HI- TECH MGB

This 1974 MGB came to us looking pretty good but in need of a good deal of mechanical repair.  The owner wanted to update the electrical system as well as the performance of the engine, suspension and brakes.

A couple of small holes in the floor on both sides were repaired before KBS rust proof paint and Koolmat insulation was applied.

A lot of time was spent removing all of this old insulation and carpet.

Since KBS had an almost perfect color match to the exterior non-original paint, it was decided to clean and paint the underhood area to match. The hydraulic lines are wrapped in foil to prevent overspray.

As this paint job was done with a small sprayer and brush, we achieved a very close match. An added plus - this paint resists brake fluid and oil.

The interior was painted with the same color and POR 15 (black) was applied in a few rough areas.

Koolmat insulation was applied on the floors, tunnels, battery shelf and foot wells to cut down on heat and noise (it's also fire proof).

Next came the installation of the electric window lifts. Why not? They are fast and operate smoothly.

The wires were run along the upper door hinge and will be kept inside the door.

Something else no MG ever had, a proper fuse and relay box. Its size required it to be mounted inside the car in the passenger's footwell. The harness and fuse/relay box were sourced from Advance Auto Wire.

The customer did the dash himself with a set of electronic gauges and switches including a speedo that runs off the GPS. The downside, twenty plus connection bus behind the dash to hook them up.

The original front suspension and brakes were worn out.

Rebuilt kingpins, new poly bushings, tubular sway bar and big brake conversion.

The rear disc brake conversion sourced from Old Phartz Partz is very neat.

The old gas tank.

The new gas tank.

The engine disassembled shows worn lifters....

...and worn bearings as well as everything else.

After the rebuild with a five speed transmission, a supercharger, an aluminum cylinder head and a whole lot more.

The engine goes in fully assembled.

In position with uprated heater fan and matrix along with an aluminum crossflow radiator and fan.

This shows the absence of electrical clutter when fully wired up.

Here is the close to stock appearance of the interior. The amp powers four speakers through a smart phone or I-pod.

Look Ma! No window cranks!

The crowning touch - a new "Mohair" convertible top from Prestige tops it off!

HERE COMES THE SUN...BEAMS

Once upon a time, there were three Sunbeams - Old Paint, New Paint and Tiger.





Old Paint and New Paint had their interiors done over. Like most over 40 sportscars, their seats were well worn and needed attention from the frame out. All foam and covers were replaced.





All three Sunbeams were outfitted with Koolmat - a high temperature composite insulation made with silicone and fiberglass. We have installed this product in several other cars, and it does cut down on heat and noise. On top of the Koolmat, new carpeting was installed.



Old and New Paint had their engines rebuilt and overdrive transmissions were installed.



Tiger got a new set of headers and aluminum radiator along with a new wooden dash. New 15" wheels and tires were also installed.





Now the three Sunbeams can run and play together on their favorite mountain roads.

MIATA

Yes Virginia, you can have 400 horse power in your Miata.


Simply remove your Miata engine and ....


...prepare to install an LS1 with a 6 speed transmission. The boys at Flying Miata have engineered a kit to intall LS series aluminum V8s into a Miata with very minimal modification to the car. The picture below shows a fairly easy install from the bottom.



Tim "More Power!" Allen would approve!

CHEVY LUV

A Triumph customer also had the best Chevy LUV survivor we'd ever seen. He requested more power and better highway manners. The Isuzu 4 cylinder and 4 speed was pulled in favor of a 4.3 Chevy V6 with a 5 speed transmission. The V6 has Vortec heads, and Isky roller cam and a Holley 4 BBL. Also included in the conversion was power steering, air conditioning and a tilt steering wheel column with a vintage Corvette wheel. We also did a coil over front spring conversion.

MK II

After a decade and a half in storage, a 1963 MK II Jaguar gives up some secrets - an E Type tricarb head with very poor air filters made from snuff cans.



All the rubber mountings and all the hydraulic systems had to be replaced.





The front cross member was removed and the front suspension rebuilt. The entire brake system was changed to stainless components.



The broken rear leaf spring



was addressed along with the rest of the rear suspension.
Then the choice was made to convert to power rack and pinion steering with a clever electro-hydraulic kit from England.


Now that the car is safely back on the road, the cosmetics can be addressed. Check back to see the completed project.

ERMINI

Every so often we get to work on something completely different - a 50's Italian one-off sports racer. This Ermini is Alfa powered and is now a vintage race car. And as with most early race cars, it is completely streetable as well.