>Since I bought my '71 MGB six months ago, I haven't had much time to play
>with it. But here's a recap (with imbedded questions for you "B" whizzes):
>
>I turned the key, and it fired up the first time! It took two more cranks
>to get it running and keep it running (I didn't want to rev it to high
>at first).
Hooray! There's such a thrill in starting a car like that for
the first time, isn't there? We just had that feeling with
a friend's Sprite last Saturday, after swapping the head gasket
and installing a choke. Loads of fun when it roared to life
on the first push of the button!
> - gas gauge doesn't work :-(
My '71 B's gas gauge doesn't work either. Maybe there's
a hidden warranty we can ask about...
> - don't know if I'm charging or not, until I get a decent
> 12V battery (or does anyone recomment 2x6V config?)
Well, it's the factory setup, but one 12V of the right size
cuts down on weight and makes it simpler to jump-start. Put
it behind the passenger's seat for best weight distribution,
of course.
> - no rubber boot over the starter - do I really need one?
Hmmm. Well, it's only over the solenoid, if I recall (I haven't
checked mine) but if you drive through puddles a lot, it's probably
not a bad idea to keep goo out of the connections.
>I have read about an outfit in Santa Cruz that trues/tanks/paints wire
>wheels for ~$50/ea. Does anyone know of anyone closer? Otherwise, I'll
>have to make some shipping crates and UPS the wheels down and back.
That'd be British Wire Wheel. Say hi to Bruce Erfer for me; we
used to be Healey Club pals a few years back. I know they do
good work and it's a fair price; they'll probably do my wheels
one day "soon."
>Can the brake lines be gravity bled, or do I have to pump the new fluid
>through? Can someone give a brake fluid recommendation? I won't be
>racing the car, you should know.
Use *ONLY* Castrol GT LMA in a British car. (Yes, yes, you can use
silicone, but -- long story.) Don't use Prestone or any other DOT 3
fluid -- it eats British rubber seals, and your brakes will give out
on you.
>Thanks for the help. Someday I'll actually drive the car. You'll be
>the first to know.
Hey, they're even more fun to drive than they are to work on...
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