MG Rover Addiction - is there a cure?
 

Meet the new addition to the family, a 22 year old MK1 MGF in flame red... :eek: I have always wanted to get my hands on one ever since I attended the MG car show at Athelhampton House, so I've been on the lookout ever since.

Ideally I wanted one in the colour red with the cream leather interior, plus chrome anti-roll roof bars and with a hardtop. I've fulfilled nearly 3 of those 4 requirements, so I'm somewhat a happy chappy. :D She is not perfect, but she has been garaged all her life which has aided towards her good looks, she ain't bad for 22 years old.

The wife said to me only last week that she wouldn't mind one of those MG sporty soft-tops. Well! that was all the persuading I needed. So yesterday I presented her with this sporty little number, I gave her the keys and said off you go... and I haven't seen her since. :duh:

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...49134e183b.jpg

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...491351ef32.jpg

The pooch has already taken ownership. :D
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...4913534602.jpg

Mgf
 

Wes

Many congratulations on acquiring an MGF, you are going to enjoy it, especially when the roof down and driving, puts a smile on your face all day long, and it looks very good for its age

Welcome to the world of MGFs

Stu

Thanks Stu, Do you have one? I cant remember if you have or not. You will have to give me some pointers on what to lookout for as I haven't a clue about these motors. :shrug:

Wes

Yes still got mine, currently tucked up in Man Cave with cover over it.

https://i.imgur.com/c1YFQka.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8TZpkjk.jpg

and one of the most important things in my opinion is to check the underfloor pipes and if steel then get them replaced with a set of stainless steel one's.

Stu

Wow! yours is beautiful Stu :drool4:

Its going to take me forever to get ours to a high standard like yours.

Wes

The most important things is that you enjoy it, don't worry about the standard, as I have had mine for around 14 years now, and don't use it as often as I should, only tends to go out for certain shows, and with time you will get yours to a very good standard judging by your Solar Red ZT, and also mine is one of the last models made, before they started to make the TF, so it is a few years younger than yours

So enjoy it, great little cars and the MGF has character

Stu

Really smart Wes looks ace. :D

Even the dog wants too have a spin in it. :D

Very nice early F Wes, looks fabulous :drool4: Like Stu said, roof down on a sunny day, nothing better........you'll love it!
Ignore what I asked in my PM, it's clearly a Non VVC.
Same interior as mine too.

I call mine 'Tatty' because it is and it's light years from ever been as good as Stu's Freestyle............but I love it :D Slowly improving all the time.

Excuse to post a pic :D

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p...F/image_4.jpeg

Paul


Nothing wrong with yours mate, and a lovely colour, but remember that I am totally OCD and mental

Stu

Thanks Stu........could do with leaving it with you for a few months to work your wonder on it :bowdown:

Paul

too busy with the other three cars, and have spent a few weeks getting the newer car done, paintwork, wheels, engine bay, and the underside, and just need to finish the exhaust, and taking it to Durham MG Show on Sunday, so will post up a few pictures of the new motor at the show

Stu

Paul, yours looks gorgeous, just like Stu's. :}

How do I tell if engine is a non VVC, is this the better option to not have a VVC engine?

Oh! and what's with the chrome roll bars on mine, or should I say the wife's. lol Were they an option from new, or do owners fit them. I've always liked the bars, especially when the tops off.

Thanks fellas. ;)

I have found a cure... a new drug called Lexus...
It has all of the interesting effects of the original but is available in a fresh supply...

Have you tried the drug called Ford yet highly recommended. :D

No cure for rust yet how ever. :D

Welcome to the club:D I love my wee TF:D

[

Going off you wheels, yours is an MPi Wes. A simpler but less powerful version. I like my MPi, more than enough power for me ;)
The roll hoops are an extra.......they look good and will have some for mine when I find some for less than what I paid for the car :duh:
There are genuine option ones about that are marked so but, most seem to be aftermarket. Mike Satur ones seem to be the ones to have........pricey though :o

Seems like a TF empire is building here. :eek:

What of curiosity are they any good in terms of performance?
I've never driven one ever they look part and what's like about them.:cool:

In the sports convertible category its easily the prettiest compare too the other mainstream motors like the Mazda MX5. :D

Blimey, Massive pic Simon :D

F and TF Dave ;) :D

MX5s are hairdressers cars Dave, F's And TFs are for MG men :D

They're certainly no slouch Dave, they perform well, even the 1.6. Reasonably light cars that handle like they're on rails :}

Yep, thats how I roll lol:D

I think I will revert to the thumbnail:getmecoat:

Possibly something too consider in the future. :cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzXx0UCLyHU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZClJbWX6ec

Just watched this. :drool4:

Time for some research on the car and the question I'd like too know what tuning options are averlaible for these cars. :cool:

Be brilliant too make a fast convertible. :cool:

With Style. :cool:

Mines is a 1.6 and can be quite nippy when pushed but to be honest i never push it:} Its a car meant for pootling down quite country roads taking in all the joy of being in an iconic 2 seater, mid engined MG :D

I nearly went to see one just like yours Simon, your TF is stunning by the way.

Thanks for that Paul, Roll Hoops... love it. :D

I guess all the usual K Series tuning options are available Dave, remaps etc, etc.

There's one that has had a 2.5 KV6 fitted and if you trawl the FB pages, somebody is building a V8 powered one at the moment :eek:

No way - there is no walnut and chrome. :shrug:

A V8 in one of these now this and I have too see. :cool:

Can chassis cope with the V8?

With it being at the back the weight distribution would be right for it.:cool:

Doesn't Brian also have a MGF/TF, what model does he have, does anyone know?

