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Hope everyone had a good festive season, and here we are already a week into a very chilly 2026…

The last job of 2025 was on the 30th December, up in the north east, first in Amble to get the engine mount bracket replaced on Darren’s ‘05 TF 135, that the bolt had sheared off on (see previous post). Big thanks to Phil Bell & Maggy for posting one out to us. Then we headed to Blyth, Ian had read that we would be back up and had a problem with his TF 135 (Chinese post-LE run). The 3-way coolant hose connector had split so we advised to purchase a Mike Satur anodized one, which we duly fitted for him, glad to have him sorted as it’s his daily runner at the moment, good to see him again too.

So after a few days off, over new year, we got back at it in the workshop on a very cold Monday morning. Doors shut and space-heater sparked up, only for it to run out of gas after 20 minutes, nooo not good! 🥶

Paul had his ‘97 MGF 1.8 mpi delivered to us from Sheffield, we’d last seen the car for assessment, following a suspected snapped cambelt. Sure enough the damage was significant, so we got on with sourcing a replacement engine, thanks to Will Naylor for supplying it.

Originally booked in to commence work on Wednesday, the clutch job booked in for Monday morning had forgotten! So we got cracking on this.

Old engine out, then once it was out, we replaced the clutch and water pump. Once back in new head gasket fitted, cambelt replaced, alternator belt replaced and everything else reassembled.

Underfloor coolant pipes replaced with stainless, hydragas pump up, new battery fitted and coolant cap. Car ran up to temperature and now sounding smooth as, the engine we replaced was half the age of the old one. So ‘Pixie’ is now all ready for a new lease of life and for Paul and his wife Enis to enjoy for many years to come.

Robert had also trailered over his ‘06 TF 135 to us from the north east on Monday afternoon, initially booked in for a clutch replacement, he asked if we could also take a look at a couple of other issues and give the car a check over and then send it for an MOT.

We set about replacing the clutch and discovered, once it was out, that it had been done not too long ago. The clutch release-arm was seized solid, which if not eased off at the time of fitting a new clutch kit it will just leave you in the same position. The pressure-plate had been forced on to the friction-plate, wearing away all four of the retaining rivets. See pics. Arm duly eased off, and everything reassembled. One of the bolts was missing on the gearbox support arm and one of the others was loose! All four bolts replaced. The PRT was leaking, as it had a broken clip and the other had been replaced with a tie-wrap, hmm.

Plus we replaced the rear nearside shocker as the spring had snapped, nearside rear drop-link replaced. Window mechanism repaired, as this had collapsed.

Minor service carried out then sent round for the MOT. All now complete and ready for Robert to come and collect. We look forward to seeing him again, we’re really pleased to have it all sorted for him to finally enjoy getting some miles in.

Our other visitor this week was Steve, who came over from Woodmansey to leave his ‘05 TF 135 Spark with us for its annual service and MOT. Good to see him as always.

So with our no-show on Monday we’re done a day ahead of schedule, so will take the opportunity tomorrow to drop off the yearly tax returns, which we did whilst off at new year. Then head over to Stockport to drop off a big batch of spheres with Kevin for refurbishing, and then finally on to visit Will to collect a galvanised subframe.

Hope the weather isn’t too grotty with storm Goretti threatening to wreak havoc. Stay warm and safe everyone, batten down those hatches! 💨 – https://ift.tt/jxg7baB

🌟🎄 Wishing all of our customers health and joy for the festive season and the year ahead, here’s hoping 2026 brings everyone peace.

As many of you know this year has been exceptionally hard. But, we’ve kept the business going, despite it being a struggle at times. Thank you to you all for your continued loyalty and support.

🗺️ We’ve covered many miles, with our extended trips to Scotland, Devon, Cornwall,, the Midlands, Norfolk, Northumberland, Essex, the South Coast, South Wales, plus many other places in between, where we’ve been made welcome and received some amazing hospitality, while we’ve looked after your pride and joys.

