Mike Harman's Journal

New Paint

Sat, 03 Feb 2024 03:42:10 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I got Lil Blue back from the paint shop the other day and what a difference. The painter even buffed the carup got rid of a stone chip on the aluminium bonnet . It was well worth the effort in the prep and working with the painter as I went along. There is absolutley NO Rust in the car as was claimed by the previous owner. He was correct in saying that claim. I took photos all throught the preperation process to prove it Now I it is ready to head off to the Art Decp Rally in Napier.

Posted 2024-02-03 03:42:10 by Mike Harman

Paint Prep

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 06:03:20 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I finished getting the doors and the front guards ready for the painter today. It took me about one week on each side after sanding back most of the time was taken in waiting at least two hours between applying body filler and then sanding once i thought thatit was right I applied a thin coat of primer then block sanded the panels with a long block iThey all looked pretty good becuse of the curve in the panels I then used a long thin stick to check that there was no hollows. as I had only applied a very thin layer of filler where thepanels were a bit hollow from the factory and it was to repalce the original factory filler. Off to the paint shop at the end of next week

Posted 2024-01-07 06:03:20 by Mike Harman

Another Rally

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 05:50:50 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Since the last big rally that I attended in february I have been to a couple of local runs but in february 2024 i am registered for a big rally again tghis time in a place called Napier and its called the Art Deco Rally which is a period rally. This year being the 100 yrs since the begining of the Mg they are celebrating the marque. I looked at the paint job on Lil Blue and decided that the last owner who had had it painted as he thought she was looking a little shabby had a poor job done. The paint was blistering in places on both doors and on the guards in a fe place. i put a magnet in a cloth an that stuck really well so i tgought that it could not be rust but just in case before i started i checked with my parts supplier if i could obtain new panels if required he confirmed that i could. The next step was to start sanding and well what a surprise the PO claimed that there was no rust when repainted he was right there is no rust after sanding back to the original paint , I do not even know why he bothered to repaint as the car has been shed stored and well maintained all its life. So now it is booked into the paint shop in January for a decent top coat of the original Iris Blue ready for the rally and plenty more .

Posted 2023-12-10 05:50:50 by Mike Harman

Rally Day 3

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 04:32:29 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Day 3 was supposed to be a English breakfast followed by a park and show at the Beac.h reserve. Unfortunately the day was wet windy . At the show the night before some of us were talking about the incoming cyclone and the fact that we would bail early from the rally to trty and get home before it hit, which is exactly what happened on Saturday night or should I say early hours Sunday morning I woke up around 2am with the rain beating horozontal onto the window and the wind howling, as it was pitch black we had to wait until daylight to try and escape. Day ;ight saw us packed had a quick coffee as we had at least 2 hrs to drive home. Throught the bags into the back behind the seats and jumped in thank goodness that I had the hard top on. The next hour and a half was hard driving in torrentinal rain and strong wind gusts but we made it out of Whangamata just in time. as later in the day it was isolated from every where. It was a great very friendly rally and I will be back next year it is the organisers that I feel sorry for as they had put a great effort into it. The storm that I talk about made world news and wiped out over half of the North Island of NZ and will take many months if not years to repair the damage and rebuild the roads that were wiped out;

Posted 2023-02-17 04:32:29 by Mike Harman

Day Two

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 04:26:49 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

day two dawned fine with high cloud and getting up at 7am checking the oil water etc then off down the road to a reserve on the beach and lining up in rows. these rows were the different makes of cars that were made in England, you name it and it was there that is the make not the model. There was about 10 MGB but mine was the only hard top and my mates was the only GT. As for the different engine configurations they were all there From the three bearing and 4 bearing 1800 to the 6 cylinder and also a V8 engine After about an hour we left in convoy to do a street parade through the town to another reserve on the edge of the haubour here we parked up for three hours for the public to view the cars.On the wat to this reserve most of the MGs got fairly hot as we were at the tail end of the parade and had too wait to get into the reserve. After the show it was back to the motel to rest and getn ready for the evening when there was a show band playing all the good old songs from the 60s and 70s antother enjoyable day with out too much driving.

