dlq04

The basics and then some . . . In addition to all the usual stuff like tools, sunscreen, flashlights, tire gauge, fire extinguisher, etc., my spares include:

new generator with fan and pulley

SU fuel pump

two windshield wiper blades

distributor with plug wires

PerTronix cap and rotor

first aid kit

transmission funnel

coil

MGA jack base & jack handles

6’ tow strap

used hoses - radiator & engine heater

aluminum foil (to cover dist. if heater valve leaks)

GPS & charger

Valvoline VR1 20w50 engine oil

GTX 20w50 transmission oil

side curtains

fan belt

valve cover gasket

tire tube

electrical auto analyzer

trouble shooting light

4 used spark plugs

4 new Champion N5C spark plugs

2 new rotors

2 new brake light switches

generator brush set

fuses

plug gapping tool

hose clamps

wire stripper

electrical wire

plastic vice grips

SU carb repair kit

carb fuel hose & clamps

electrical tape

plastic ties

Permatex blue racing gasket sealant

blue and red thread locker

gas tank repair putty

rubber repair patch

3 foot of metal wire

18” light jumper wires

36” medium jumper wire

14 foot heavy jumper wire

points and condensers

brake light bulb

Maintenance records & notes

Haynes manual

Glenn’s MG repair guide

Moss catalog



I know I go overboard, but I have been taking long trips in MGAs since 1976 so I come prepared.
No starter, Donna can push lol

robb

Definitely is. I'm having flashbacks to driving along in my MGB at night and my friend asking are the headlights getting dimmer and I replied no everything's fine which of course it wasn't and I couldn't keep lying once the car lost all power.

tof

Never had a bit of trouble with my old Spitfire...until the great head gasket crisis of 1971.

dlq04

It has only backfired once when my mate had a flat and neither of us had a spare. We were on the side of the road in Iowa on a Sunday. It took a few hours to resolve but we did it, thanks to the help of locals and Tracker Supply.

I have a spare 'boot' lid with a rack if felt the need for a spare tire.




This was a trip we took in 1990 using it. I really don't like to travel using it because it blocks the rear view, pain to load and unload and to protect from the weather.

robb

Funny you say that we had a Midget that my Dad owned for about 15 years and I bought from him and had a few years and it only broke down once under my ownership. I was autocrossing it and the carburetor gave up.

dlq04

Lack of maintenance is what causes most problems. Americans, self included, were never use to doing all the normal maintenance required by British cars. The reason for all my spares is there is no quick availability for 60 year old cars.

robb

With a few exceptions like the MGC and MGA twincam, See Dave I've been paying attention to the knowledge that you have shared.

Hertz Donut

I STARTED ON THE FARM ENTRANCE!

I got the first few strainer posts in place (8-10in thick, 9ft long, 200lb+, into 4ft deep holes) and hung the old farm entrance gate off one of them, which for the past few years we've been dragging from side to side every time we wanted to get in that way. Feels good to finally get it underway, assuming "good" feels like "everything aches."

tof

I have read that the problems with the twincams was fairly well understood and if you got one now chances are they had been addressed. What do you in the MG community hear?

dlq04

I wouldn't want one. One of my best friends from college has one he is restoring and is unsure about setting the timing, etc. and is in a pickle about who can help him. Why would anyone want one - cause they are rare! And, worth more. Would I drive across the country in one - nope. Too rare and if the engine breaks where do you get parts and someone who knows the engine? Have they sorted out the problems; yeah, enough to go get ice cream. One of my early buddies in the MG world had one; he was glad to part with it and have a normal one. I know people who have owned one, did own one, or still have one and they would all agree - If you want an MGA to drive, don't waste your money on one.