Wesley Lyon wrote:
> >From the "Originak MGB with MGC and MGB GT V8" book. If you have a moss
> catalog it should be around page 35-top-center. Part # of the book is
> 211-355. But I am really not prepared nor do I wanted to, have a debate over
> weather I am one shade off or not. The engine is complete and "I" like the
> way my engine looks.
>
There is no need for a debate. If you like your engine color, no one can tell
you to change it whether it is right, wrong or otherwise. There is, however, a
desire among some to learn of anomalies for historical purposes. The color
reproduction in Clausager's book are dismal in places and obviously contains
photographs of modern restorations that can be mistaken by some for original
examples. The trouble with all of this is how quickly a reader can be misled
when selecting colors. The engine color on the top illustration page 63 is close
to correct. Those illustrations on page 61 are very misleading (i.e..
incorrect), and the two on page 59 are not too much better. That paint used on
the engine page 59 is that awful stuff Moss sells. Sorry if that offends anyone.
If you want to see the correct color, look at original, unrestored, and well
documented examples of MGA's and MGB's. Moss's red engine paint is too rosy and
much too glossy. I once had a spare MGA 1500 engine that was painted bright red.
I had no history to fall back on, but I suspect it was pulled from its car at
some point put under the wrench. It is more likely that my example was hot
dipped, thereby stripping all original paint traces, then painted with fresh
Chevy red engine paint, because that was convenient. There was also a time when
overhauled engines were available painted blue for one level of overhaul, the
blue seal, and gold for a higher level, the gold seal. Who knows, maybe there
was also someone doing overhauls who liked to use bright red as his signature
color. I still see no evidence of a bright red engine coming from the factory.
The art of restoring MG's, especially the MGB, has evolved to encompass
refurbishing, faithful restorations keeping it as original as possible, and
enhanced restorations, almost to hot rod status. They are all legitimate
interpretations by the owner artists. Personally, I enjoy them all and am glad
that there are enough MGB's around to permit this exciting recreation. On the
other hand, I will feel very different if I see a rare MG like the MGA DeLuxe
being restored unfaithfully: Then we might need to come to blows.
--
Jim
microdoc@apk.net
1999 BMW R1100RT Very Black... of course
BMW RA #25289 MOA #89329
1972 Suzuki TS185 Dual Sport, Very sort of orange. For Sale
2000 Audi A4 Quattro Avant Very Silver
1960 MGA 1600 Very Red
1974 MGB-GT Damask Red (Very Burgundy)
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