Just watched a motor sport video and Jesus there's one MGF that fly like a at out of hell. :eek:

BHP 290 for something that lightweight that's pretty damn fast. :eek:

It's being built with a space frame at the rear Dave.....proper job. If I can find it, I'll post a link.

Not sure Wes, although he has advised me a couple of times on mine :bowdown:

Yes please Paul that would be great. :cool:

I love reading stuff like this. :D

Your dog is too small to be driving Wes, plus they enjoy the passenger seat much better ;)

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...1&d=1525992996

Brian :D

The guy I bought my 75 from was building a home brew turbo conversion mgf. He'd been at it for a couple of years, not sure if he was going to finish it to completion as he was emigrating.

First car I owned was a mk1 escort mexico..
;)

Nice one Wes :cool:, the car looks to be in really good shape.

Look at that great expression, total enjoyment :D

These little dogs seem to love the open air dont they, we couldn't get ours to come out, she was staying put. :duh:

That is really not very nice - you should sell it ASAP at a lowish price.

Please let me know when and where it's advertised as I may feel kind and help you out. :D:}

MG Rover
 

Sorry, sadly not for sale, and don't think I will ever sell it, had the car for 14 years and have covered 6000 miles in that time, and it now has a new bigger brother sat next to it in the man Cave

https://i.imgur.com/z10M3gt.jpg?1

Stu

:drool4::drool4::drool4:

I really do admire your taste in cars, Stu. I remember seeing pictures of your S type in silver a couple of years ago and commenting on it being an absolute beauty.

Well! It has been one week of ownership with this little MGF, and so far I am looking at spending hundreds of pounds to put several things right. :eek:

She certainly isn't shy at coming forward, but she is being very difficult in telling me exactly what is wrong, or unless its me not reading her signs correctly. :duh:

She's an old girl at 22 years old being one of the first mk1 MGF's, and she is in need of saving it seems. The two main issues are O/S rear sill is badly corroded which will need cutting out and seam welded etc, then there is her engine whine when warm (either waterpump, tensioner or something else). Had the aux belt off and the whine/drone is still present, I cant even inspect the cambelt due to the two top bolts are knackered, they just turn and turn. This is obviously going to make a new belt, waterpump and tensioner change difficult as the cover will not come off...

I've had quotes from £250 all the way up to £1000 for each job :eek: garages services down this way live on a different planet, soon Dorset will not have any cars left on the roads due to the excessive garage repair bills down here. :mad:

I'm in a catch 22 situation, the previous owners who are a lovely couple have said the head gasket including new radiator has been done, cambelt including waterpump along with a new clutch has also been done. The work was done by the owner, so there are no receipts to show the work was ever carried-out. I have no reason to disbelieve them as they seem like honest and friendly people.

The head has obviously been done as she drives lovely, she doesn't overheat and the water level stays at the weld seam in the expansion tank, plus there is no smoke, no mayo in the oil or filler cap. We have driven her everyday this past week, taken her for long journeys and she just eats up the miles.

Her under carriage seems solid, no severe rust, its just the O/S rear outta sill skin that has suffered. The arches and vents are good, just one small bubble section has started on corner on rear arch. Is it true that the early MK1 MGF's are the ones to have, as they dont suffer rust as bad as the TF's, subframes etc? :shrug:

I even ordered her a hardtop to help keep her dry in the winter months, but this has arrived damaged, so yet more problems. There are a few other bits and bobs that will need doing, but the small jobs are the ones I like

I really want to bring her back to a good standard, but the money involved is what's going to be the deciding factor, paying these extreme garage prices is whats going to make it difficult. :shrug:

I'm just not sure whether I'm sitting on a ticking time bomb, does anyone have any ideas on how to get the timing cover off without damaging it, the bolts just keep spinning?

Door Cards Retrim
 

I've been busy not fixing the whine noise :duh: instead I thought lets retrim the door cards. :eek:

If Edd China can do it, well! so can I. :D

You can buy these leather trim covers on ebay for £50, but I thought I can make them myself for a few pounds using fake leather... :D

This is the result.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1526586743

They originally looked like this...

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1526586800

Some hard work doing the dirty stuff...

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1526586885

Some more cutting... and

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1526586924

... this is the end result... :D

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1526586962

Try the belt tensioner Wes, they whine if there is too much tension on them, break the covers off if you have to I have plenty of them if you need some.

Thanks Andy :} Is there a chance a simple adjustment will solve the issue?

EDIT... Your message box is full.

This addiction that I mention :shrug: Well! its soon wearing off. :eek:

Now my rear fog lights do not work :mad: can it get any worst? The switch and dash icon are not working either, seems yet another common problem without a cure. :shrug:

I've had enough now, this MGF is a complete headache. :getmecoat:

Don't lose the faith Wes, these little cars are fab once they're sorted.
I once read somewhere that your first MGF is always your worse MGF.
I've had loads of issues with mine, just like yours. Just work though them whilst enjoying the car at the same time.

Liking the new door trims :cool:

Lol, easy said than done... I reckon I need bottomless pockets.

I've read about ECU's and BCU''s, and something to do with the alarm SCU, this is something I'm never going to be able to fix.

Have you had this problem with your fog lights Paul?

No Wes, my fogs work fine. Didn't know they could be an issue........suppose they'll be the next thing I have to fix :o
You checked the bulbs? :D:getmecoat:

I haven't check the bulbs, there's no point really due to what I've read on other forums. The fog light icon on the dash doesn't even work, if the bulbs were to blame, then this icon would still work.

The switch doesn't light up either, if it were the switch, the dash icon should still work. The problem is terminal I guest, the BCU, Alarm SCU or something similar. :shrug:

Oh! and today I found another fault, the heater doesn't work of position 1 & 2, only works on 3 & 4. The list of problems just keep coming, something like 2 a day.