Posted 2023-02-13 04:26:49 by Mike Harman

RALLY

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 06:24:38 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well it finally happened the Brits at the Beadh Rally held in Whangamata NZ.This rally has been going for a few years now but this is the first time for me.The weather stayed fine for most of the time which was lucky as cyclone Gaberial was due to hit NZ which it did on the last day . We went up from Papamoa Beach to Whangamata on Thursday which was a two hour drive 107 Kms very windy roads in NZ booked into the motel and then went to registration. Friday morning saw us up at 5.45 coffee and back on the road this was the first day of the rally and also the inaugral run up the Coromandal and around the top and then back down the other side of the peninsular. the first part of the run went from Whangamata to Thames but as the quick route had been washed out by a storm we had togo the long way which was about two hours drive then when we got to Thames we had breakfast on the old historic fridge. This bridge used to open up in the centre so that the sailing ships could go up river with their cargo. once we had our breakfast we then drove up the Thames coast to Coromandal a nice little village but isolated this was about 1 1/2 hours drive around some very tight bends. Here we had lunch and also Here I also met up with another MG EXP member Geoff James who lives away up in the Coromandal. After lunch we followed Geoff over a steep high hill that had plenty of twists and turns also we struck rain at the top which lasted all the way down to a place called Whitianga on the opposite coast to where we had started, from here we made that due to the roads being very full of tight bends and hills took us 81/2 hours to drive and that was not hanging around. It was a very enjoyable drive and I am sure Lil Blue enjoyed her legs being stretched. Well that was just getting to the start and day one Day 2 tomorrow.

Posted 2023-02-12 06:24:38 by Mike Harman

The Bump

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 05:24:44 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

A few weeks ago I was going for a spin to town butr first I had to gas up' Coming out of the gas station there is a drivable gutter. Well I was trying to beat the traffic as I had to do a u turn to head in the direction to town coming across the gutter there wa aloud bang on the right rear so I stopped on the side of the road and checked there seemed nothing untoward under the car so i took off about 9 miles down the road Lil Blue started to miss and then she died. after a few minuets she started and away we went to town then on the way home the same thing happened it was just like the primary circut going hay wire in the coil. I called into my workshop but as all the hoists were busy I got my son to take her for a spin. Nothing wrong he says so I went to the local shops and home nothing wrong then a few days later I took Lil Blue out for a spin and walla she missed and died got home and checked the plugs again and they were all carboned up. Any way after a bit of serious head scratchoing etc I thought that I would have a better look under neath and to my surprise the fuel line from the tank to the pump was kinked at the rubber connection how this happened I have know idea as there is nothing to touch it. Any way I sorted that and all is back to normal but in hindsight I should have picked it up earlier as the fuel pump was not pumping flat out when the key was first turned on.at least now Lil Blue and me can nejoy a good fast spin.

Posted 2022-12-26 05:24:44 by Mike Harman

Plug Leads

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 05:25:43 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

I bought some new carbon nonstatic leads awhile ago a st of nice blue ones . Well i finally got around to putting the ends on them and buying a push on distributor top entry cap as the old cap had wire leads and side entry. I used a piece of old blue oil container plastic to make the spacer for the leads and to keep them looking tidy. Lil Blue started beautifuly and runs I think alot better so I took her for a spin only 20miles but a good highway run and the difference in performance was amazing. The other thing is her indoors isint complaining any more about the interference from the car on TV when i leave it running so as they say happy wife happy life and as summer is here I hope to use Lil Blue alot more this summer.

Posted 2022-10-28 05:25:43 by Mike Harman

Another Job Done

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:42:22 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Nice day to lift the shed door and work un the sun adjusting the tappets on Lil Blue as they were singing a good song. Some you coulkd just about drive the car through they were that far out any way after adjusting them all hit the key and no rattle from the tappets also Lil Blue started alot better took her for another spin down to my workshop to check tyre pressure set that at 32 psi now have a good ride and better handling. so that was two jobs done today just need to change the oil grease the nipples and then will be ready for the rally on the weekend.

