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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB Technical - John Twist DIY Videos

Probably old news, but if not, go here for a list of John's DIY videos on MG repairs: http://www.youtube.com/results?search=related&search_query=UMG%20MG%20Twist%20MGB%20U-joint&v=gDX17xf9grA on YouTube. FYI
Bob Muenchausen

Well, that link didn't work ~ thanks YouTube. I guess you'll have to do a search. Here's one to try to at least get in the ball park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDX17xf9grA If it don't work, then the links may not be compatible with this site??
Bob Muenchausen

HI Bob,

This is old news to Me but thanks for the post. Its good to see someone like John Twist have such a love for working these cars. I checked out his web sit and I almost cried.
James

I think it's fantastic that he's doing this. I hope he continues! But a lot of people have been commenting on the "how to start any M.G. without a key" video. There isn't any reason to do it that I can think of, and the video being released to the general public makes our cars (and other similar ones) that much easier for joyriders to steal. I've been told complaints have gone on deaf ears so I haven't sent him a message myself.

With the recent theft of two MGAs in my area, I think we need to concentrate on security!
Steve Simmons

Fantastic ... I work in NYC for a company that does post production for TV commecials. If you have a contact for him, Id be pleased to help out in anyway I can.
James

My guess is that John made this video to show owners and other mechanics how easy it might be to start the car from the engine compartment without having to do the usual "run around" to the car interior to accomplish the same end. In his circumstances, knowing that saves him time and effort as he tries to work on these cars in a productive and efficient manner.

I agree that it does give an unfair advantage to theives, but it might be interesting to know just how many cars are stolen by resorting to similar methods and frankly, how many theives even think to take our cars in the first place. I do know it happens, but from what I have read over the years, MGBs and MGs in general are not terribly high on most theives' list of cars to make a buck on or joy ride.
Bob Muenchausen

Two MGAs that I know of have been stolen in my area in the past few months. Honestly, how hard is it to reach around the windscreen and turn the key on? It certainly takes no more time than removing a fuse and shorting the fuse box. Or even quicker, use a remote starter.
Steve Simmons

John Twist is the brightest MG luminary, and a guy of endless goodwill. I watched him go through a dozen or so MGBs at MG2007 in Napa a few weeks ago, listening to the owner complaint and diagnosing and fixing the problem on the spot. Amazing. I stood there for 2 hours watching car after car limp in and zoom out. He did it all from electrical to tuneup to upholstery, one car after the next, no breaks, blur of motion, big smile, always a short story, usually funny, booming voice for the 50 or so of us to hear.
I genuinely admire this guy and his raw lust and enthusiam for all things MG. Cheers, Vic
vem myers

I enjpyed the test drive video, some funny comments....

Steve, why don't you send John an e-mail to express your thoughts? I bet he'd take it down.

Dan D
Dan DiBiase

I had a conversation with two other people, one who did email him about it. No response whatsoever. I doubt he would take my opinion any more seriously. Just so I'm not misunderstood, I admire and appreciate everything he does for the hobby. I just thought that one particular video was unnecessary and perhaps not entirely responsible. :)
Steve Simmons

All I have to say is, if anyone was going to attempt to steal a car, they already know what they are doing. They are stealing lots of other cars who have alarm systems and are more complicated etc etc. Maybe this is a secret advertisement for Battery Cut-Off switches and John is pocketing some Cash ! Im sure he deserves it... It also shows the vulnerabilities of our cars and its not hard at all to just wire in a Kill switch which you could hide somewhere. Im more worried about people slashing there way into my convertible top or my tonneau cover, and always have had the fear of a bird crapping on my head as im driving...
James

What I worry about more than professional car thieves is joy riders.
Steve Simmons

Yes, but joy riders know what they are doing as well... The most stolen cars are honda's and are more complex. I highly doubt someone is searching You tube for hotwiring tips on an MGB, let alone them being in your town and coming across your B or A or a C if your a lucky enough to own one.
James

MG's have a built-in theft deterrent: It's called a manual choke.
Philip

Philip,

And a second one: the clutch! Hotwiring my '73 to help in tuning matters as per John Twist has been very useful. It's so darn hard to reach over the windscreen on a GT. Also, hotwiring might get the engine started, but on post-68 cars, how much joyriding can you do with the steering locked.

Steve,

John's non-response to an e-mail note should not be taken too personally. He deals with a huge amount of communication each day, and e-mail notes are pretty easy to ignore or forget while the phone is ringing off the wall and a half-dozen customers want to talk about their uncle's TC from 35 years ago. Give him a call during the help hours. I'm willing to bet heavily that you'll get a civil, respectful, concerned answer.

FWIW,
Allen
Allen Bachelder

Nah, I never sent him an email myself and if I did I still wouldn't take it personally if I didn't get a response. Knowing someone has spoken up about it is enough for me.
Steve Simmons

I say don't dampen this gentleman's passion, nor diminish his contribution with petty knitpicks.Twist is a true GURU, and Steve Simmons is a hugely respected contributor on these pages and clearly had an emotional response after the 2 stolen MGA's. To equate John's vid as irresponsible is wholly unjustified, I believe. The intent was to share a tuning trick. To infer some devious intent or suggest he was aiding and abetting is really a stretch PERIOD. This era of Political Correctness is encroaching on everyone of our individual freedoms. It's corrosive and gone way past a legitamite concern over shouting fire in a crowded theatre. Let it be ladies and gentlemen. Save the energy for doing something proactive, not wasting effort on trash-talking this true hero of our time, and cheerios, Vic
vem myers

Good lord, Vem, breath man!!!! LOL!

I was in no way accusing John Twist of aiding and abetting car thieves, having devious intent or calling him an irresponsible person. That's way off base, especially after I made it clear that I respect the man and commend him for his efforts to promote the hobby, including the making of these videos.

I'm not suffering emotional distress, nor do I support over-the-top political correctness. I can assure you I am quite the opposite, perhaps to the extreme, in those two areas! ;)

My original comment was just to give my input on the subject and was not intended to inflame any ill-feelings others may have had on the subject. My apologies if I did not word it in a neutral or civil manner.

As I said in many previous posts throughout the course of this thread, I appreciate the time and effort Mr. Twist has put into helping those who partake in this hobby, and I pray he continues to do so.
Steve Simmons

Damn steve you had two MGA's stolen from you ? Did you get them back? or did they ever find them ? etc?
James

Noooo! LOL! They weren't mine. They belonged to two separate guys in the area. The first was earlier in the year. The second was just recently. Unfortunately neither has been seen since. The second one was especially heart-breaking. Details here: http://www.socalbritishmotoring.com/viewtopic.php?t=231
Steve Simmons

Check out the MGA section "Once it was lost". Steve got his MGA back with almost no damage!

FWIW

Larry
Larry Hallanger

This thread was discussed between 02/08/2007 and 16/08/2007

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