Greetings all,
Being that I'm a newbie to the list, I'd figure I'd take a moment to
introduce myself and my precious, little beast. I currently hail from the
great northwest, Tacoma WA to be exact, but will be relocating to Texas come
the fall. I've owned a 1978 MGB for the last 14 years which has seen
various states of repair (or lack thereof) during that time frame. The most
devastating period for the poor thing was when I was living in Germany. I
had left the vehicle with my inlaws while I was out of the country who had
left me the impression it was to be stored in a covered facility, on blocks,
etc. Needless to say, when I came back home, I was not too pleased to find
it parked in the back yard where three years of baking Tennessee sun had
ravaged a new paint job and anything made of plastic or rubber.
Well, that was five years ago and the poor car hasn't been the same since.
It has been a constant struggle keeping the thing on the road and it is
becoming increasingly difficult justifying keeping it (at least in my wife's
opinion). It has always been my desire to see my son take his date to the
Prom in it come the year 2008, but I fear that might not be enough time to
get it ready.
The car's current condition is fair at best. The body is in pretty good
shape, the interior has been mostly refurbished, and it runs pretty well
(although I think it could use a valve job), but the wiring is in a pitiful
state. After having it hybernate all winter for wiring problems, I've
finally gotten it on the road again, but wiring problems still abound. No
horn, no signals, heater fan, brake lights, the battery will drain if it
sits for more than three days, etc. Being that I'm neither a mechanically
inclined man (although I can read a shop manual and have surprised myself
with some of the repairs I've made) nor a rich man, the car's desire to sit
broken seems to be prevailing. The wife has even made the offer to buy me
another MG if I'd get rid it (I think she's a bit jealous because I've owned
that car longer than we have been married). I'm half-tempted to take her up
on that offer, but that car and I have been through alot together and I'd
hate to see another MG go way of the junk heap.
I'm on this list for words of encouragement and for advice on getting this
car ready for my son's big night out which is just a mere eight years
away.... Hopefully some of you all can help me out! :)
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