul Dean

Nick

Steve and Graeme are quite right.

The other things are obvious and I am aware that the Y register are arranging for a range of spares to be carried by a number of us who are travelling to Brittany in September. Though the youngest Y type is six years older than a 1600 and of course I guess that you are travelling solo and not in a convoy.

It's useful ensuring that your insurance includes repatriation of not only you and your wife but also your car. Take an MOT and any other validification of the car and of course your V5. Whilst many of these wont be needed I think common sense is the answer here.

On spares: if you haven't driven the 1600 as often as you like then take it for some long runs before you start. Then at least if you break down before you go you can resolve any problems!

From my own experience of taking a TA and YT to France over a number of years it's matters such as ignition failure which is a real bug bear. I now have electronic ignition fitted to both my A (which replaced the TA four years ago) and the YT. It's just that modern points seem to last but a short period of time! It might also be handy to fit hazard warning lights just in case.

As many A's do loose oil then its worthwhile ensuring that you have sufficient supplies available. Though it is of course quite possible that any fellow travellers will know where to get what you need. However, most garages will probably only supply synthetic, diesel or'low rated' modern oils.

Your car may be fine but you have noted that its 'not been driven enough'. So I guess that you will include a basic set of tools, fan belt etc. Though much will depend on those parts that you haven't taken but fail whilst you are away.

Don't do what I did on a trip to Italy in the TA - which was to fit a new petrol pump which failed and I hadnt brought a spare along with me! If it aint broke then don't fix it is a good maxim.

But the best thing is to be positive. You will make it and you will return and if you break down then cest la vie! There are always enough Fench petrol heads around - who absolutely love British Sports cars - and they will come to your rescue. Some basic french does help!

Have fun and just do it!

All the best

Jerry

J P BIRKBECK

Nic
I carry a reasonable number of spare parts and tools in the car on my European trips. Because I don't have a boot rack fitted I am limited for space and so I have to be creative in fitting them into the car.

UNDER THE BONNET
I slot a sealed plastic food storage box in the space under the bonnet between the master cylinder and the inner wing. It is wrapped in bubble wrap to stop it rattling around.
In it I keep the items most likely needed when you are working under the bonnet
Spare spark plugs
Points,rotor arm, condenser.
Plug spanner
Radiator cap
Posidrive and flat blade screwdivers
Snipe nose pliers
small adjustable spanner
spare fuses
Imp feeler gauges
SU main jet adj spanner

BATTERY BOX
I have a single 12 v battery and so I keep another larger plastic box in the spare battery holder under the battery cover.
Master cylinder seals
Brake caliper seals
wheel cylinder seals
Spare fuel pump
Test meter
Cable and connectors
spare light bulbs
Brake fluid

SPARE WHEEL SPACE
I fit a soft canvas bag inside the space beneath the spare wheel and this is a surprisingly large space.
Water pump hose
Top and Bottom hoses
Spare U/J Kit
Spare Ignition Coil
Spare old distributor with points already set up complete with dist cap and plug leads
fuel hose and clips
Blue silicon instant gasket
Hylomar sealant
Bostik impact adhesive
Float chamber seals
Spare switches (ign, headlightand spare pull switch.
Self amalgamating tape
Spade connectors and special connector plier
Spare wiper arm and blade
A few high-tensile nuts and bolts

IN THE BOOT
I slot spare hydraulic hoses for the clutch slave cylinder, the front brake and rear brake cylinder on the boot floor below and behind the boot latch.
I also keep a spare fuel hose and an oil pressure gauge hose here too.

I slide a spare cylinder head gasket set slides into the narrow space between the boot lid framework and the inside of the boot lid.
You can slide a rocker cover gasket into this space too.


I keep a list of spares in the car which reminds me exactly where I put them because I usually forget.

You may wonder about the spare distributor but I can swap the dizzy in about a quarter of the time it takes me to fit and set some points.

Will leave the choice of which tools you take to you but there are some which are hard to come by in Europe.
The socket that fits the hub nut for example. All are AF sizes remember.

Take a copy of the Moss MGA catalogue so that they can express-delivery any parts you need in an emergency.

Lastly I keep a roll of black DUCK TAPE perched on top of the gearbox tunnel. It stays put though most of your cornering manoeuvres and you can slot a mobile phone or a compact camera into the centre of it.

In the USA they say that if you have not been able to fix something with Duck Tape, then you simply haven't used enough Duck Tape!

Have a great trip

Colyn






c firth

Nick

I think Jerry sums it up very well. The bottom line is how well do you know your car and what confidence you have to deal with eventualities. It's all a case of risk management. In the archives are similar requests for carrying spares and if you follow the suggestions to the letter you end up towing a spare car!

