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MG MGA - Multiple questions

Hi all. Haven't stopped by in a bit, have been enjoying the break in Michigan weather by driving Diana ('57 MGA roadster). Since having her checked out at John Twists' University Motors last summer she drives like a dream. Started on the third pull after spending the winter in the garage. Not bad for a 50+ yr old lady.

Now for the questions. I know they've probably been asked/answered a hundred times before but...
1. unleaded gas- do I use an additive or not during everyday driving? Any benefits from adding an additive?
2. door seals- I'm planning on purchasing these from Clarke Spares and Restoration. Has anyone done this before, how labor intensive is it? Is it a week end job or a good afternoons' work?
3. replace inner door panels- should I do this before installing the door seals? Or does it make no never mind which goes on first? Slowly bringing Diana back to her original beautiful level.
4. MG! magazine- does anyone know where or who I contact to purchase previous editions? My local club had no idea where to direct me. Nothing in the magazine answers this question.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.
Jacqueline Peabody

Jacqueline,
I'll take my shot answers and let the "gang" decide.

1. Unleaded gas....the main concern seems to be valve seat recession. Many think this is not really a problem. Additives may be useful. Hardened valve seats with stellite valves were the technical solution. I'm just putting in gas and don't worry about it.

2. Door seals......Clare Spares seals are great. If the car is in good shape it's a couple hour job. (see next). Check the install instructions...(see next)

3. Replace door inner panels.....This is either not a problem, or a very big problem. I don't know what you mean by "inner panels" If it's the trim pieces that screw to the doors, not a problem. If it the sheet metal, BIG problem. The lip that the seal clips to is a complex assembly. It includes the sill sealing plates, door posts and inner body panels. Once you press the clips on it's tough to readjust. Read Todd's info on installing seals to be sure you are OK.

4. MG! back issues.
I know there was a statement about limited back issue availability in MGA! but darned if I could find it. I contact the editor or check on-line.
Good luck,
Gerry
G T Foster

Jacqueline,

1. If you drive your car regularly a good oil such as Castrol 20/50 GTX should be ok, without the magic additive.

2.Door seals from Clarke are very good. I just fitted them to my Coupe in about 1 hour and they fit well. If I was to do it again I might try the ones from Mc Gregor (Canada) these are a diferent style but look like they would fit better.

3. The inner door panels are independent from the door seals, fit them anytime.

4. If you are a member of NAMGAR I'm sure you can obtain previous issues or articles.

Andy 60 Coupe
Andy Preston

Hi Jacqueline, I have fitted four sets of the Clarke seals, they are the only correct ones for the A, they went on well and took between 2 and four hrs depending on how much work was needed on the flange to ensure that there is at least 1/2 inch gap metal to metal between the door and the flange, Barney's site has some fitting details for the Clarke seals

http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int108b.htm

and Clarke has them as well

http://www.clarkespares.com/doorseals.html



regards Gordon
g c pugh

Thanks everyone for the input. I've read Barney's articles about the door seals. I was just looking for input from someone that had installed them before.
I have searched everywhere for the MG! magazine. The NAMGAR assoc. doesn't have any idea on where/how to obtain copies. When I go on a Google search the "!" is skipped in the MG! and I get links to everything MG, but not the MG! magazine. And yes, I was asking about the trim panels that just screw to the door. They looked easy to replace, but I just wanted to double check.

Thanks for the input on the gasoline issue. The issue of unleaded gas is the main question I receive whenever someone sees the car. I thought no additive was needed, but I just wanted to check and have reassurance that what I'm doing is correct.
Jacqueline Peabody

Ah-ha. You need to search for "MGA! magazine". "MGA!" with the exclamation mark is the name of the NAMGAR publication. See here: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/namgar

There used to be a NAMGAR staff member in charge of sales of copies of past issues. Maybe they don't have any more past issues, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

If you watch eBay religiously, occasionally someone pops up selling a batch of prior issues of MGA! magazine, one each through some range of years when they were a member.
Barney Gaylord

What issues of MGA! are you looking for? I have number of them. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

To install door panels you need a tool to locate the holes. It is preferable to reuse the original holes. I made a tool out of a old hacksaw blade. Cut the blade in half. grind off the teeth. bolt or rivet the two halfs together. drill a 1/16" hole in the other end. secure a thumbtackwith the head inbetween the blade halfs. A rough drawing is attached. The tool is at work a picture of it could be taken if needed.

R J Brown

Jacqueline, if you haven't found a source for the MGA! magazines, e-mail me. I have twenty years of them. Marvin
Marvin Stuart

Okay, maybe I should have a complete set sometime. I would be interested in procuring issues prior to Vol-12 No-2 (late 1986). Also any and all between Vol-27 No-5 and Vol-32 No-5. I am in no rush, so let Jacqueline have first choice of any available.
Barney Gaylord

This thread was discussed between 21/04/2009 and 27/04/2009

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