⚙️ The workshop has been extremely busy too, where we’ve brought back to life a number of MGs that will enjoy many more years of fun on the road, having come over to us from throughout the UK, and not forgetting our overseas visitors, who came over to us, from Norway earlier in the year.

Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year to all.

Best Wishes,
🌟🎄 Jon & Claire 🎄🌟 – https://ift.tt/7sjES1G

Bit of a short week this week…

James travelled up from London on Monday to collect his 2003 TF 135, that he had left with last week for some work. (All detailed on last week’s blog). We went in on Sunday to finish off a couple of things, one of which was to replace the top ball joint on the offside front, fortunately the wheel bearing wasn’t affected and this resolved the issue without the need of a track rod end either.

Nice to see James again and meet his cute woofer, his traveling companion for their trip back home.

This morning found us on a local call in Hull, where it was great to meet Mark. He’d fancied owning an MG and found this 1999 MGF VVC in Solar Red – CMU, back in July, this also resided in London with the previous owner, sure we recognise it, but unfortunately came with little paperwork. Although, he did know that the cambelts hadn’t been replaced for 10 years.

So today we carried out a full cambelt service. We swapped out the coolant temperature sensor as Mark suspected this was faulty, but it’s obviously a problem with the gauge itself. We ran the diagnostics, which showed that everything was working as it should, so he will address the issue next year. The radiator bleed screw was snapped off so we replaced this with new. That should have been the last job of the year, but we’ve got a couple of calls in the north east next week.

Thanks to Mark for all the welcome warming cuppas. Good to have fusses with his very cute woofer too. It’s certainly a very nice example he found himself, hope he has lots of enjoyment out of the car. – https://ift.tt/7sjES1G

Workshop & a trip up to the north east…

Monday morning saw us get started on the work on Jai’s ZR 1.4 that he’d had couriered up to us. We replaced the engine bay pipes with stainless steel. He also wanted to have the front brakes upgraded. Upgrade from a solid disc to a vented one, new calipers and Green Stuff pads fitted. Jai got the train up from Crawley on Thursday afternoon to drive it back home. It was great to meet him and have a chat about the other cars he has and is looking to collect. He’s done a lot of mods to this car and all very tastefully done. I didn’t get a video of the shooting stars in the roof! We look forward to seeing him again next year and his ZS, that he plans on keeping as totally standard.

James drove up from London on Monday to leave with us his 2003 TF 135 in Solar Red – CMU.

Work on this included; head gasket replacement, the car already had a PRT fitted, but in its previous ownership had been fitted with a standard thermostat also, so we removed that. Many of the coolant hoses were extremely bloated so we replaced these. Remap with a Kmaps map. Gear box oil change. Door handle replacement. Lots of other things sorted out that were then added to the list, including managing to get it fitted it in with Paul at the dent removal company on site that we use, it was his last day before Christmas and has done a cracking job.

There are still a number of things to check and sort on the car, so we will be going in tomorrow to finish it off. We’d allocated enough time for the jobs originally listed, which was added to a little, but we’ll get it sorted ready for James who will be making the journey back up from London to collect on Monday.

We came up to Amble on Friday morning to carry out a full cambelt service on Darren’s 2005 TF 135 in Rio Red – CQC. It was well overdue for the service as he’d last had it done when living down south. Unfortunately, one of the engine bolts decided to shear off. So we will make a return trip between Christmas and New Year to get it replaced. Everything else sorted for him. Let’s hope it’s less windy when we return, crikey it was a bit of a battle! We’d originally offered the dates that week for a big job in the workshop, but the chap has cut his losses with his car sadly as it was too far gone engine wise.

After a stop over in Blyth we headed over to Cramlington this morning to carry out the minor service on Susan’s 2002 TF 160 ‘Racey Tracy’. Plus a check over of a couple of other issues she’d noticed. These are on the list for our trip next year. Nice to see Susan again.

