In my opinion it is very difficult to "destroy" the character of these
cars. If you want a car that is dependable and fun to drive then modify
to your hearts content. If you want a 100 point restoration, then it
obviously must be 100% original. Most people opt for some where in the
middle of a full restoration and a complete reconstruction until it is
something else. (see the electric MGA and Midget projects as examples).
In my case I replaced the mirrors so I can see, replaced the ZS carb and
the stock exhaust, so I can drive. Other than that the car is pretty near
original, and unrestored. And still a lot of fun to drive.
It is your car - your call.
Larry
At this exact moment in time 6/23/00 4:18, Alan@health.co.zw made the
profound statement:
>I've owned a '71BGT for a few months and am enjoying the
>pleasures of owning what is here in Zimbabwe a very rare car.
>However I am now beginning to wonder about the effectiveness of
>some of the original parts fitted to the car. All MGs are based on
>mechanicals from very ordinary family saloons which were
>designed to provide reliable service at a low price. Performance
>considerations were not taken into account. Thus we have iron
>cylinder heads, lever arm dampers, leaf springs, drum brakes etc
>etc. It is interesting to speculate what these cars would be like if
>the enthusiasts in the design department had been able to utilize
>"ideal" components rather than "available" components.
>
>There is therefore a strong argument for replacing certain
>components with items intrinsically more suitable for the task than
>the original part. The problem with this is the originality question.
>Should MGs be kept as near as possible to the manufacturers
>specification or is deviation from standard permitted in the interest
>of improved performance and/or reliability?
>
>My own vehicle appears to be very close to the makers
>specification (European version), and I am consequently reluctant
>to meddle with it. But I am becoming increasingly impatient with
>the poor suspension control provided by the dampers, the very
>heavy pedal pressure required to stop the vehicle(no servo) and the
>pathetic push button windscreen washer. I would like to change all
>these things.
>
>How far is it permissible to go in terms of modifications before
>accusations of destroying the character of the car begin flying
>around? Is the criteria that any modification should be acceptable
>as long as it is reversible valid or can you argue that if the change
>makes the car perform better then it is permissible, regardless of
>reversability, bearing in mind that performance is what the car is
>supposed to be about?
>
> I look forward to reading the responses.
>
>
>Alan Morrison
Larry Macy
78 Midget
Keep your top down and your chin up
Larry B. Macy, Ph.D.
macy@bblmail.psycha.upenn.edu
System Administrator/Manager
Neuropsychiatry Section
Department of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania
3400 Spruce St. - 1015 Gates
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Ask a question and you're a fool for three minutes; do not ask a
question and you're a fool for the rest of your life.
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