Posted 2022-07-21 07:42:22 by Mike Harman

Hard Top Back On

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:07:29 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well its still raining so I had to change the tops over in my shed. Got the hard top down off tyhe wall where I store it and decided to replace the header rubber. the old one was the original and 57 yrs old cracked and completely compressed so no wonder I got a shower when out in the rain. Any way getting the old one out was easy getting the new one in well that was another job. I had fead to soap the track and rubber first so this I did then the fun started I supported the top on a stool and bloicked it so that it couldnt move while inserting the seal. after much sweat and cursing it was all the way across then I discovered that it was not in the track correctly so I used the good old NZ number 8 wire mentality and made a tool out of some 10 gauge wire to push the seal into the track . this proved very easy and fast. Next I got the soft top off and my son in law who was staying to help me lift the top on. Fun and games here we pushed and pulled but could not get the toggle clips to close so it was time for a couple of Bourbans and to ring the experts They said it was a hell of a job with a new seal but loosen all the catches and try that. Well this morning I went out did that and hey presto managed to get the top on by myslf as I had left it sitting on the car over night.Used my special wire tool to tuck the seal away as it should be. As it was still raing I went out down the drive can now leave the soap at home as I dont get a shower anymore so thats one more job done ready for the trip over the ranges .

Posted 2022-07-20 09:07:29 by Mike Harman

Short Run

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 05:40:10 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

It was fine and sunny today so I took Lil Blue for a short spin down the highway to my workshop and back home 12 miles. As I was reversing into my shed I noticed a ticking sound and yes the tappets need a bit of adjustment so I will have to get onto that along with putting the hard top back on foe a long run over the ranges at the end of the month .other wise car went well.

Posted 2022-06-30 05:40:10 by Mike Harman

Day One

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:16:56 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Up early ready to hit the road for the first run of the rally. There was no set start times so as to not interfer with morning traffic this applied every day except competition day. We decided for a 8.30am start as we had to be at the lunch spot by 11.30am at the latest, the lunch breaks were held on football (Rugby) grounds to accomodate the 547 cars and keep us away from the public so as to protect us from covid. This was because all the entrants had to be vaccinated and have a covid pass no pass no entry and this proved to be the right move by the organisers. In the morning run we chose the short run so as to go accross a old swing bridge that had been especially opened for us. after lunch we did the long run which again took us over the bridge and through a tunnel. The morning run was 31 miles and the afternoon run27 miles this may not sound very far but in NZ the roads are full of twist and turns also quite hilly.anyway after following the route book instructions we finished up back at rally headquartes to collect any updates for the next day, Then to gas up and back to the motel for a couple of beers before dinner. a very enjoyable day without any problems.

Posted 2022-01-25 05:16:56 by Mike Harman

Back Home

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:55:22 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well Lil Blue made it back home after the rally and one thousand miles of driving . When i first thought about the rally the plan was to trailer Lil Blue down to the event after I had driven to our sons place in Rotorua but as always plans can change and mine certainly did. As the car was running so well I decided to drive her the 304 kms to the event the road is good but has alot of hills and is full of twists and turns. it takes 4 and a half hours to drive and that is not mucking around. We made it safely to New Plymouth and the motel right by the beach. On Sunday it was up and give the car a wash and wipe down tomake her all spik and span for rally registration in the afternoon, that completed and meeting alot of new people etc we had to hang around for the rally opening and briefing back to the motel to rest ready for the next day and the first drive. We had four tour driving days and one competition day which I will cover day by day.

Posted 2022-01-24 08:55:22 by Mike Harman

Radiator Flush

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 04:17:17 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well today was a nice fine really hot day so I decided to flush the radiator as I had noticed a bit of gunk around the cap. Put the flush agent in and went for a spin around the block then drained the radiator not much came out but the water looked dirty so i think that this exercise has been worth while in readiness for the big trip.

Posted 2022-01-08 04:17:17 by Mike Harman

Front Wheel Hubs

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 08:44:28 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Today I took Lil Blue down to my workshop as we are not open after the xmas break until next week and put her up on the four post flat bed hoist. After knocking the wheels off we removed the hubs which was a bit of a mission as some one before had made a hash of putting the cotter pins in anyway we eventualy got them out then it was a piece of cake to do the rest of the removal. The bearings had not been very well packed before so I was very pleased to have made the decision to check them before the big trip next week for the vintage car rally. After repacking them it was just a matter of reinstalling the hubs and wheels. So that is the main job off the list before the big trip.

Posted 2022-01-07 08:44:28 by Mike Harman

Exterior Mirror

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 05:20:40 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

The mirror that I ordered a week ago finally turned up today. It is a Tex quarter light mirror. Instead of fitting it onto the quarter window I checked the door to mudguard gap and fitted it onto the door as the gap was 5mm and with the mirror hard on the door the measurement from the base edge to the door was 4.7mm. This way I can still open the quarter window. The only thing that I had to watch out for was that when the door is shut the mirror base didnt touch the windscreen rubber. That checked out OK so tightened the screws and it works well and looks good. also as the car is totally factory original I didnt want to drill holes in the body. The only reason that I wanted an extra mirror was due to the idiots on the road today it gives me a better view of the outside lane.

