Moss Motors, Ltd

Hi,

This looks like a good group to join. I just got a 1962 MGA 1600 Mark II roadster project. The car is mostly diassembled and some of the pieces are missing (even the engine is in pieces). It is possible that the car has been disassembled since the 1970's but I don't know for sure.

I am still taking inventory of what I have and looking for more parts that should come with the car (parts are mixed up with the parts of 3 other cars). I am helping the guy that I bought it from sort out the parts. It is a good learning experience (learning how to figure out which parts are for which model car).

Anyway, I suspect that I am going to discover that some hard to find parts are missing.

I think that I have the correct crankshaft, end caps, head and block. However, I have not confirmed for sure if the crankshaft is correct (need to buy parts manual to check the casting number). We found a second one that had a much different casting number but visually they looked pretty much the same (I was expecting it to look different).

We have not found the rear end gears.

What parts are the hardest to find for this car? In other words, there are plenty of parts that I am just not worried about finding because I either would want to replace them anyway, or I at least know that they are available.

So, to make a long story short, what parts should I start looking for immediately and if I can't find them what are my alternatives?

The body on this car is quite good. The frame is pretty good too but it will need a little repair in the area near the left drivers foot (left hand drive). The support for the floor needs replacing and so do the battry box supports.

I will post pictures later when I get a chance.

 Rebecca

(I am in Massachusetts and would be interested in meeting anyone in my area who is tacking a similar project).

 

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1962 MGA 1600 MarkII

Rebecca, be patient in collecting the parts. If you're not aiming for a perfect restoration, then there are some choices open that might help you find parts as well as save you some money. The rear gears are an example. If you have the correct 1622cc engine and build it with a little more hp with a cam etc, then you might want to change over to the early MGB 3.9:1 rear gears for a better highway car. These are getting harder to find, but they're still out there and you don't want to buy two different gear sets in the long run, so plan ahead. Most everything on the car is still around and available either from suppliers such as Moss or by e-bay or posts on the various bulletin boards. The frame corrosion sounds about normal for these cars, usually you will find that the rockers and sills are damaged as well. These aren't too hard to replace but can be expensive if you send the car out. For a good overview of common body and frame repairs for the MGA you can check the Eclectic Motorworks web site. http://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/ Carl has posted lots of photos of his work and you can get a good idea of what and where to look for damage.

I highly recommend you also post on the MG Experience MGA boards, there are several guys in your area who post there. http://www.mmgcc.com/

If you're not already a member of a British or MG car club it's something I highly recommend. The support you will find there is invaluable, especially during the long restoration process. The North American MGA Registry shows two affilated clubs in Mass. http://www.namgar.com/ 

Welcome to the world of MGAs.

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'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

I think that Bill meant to put this link in: http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/list.php?2

Cheers,
Dave 

Note: since my attempt to put a link in didn't show up as a hyperlink, you will have to copy and past it to get to the forum. 

 

Let me suggest you join your local MG club.  I was able to get a 3.9 rear end from a club member for way less than Ebay or some other source.  MG club members are a bit.....odd.  There's always someone who has way more parts than they need and a couple of "project" cars that have been sitting around forever.  One more thing I know about club members is that as a whole, we love to help others in their "addictions" and we love talking about these cars.  Here's what I found for clubs in MA.

 

Bay State MGA Club - NAMGAR
Jim Guyot
334 Broadway
Haverhill, MA 01832
978-372-1104
Email

Boston Area MG Club
Mike Crawford
21 Parkland Dr.
Ashland, MA 02721
Email: Mike Crawford

MG T-Party
Roy Crane
30 McDonald Rd.
Wilmington, MA 01887
Email: Roy Crane

 

Good luck on your car!

Evan 

 

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1960 MGA
Keep 'em on the road DAILY!

Rebecca,

Check the cylinder head. See if it has a "16" cast onto the upper rear surface, just aft of the valve cover sealing area. If so, you are lucky to have the correct head for this engine. All other MGAs had a "15" there. Many cars had earlier heads put in place when they had problems, but these have smaller valves. A lot of MGAs also had MGB heads applied. These have an "18" on that spot. They'll perform fine, and in fact, the earlier heads can be somewhat upgraded, or you could install one of the excellent aluminum heads. But, if you have the correct head you have something special.

Do you intend to overhaul this engine yourself? Let me know. I've done more MG engines than I can count. We'll get you started right.

By the way, I'm jealous. MGAs are my all time favorite, and I let a MK II slip away several years ago. I'm still kicking myself and pining for one. You're lucky, and you have a unique opportunity. Enjoy the process.

Bill

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Motorbill
From Lola to Land Rover, If it's British and has wheels, it's likely I've bloodied me knuckles thereupon