Larry:
The chassis and engine # appear to be from a 1500 MGA, 1956
could be approprate. It is NOT a MkII! It appears that you are being
shown a true "basketcase" of parts sufficent to build a running facimile
of an Mk-II MGA. Off the top of my head I came up with a few other items to
check, none is definitive, but they will help you identify the vintage of the
components. I'll check tonight for chassis # / year break points, and any other
trivia.
Other areas to look:
Body: Most all Mk-II's (all USA exports?) had the oil cooler
as standard. Look for two groups of 3 holes through
the shelf ~6in in front of the radiator, two small (1/4")
mounting holes and a ~1in hole for the fitting. Also,
on both of my Mk-II's the hole is cut, but stamped with
a nice curved lip ~1/16in. downward. Definitely looks
like a factory job, not dealer.
Check the fenders for filler where the 1500-1600 tail-
lights would be, I'm assuming that this car _does_ have
the Austin-Mini-turned-sideways lamps just below and
outboard from the trunk (or mounting holes for them..)
Gearbox: If the tailshaft is splined and the prop shaft
slips into the tailshaft housing, the trans _is_
from a early to mid 1500.
Rear axle: If the left axle nut is right-hand thread (tighten
clockwise, it _is_ early 1500...
Electical: Is the wiring loom available? ( the old one out of the
car?) check for tail light config, MKII had the loom
inside the trunk (short wiring, others had the lamps
on the fenders. Also 1500's has a massive turn-signal
control relay on the firewall behind the heater with
8-9(?) wires coming out, 1600's and up use separate
turn lamps and have dual bulb running and tail lamps,
and only have the usual turn-signal blinker..
Engine: If it is a real _MGA_ 1622 engine it will have the
rev-counter drive on the rear of the camshaft, and
a machined hole in the block for the drive gear, if not,
then this engine is most likely from a Austin or
MG sedan (low compression).
[Soapbox..]
Many of us have upgraded to disk brakes and seatbelts (roll-over
bars too) in the name of fun and safety. Others have swapped in alternate
power plants (1622 to 5-main 1800's w/OD to Ford 289's!). Many, many MGA's
are muddled up piles of MOWOG parts, but the owners, usually try to repesent
the car for what is was and what it is now. It sounds to me that someone is
not representing the car fairly or honestly..
[off Soapbox]
Brett Engel Internet: brett@arizona.edu
Telecom. Support BITNET: brett@arizona.BITNET
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721
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