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Thank you in advance

R ricksstang
I have wanted to build a Speedster for many years, but didn't pull the trigger, as I didn't want to spend the big bucks. When I found a kit that had never been put together, just roller vw shortened pan, body attached, rebuilt trans, at what I thought to be a cheap price, I decided that if I didn't do it now I would regret it later. So after checking out all of the support and info from this site and my wife bugging me to go for it, I bought the car. I have never built a kit car, but have restored many Mustangs, MG's, VW's and a 66 Bronco that I need to finish before I start on the Speedster. So, anyway, I'm at the collecting parts stage and any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance for all the info that I'll be asking for, this should be a lot of fun!?@# I hope!
Rick
1957 CMC(Speedster)
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R ricksstang
I have wanted to build a Speedster for many years, but didn't pull the trigger, as I didn't want to spend the big bucks. When I found a kit that had never been put together, just roller vw shortened pan, body attached, rebuilt trans, at what I thought to be a cheap price, I decided that if I didn't do it now I would regret it later. So after checking out all of the support and info from this site and my wife bugging me to go for it, I bought the car. I have never built a kit car, but have restored many Mustangs, MG's, VW's and a 66 Bronco that I need to finish before I start on the Speedster. So, anyway, I'm at the collecting parts stage and any advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance for all the info that I'll be asking for, this should be a lot of fun!?@# I hope!
Rick
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
Welcome to the Madness Richard. Where are you located? There are a lot of us spread all over the country, but most are concentrated on or near the coasts. I heartily recommend that you attend some of our regional gatherings. The Morro Bay (CA) one is right around the corner, and Carlisle is just over 2 months away. You'll find lots of inspiration, as well as make a lot of new friends.
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
I love MGB GTs. I think that is one of the nicest hatchback shapes ever made. I've had a couple of Midgets - a '62 when I was in high school, and a '65 a few years ago. The '65 was a nice car after the first couple of years and I won quite a few local car show trophies with it. I like the Speedster better, tho'.

Richard - you reeeeeeally ought to check out the Morro Bay gathering. I'm sure Dusty would love to add another to the roster.
Gordon NicholsGordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member
Rick wrote: "and my wife bugging me to go for it"

Wow...she's a keeper, for sure!! Either that, or she wants a Speedster for herself!!

At the recent Rolex race, five of the six Daytona Prototype cars with Ford engines dropped out with the same engine failure. Turns out they were all assembled by the same engine shop and those five had the last main bearing installed improperly. It eventually caused a crankshaft failure. Each one was identical.

The only one that survived came in third behind a pair of Porsches. It's engine was assembled at a different shop.

I bet the bottom end assembler in that first shop is out looking for a job, ya think?
R ricksstang
Gordon....my wife liked your comment! Also, Lane, what is a smoke leak, never heard of that one. I haven't pulled off one wire at a time to see which cylinder isn't hitting, but I plan on doing it as soon as I stop seaching for parts for the Speedster. I think I found a good engine for the Speedster through this site, however, I need to get the MG back on the road, it get the best mpg's of all my cars.
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
I'm surprised that you don't know the secret of Lucas electrical systems, Richard. All of the wires are loaded at the factory with a sufficient quantity of smoke to make the systems operate for a while. Unfortunately the wiring is prone to leaks. Every time that you see smoke leaking from your wiring, you can bet that some electrical device has ceased to operate.

In your case you probably have a leaky spark plug wire.
Al GalloAl Gallo
Rick,
I drove a 1973 MGBGT as a daily driver for many years. Also had a Jag XKE, Healy 3000, Healy Sprite. I must be a masochist. With careful regular maintainence the MG never left me stranded. The engine and trans. were bullet proof but the Lucas stuff would make me a little crazy from time to time. Have you had the rocker switch for the lights fly apart in your hands just when you did something stupid like try to turn on the lights on? Good luck with your projects, and welcome to the maddnesssss.
R ricksstang
Here was a good MG electrical thing. The light switch didn't fly apart in my hand, however the light switch did stop working about 30 miles from home. I messed with it and no lights. I found out that if I pulled the high beam arm, the high beams would go on. So for 30 miles I held it on and anytime there was someone behind me I had to keep my foot on the brake peddle so I would have some sort of taillight. I tried to think of it as a normal MG challenge and made it home with no problem. That is probably an example of Lucas smoke.
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