Author Topic: 1973 MG B  (Read 157581 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #600 on: March 23, 2013, 06:43:18 PM »
Progress... I wasted two hours driving around looking for a replacement for the 8x1.0mm nut I dropped and can no longer find.  Nobody had one.  Got the headers and carbs reinstalled, replaced the oil cover gasket and both front and rear exhaust hangers.  I had to call it quits because it started raining and probably won't stop until Monday. 

Next step is to rehang and seal the exhaust and go for a drive.
« Last Edit: March 23, 2013, 07:24:38 PM by Chris_ »
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #601 on: March 30, 2013, 05:36:10 PM »
I've got the hangers replaced and the new exhaust assembled, but it keeps raining here.  Rained all day yesterday and it's raining now.  This sucks.

I had to replace a section of pipe on the original exhaust.  The black pipe is the extension that goes to the new header and the steel pipe behind it is the replacement piece.  Right now, it's too long and I need to cut it down to the right size.



I had everything mounted earlier until I realized the replacement section was too long.  I was about to start measuring ("I've cut this twice and it's still too short.") when the rain started.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2013, 05:43:14 PM by Chris_ »
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #602 on: April 06, 2013, 10:08:19 PM »
Got the replacement header and the rest of the exhaust installed and  fired the car up this afternoon.

Not happy.

I had to patch in a new pipe and all of my clamps are leaking.  I don't know how tight I can clamp them down without mangling the original exhaust, but nearly every joint is leaking.  I think I'm going to have to buy an entirely new exhaust at some point.  It's working well enough as it is that I can put it off for later, maybe next year.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #603 on: April 06, 2013, 10:11:06 PM »
Also, I was going to replace the other tail light cover and the screw broke.  I had to take the entire light assembly off the car.  I'm hoping I can drill out the broken screw with a small drill bit tomorrow.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #604 on: April 07, 2013, 11:06:26 AM »
Sure am glad I took these pictures, because I forgot how those cables were supposed to go back on.

If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #605 on: April 07, 2013, 12:45:47 PM »
Sure am glad I took these pictures, because I forgot how those cables were supposed to go back on.



Is that bolt twisted into that hose on the balance tube the correct thread for that application?   :lmao: :tongue:

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #606 on: April 07, 2013, 04:32:23 PM »
Is that bolt twisted into that hose on the balance tube the correct thread for that application?   :lmao: :tongue:
It was like that when I bought it. :p



I don't think the gasket for the oil separator cover fits.  Oh well.  Off to Blackstone Brewery for some fish and chips.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #607 on: April 10, 2013, 07:58:30 PM »
I desperately need to get this thing fixed.  It's squirrely around tight corners and feels like crap on the road after sitting for months.  No likey. :(

Ordered a full set of front suspension bushings from Moss.  Maybe they'll be here Friday.



I have a feeling I should have ordered new A-arms as well.  I think the kit I ordered comes with new kingpins.
« Last Edit: April 10, 2013, 08:14:00 PM by Chris_ »
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Wineslob

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14429
  • Reputation: +778/-193
  • Sucking the life out of Liberty
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #608 on: April 12, 2013, 02:16:56 PM »
Dang, how much is that kit?   :o
“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #609 on: April 12, 2013, 02:34:06 PM »
It was $150 for the rubber bushings and assorted nuts, washers, and a new set of kingpins.  It was $300 and up for the polyurethane ones.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #610 on: April 13, 2013, 03:02:29 PM »
Look at this filthy thing.

If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #611 on: April 13, 2013, 03:40:14 PM »
Look at this filthy thing.



Wow.  There are supposed to be grease fittings in there.  I can't see any of them.   :lmao:

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #612 on: April 13, 2013, 06:38:30 PM »
The more I started taking apart, the dirtier it got.  After busting my knuckles on the bolts holding the rear wishbone arm to the spring pan, I had to break out the torch.  I should have done that an hour ago.  I did notice this car has a front swaybar installed.  I didn't know that was an option in 1973.

Aside from the dirt and the dried-out plastic pieces, everything looks good.  No elongated holes on the wishbone arms and the lever shocks seem to be working.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #613 on: April 13, 2013, 07:23:04 PM »
It was really fun when the grease- and oil-soaked dirt caught fire and then started dripping on me as I was trying to unscrew the nut and bolt.

