I quick note of introduction. I got a '72 MGB last year after breaking my
collarbone in a motorcycle accident, which curtailed my MCing for a while
(back on, now riding a Moto Guzzi). I managed to pick up a parts car,
too, and I've made a few steps along the refurbishment pathway: rebuilt the
front end, new rotors, rebuilt the HIF-4's, new water pump, re-sealed
tappet covers, new tires and seatbelts, a fair amount of cosmetic
touch-ups. The good news is that the car is from the southwestern USA so
there's almost no rust (except for the battery boxes which were pretty much
rusted out). The DPO was a hack when it came to electronics, however, as I
found several cases where wires were just twisted together and wrapped with
electrical tape.
The latest thing I've done is rather laboriously repaint the engine
compartment, this while the engine is in place. I know it's not "normal"
but I used semi-gloss black paint. This car is not going to be concours
beauty, just a driver, so I'm not especially concerned over
authenticity. I finished the painting last night and I think it turned out
quite well. This was done with a foam brush after removing all the parts
screwed/bolted down to the body work. The trick was using the brush to
texture the paint rather than simply brushing it on, i.e., I dabbed the
paint with the brush like you would dab a spot with a sponge.
In doing the engine compartment I found that the hydraulics were in pretty
sad shape. I was told that my chances of doing a satisfactory rebuild on
the brake m/c weren't all that good, so I'm getting a new one. The clutch
m/c (old style) came apart ok, but there was a little rust on the piston,
which was not on the surface that contacts the bore, but on the part of the
piston that is under the seal closest to the push rod. I cleaned the rust
off, but the surface isn't true, and I think fluid might leak under the
seal and out the pushrod end. My question--could I put a little permatex
or silicone on this part of the piston before I put on the seal? (will
brake fluid eat either of these sealants?)
Good to be on the list, and TIA
Rich A
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