She drives lovely though... :shrug:

The MGF enjoyment was short lived for the wife and I :shrug: it needs someone who can do the work themselves who has the equipment, otherwise for us mere mortals it gets to expensive.

Shame that Wes.
This might cheer you up a bit ;)
https://youtu.be/W_O4Ygcgh8w

Oh now you've done it Paul, my lovely Stevie. :drool4:

I'm going to have another go at this little F over the weekend to see what I'm faced with.

It is a real shame, as we love the enjoyment the F gives you. They offer such a sporty old school feel, its like sitting in a roller-skate. :D I cant quite believe how comfy and cosy these cars are... Plus the MGF looks great parked next to the ZT, I think they've made friends. :getmecoat:

Just for me... :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJTrqTRSG28

I'm a fellow mgf owner wes, have you checked the fog light switch it may be faulty or become disconnected, the heater speed will be the resistor pack. You can get them readily on ebay. Its an easy fix. There's a how to on the inernet if you Google it
Phil.

Tell you what Wes, I'm currently driving the Rover 45 I bought from mss as the Mrs is now driving a Mini One and my 75 is really p***ing me off with various minor niggles that I and various garages can't seem to fix..... I've stuck some TD 1.2 wheels I had in the garage doing nothing on it, upped the boost and I'm seriously considering some SDi injectors and a remap - it's a stupid midlife thing probably but I'm loving driving it, listening to 80's heavy metal while I do and feeling about 20 years younger :D The 75 never did that for me, I love it but.......

Keep the faith Wes ;)

Thanks for the encouragement fellas, onwards and upwards, its a brand new day tomorrow. :}

I took the switch out earlier and soaked it in WD40 as I couldn't get the dam thing apart. I will try again tomorrow, if the switch has corroded contacts, then there is no way the dash icon light or rear fogs will be coming on will they. :shrug:

What I like about this car is the age (being 22 years old), but its this that is also the cause of all the neglected problems :duh:

Bingo! The fog light issue was the switch, it was badly corroded inside. :duh:

Wes

You will get there, just take your time and enjoy the car, especially in this weather, and when you do get it to the standard you want, you will not regret it

Stu

Hi Stu, The rear sill is going to be an issue, its going to need the rust cutting out and a new section shaped and welded flush. These MGF's seem to suffer the same rear sill rust problem as the 75's and ZT's. If only I trained to be a welder, then this type of job wouldn't be so expensive. :getmecoat:

Is it true that the TF's suffer rust more that the F's, or is it the other way round?

Wes

Depends on how they been looked after, I have seen both F and TF rotted out at the rear, similar to the MG ZRs, and then have seen some that are better than when they came out of the factory, and had hundreds if not thousands spent on them, but really enjoy mine when I do use it

Stu

Nice one Wes! See, things aren't that bad matey. It was Stevie that helped :D

To all the MGF and TF owners.

Does your soft hood or hardtop roof let in water when it rains, if so where are the areas, and what is the remedy to fix?

My soft hood seems to have a small split along rubber just above drivers window where it meets front windscreen pillar.

Thanks fellas.

Mine leaked by the wing mirrors. It used to drip on the top of the door card and down onto the door speaker then wet the carpet. I finaly got fed up a couple of months ago and bought new door rubbers from rimmers. Not perfect but 99% better than he old ones. I also adjusted the door glass and wing mirror to make the fit better. My soft top seals better than the heritage hard top that I've got. Doesn't matter what I do with that, it still leaks.
Just put mine back on the road after two years. It was written off after being rear ended. Finally got the bodywork back how it should be, cost ££££ to put right. But thats a story for anther time.

Hi Wes, if you do need to adjust the door window glass I found this web page and the attachments really helpful.
https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-h...dow-adjustment

Phil

Thanks Phil, I've heard this before where some hardtops can leak worst than the soft hoods, considering how difficult the HT are to fit, I'm not surprised. I would have thought you could swap between roofs without any adjustments, its not always the case though. :shrug:

I may have found the problem regarding the leak, part of the rubber had popped out of its rail, so here's hoping this has solved the problem. I also made a small repair to my rubber A pillar corner, I'm not sure whether it has worked yet though, need to wait for some rain. :getmecoat:
I used a small piece of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) and some rubber contact bonding adhesive to bridge the split, seems to have worked regarding the cosmetics. Lol :}

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527072906

Cheers Phil. :}

Here is my HT, which is a complete pain in the A** to fit, not sure if it leaks as yet though. The HT isn't perfect, it has some damaged which will need repairing, my list of jobs just keeps getting longer. :getmecoat:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527073256

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527073256

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527073256

That hard top really suits the MGF and its a bit of a two tone thing going on I love it. :cool:

Hopefully that repair does does the job. The new rubber seals aren't cheap.
She looks like a lovely well kept car, I've got a real soft spot for the early mgf's. Its nice to see one that hasn't been loaded up with every tacky aftermarket accessory too.
At least we've got some decent weather now to enjoy these cars. They'll be plenty of tme to sort out minor niggles over the colder months.
If you're looking for a good run out in it this summer I can recommend the Llandudno mgoc annual snowdon run in august.

Thanks Phil :}

Well! I am please to say I have fixed the leak, all that rain we had last night and my interior is bone dry. :D

Good result Wes :bowdown:
But, what's this rain you speak of? :D

Nice one wes, the leak free mgf is a rare beast. Here's a picture of mine. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5489e79f95.jpg

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Nice one Wes bet your chuffed. :cool:

Thanks fellas, I just hope she stays dry. :getmecoat:

Problem is though, the hood that is on the car now will need to be changed at some point because the rear window zip is broken. The zip seems to be unrepairable due to the previous owner tacking around the zip with hog rings. :duh:

The previous owner did include a spare hood in the sale though, this has a perfect rear window and working zip, but the fabric does need 4 small repairs.
I'm really after a hood with the glass window, so I may just hold out until I find one at a reasonable price.