So we’re heading back down a foggy A1. It was lovely and sunny in the north. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend and keeping warm, it’s a bit on the raw side. There’s still a lot to do before we can break up for a few days. Plus I need to find some time to do the Christmas tree and do the shopping I guess, I’ll try not to start panicking, just yet! 😳 – https://ift.tt/qvg58D2

(Hull), Wakefield, Leeds, Derby…

Whoosh and another week has flown by, with the beginning of it being an absolute wash out! We had received a couple of cancellations for this week, so I went through the cancellation list and filled a couple of slots. One of which, was a local ish booking in Bransholme, but it would have been a bad move to carry out the work, which was for head gasket replacement and underfloor coolant pipes, the car was in the street, which was just one huge puddle, along with flood warnings in the area, we literally had to take a rain-check. The owner understood and is happy to wait for a further cancellation.

We went over to Grange Moor, near Wakefield, on Tuesday morning, where, thankfully, it was dry, although a bit on the nippy side. It was lovely to meet Tony and his 2001 MGF VVC in British Racing Green – HFF, that he’d owned from new. Full cambelt service carried out. Good to chat with Tony while we worked, thanks to him for the cuppas and homemade cake.

We headed over to Roundhay, near Leeds, on Wednesday morning to carry out a full cambelt service on Mat’s year 2000 MGF 120 mpi in British Racing Green – HFF. It was lovely to meet Mat, who runs a classic car club, it was at a meet that he was given one of our cards by a friend of ours, thanks Chris!

Thursday found us over in Burnaston, near Derby, for work on David’s 1998 MGF VVC in Platinum Silver – MNX. Having owned classic cars in the past and also a current owner of two MGB GTs he fancied seeing what an MGF was like. He had found himself this excellent example, with very low mileage. Though everything else with the car was spot on, he’d found the ride a little harsh. So we swapped out all four of the hydragas spheres, hopefully he’ll notice a difference when he gets back out in it again, next spring. Small coolant leak, that he’d mentioned, traced and hopefully fettled. Great to meet David, with thanks to him for the cuppas and not to mention his garage, sheltering us from the grotty cold and drizzly rain.

We had the day off today for me to get on with some essential work needed at home and for Jon to get over to Rimmer Bros in Lincoln to pick up some parts required for some jobs coming up in the workshop over the next couple of weeks.

One of our enquiries this week came all way from America, now that would be great one to do, but I think we’ve managed to help him out remotely.

Have a great weekend everyone near and far, though looks a bit of a wet one all round, stay warm and dry. – https://ift.tt/uRhJ5nK

Workshop week and a bit of a chilly one…

Not the week we had planned as we were going to have a break away somewhere, but decided against it and thought we’d best get cracking with work instead, plus couldn’t keep putting off those essential DIY jobs.

Chris had brought down his 2003 TF Stepspeed, in xpower grey – LEF, all the way from his home in Acharacle, that we’ve enjoyed a few visits to now. He and his wife Sam made a trip of it and visited family and friends in the area. They picked a bad week weather wise as one of their stops was in Scarborough, where there was quite a big dumping of the white stuff! Glad that they made it over to us safe and sound to drop off the car and are now back up in the Highlands.

The car was booked in for replacement of the drive-plate, Chris had sourced the plate from DMGRS, who stock the correct one for this model. So we replaced this, which went well considering the gearboxes on this model weighs so much more than the standard PG1 boxes, so aligning it to go back on can be a bit a challenge.

Unfortunately, on Chris and Sam’s epic journey down they noticed that the temperature gauge had risen in traffic, with no significant loss of coolant. On pressure testing the system found coolant to be coming from the block and the thermostat housing. So we replaced the head gasket along with a new thermostat and housing.

Chris had also mentioned another strange noise from the rear. When it came removing the hub and drive-shaft the hub fell straight off the drive-shaft, the retaining C-spring on the end of the drive-shaft was in two halves. So we replaced this with one we had on another secondhand drive-shaft off a spare CVT gearbox.

