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MG MG Y Type - UMG 662 - Monte Carlo Classic

I bought UMG 662 (the ex Autosport / Gregor Grant YB) a few years ago with the intention of doing the Monte Carlo Historic Rally. The car did the rally in 1954 but was disqualified for missing the last checkpoint. I have done some historic rallying so relished the challenge of the Monte. Unfortunately the Historic only allows cars from after 1956. And at anyrate its a very difficult event and is now aimed squarely at Porsches and escorts from the 60s and 70s. That left me to consider the Winter Challenge but that is not organised by the Automobile Club De Monaco so is not quite the same.

However a week ago I found out about the Monte Carlo Classic rally which the ACM are organising this month for the first time. Its potentially a one off event aimed at pre 56 cars and is more in keeping with the original Monte with concentration runs and some tests. It should therefore be a bit more straightforward for the old cars. There are no regularities and no time checks. There is not even a mandatory route. The regs are very relaxed as well with almost anything permitted by way of mods. I guess the ACM think its enough of a challenge to get a very old car to Monaco from John O Groats in January. Whilst its very short notice the ACM are keen for UMG 662 to take part given its provenance. I have managed to find a codriver (I think) so have 2 weeks to prepare the car. But I could do with some technical help. I will post some questions separately - all help gratefully received! Thanks, Marc

Marc Hanson

Marc,

If you care to login and go to archive you will see answers to a lot of the questions you ask.

Search for LED lights you will see at least three or four previous threads. The alternator has also a reply about data sheet sold by the MGCCYregister.

You may have your answers already without delay.

Good luck with the event if you go.

Richard
R E Knight

Hi Marc ,
Just to wish you the best of luck on the Monte and remember the most important thing is to Finish the rally.
So reliability and safety are the major factors to consider for car preparation and I'm sure you know how to get that .
Best of luck and if that co driver doesn't materialise then get me a call .
All the Best
Ed winters
E Winters

Well done Marc for having the courage to do this!
A few points which I offer that you may wish to consider.
The point has already been made regarding breakdown cover.
Modifications, it's your car to do what ever you feel is appropriate and safe, however, (IMHO) you are only the custodian for the future. Also, consider any modifications that may not be in the spirit of when the car was current and indeed on the previous Monte!

Electrics, definitely LED for the headlights and other lghts you won't have to make the choice between windscreen wipers or the heater to avoid flattening the battery. There are many sources for LED bulbs.

Altenator, there is a pitfall in going down this route unless significant modification have been made to the electrics. The original wiring and some of the replacement wiring looms are only really suitable for about 40w bulbs. Icreasing the power of the lamps (i.e. sealed beam 65w types) can significantly overload the wiring.
Also, the extra volts drop due to cable and connector resistance reduces the output of the new lamps and doesn't give much increase in brightness. A further issue in this context is the lighting switch, I have come across several that have broken up due to overheating.
Realistically, relays should be be used to support the switch and an increase in the size of wiring.
LED bulbs will avoid these problems.
Auxilary lights, I would suggest the Lucas SLR spot & fog lamps (as fitted to Len Shaws car )fitted with LED bulbs. The internal reflector will have to be removed to give a good beam pattern. The "button" on the front can be unscrewed, the reflector removed, the button replaced.

As others have stated, the LED bulbs give a much brighter, whiter light now, I can have the Head & Spots on without troubling the ammeter very much.

So again, best of luck, enjoy yourself! I look forward to reading of your exploits.

David
UMG 79
D P Jones

David, this is very helpful thanks. I will have a chat with the garage and see what they say. I know with a dynamo and full (halogen) beam I am getting little charge, let alone with wipers and spots. LEDs sound like the way to go.

All the changes to the car will be reversed post event. Shes over 6o years old now and needs a bit of help to get to Monte. The route actually looks tougher too. And the roads are much busier..
Marc Hanson

Marc,

How many miles is your planned route? Are you seriously driving from John O'Groats? I think this is brilliant, if only I had time for such fab adventures.

Richard
R E Knight

Richard, its about 2000 miles in 4 days. I am transporting the car to JOG (to save 700 miles) and back from Monte (assuming I make it) saving 800 miles. Route is JOG - Paisley - Dumfies (night stop) - Hull (night on ferry) - Zeebrugge - Rheims - Lyon - Dijon - Alps Maritime - Monaco - all the last in 36hrs (no night stop) mostly in the dark and very cold! Gulp.
Marc Hanson

Marc,

I wouldn't do your trek this time of year for fear of the poor weather, however Summer, yes.

Where are you based?

My in laws are from the Hebrides and one day, time and weather permitting I want to take the Y around Highlands and Islands. I guess the main issue with any adventure is time off work.

Richard
R E Knight

Congratulations on this challenge.

In addition to my answers given in other threads I very much advice you to be sure your wiper mechanism and cable are clean and freshly greased, with clean elctrical components like the switch.

You need to remove the dashboardrail to get to them, but it's worth it, if only to let them draw less current when used for a longer time.

Willem van der Veer

Come on Richard

A young chap like you surely up for the challenge!

Cheers
Jerry
Jerry Birkbeck

Jerry,

If only work didn't get in the way LOL. When I win the Lottery I'll have no excuses!
R E Knight

Marc,
well done for taking up the challenge of the Monte- Carlo Classique. When you have a spare moment send me an e-mail with your telephone number and I may be able to help you out. I have driven/navigated the 48 hour course opening car on three Monte Carlo Challenges so know what you can expect. I may be able to sort out some other help for you as well.
Best wishes, Brian
Brian Rainbow

Marc

I think it is great that you are doing this and in doing so, elevating the MG Y Type. Brilliant of you to do that!

Wishing you all the very best

Paul
Paul Barrow

So gents, almost ready to go. Car preparation finished and the car will be delivered back to me tomorrow morning for some (all too brief) road testing. It will then be trailered up to JoG to arrive Tuesday afternoon. The off is first thing Wednesday. Weather forecast looks mild - which is a relief. The first day from JoG to Dumfries over the Highlands looks very wet and may indeed be the biggest challenge. The weather down through France is predicted to be mild and dry. Footage of the modern Monte running now shows the roads clear although with ice at altitude.

If you would like to follow UMG662's progress, my daughter has shown me how to use twitter. Follow me
@mctrhanson or search #MG2Monte
Marc Hanson

Wishing you every good fortune and success Marc. I know you will be busy but please get some photos and please do a write up for the website which we will be proud to feature just as we did with Richard Prior's Antipodean Adventures.

Paul
Paul Barrow

Well done Marc, excellent news to see you arrived in Monte safe and well and deserved the smile. Seeing photos inspires me for trip, just like many great stories of adventure in this months Enjoying MG, soon be summer in UK, here hoping.
R E Knight

Marc,
well done to you and UMG662 on getting to Monte. I suspect the leg from John O'Groats to Paisley was by far the worst! Great to see the car in action at Croft race circuit, and good to see your father greeting you there. Steer clear of the casino tonight, stick to the bars to celebrate!
Best wishes, Brian
Brian Rainbow

Excellent Mark, Sorry I ever doubted you would make it at such short notice. and you have made me join twitter now.
Peter
Peter Vielvoye

Good luck, Marc. Have fun.
Willem van der Veer

Hi Marc ,
Congratulations on your success in getting to the finish in Monte Carlo .
I have not seen any photographs of your car on the event . Have been wondering how the Y behaved itself and if you experienced any problems .
Did you come across any snow and how did the Y handle ?

E Winters

This thread was discussed between 09/01/2016 and 10/02/2016

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