The problem we have though is... the rear rusty sill needs sorting before the MOT, plus the wife and I are now too afraid to drive her through fear of the tensioner giving up. The bearing type drown sound does get quite loud and I'm pretty much sure its the tensioner at fault, ticking time bomb comes to mind. I'm not confident enough to change the belt kit myself through getting it wrong, so we haven't driven her since last week. :getmecoat:

What is annoying about this is... the previous owner replaced the cambelt only 2 years ago, this means either the tensioner has been overtightened, or a cheap and nasty tensioner was used, or the tensioner wasn't replaced at all. :shrug:

Wow! Phil that is lovely. :drool4: we have twins. :D

I'm sure yours is in better condition than mine, has yours suffered the rusty rear O/S sill at all?

What is it with MG ZT owners and owning a MGF/TF at the same time? :D

Wes, as far as I know your tensioner should be the same as mine and they are set with a spring which should be removed once tension set.......or so I read.
This type is the manual tensioner and, if set using the spring, can't be over tensioned.

Have you had a mechanic listen to yours? I'll be very interested to know what he thinks.......not had chance to get mine to our pocal garage yet.

I'm considering having another look at the belt, tensioner, pump etc but, I only changed mine last year.

You can see the set up in this pic Wes. The spring is just under the cam pulleys in the centre.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...af62fd0c10.jpg

Have you done your oil change first Wes? :D

Hi Paul, I've had two garages have a quick look, but as always they just tell you to book it in, no one down my neck of the woods wants to do any favours, time is money and all that. :shrug:

I even asked one mechanic if he wants some paid work on the side on a weekend, his reply was I dont do private work. :shrug:

I spoke with the previous owner only yesterday, his first thought was alternator, but I've since checked this, so now he tells me to adjust the tensioner. If I am to believe the belt was changed along with tensioner and waterpump only 2 years ago, then the fault would be a failing component, or the work wasn't done correctly. :shrug:


Lol, I wish my top two bolts would undo so my setup could look like your picture Paul. :duh:

I haven't yet Dave, I've ordered the oil from ECP, just waiting for it to arrive.

Give that a try first before going for the big stuff. :D

Just in case could be something simple. :D
From our last phone call I say don't take anything the previous owner said seriously the more I read into this the more I suspect he didn't really cherish it as we thought.

One the first things I do when a car change the oil filter fresh oil new air filter and fuel filter straight away and good does of injector cleaner for good measure. :D

Not my car in the pic Wes, just an image I pinched off Google. I used it to help me 'look' at mine because you can see begger all of it in the car :duh: :D

The wife and I bought it 11 years ago as a wedding present to each other. I've not had any real rust issues apart for the usual bubbles on the wings and air intakes.
She's looking better than a couple of years ago when it was rear ended really badly by a vw passant. The insurance wrote it off as a cat c. But because we love it so much and it's part of the family, we got it repaired. It's had a new back panel boot floor, boot, bumper etc, a couple of new front wings (the original ones were going rusty) then a full respray. It's cost us a small fortune to get it back to original condition. It's number 451 of the original first 500 trophy 160's that were made.
Its MOT time for the f next week so fingers crossed everything underneath is as good as the body work.

The ZT I've owned for 4 years, it's been a good car and it polishes up well. Had the belts done last year, brakes all around the year before, and a clutch before that. Usual stuff for a car of that age, it's never going to be as show winner but I keep it as well as I can.
I've got them both on classic insurance which helps to keep the running costs down a bit.



Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Ok! this MGF addiction is getting silly now, I need help... :getmecoat:

I went to see a MGF Freestyle today with the intention of bringing it home, sadly you'll be glad that I walked away, it was a case of having to though. :shrug:

The car looked cosmetically AMAZING :drool4: it looked absolutely stunning, but my bubble soon burst once I gave it a test drive, I was so terribly gutted on my return. :getmecoat:

The car drove awful, it had no power (gutless), the engine just seemed tired. It gets worst, the car constantly wanted to pull to the left, when I applied the brake pedal if just got worst.

It still doesn't end there... The clutch was extremely heavy, I had to cut the test-drive short as I just couldn't carry on operating the clutch pedal any longer. The pedal seem to disappear up under the dash, I've never known a pedal to operate at such an angle where ones foot has to push and bend to the point of actully feeling pain. :eek:

To make things worst, the fella himself was such a lovely guy, he has just had new discs and pads all-round, and a new clutch last year. But! I did feel he was holding something back, he was a bit hazy on when the head was done, if it was done at all for that matter.

The car looked absolutely gorgeous, both front wings had been treated for rust and had a professional respray, but the rear sills had been left, which was ashame as the rust was clearly evident. The rear bumper had been rectified from some small cracks within the paint, but I reckon the rear end has had some sort of shunt in the past due to the boot shut lines were out, and what looked like new welds along O/S rear wing seam.

