The factory parts catalogs are only of limited usefulness on their own.
They illustrate a snapshot of the OE manufacturers part numbers, and not the
full story. Many of the factory numbers were superceded through the years
and so MGA book numbers may not relate to those in an MGB. Without the
supercession lists the numbers are of limited value.
The diagrams and fastener data though is are wonderful resources. Catalog
companies cannot afford to put that much detail into their publications.
One other drawback is that many suppliers do not use the factory part
number. They may use a Lucas or AE or Lockheed/Girling number. The British
parts industry has a fascinating history, that owners in the mail-order
catalog era can barely grasp. There are few people left who grew up with a
"Classical British Parts" training involving the "big Lucas red book", the
factory collision guides, thumbed and annotated factory parts books and
micro fiche. The popularity of mail order catalogs caused a sharp decline
in shops that relied on arcane manuscripts gathered by nefarious means in
the dark of the night. I remember the thrill of obtaining my very own copy
of Catalog Number 220/2 September 1981 Lucas Service British Car
Replacement Parts 1965-1976 (also known as the big white book). I don't
remember who I had to kill, seduce or bribe to get it, but it sure meant
more than having a catalog show up in my mailbox twice a year.
Anyone remember Columbia Motor Corporation and their great engine parts and
cable catalogs? They still havn't found the body of the person I got that
from.
all the best
Kelvin.
If you think MGs are fun to play cross-reference the parts with. Try
Morgans! Nobody seems to know what parts were used, when.
>
> For many makes, it can be crucial to determine the original
> part number for
> various pieces, especially ones shared across multiple
> models. But within
> the limited sphere of MGBs, the Moss catalog is so
> comprehensive, that I
> think the original parts catalog would chiefly be of interest
> to concours
> restorers, wreckers, and those with either a large collection
> of cars and
> parts or a thirst for minutia. But YMMV.
>
> on 2/12/03 8:22 PM, Kevin Smith at ksmith40@earthlink.net wrote:
>
> > Is there any reason why a person should own an original MGB parts
> > catalog? I mean, if I need something, do I not just look
> it up in my
> > Moss catalog? Or is it just neat to know that if I could
> still order
> > one from BMC/BL, the part number for a replacement radiator cap is
> > BR549?
> >
> > Curious,
> > Kevin Smith
> > '68 MGB (still dismantling, but coming along)
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