I normally just carry a few spanners and screwdrivers and the phone number of my insurance European roadside recovery.

I did the Le Mans MGA 50th anniversary run without any issues. The route was well worn by many British classics travelling down for the event. I am sure many a car would stop to lend a hand.

Steve
Steve Gyles

The breathalyzer are not required, the law was scrapped. The things to take are service items like oil, fan belt, points, condenser, plugs, and a few spare nuts and bolts of the various sizes. Make sure you have a small but useable set of tools. If the car has been reliable before, it shouldn't break down just because it hasn't been used for a bit, but the advice to drive it as much as you can before hand is excellent advice.
dominic clancy

Wow, some of the spares Colyn can manage to carry, super well impressed.

the MGA is a quite simple car, I only ever had 1 failure in my time abroad, speedo cable snapped on a regularity, still zero'd it.

I think modern ignition parts are a bugbear, so would carry those, also brake fluid is a good thing to carry if you use silicone, as the average garage might not have it, only the old stuff.

apart from that can only add a few meters of baling wire to the pot.

have fun.
mog

I have read somewhere that people are having grief in Europe where they cannot demonstrate that their car is road tax exempt now that tax discs are no longer issued. I believe it is possible to get a print from DVLA to show "Historic" and "tax exempt" and then carry that with you. Something in Safety Fast, i recall.

regards
Colin

Colin Manley

I probably should also said that over the last couple of continental tours I have not needed any of the spare parts I have secreted around the car apart from one.
The passenger side wiper blade rubber tore off on the last leg of the return journey from the pyrenees last summer.
I would have fitted my spare blade but unfortunately I had already given my only spare blade to a friend on the trip who had the same problem.
Will carry 2 spare wiper blades next time.

Colyn


c firth

You probably have it already, but there is a list of MG garages in France on this BBS site http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/garages/garfr.html
Graham
g Victors

Obvious really Nick but a mobile phone and charger with a continental plug adaptor. And/or connector for charging in the car plus a sat nav with European road map showing speed cameras etc. Oh and a manageable road map just in case you don't know where you are!
Above all enjoy the experience - it's something rather special!

All the best

Jerry
2:4^6:51:151^9:1:0^112:0:1^110:9:22^127:0:3^14:0:1

I give up,what is the: breathalysers?
It sounds like you need to carry your own device for each person, to prove you have not been drinking.
I thought the USA had enough regulations, sounds like we are low on the list of required items.
Ray Ammeter

Ray, I was wondering the same thing... We had a guy at work who had multiple DUIs, and one condition of him being able to get his license back, was his vehicle had to be modified with the installation of a breathalyzer. He had to blow into it before starting, and if it registered any alcohol, it would not start. But that was something required of a repeat offender.

Please tell your brother I said hi. Thanks.

-Del
D Rawlins

Hi Nick

Don't get too hung up on carrying spares as you will probably end up with another car being towed behind. Be sensible with spares, think about what has failed in the past and be prepared. France is not out in the sticks most common parts are available, oil ( non synthetic and cheaper), fan belts, plugs etc except on a Sunday of course so best bring the essentials.

Be aware that speed camera detectors are illegal in France so be discreet.

French gendarmes are not out to get you as some people make out, they however do not like people who drive at excessive speeds and generally make life a misery for other road users. Drive as you would drive at home and there should be no problems. In little villages watch out for the old farmer and VSPs exiting from small side roads on the right without looking.

If all else fails I can give you my number and you can give me a call if you need anything while you are here.

Barry

B Bridgens

Wow! It's going to take me some time to comb through all this. Thanks for all your help, and I'll get back to you when I don't have a list of things to do from SWMBO.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Nick

I realised that my list of spare parts that I took with me in the MGA probably makes me come across as a hopeless pessimist.
So I maybe should maybe explain the reason I took so many with me in the car rather than just send for them if anything broke down.

Both of my European trips in the MGA have been in the form of expeditions with a group of other MGAs where there was a planned route to follow each day and staying in a different hotel each night.

My idea was that if I had the part I needed in the car I could hopefully fix the breakdown in an hour or two and then then catch up with the rest of the group later in the day.

However, if you are taking a more leisurely driving holiday then you can similarly take a more leisurely approach to fixing the car and just send for any parts as and when you need them.

Hope that helps

Colyn
c firth

Right - I've read them properly now.