Posted 2021-12-22 05:20:40 by Mike Harman

Down The Highway

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 06:00:27 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

After a period of rain and waiting to go for a long spin it finally happened today. Bright sunshine and not much traffic what a great day, took a long route to my mates place at another beach and let Lil Blue have her head (or should I say my foot was a bit heavy on the pedal ) any way the miles flew by and we got there and back home safely checked everything over as this was the first real good long run 88 miles since the head job. cannt wait until next month for the big trip.

Posted 2021-12-20 06:00:27 by Mike Harman

Rev Counter

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 06:40:55 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well after the trip around the block last week another fine day so I and Lil Blue were all set for another spin. Started her up and no rev counter working gave it the usual tap checked connections all to no avail. As this has happened before more than once I thought that a quick spin and rev may do the trick again and make it work. Well that didnt happen and my patience has worn out with this rev counter so I had a spare luckily. I checked the spare out before installing it and it worked fine. I removed the old one with a bit of trouble short wires. so extend3d all of the wire 100mm and installed the new tacho it works fine so hopefully another spin sometime soon.

Posted 2021-12-07 06:40:55 by Mike Harman

Trip Around Block

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 07:14:40 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Another fine day here in paradise so as I am sick of just looking at Lil Blue sitting there wanting to go for a spin I couldnt resist any longer.Down the road and the long way along the highway to my workshop to see the boys and make sure they are working to keep my pension topped up coffee and a chat help with a couple of wofs then another spin home the long way 10 mike round trip not far but at least an outing with everything running sweetly. Hopefully I will get out again before christmas if I can find time. I dont know how I ever had time to work I have so much on. Take care out there Mike

Posted 2021-12-02 07:14:40 by Mike Harman

SHINE UP TIME

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 04:17:48 -0600

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well it was a little overcast here in Papamoa this morning so I thought that I would give Lil Blue a wash and shine. washed her and toweled of then parked back in the shed to wax and buff took all day but wow what a shine now Lil blue is ready for the rally in January and possibly a club run at the end of this month which is 300 kms so I am told. Need a sign now keep your paws off the paint as I use a expensive silicone polimar wax . Well time for a beer after all that work. Cheers Mike

Posted 2021-11-16 04:17:48 by Mike Harman

Highway Spin

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 06:14:07 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well the weather was fine and I had a free day so took Lil Blue for a spin cruised down the beach road for 20 Kms grabbed a coffee and came home via the highway crusing at 60 mph and decided to give Lil Blue a bit more pedal she was up to 90mph that quick even I was surprised had to slow down before i got a ticket damn as I am sure that Lil Blue was enjoying the turn of speed as much as I was. Checked the plugs when I got home and they were looking great colour wise so now its more highway trips soon I hope.

Posted 2021-10-28 06:14:07 by Mike Harman

W>O>F> And Ready To Roll

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:56:35 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I got the WOF on Lil Blue had to tidy up the earth on the right park light to get it but all good now and road cert until April 22. Weather has been rubbish over the weekend so I thought that I would tidy up a few little things. First was the light in the Tacho found that the earth wires had just been placed onto a bolt and not fixed securely rectified that and all dash lights are better.

Posted 2021-10-25 04:56:35 by Mike Harman

All Good

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 06:24:32 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I warmed up the motor today and dropped the oil out that was still a little milky. blew out the sump as I said before refilled the engine and ran it up again rechecked the head studs and found a little movement on 1-6 which is where the gasket had blown so I am thinking that the previous person to work on the motor hadnt done this. Took Lil Blue for a spin 25 miles on the highway rechecked everything when back home oil nice and clean so thats all good and ready for the WOF on Thursday. After which I will go for another spin down the highway as where we live at the beach it is a trip down the highway to town.

