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Re: Continuation of Buying my first MG

To: Steve Conley <swconley@foxinternet.net>
Subject: Re: Continuation of Buying my first MG
From: Jurgen Hartwig <gt0003a@prism.gatech.edu>
Date: Sat, 06 Mar 1999 16:39:47 -0500

Steve Conley wrote:
> 
> I have just purchased my first MG this week. (I'm more than slightly older
> than 18 however!) I spent less than your price limit and found a very good
> specimen. I, too wanted a chrome bumper, but I say buy the best car
> available.  I looked at a '73 that was a disaster that would've required a
> lot of work to get up to snuff. What I found is a rubber bumpered '76 that
> is in very good mechanical condition with a few dents and faded paint that
> will be fairly easy to fix up. I'm on day 3 of MG ownership and I love the
> feeling! I can't wait for my first top-down drive. (at least it didn't rain
> today-we had a record 34+ in. from Nov-Feb)
> Keep us informed of your progress!


Hi, I thought I'd chime in here, since this thread does seem to be
centered around MGs, and I've had experience owning two MGBs and one
Porsche, since I attained ownership of my first B (age 18).  The MGB has
been so very rewarding for me in many ways.  This vehicle has not only
been transportation and a "fun ride," but has managed to raise my
confidence and teach me many aspects about cars.  Just recently I bought
a '76 912E Porsche.  It was not running, needed paint, and the interior
needed freshening.  I stole it from the guy for $2500.  If it were not
for the MGBs, I never would have dreamt of owning or even considered
owning the Porsche that is in my shop currently.  

I remember about 4 years ago, just after I had acquired ownership of my
first MGB ('78 Pageant Blue), a fellow joined the list and extolled how
EASY the MGBs were to work on.  I immediately took offense, since my
father and I had struggled to learn this car and become proficient to
fix it.  I lightly flamed the guy, but I realize my ineptness was the
real problem.  Gosh, 4 years has progressed, and I've become pretty good
with cars.  I don't claim to know ALL of the peculiar quirks with the
MGB, and I never will, but at least now I have the confidence and know
when the car breaks down, I can fix it.  This proficiency transferred
over when I considered the purchase of my 912E.  Hey, I can rebuild a 4
cylinder MGB motor and Rover V8, so learning to build the flat four or
six Porsche motor can't be impossible.  Plus, my brother has become a
proficient painter and we have a nice 35' square shop with room for four
cars.  Restoring the Porsche is no problem, I thought, and with the
moral and physical support of my family and beagle, this car will be
finished before the end of the month.  

My point is that the MGB, with tractor motor and poor electrical, has
taught me so much. The experience has been so great, I've been
complemented by Porsche gurus I've met.  They have been very amazed that
a 23 year old college boy could be so enthusiastic and so confident. 
Likewise, I tell all my friends that I find it remarkable that a piece
of steel, rubber, and plastic could invoke such love, admiration, and
goodwill.  While I will likely relinquish ownership of my two current
MGBs (one of which is a daily driver), and I will be MG-less, I will
still hold fond memories in my heart.  In fact, I will be conversing
with a friend who owns an MGA, which is sadly being held in the garage. 
I would like to have her MGA.  The lines are gorgeous.      

Now, beware that the MGB will and does break down.  I began to get
disheartened, since I felt a breakdown was a direct reflection of my
maintenance abilities.  However, I have to reassured myself that she is
almost 30 years old, and is being used on a daily basis.  Problems will
occur, and I cannot avoid them unless I rebuild the WHOLE car.  I total
rebuild of the car is not in my plans, since I'm still in school, and I
just don't have the funds.  I feel a supportive family and understanding
parents is a must for MGB ownership.  My parents have been extremely
supportive of me.  I have never heard them say ,"Maybe you should have
gotten a Honda," despite all the troubles I have had with the car.

The MGB has been so much fun.  Top down drives across mountain passes
are awesome.  The autocrosses I have recently begun to compete in have
been great.  The occasional complements from other drivers.  The loving
gazes from the ladies (not for me, for the car - hehe).  The symmetrical
layout of the dash gauges and switches.  The cute little round
headlamps.  The gleam of chrome against the blue paint.  The hum of the
exhaust at 3000 RPM.  The battery behind the seat.  The stubby
windshield and tiny sun visors.  The aluminum hood.  There are so many
things which I find unique and interesting.  It will be a shame to lose
it only months from now.

Getting the Porsche is a welcome change.  It's not cheap to own.  I hear
maintenance costs are up there in the stratosphere, but I do my own
work, so it won't be too bad.  Besides, you gotta pay to play.  I can't
wait to get it on the racetrack, which is one of the reasons I'm losing
the MGB.  I know I can take my MGB to the track, but it would need quite
a bit of work to get it up to a decent level.  I can drive the Porsche
to the track, compete and drive it home at the end of the day
comfortably.  It's certainly one of the finer points of owning a P-car.

Anyway, I encourage all young'uns out there get an MGB while you are not
married and have the time.   Later, you will wish you were still in
school, because lots of my friends are married now and it doesn't look
like a walk in the park, especially when you have rug rats.

Sorry for being longwinded.   I didn't have much to say, but I like to
stretch it out as if I did have something to say. :)

Safety Fastest
Jay

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