1. Must check my spare bulb kit, thank you Graeme

2. Jerry - whatever made you think I had invited my wife? ? Like you, I have changed to electronic ignition, but like Colyn I always carry a spare distributor - the old one, with wiring notes.

3. Colyn - I stand in awe of you. I shan't carry all that lot, but what a great list to pick from, and some canny hidey-holes too.

4. Steve - what depresses me slightly is that I have lost the blithe self-confidence of youth. You could call it wisdom, I suppose, but 13 years ago, the first time we went to Le Mans (the last time for my wife) we more or less just got in the car and went.

5. Phew! Thanks for the news on breathalyzers, Dominic.

6. Good one, mog - baler wire will be taken, though most hotels etc. will supply a wire hanger.

7. Hah! still got a tax disc, Colin.

8. No, Graham - didn't have that list, thank you very much.

9. Jerry, I've been thinking about having a cigar lighter fitted for satnav and phone charging. Must remember to wire it pos. earth, insulate it from dash etc. Travelling without a navigator can be too exciting when you hit the Le Mans ring road.

10. Barry - how kind! Do you live between Cherbourg and Le Mans?

11. What I would not have thought of (that's been mentioned above by various people) is documents, references, and all the phone numbers.

Sorry if I missed anyone. Paul - I would have asked why 2 breathalyzers, but it's now academic, I hope. And, just like Del, I would like to say Hi to Ray's brother.

I'll be back.

Nick

Nick and Cherry Scoop

Also suntan cream.
mog

Colyn's list got me thinking what things have caused me to breakdown at the roadside and whether Colyn had missed any. Believe it or not I have come up with a few some even simple ones. Most, but not all of these, go back to when I was doing in 30k miles a year and the car was a £100 banger/rust bucket between 1969 and 1976.

The one I would absolutely add is a throttle cable I have had more than one fail on me. Following a failure on the road only last weekend I would add a carb float as the cause of the carb spewing petrol out of the float chamber overflow was a float half full of petrol (alcohol in petrol?). Also I presume a fan belt should have been on the list, or did I miss it. I have had dynamo failures but a bit big to carry, but may be worth carrying brushes. This is the limit of sensible additions. I would emphasis electrics, fan belt and petrol pump. I like Colyn's comment on being quicker to change a dizzy than even do minor fixes, but make sure it is a well tested one not a new one like my new Moss one that failed in 100 miles. I will review my carried spares based on Colyn's very help full list.

As well as ones already covered my Colyn's list I have also had catastrophic/terminal engine failure, lost a gearbox (but unless Colyn fits that luggage rack I can't see him carrying spare units!) Other failures have been clutch plate (rivets sheared), clutch pushrod coming out of slave cylinder, starter as recently related here, rear spring, exhaust, and even set fire to the floor.

Remember all this was over well over 150k miles and in a car that was not maintained at level we all do now so don't be put off.

Enjoy your trip.

Paul

PS Colyn (and any others in the North) - Are any of you coming up for the MGCC MGA day in July again this year.



Paul Dean

Hi Nick

I live in a little village just east of le Mans.

Barry
B Bridgens

Nick

For interest I last went to France in Sept 2013 during (I believe) the period the law applied and it specified you should carry 2 breathalysers for some reason. That law was a bit like having to carry handcuffs. I suppose I could use them up here in Scotland now our law is the same as France not England, but I never drive anywhere even near the new 50 limit.

Paul
Paul Dean

The reason for needing two disposable breathalysers was that if you were stopped and used one, you needed the second one to be able to drive away from the first test without being immediately stopped and charged for not having a breathalyser available in the car.....

Kafkaesque but at least easy to get around.
dominic clancy

Paul,
sorry I forgot to include the fan belt in the list, I do always have one in the boot.
I have never carried a spare throttle cable but it is probably a good idea to carry one, it wouldnt take up much space.
I did had a throttle cable break once years ago and I got around it by adjusting the tick-over up to 2000rpm and drove it like that.

Nick, dont forget that my spares are all tucked out of the way and dont take up any of the boot space at all.

Paul, we may well try to fit in a trip up to the Scottish MGA Day in July, we really enjoyed coming up to meet you all on the very first one.

Cheers

Colyn

c firth

Good point, Colyn.

I will make it a point of honour to avoid using the boot for spares.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

I used a bicycle gear changer inner cable last time my throttle cable frayed at the ends. Plenty of bike shops in France!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Just entertained a French friend to dinner. She tells me that you must carry a spare pair of specs.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

I am lucky to find even one pair of specs in the car when I need them, and I must have at least twenty pairs..... Good job I only need them for reading!
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed between 16/04/2015 and 26/04/2015

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