Posted 2021-10-19 06:24:32 by Mike Harman

Mobile Again

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 04:15:09 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well it was a bright sunny day and to top it all off I got the radiator in and hey presto Lil Blue fired up first pop and is running sweet as, oil a little milky still so will change that again tomorrow when the motor is warm and recheck the head while still warm. Checked the car over today as well ready for the warrant. Next step a new warrant of fitness. Already had my VIC done by the vintage car club so hopefully that will arrive soon then every thing should be done ready for the international rally in January Cheers Mike

Posted 2021-10-17 04:15:09 by Mike Harman

Nearly There

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 07:30:12 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well the head came back from the machine shop with 4 new inserts and 4 new exhaust seats the others were all ok and all reassembled crack tested pressure tested and ready for me to clean and put back on the motor. I must be slowing down in my old age or just enjoying taking my time and playing with Lil Blues innards as it has taken me three days to get the head , manifolds etc back on. Put oil in the motor tonight before going inside. Found a new way to get the last of the oil out of the sump. Use a air line and a blown down tool poked in through the drain plug dont know why I didnt think of this years ago. Any way tomorrows another day and the radiator will be back in and then to fire her up again. Cheers Mike

Posted 2021-10-16 07:30:12 by Mike Harman

WAITING GAME

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 06:27:31 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

As I am waiting for the cylinder head to return from the machine shop next week so I decided to tidy up a few things under the bonnet. I sprayed the motor and everything else with a super cleaner that we use in my workshop and now everything looks clean even with a bit of age showing. Next was the wiring along the front behind the grill. Most of the original web cover had long gone so I have taped it up until I find where I can get some webbing wrap. I like the look as Lil Blue is still original and this helps keep it that way. As I have entered the vintage car club international rally in January which is a week long with my son as navigator this time spent checking and touching up little things is well spent and keeps the car in good working order. Keep safe out there Mike

Posted 2021-10-07 06:27:31 by Mike Harman

They Happen In Three

Sun, 12 Sep 2021 05:41:13 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I thought that everything was A OK with Lil Blue after repairing the brake MC and bleeding everything so I waited for a nice day to go for a run when the shit happened. First the clutch slave cyl decided to let go so I replaced that bleed it up took about four hours so thought that I would go for a run as i need to top up the fuel tank and that is when I check the oil as well. HORROR of horrors water in the oil so no cruising for awhile. I have ordered a complete head set so will rip the head off and send it to my friendly engine machinest for checking hopefully then I can go for a drive. Just goes to show what faults can happen when a car has been shed stored for too long. Anyway tomorrow is another day and as long as my feet hit the floor all else is incidental Cheers Mike

Posted 2021-09-12 05:41:13 by Mike Harman

Cleaning Lil Blue

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:51:57 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well as we are still in lockdown and I am all wifed out I decided to clean the front spokes took me most of the day but they look great now that all the wheels are done. Also discovered that when I was flushing the pedal box area after the brake job that I had got carried away with the weater and flooded the cockpit drivers floor so had to remove the mats etc lucky that it was a nice sunny day . Cannt wait for this lock down to end so that I can take Lil Blue out to stretch her legs.

Posted 2021-09-02 07:51:57 by Mike Harman

Pedal Box

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 10:04:06 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I was able to rekit the original brake master cyl after a very light hone lucky that there was no pitting in the bore. anyway putting the pedal box back in was a mission getting in the bolts from inside the car.. In the end I decided to put these bolts through from the engine compartment and put a nut on the inside so much Easier All I did was use bolts 1/4 unf but 1/4 inch longer than the originals. didnt have a nut to fit so rethreaded one to match .as these bolts screwed in to the nuts already there I didnt need a extra pair of hands to help. Well the box is back in and so now its time to bleed the brakes and clutch.

Posted 2021-08-28 10:04:06 by Mike Harman

Leaky Master Cyl

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:54:04 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

I noticed a little fluid on the car mat a few days ago cleaned it up and pumped the brakes a bit had a coffee more fluid on mat so we all know what that means. As I already had a refurbishing kit on hand I decided to start stripping out the pedal box etc finish tomorrow and hopefully the master cyl will be ok .and that I can recon it without too much trouble anyway tomorrow is another day. " As long as your feet hit the floor when you get up all else is incidental"

Posted 2021-08-26 10:54:04 by Mike Harman

Door Lock

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:36:48 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

