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MG MG Y Type - Radiator cover

I have just come across a copy of "Safety Fast", Feb.1976 (vol. 19, No.2). The title page shows a Y covered in snow, fitted with a radiator cover partly open. I wonder if there is still some company around who will make such covers from padded fabric. I quite enjoy driving my YB on dry, cold winter days, but now I have to do with slipping a piece of cardboard between the radiator and the grille covering about two thirds of the radiator surface, to keep the engine from running cool.
By the way, does anyone know if the pictured car is still around? It bears a number plate YA 14378, and since the photo is signed Trand Nielsen, this was probably a Scandinavian registration.
Remo Peter

Hello Remo,

take a look at YB1499 on our Ys on Parade section. You will notice that Ian Hopkins has a radiator blind fitted to his car. Ian is not on line but I am seeing him tomorrow and I will enquire as to where he got the blind.
I have seen period blinds for sale at autojumbles and my car had the remains of one fitted when I bought her.
The type I have seen is fitted internally (between the radiator and engine) and takes the form of a black roller blind that is held on framework that is attached to the bottom radiator support. The blind is operated from within the car by a pull ring that is linked to the top of the blind by a series of pullies and a connecting chain/wire.
With regard to YA 14378, we have details of this car on our database. It was (perhaps still is) in Trondheim, Norway but haven't had any recent knowledge of the car or its current condition.
Jack Murray

I have recently come into possession of one of these wonderful things.

Email me if you would like some photos.

Paul
Paul Barrow

This is very timely - I have been noticing over the winter how the heater seems to be more of a warmer when the air is cool: Paul, I'd appreciate the photos by email too if you have a moment.

I remember having a chain operated roller blind on the radiator of my 105E Anglia many years ago... it was fitted as a dealer extra and cost all of £3 then I think. It was very effective - I boiled the coolant several times before learning to let it down after 10 minutes or so! But my grandfather's A30 had a very smart black blind in two sections which clipped on to the front of the grill and had small roll-up windows in it to allow some airflow. Is there something similar for our cars?
Tim Griggs

I remember when BAKOFOIL first came out, you would see cars like ours with half the radiator grill blanked off with it. My personal view is, the thermostat should control the engine temperature and blanking off the engine ( in the UK ) is not needed. If it is, renew the thermostat.

Neil.
Neil Cairns

Radiator muffs!

I believe I have a Y model ... slightly moth eaten (or should that read "charming patina"..? )which I will bring along to the Spring Run. If Paul brings his one as well (?), we may be able to see what they are meant to look like!

I confess to never attempting to use it, we rely on rugs and adrenalin to survive our Winter outings on ice in North yorkshire!

Andrew
Andrew Coulson

This thread was discussed between 21/02/2003 and 28/03/2003

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