The CV boot on the nearside rear also had a split in it and had deposited a load of grease in to the rear wheel. New CV boot fitted and grease cleaned up.

Couple of other small things to sort and then all ready for Chris to collect in a couple of weeks time.

Leona had brought over their MGF 120 ‘Princess’ for some further work, as she had been given a couple of advisories on a recent MOT. Welding carried out to the inner sill/floor area, replacement of the Lambda sensor and an MOT carried out by the company we use on the site. Pleased to hear that Laura is now fit to be able to drive her again, and they collected her last night. Let’s hope both Laura and Princess are able to get some miles done between them finally.

Terry came down to the workshop today to collect his MGF 75th Anniversary, that was in with us a couple of weeks ago for welding, as mentioned on previous post, and then it had gone round to the paint shop next door at AM Paintworx. The work was finally completed on the car yesterday and does look pretty good! Well done to Aaron and his team for more of their sterling work. Really great to see Terry as always and meet his pal Dave who had kindly driven him down from Darlington.

Have a great weekend everyone near and far, weather is a bit of a mixed bag, but at least it’s no longer in the minuses… for now. 🥶 – https://ift.tt/sjkuO5m

SOUTH CAOST (etc) TRIP – 10th – 16th NOVEMBER 2025…

Monday 10th – Southampton
Our first call of the trip was for the minor service on Mark’s 2001 MGF 120 mpi in Copperleaf (CDX). Nice to see Mark as always for a quick chat before heading off to our digs, for an overnight stay, on Hayling Island.

Tuesday 11th – Hayling Island
A very short commute along the road where it was good to meet John and his 2002 TF 160, in Trophy Yellow (FAR), for replacement of the head gasket. The radiator bleed-screw was snapped off in the hole, but we have a knack of getting them out and carry replacement ones anyway. He’d not long owned the car when the head gasket went, so we’re pleased to have it back up and running again for him to enjoy, it’s a good example having recently had a full respray. Big thanks to John for all the cuppas, sandwiches and cakes, much appreciated.

From there we headed on to our digs for the next three nights in Goring-by-Sea.

Wednesday 12th – Patching
Another short commute, for work on Paul’s LE 500 (number 69) in Vibrant Orange. A couple of things had come up on the recent MOT. We replaced the nearside rear wheel-bearing. We’d taken a new high-level brake light with us, but it was the wiring that was at fault, so this was repaired.

One of the upper suspension arm pin-bushes was badly worn, while we going to be in there anyway Paul asked if we’d replace both sides. The faulty ones came out no problem and new one fitted. The offside one decided it was going to be a pain on one of them, it took about 2 hours to remove the old bush from the arm. We’d taken along a pair of the newly modified top arm pivot kits that Mike Satur produces, they don’t actually have the needle bearings in them, they have Oilite bearings in, see MS website for further interesting information.

Both rear brake calipers freed off, and the car is now good to go again and we got finished before the sun set! Paul does use the car as his daily so is pleased to have it back on the road.

Great to meet Paul, big thanks to him for the endless supply of tea and offers of lunch.

Thursday 13th – Pulburough
The first job of the day was to replace the head gasket on Paul’s fairly new acquisition of a ZR 160, cambelt service also carried out.

Next up was Paul’s wife Juliet’s LE 500 in Intense Blue, which was due for the cambelt service, service items and alternator belt replaced too. We also discovered that the 3-way connector on the coolant hoses was split, a common issue in the LE, we had a new one stock, so replaced this. Finally reverse-light switch replaced and car good to go.

Thanks to their mate Steve for making us a brew.

Friday 14th – West Worthing & Bordon
Another short commute and an early start for the first job of the day to work on Bob’s new acquisition of a MGF 75th Anniversary in Mulberry – CNF. Full cambelt service carried out without any issues. The gazebo had to be deployed as it absolutely tipped it down! Lovely to meet Bob and many thanks to him for the welcomes cuppas, biscuits and offers of breakfast. I forgot to get a photo of the car, as was slightly preoccupied with taking down the gazebo.