As we are in lockdown still it has been a chance to fix little problems on Lil Blue. Anyway the previous owner had sprayed fish-o-lene (rust stopper) every where inside the door panels and as a result the drivers door lock wasnt working.I removed the door card and then the lock, while trying to remove the E clip that holds the lockinb bar on I managed to break the tit off that works the lock bar. Head scratching and a bit of Kiwi injurnuity and it was fixed. This is how I repaired the lock.first I found a 2mm ht bolt in my collection then drilled the barrel end to take this bolt with a little bit of effort winding it in so that it cut a thread into the muck metal barrel.then i shaped the end to fit through the lock bar slot I also shaped a nut the same. once this was done I put the nut onto the bolt and put the lock bar on to the nut screwing the nut down just enough to put the E clip in between the bolt head and the nut as this was going to be up against the barrel with a washer as it was before this would hold the bar in place. Then I measured the amount that I would have to shorten the bolt by did this and checked that it would fit etc. used locktite 245 on the bolt into the barrel and waited for this to set then I put the lock plate on over the bolt head and onto the nut. remember that I had allowed for the E clip this is important as I then put this in place and tightened the nut up to it.Then I made sure that it all lined up and worked , then I put some solder onto the nut to make sure that it will not come loose. Hey presto it works really well so if any of you have trouble with your door locks this is just one way to fix them and get alot of satisfaction from acheiving it' Ps Lil Blue is a 65 model with pull handles.

Posted 2021-08-25 04:36:48 by Mike Harman

Sneeky Switch

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 08:35:59 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Today I fitted a hidden switch to the fuel pump So that when I am out crusing in Lil Blue and stop at a cafe for a coffee some low life can not pinch my pride and joy. yes they may get it to start but it wont go far without the fuel pump working in fact it stalled just as I got it into reverse.which is what I planned. All the gauges and ignition will work so all that they will do is flatten the battery trying to start it. The switch is not under the dash as this is too easy to find but is eay to reach from the drivers seat with out being obvious. what you are doing.you can keep guessing where I put it but I will not be disclosing the location. Well thats it for today next job will be to fit the new water pump plenty of time as we are in lockdown with no where to go

Posted 2021-08-19 08:35:59 by Mike Harman

Cleaning The Spokes

Sat, 14 Aug 2021 03:56:04 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Hi All Well it was a fine day here today and I thought it time to sit in the sun and clean the rear wire wheels on Lil Blue, each wheel took about an hour at least using isopro alcohol and a couple of old rags. well after the job was done it made quite a difference and was well worth the effort will attack the front ones next when I have some spare time.

Posted 2021-08-14 03:56:04 by Mike Harman

LiL Blues Carbs

Sat, 07 Aug 2021 06:42:23 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

The weather wasnt very good so I decided to attack the carbs on Lil Blue as she had ben idling a bit rough and just didnt feel right even after doing the points plugs etc. After taking the cans off and checking the jet height I found that the front carb was way out compared to the rear one.so I cranked both jets up to the bridge and marked them with twink then I backed them off exactly two turns started the car got it up to temp unclamped the connecter clamps on the throttle bar did all the tests leaned the carbs up one flat and then the vaccum test adjusting the this by throttle idle screw. Well what a difference Lil Blue really wants to go now runs sweetly and rocks the car when revved up. Well thats it for today time to hit the sack .

Posted 2021-08-07 06:42:23 by Mike Harman

Thanks Neil

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 03:29:41 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

The forums are very interesting on how some of the members work out the problems with their cars. At my business I worked on alot of MGB GT and MG midgets that customers had from complete engine rebuild to diff rebuild but I am pleased to just have my car to work on now that I have retired.

Posted 2021-08-06 03:29:41 by Mike Harman

Dream Come True

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 07:29:34 -0500

Mike Harman's Journal --

Well I joined this site last month and thought it about time to put pen to paper and let others know a little about me and my car. I have always liked the MG marque since I was a small lad many years ago and wanted a MGTC. Unfortunately I have had to wait until my seventies to get a car not a TC but MGB Roadster. The reason for the MGB was that I could not find a TC that had not been added to in some way from the factory build. The Mg I bout is a 1965 Roadster and is stock standard as it came from the factory on or about the 18th February 1965. and was first registered in NZ on the 27th April 1965. The car has been well looked after and shed stored all its life. The last owner had it for around 20 years and only did 900 miles in that time to the testing station for 6monthly warrant and rego. The hard top and touneou cover along with the packaway roof are all original and in excellent condition. Lucky that I own a automotive workshop with our son and can do all the work ,servicing etc . I have changed all the fluids and oils as well.

Posted 2021-08-05 07:29:34 by Mike Harman