Category Archives: restoration
A little over two weeks into our E-Type reconstruction has yeilded some quick results.
Fitted is the complete exhaust and intake systems including the Porcelain-coated manifolds that distinguish this build from most.
Not pictured is the fabled reaction plate install which was accelerated by releasing all the tension on the arms and wiggling the four bolts through by hand.
What else can I say. Oh yea the complete rebuild of the hydraulic brake system took a little time too.
Italian Job is back in the shop!
Here is 1 week’s progress. The 4.2 lump is back in and the accessories can now get piled on.
In many ways the E-Type engine bay was designed to look as good as it ran.
With the engine in we could route the electric wires on the subframe then start on the firewall bits.
The Italian Job, our 1965 E-Type restoration has been compartmentalized over the last month while we wait to receive the car back.
This left the enormous task of tackling the 4.2 engine which meant a proper seal, paint and polish before marrying it back into the chassis. We fit new engine and transmission seals, a 3-piece clutch kit, frost plugs as well as re-machined the cylinder-head deck and flywheel. The starter motor was also expertly overhauled by Brian Roberts Auto Electric which is all too easy while the engine is out.
Tarting up the biggest piece of automotive jewelery is a time consuming task of cleaning and polishing. Specifically polishing the aluminum cam covers, cylinder head, intake manifold, breather tube and carburetor bodies whose radiant charm is offset by the bell housing, crankcase and transmission which stay in the bare and carefully cleaned aluminum alloy.
Last we have the intake and exhuast portion of this equation which include the porcelain covered exhaust manifolds. More on those later.
The pace of the MG TF project is increasing with each day.
Today we put a final coat of enamel on the 1250 engine which should be in the chassis in short order. This engine has had a major rebuilt with a new crane cam, a Moss Motors Crank Oil Seal Conversion Kit, new plugs, gaskets, the works. The color we use is a 1979 GMC hue called Dark Carmine with a Dupont number of 45827.
The red seats arrived from Style’s Auto Upholstery who fitted the Moss Motors Complete Leather Seat Assembly ($2,259.95 USD) on some original blasted and painted seat frames.
We have also been busy sourcing many original parts for the toolkit, including many from local aficionado Hugh Pite. Once the kit is done we will make an entire post on it.
Our MG TF restoration is coming along nicely.
The suspension has been fitted including an MGA front disc setup.
With the marriage of the chassis and body recently completed, this will ever increasingly look like a proper sports car.