The wheels had been refurbished, not the best job as the paint seemed thick in places. It has a brand new Sportster mohair green hood, this alone is nearly worth what he is asking for the car itself, he's even fitted chrome roof catches to finish it off. :eek:

Oh! and it comes with a shiny black hardtop... I so wanted to buy it, I dont know how I managed to walk away. I suppose the brake issue could be a sticking caliper, or that the work hadn't been done correctly, also the clutch for that matter. My overall feeling was the car just felt wrong, the engine didn't sound right, clunky on start-up etc. It needs someone with the know-how to make her right again, then what a stunner she would be. :drool4:

Here it is during my test drive... isn't she/he lovely. :drool4:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527706929

Wes

It looks nice, but looks aren't everything, and you may be right as regards rear end, as one fault staring me in the face is that the badge for the freestyle in on the wrong side (if it is the badge, cant make it out), should be on the left off entre just below the left hand light, but must admit that hood looks very nice, but the panel gaps were not that good when they first came out of the factory, I have had to adjust mine, and now they fit a lot better than new

http://img.pistonheads.com.s3-eu-wes...1028481-10.jpg

I am in the process of getting mine cleaned and ready for MOT, as will be using it for a few shows this year, and just re-insured it with Lancaster for £105 on classic policy

Stu

and even worse you cant get new Freestyle Badge, one of the letters was broken on mine, so had to buy would you believe it a Ford Freestyle Badge to go on the back

Thanks for that Stu, The badge you see on the right wasn't even a Freestyle badge, its a Seward badge as in Seward Group. There was no badge on the left, this may indicate my thoughts about rear end damaged at some point, the badge has never been replaced.

I have been to view two newer MGF's these past two weeks, and both drove awful, slow, tired, noisy and uncomfortable. It makes my early N plate drive like a supercar, I think I should be happy with the one I have me thinks... :duh:

Just looked in to this post and in answer to your first question, I’m sorry there’s no cure to your addition and will remain with you for life.

Meantime to make things easier on yourself save some of your pocket money which will ease your addiction.

For a car of 22 years it sure looks good and the following owners cars show just what can be achieved.

Re the switches, I found with the SD1 a lot of the switches had started to dry out and some had corroded contacts. I stripped down every single switch on mine, cleaned all the muck off using electrical spray cleaner then re assembled the switches with a smear of petroleum jelly. I never had any problem after that.

Good luck with your future plans on the wee gem.

Thank you Jim, Its seems the old girl is the one to keep, even if she is going to cost me a small fortune. :eek:

MG Rover addiction LOL :duh: I need my head read, why the hell I'm messing about with this MGF is beyond me. :shrug:

I had another go at getting the top two cambelt cover bolts out this morning, and with a lot of patients and persuasion, I managed to get them out without damaging the two covers that much. :D

On inspecting the belt, tensioner and watepump they all look ok. After running the engine upto temperature and hearing the whine/drone noise, I reckon its the tensioner for sure. A light spray of WD40 around the rim of the tensioner and the noise nearly vanished, so its got to be a cheap tensioner that was fitted just two years ago which now has dry bearings. :shrug:

Thats as far as I can go, if I meddle with fitting a cambelt kit, the poor car will never start again. :shrug:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527947038

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527947040

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1527947103

Nice one Wes :bowdown:
That's the hard bit done! Get yourself a new tensioner and belt and get stuck in. If you're methodical and follow instructions, it's not to bad a job. If I can do it, anybody can.

Pleased you've got this far though and, hopefully, sourced the whine :bowdown:

Good work wes, as mininuts says get yourself the new parts and have a go at it. Imagine the satisfaction of getting it running and looking just as you want it. Best of luck mate

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Thanks for the encouragement guys, but thats as far as I can go, if I meddle with fitting a cambelt kit, the poor car will never start again. :shrug:

I can do an engine transplant on a Ford Capri :D oh! how I miss the good old Ford Pinto engine, they were the days. :shrug: I can even change the thermostat kit on a ZT190, but I have never performed a cambelt changed, this is something I have never delved into I'm afraid.

I once watched PhilT4 in action, and as much as I thought I had it all mastered in my own mind, timing up an engine is something I will most probably mess-up. :shrug:

This is the attitude I had until recently. Cambelt change? Nooo:eek: can't do it, tis magic.
Then I tried it. Took me a few evenings in total, but probably half of that was checking and rechecking everything was lined up right. All I had was a Haynes manual and a couple of YouTube videos. The feeling of smugness is immense when you turn her over and she fires up sweet as anything :D
You've got the backup of everyone here to help you through it.
Just think of the manpoints you gain, the next time someone compliments you on her and you say " oh yeah, done a few jobs on her, a service, a couple of bulbs...... Cambelt.....you know, just a few small things......":cool::cool::cool:

I know exactly what you are saying Dave, I've had that feeling a few times before, and its precious as you say.

But! If I go wrong it will be a very expensive lesson to learn, can you imagine. :getmecoat:

Hard to mess up really Wes. Set to safe position, fit your cam pulley locking tool and you're pretty much good to go.
Make sure all timing marks are lined up and nothing has moved. Your timing should be exactly what it was before you started ;)

When I did mine I found the timing to be one tooth out so, rectified that and it's running better than ever ;)

Go on Wes have a go at it you'll never learn if you don't give it a shot sometimes its good too jump in the deep end you'll learn from it.:D

Doesn't matter how long the job takes if its done correctly and in a safe manner it can be done you just need too give yourself a kick up the back side and do it. :D

I did my first one on the probe with no help what so ever, I did bit research and I got too finally do it and guess what.

It took me a good few hours and I don't I was worrying so much, Mark everything if you can't see the timing marks propyl use tipex I did and since then timing marks are much easier too line up. :D

You've got the perfect site here if you get stuck your unsure of anything. :D

I bought one of those 4" single din stereo's for the F, at least now I can drown out the dry bearing sound. :D

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1528560673

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1528560680

I went the other way Wes. Took out the modern radio/cd and replaced with an original radio/cassette :cool:
Ideal for playing my 80s metal tapes :bowdown:
To be honest, I never use it.........just listen to the nice sound of my exhaust, which can just be heard over the whine :D

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p.../image_13.jpeg

Lol, thats great Paul. :}

I like originality, but I also need some mod cons :D am I allowed to make allowances for the stereo? Please... :bowdown:

I also fitted a middle brake light, not having one just annoyed me so much.
Why did MG Rover just fit the blanking plate and not the whole middle brake light itself on the early F's? :shrug:

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...c2b175aea8.jpg


I have also fitted some Square Spokes, I prefer the square spokes over the 6 spokes... personal preference I guest.