After a chat with Bob we headed off to the next call in Bordon.

It was great to meet Roger and his wife, owners of another LE 500 (number 267), this one in Scorched Red. Full cambelt service carried out and replacement of the underfloor coolant-pipes with stainless. Good to have a chat with them both before we headed off.

Saturday 15th – Basingstoke
We left our fab digs and headed over to Basingstoke, where it was good to meet Nick and his 2000 MGF VVC in Wedgewood – JBH. He’d bought the car after it had undergone a fairly major restoration to save it, having owned MGs in the past he wasn’t going to buy another one, but was tempted by this lovely example. He’d found a replacement hood and some seals, and had got in touch a couple of months ago to see if we’d be in the area anytime soon to come and fit them for him, so I added in an extra day on this trip.

An overnight stay in Teignmouth on Saturday night. What a really lovely spot, a new one for us, and the digs were fantastic too.

Sunday 16th – Newton Abbot
That brings us to today, and another day added on the trip to get over to see Alan and his LE 500 (number 353) in Intense Blue.

Engine-oil change, investigate coolant loss, and find the cause for the key fob not working. This will require the services of the genius Mark Brown aka Technozen.

After a chat and a cuppa with Alan we headed off on bit of a long schlep home, but with it being a Sunday the roads have been quiet.

So that’s our last big away trip of the year, and a successful one it’s been. Great to see old faces and meet some new ones too. We’ve been lucky with our digs too on this one. Apart from one dreadful day some decent weather thrown in, unlike many other parts of the country, we’ve been very sad to see on the news, our thoughts are with those affected by storm Claudia.

863 miles, (feels like more), 9 cars and 4 lots of various lodgings. Not long now before we get back to see the cat, and we can look forward to a few days off. – https://ift.tt/n8HyNZW

Our first job of the week found us on a fairly local one over in Kilham, on Monday morning, for work on Phil’s 2001 MGF 120 in Copperleaf (CDX). He’d actually bought the car after selling his Midget, as wanted something to replace it with. Having found our details he read up on everyone’s recommendations for us and bought the car on the strength of those, which was so great to hear!

Full cambelt service carried out and a check over, he’d bought it at auction from Matthewsons, although serviced regularly the cambelt service was overdue, on this very good example.

Great to meet him and his wife Lisa and have fusses with their beautiful woofer Sonny.

A bit of change to the original plans for the week, as a big job we had booked in to the workshop, over a couple of days, was cancelled a couple of weeks ago. So we fitted Terry in for the welding to his MGF 75th. Jon got cracking with this, which has taken a lot longer than expected, as is usually the way.

We went over to another fairly local call in Elvington, on Thursday morning, where it was good to see Jim again and his very nice year 2000 MGF 120 in Wedgewood (JBH).

Minor service carried out, along with suspension pump up, repair to the radio and a check over of a couple of things that were brought up on the last MOT.

Back to the workshop in the afternoon for Jon to continue the welding, and for me to pack the van with all the stock and kit required for our next big away trip, commencing on Monday, right through to Sunday. This will be our last away trip of the year, we don’t normally go away at this time of year, due to uncertain weather conditions and ultimately lack of daylight, but it was necessitated by demand.

We also fitted Laura’s MGF ‘Princess’ back in, as it is having issues with possibly the Lambda sensor, which we will need to swap out, plus it also requires some welding. It will have to wait a little bit longer for us to get sorted, but she’ll get done for Laura to enjoy driving again when she herself is back on her feet.

So that brings us to Friday and the welding is now all complete on Terry’s car, which has been taken round to the bodywork shop next door this afternoon (AM Paintworx), for Aaron to work his magic on next week. We look forward to seeing ‘The Chairman’ all painted and back to rights again for Terry.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, near and far. A quiet one for us, getting the bags packed ready to head off to the south, bright and early on Monday morning. – https://ift.tt/g1CjvyV