I found a few small rust holes in the frame rail.  Looks like I will have to have that patched.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline BattleHymn

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8750
  • Reputation: +974/-63
  • Not right, but not left, either.
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #614 on: April 13, 2013, 07:38:40 PM »
how bad are the rust holes?

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #615 on: April 13, 2013, 08:25:09 PM »
Not bad.  BB-sized.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #616 on: April 14, 2013, 02:25:57 PM »
*grumble, grumble*

The nut holding the kingpin in the swivel axle won't budge.  It's supposed to come off but heating it up didn't do anything.  I'm soaking it in some homemade penetrating fluid (50/50 acetone-ATF).
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Eupher

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24894
  • Reputation: +2828/-1828
  • U.S. Army, Retired
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #617 on: April 15, 2013, 08:37:14 AM »
*grumble, grumble*

The nut holding the kingpin in the swivel axle won't budge.  It's supposed to come off but heating it up didn't do anything.  I'm soaking it in some homemade penetrating fluid (50/50 acetone-ATF).


More leverage
Adams E2 Euphonium, built in 2017
Boosey & Co. Imperial Euphonium, built in 1941
Edwards B454 bass trombone, built 2012
Bach Stradivarius 42OG tenor trombone, built 1992
Kanstul 33-T BBb tuba, built 2011
Fender Precision Bass Guitar, built ?
Mouthpiece data provided on request.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #618 on: April 15, 2013, 10:23:07 AM »
I tried that. :-)

I'm using a 1/2-inch drive with a 1-1/4 inch wrench for leverage.  It's the biggest wrench I own.

This is somewhat common knowledge in some places, but this is where I found the acetone/ATF mix -- it's the first I've heard of it.  I wonder if the guys at the Cummins garage down the street use it.
Quote
Machinist's Workshop Mag recently published some information on various penetrating oils that I found very interesting. Some of you might appreciate this. the magazine reports they tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts.  They are below, as forwarded by an ex-student and professional machinist.

They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment.

*Penetrating oil .......... Average load*
None ........................... 516 pounds
WD-40 ..................... ... 238 pounds
PB Blaster .................... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ............... 127 pounds
Kano Kroil .................... 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix...............53 pounds

The ATF-Acetone mix was a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone. Note the "home brew" was better than any commercial product in this one particular test.  Our local machinist group mixed up a batch and we all now use it with equally good results.  Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is almost as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price.
Ford Truck Enthusiasts
« Last Edit: April 15, 2013, 12:08:16 PM by Chris_ »
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #619 on: April 15, 2013, 06:58:55 PM »
I'm starting to think this is all a joke and the castle nut is part of the swivel axle and isn't supposed to come off.
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Eupher

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24894
  • Reputation: +2828/-1828
  • U.S. Army, Retired
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #620 on: April 15, 2013, 09:09:56 PM »
I'm starting to think this is all a joke and the castle nut is part of the swivel axle and isn't supposed to come off.

A silly question, but did you take the cotter pin out?  :whistling:
Adams E2 Euphonium, built in 2017
Boosey & Co. Imperial Euphonium, built in 1941
Edwards B454 bass trombone, built 2012
Bach Stradivarius 42OG tenor trombone, built 1992
Kanstul 33-T BBb tuba, built 2011
Fender Precision Bass Guitar, built ?
Mouthpiece data provided on request.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #621 on: April 15, 2013, 09:10:22 PM »
Yes. :p

Honestly, it looks like it's cast as a single piece.  I'm going to try it from the other end tomorrow.
« Last Edit: April 15, 2013, 09:16:38 PM by Chris_ »
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline Wineslob

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 14429
  • Reputation: +778/-193
  • Sucking the life out of Liberty
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #622 on: April 16, 2013, 09:29:57 AM »




 :-)
“The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced; the arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance.”

        -- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 55 BC (106-43 BC)

The unobtainable is unknown at Zombo.com



"Practice random violence and senseless acts of brutality"

If you want a gender neutral bathroom, go pee in the forest.

Offline Chris_

  • Little Lebowski Urban Achiever
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 46845
  • Reputation: +2028/-266
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #623 on: April 16, 2013, 09:33:35 AM »
What the heck is that thing?
If you want to worship an orange pile of garbage with a reckless disregard for everything, get on down to Arbys & try our loaded curly fries.

Offline thundley4

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 40571
  • Reputation: +2222/-127
Re: 1973 MG B
« Reply #624 on: April 16, 2013, 11:50:03 AM »
What the heck is that thing?

A cutting torch.