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...c2b173fced.jpg

Awesome simply awesome.

Why do I feel need too jump into it and give it a good blast around North Wales mainly around the Snowdon race Trak.:D

Llanberis Pass in an F would be brilliant Dave :cool:
Used to visit a lot with our Mini club when I lived in Derbyshire.......great roads and fabulous scenery :bowdown:

Mgf
 

Wes/Paul

Took mine out today, first time since last year, and had a great day out with it at a local show

https://i.imgur.com/9NsKuhq.jpg?1

and another one of MGF

https://i.imgur.com/hSmt2ss.jpg?1

Also a few others members of the forum were at the show

Stu

Yours is absolutely stunning Stu :drool4: what show were you at?

These F's / TF's certainly do put a smile upon ones face don't they? similar to that of the 75's and ZT's, but its a different kind of feeling that manages to reach all those other senses we forgot we had, if you get what I mean.

I suppose its that proper sports car kind of feeling with having just the two seats, plus having the top down makes all the difference, especially when you hear that engine is behind you. :eek:

It just touches those parts that other cars cant reach... lol :D

Very, very nice Stu :drool4:

Spot on Wes :bowdown:

Probably, but the big question is would you want it? 😉


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I gave this question some thought over the past few days, and my answer is YES, I reckon I would...

The problem I keep facing when I get a big job that needs doing is... no one locally wants to work on either MG, I just get told 'good luck'. :shrug:
I've obviously picked the wrong two MG's to keep, it seems both models with their engine variants are the worst kind to work on.

The V6 ZT is untouchable to all local mechanics, and now I have the same problem with the MGF 1.8i, no one locally wants to touch it. I actually give up. :mad:

Why did MG Rover build these cars so difficult? The average skilled mechanic will not work on them, they rather turn the work away. I've had 5 more knock backs over two days regrading the MGF timing belt job, it was the same when I wanted the V6 done. :shrug:

I've been told the bearing type drone noise may not even be the tensioner or water pump at fault, so I could be throwing money away paying hundred of pounds getting the work done. :shrug:

I'm going back to old school Toyota, far less trouble and a lot less stress. I may actually give up old cars completely, a new car every 3 years sounds bliss to me.

I'm in a bit of a dilemma :shrug: I'm faced with a £700 bill for this little F. :eek:

Can you ever imagine a cambelt change and the sill sorting would cost this much? :shrug:

What would you guys do?

I'd pay it. I'd be upset because its a lot of money but I've got rid of cars before because of big repair bills then been upset with myself afterwards. She's a lovely. It's not a recurring bill. Never give up a passion because of money.

I hear what you say, I've done the exact same thing in the past and regretted it afterwards. :duh:

My heart tells me to spend spend spend, but my sensible side is saying... the car is 22 years old, we all know rust is the big killer for these cars, a serious MOT fail can brand a car as scrap, very common for these little motors. :eek:

The O/S sill needs the outta and inner skin replaced, so will be having a piece fabricated, or a part sill replacement. Will need doing for MOT reasons.

The N/S sill is dented, so this is to be pulled out, no rust thankfully. This doesn't really need doing, its just cosmetic, but I would like to get it done as it doesn't look nice with the dent.

I have the all clear from SWMBO, but its me who is questioning whether the F is worth getting done or not. :shrug:

I had the same decision with my 115 😖 not as much mind.. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...afb45c83e6.jpg
Got a feeling I have a few more challenges.. but fix it and you know it’s been done properly...


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What challenges do you face Nigel?

I reckon I've had enough on MG Rovers, the trouble of getting someone to work on these cars is just too ridiculous, its time to move on me thinks, my sensible side has kicked in I'm afraid. :eek:

The F needs someone who can do the belt and sill themselves for a fraction of the cost, so its time to get rid me thinks, I just dont want the hassle.

The ZT is good to go, get out while the going is good as they say before the next big job, I dont fancy being in the same situation each time there's a problem. Trying to get someone to work on a 190 V6 is just too embarrassingly stupid. :getmecoat:

My ZT will be 17 years old in a few days (4th July), it will be doing my daughters prom on the 3rd July, and then it will be time to decide its future.

I will have a similar situation with my Omega Estate. It will be 19 years old this September and last year I had jobs such as brake pipes done to take the kids through university - delivering and collecting stuff from Uni in a single journey given its size.

But once they are out of uni or the car is over 20 years of age, any major issues and it will go to be replaced with an XF Sportbrake or a E-Class Merc estate.


I think modern cars beyond about 20 years old become unviable unless you are either doing the work yourself or the car has some particular sentimental value.

Try MGRover mobile mechanic , he quoted me £150 for belt pump n tensioner @ his workshop or an extra £60 to do here. Ended up using Turbo Dave and glad I did as needed a new inlet camshaft, cam sprocket and cam seals after the last mechanic who changed the head damaged them.
I also needed to change the underfloor coolant pipes.. ( which was on my to do list but not at that point), and n/s rear bearing and flange.. I’d changed the n/s front weekbefore. I’ve got to sort usual rust to sort and clonk on the front.. The TF had just been tested a couple of weeks before I bought it..


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Hi wes, sorry to hear the f is being such a headache. I've attached the latest copy of the mgoc recommended suppliers and repairers which has a few mg friendly garages in your area. Hope this helps
Phil https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...94510c62a7.jpg

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Spend the money Wes, if you can afford to, and then drive it and drive it and drive it.........you’ll soon change your mind about selling ;)
Like said, once the jobs are done, they’re done..........the car will slowly improve, under your ownership, into a fab little car.

