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Two cars, one as driver and one as rider Posted by MI-Roger [Email] (#882) [Profile/Gallery] (more from MI-Roger) on Thu, 9 May 2013 17:23:09 In Reply to: Re: Back from my day trip with lots of research to do, No Snaab, Thu, 9 May 2013 15:37:18 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
First car was a 1959 MGA, owned 8 years. Current owner had a full body off restoration done of just the sheet metal. All rust cut out (dog legs, door opening frames, lower door halves), new sections welded in, body sand blasted down to bare metal, re-primed, painted all sides, then reassembled. Frame and running gear ws fully under-coated at the same time. Engine bay was not touched. Car runs great, he was driving as we blasted along back country roads at 60MPH. No wind buffeting and easy to carry on a conversation at speed. Brand new Moss Motors chromed wire wheels and new (inexpensive) tires. Owner is selling it to get the cash to buy an XKE.
Second car was a 1960 MGA, owned 10+ years. Current owner says he never drives it, it was one of 16 classic cars he had acquired over the years (he owned multiple new car dealerships and his name is familiar to anyone who lived in the Flint area), and this is the last of his classic collection. Owner appears to be in his mid 80s - maybe. Previous owner was the GM VP who ran AC Spark-plug, he owned the car for 10 years but never drove it during the last five years and only rarely during the first five years. Lousy brakes - initially would barely stop the car from driveway speeds. Incredibly hard steering - probably decades of old stiff grease in every steering joint. Started like a champ and no problems shifting. Driving position was HORRIBLE! Wheel too close to my chest and not enough leg room (I was 5-8 35 years ago) with me having no knowledge if these parameters could be changed. Poor previous repaint job (missed the entire firewall with the spray-gun!) and evidence of an old failing Bondo job on the driver's side of the nose between the grill and the fender.
The '59 needs a new top. Turn signals don't work, fuel gage doesn't work, heater doesn't work, carpet could be replaced. Most dash controls are new. Owner has all receipts and a complete photo album of the restoration. Overall a very nice car but with niggly things for the next owner (and their wallet).
The '60 has a new top with original painted wire wheels and old dry-rotted tires (in typical Car Dealer manner he said the tires were fine - LOL, some things never change). Most dash controls have their legends rubbed off with age and use. Turn signals don't work, evidence of major brake issues, potential need to rebuild front suspension due to age, weird cracked and creased paint on nose that is likely a failing Bondo job. This car is priced ~$2K less but could get expensive fast! Looks beautiful close up but the beauty could be only skin deep. The scariest thing is that the VIN plate was removed and reattached (with a mixed bag of fasteners) after rotating 180 degrees! Engine number is in precisely the right range for the Body VIN, but is this a Franken-car? I couldn't find the Chassis number on the passenger foot well cross member.
My new job starts on the 20th so I have another week to search and drool. I will call on the third MGA and the SIS 900 on Monday.
->Posting last edited on Thu, 9 May 2013 17:32:25.
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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