MG Rover Addiction - is there a cure?
 

Totally agree, love driving mine.. getting better every mile I do in Tif. Thought clutch might need changing, but think it’s just been the selector arm sticking.. seems to be getting a lot better with use. Especially after I adjusted the play on the gear-lever.. Going to change the bell crank and cable ends when I’m on hol in summer


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She is up for sale, I just hope I don't regret it... :eek:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mg/mg-tf-m...mot/1304989594

Somebody talk me out of it quick, I've already deleted the ad once. I've had a few messages from people already, I wish folk would just pick up the phone instead of texting. I'm still in two minds whether to sell, I think this is a bad idea... :shrug:

Why do these blooming cars have a hold over you? it must be some stupid MG Rover curse... :getmecoat:

Nooooooooooooooooo! Don’t do it Wes! :eek:

Don't do it please !!



You will regret it.


650 quid for that car is something that will make you cry in years to come and nobody pays the asking price so you won't even get that for her !!


Is there no way you can store it and make it a project ??

Thanks for the message, I really appreciate it.

The problem I have is... I like things to be working, otherwise the stress just gets to me, and that's not good. She needs the rear sill welding for the next MOT, also the cam tensioner replaced, and the dent in the N/S sill pulled out.

If I keep her I will have to get these jobs sorted for my own piece of mind, but no one wants to work on these cars unless you pay them big bucks. :shrug:

The selling price is certainly cheap money, and I will most probably regret selling her. She also has a hardtop and another soft top which is in like new condition, I was going to sell these separately.

I took her out this afternoon to Kingston Lacy for one last drive, she is certainly an amazing experience, mechanically she is sound except the noisy tensioner. I put her old original wheels back on this morning, it certain felt sad to think I'm having to let her go.

I got home early and was going to delete the advert again, I dont need the money, but I certainly dont need the headache of it all. Its been driving me insane these past few weeks trying to get someone to give me a hand to get the belt done, and then there's the welding, sadly the only option I have is to sell. :getmecoat:

Okay, I'm a sentimental old bird but even I see the sense in that. Hope she sells well.

My ZT will be next, she may look gorgeous and beautiful on the outside, but underneath all that lovely red metal is RUST, the rear subframe is certainly not looking good...

The problem will be the same, getting someone to do the job, no one in my area wants to work on these cars, I'm beginning to feel a plonker for owning one/two of them... :shrug:

Well! my foolish heart won. :duh:

I've just dropped the F at the body shop this morning for some intensive work, lets see if she comes out looking all pretty.

I also have a mobile mechanic lined up for the belt change, seems I never learn. :duh:

Keeping my fingers crossed for you mate. Hope it comes out looking like new.
I know these decisions can be tough but you'll soon forget about the cost once you're on the open road with the roof down.
Phil

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Thanks Phil, that's you and me both... :D

Pleased to hear this Wes, you won’t regret it................I hope :D :getmecoat:

Be good to see some pics of the bodywork once done.

Thanks Paul, that's you and me both. :}

I'm not going to be able to get any pics during, shame really. But some pics before and after isn't a problem.

Here is a pic of when she went in, if you wonder why she looks at an odd angle, her rear end is jacked up.
I think she looks quite happy now she is being pampered, typical women. :duh:

Paul, clock the Mini at the back, up on the lift. :D

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1531834110

Your right, on happy mgf


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I think she looks sad
"Where am I? You're not leaving me, are you? Please don't leave me. Promise to be good. My big brother told me that you'd had enough of me, but I can change. Promise. Please don't sell me. I'll be a good girl, I won't let you down........what's that man doing to my........oh, the indignity........"
She'll come back to you a changed woman, and the love affair will be renewed

So it seems my MGF is now sniffing a MG Midgets butt Lol :duh:

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1531928604

Ben has done a marvellous job so far, there were 5 areas on the O/S that needed doing.

One major area which was the rear sill, plus 4 small cosmetic areas. Thankfully the sill area was just the inner and outta skin, somebody had already welded a plate previously, most probably to get it through an MOT cheaply. :shrug:

Its nice to be told there are no further underlying rot issues, she is solid and not much surface rust underneath either, we reckon the front and rear subframes have already been replaced in the past.

What's strange is... this 22 year old F seems to be in better condition underneath than my 17 year old ZT :eek: that is a bit of a worry... :eek:

Looking good Wes.....you’re going to love this little car when it’s sorted ;)

MGF is now sniffing a MG Midgets butt Now that's what I call Hard Drugs. :D

Hope this all gets sorted and you finally enjoy ownership trouble free. :D
Your doing a me you are using your heart and not your head that's the way go on my son. :D ;)

Tried it and loved the classic ford the best three are mustang Capri and escort


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MG Rover Addiction - is there a cure?
 

No cure for mg rover and leyland yet and hope it never happens


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Well said that man

You let her get her own way, typical man :duh:

The rust work is done :)
 

She is back from the body shop and looking pretty good, we picked her up this afternoon.

I just cannot believe what a marvellous job Ben has done, you wouldn't even have guest the rust was ever there... :D

The worst was the rear sill area, the rust has been cut out and a new piece fabricated, shaped and welded etc.

You would think the whole rear panel had been replaced, amazing work. :D

Here she is now with the whole rear panel and sill resprayed.

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037516

This is a before and after shot.
By the time I had removed most of the bubbled rust, this is how she looked. :eek:
BEFORE!
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037525

This is how she looks now with Ben working his magic. :D
AFTER!
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037766

BEFORE!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037883

AFTER!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037919

BEFORE!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037968

AFTER!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532037971

BEFORE!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532038237

AFTER!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532038237

BEFORE!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532038237

AFTER!

https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1532038237

It looks so much better mate!
Flame Red is notoriously difficult to get a good match :cool:

All you've got to do now is polish it and drive it :D

:eek::eek: not surprised you were having doubts
Excellent work

Thanks Tony. :D

That will be after the cambelt has been done, I had a reply from my Gumtree post regarding mobile mechanic Wanted! :eek:

Its being done Monday, I just hope I dont regret employing a mobi, especially after the last one who nearly knackered my ZT190's engine when performing a cambelt change. :duh:

Lets just hope he knows his stuff... :eek:

Nice job Wes, looks amazing now. These bodywork guys are very skilled :bowdown:

Glad you’re pleased with it.

I've had enough now, she is up for sale again, its just not meant to be. :eek:

I'm just not an MGF type of guy, I've lost the enthusiasm in old cars, the enjoyment has gone.

I cant do what I used to do, the blooming pain I'm always in puts stop to that. :mad:

[QUOTE=Dallas;2652336]I've had enough now, she is up for sale again, its just not meant to be. :eek:

I'm just not an MGF type of guy, I've lost the enthusiasm in old cars, the enjoyment has gone.

I cant do what I used to do, the blooming pain I'm always in puts stop to that. :mad:[/QUOTE

Jesus Wes this car has given you so grief. :eek:

She sold this morning, lovely chap and his wife from Oxford are now her new owners... :getmecoat:

I'm so sad, but happy to be stress free. lol

We may get another, may get a TF this time... who knows. ;)

But its got to be in mint condition... If only I could have the mechanics of the red one, but the looks of the green freestyle one that I was going to buy, that would make the perfect F. :D

I would love an F or TF with a cream/beige/tan interior, I'm fed up with buying cars with dull plain black interiors :mad: that is what I miss the most about my 75's.

Glad it’s gone to a good home Wes.
Did you well up as they drove it away :o

Lol Paul.

The couple are collecting the car on Friday, the guy took a day of work just to come and see it, paid the cash and leaving the car with me until Friday when him and his wife will drive back down again for his wife to drive it home.

I'm sure we will miss the dam thing, will miss those glorious drives out on the country roads for sure, just not the same in the ZT, unless I cut the roof off. :D

You've done the right thing Wes, when the fun stops, stop !

The new owners are now collecting the F tomorrow evening, so she will be gone sooner than we thought... :eek:

That was quick guess they really want it asap ready for there France trip. :D

He's such a great fella, he already has the F booked in with his mechanic and body shop to get the rest of the work done, talk about quick :eek:

Its not what you know, its who you know, Makes all the difference when keeping these cars on the road.

It does it really does.

That's how I've manged too horde so many parts in the past, just simply been offered when I needed them most, when I do tune up I end up getting more from the deals. :eek:

Update!
 

I cant bear it any longer... :duh: lol

MGF bear is sad, he has no home at the moment, he is sharing with ZT bear for now. :getmecoat:

https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...1&d=1534431465

Its true when folk say some things are worth waiting for... :D

The MGF bear now has a new home, his home is a british racing green TF 135. :}

The wife and I saw this lovely looking BRG TF on facebook being sold by a lovely couple in Oxford, we were planing on driving up Wednesday, but I took the chance and bought it over the phone and had it transported down here to us in Dorset today. The car was on private plates originally, it was quicker to have it transported than to wait, we didn't want to lose out.

A massive thank you to the previous owners who are a lovely couple for allowing us to have the car transported, they didn't mind at all. They made things very easy which made the arrangements a breeze, they had the car all ready and waiting for the transporter with all the extra accessories the car came with all stored away neatly.

It all went like clockwork, within hours the car was with us, amazing service really. :bowdown:
10:45am this morning I went on deleiveryquotecompare.com and received a few quotes, I picked one quote and requested today's date and had confirmation vie email.
11:00am I received a phone call from the driver who explained what would happen, I contacted the lovely couple and explained everything to them, and by 12:00pm the transporter was with them setting up the ramps. :eek:

I received a phone call/text message from the driver at 12:30pm saying leaving now, and by 3:15pm the car was with us. :eek: The driver was extremely good, very professional and extremely polite, he was very careful at rolling the car of the ramps avoiding damaging the front spoiler, being extra careful of the MG front splinter... I couldn't ask for a better service, it was spot on. :bowdown:

The wife and I are extremely happy, the car is pretty much show standard, has a matching hardtop with unmarked black leather lining, plus new green soft top with glass rear window, even comes with a huge leather hard top storage bag, tonneau cover, wind deflector, rain cover, HG done, stainless steel under floor water pipes, discs, springs and some huge fancy stainless steel exhaust which sounds amazing... the list just goes on.

I dont think I have anything to do to this car, its looks like new, except reverse gear is a bit difficult to engage, I suppose this is a linkage issue? We do want some chrome roof hoops, the red F had them which really did make the car look something special, so will be sourcing a set of those to go on.

Here she is, a few photos... there is no cure for this MG addiction. :duh:

Collecting 12:30pm.
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

Arriving 3:15pm.
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

First decent photo.
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

The condition is like new...
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

One happy wife. :D
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

One happy bear. :duh:
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/a...1&d=1534537690

The exhaust system sounds truly amazing, she sure does purr
https://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/for...1&d=1534543725

Thanks John, if it gets worst, which I am sure it will, she is certainly worth doing... :}

That looks lovely Wes.......hope that’s the last time it’ll be on a recovery truck! :D :getmecoat:
Love those seats too :drool4:

Lol Paul, I blooming hope so, don't fancy any issues too soon.

She sure does look, drive and sound good, she's nearly like a new car... I bought it blind, had it delivered, took the chance and hopefully its paid off...

We will see...