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Another busy old workshop week, with only one day on the road on Tuesday and here we are it’s Friday evening again…

Jonathan’s 2003 TF 160 was completed on Monday. This was one that we had been to inspect down in Walsall a few months back, Jonathan wanted to think about what to do and was initially booked in for the work back in February, but he wanted to delay it a while. We’re pleased to have this very nice example given a new lease of life, the alternator belt had snapped resulting in extensive damage to the cylinder head.

We replaced all four liners, one of the pistons and then refitted, along with all gaskets, new belts, water pump etc. When it came to firing it up it wouldn’t run, probable cause thought to be the fuel pump, so we set about replacing this, only to discover that the fuel outlet hose had become detached from the inside top of the sender unit, which would explain why no fuel was coming through. All refitted and car fired up straight away.

All now completed with a bit of a wash and a brush up and ready for collection, via courier, at the weekend.

Tuesday found us over in Rotherham, where it was lovely to meet Neville for work on his 2002 TF 135 (in Anthracite – LQW). Head gasket replacement and cambelt service carried out. Took quite a bit of cleaning up as all parts full of sludge and the dreaded k-seal. All put back together again and running nicely.

Another one to have a new lease of life this week was Richard’s X reg MGF Mk II (in British Racing Green – HFF) that we’ve done various things on over the years.

He had it delivered to us at the weekend from Wiggenhall St Mary.

So on Wednesday morning we got cracking with replacing the front subframe with a galvanized one, plus crash cans, anti-roll bar etcetera. Plus stainless steel underfloor pipes, a full underfloor treatment, then a remap with a Kmaps map and finally an MOT put on it by the garage on the site, so Richard can have the pleasure of driving it back home at the weekend. We look forward to seeing him again.

Stephen came over today from Wistow and left his 2000 MGF (in Nightfire – CAQ) with us, as he’d noticed the car had developed a squeal on start up. He’d tried some belt-dressing, which hadn’t had any effect.

It was the alternator itself that had done its time, so a new one fitted, along with a new belt and she’s good to go.

So as Jonathan’s and Richard’s MGs go out at the weekend we have another TF 160 being dropped off from Aylesbury.

Wishing everyone a fab weekend full of fun and sunshine. 🌞 – https://ift.tt/GYmkalb

North East trip – 16th to 20th June 2025

Just arrived home this Friday evening, following a week up in the north east of the country, starting off with a bright and early start on Monday morning to head to the first call on this week’s agenda.

Durham – 2004 TF 115 Sunstorm (Nightfire – CBT). Mike had asked if he could be included on our next trip to the area to replace both front wishbones, the underfloor coolant pipes with stainless and sort out the sticking throttle, we’d taken both cable and pedal, turns out the pedal was causing the issue so this was replaced for him. All done in good time we made our way to our digs for the next four nights in Gateshead.

Tuesday – North Shields for the first call on Dave’s 2003 TF 135 (Trophy Blue – JEV).

Underfloor coolant-pipes replaced with stainless ones and replacement of the rear plastic window. As Dave’s is a blue roof, the panel has been posted away to Ireland and we will return to fit it, a temporary black one fitted for now. Good to see Dave again, we’ll be back soon!

We then headed over to Cramlington, for the minor service on Alan’s TF 135 (one of the post LE 500 run cars). Discs and pads replaced all round too. Great to have a chat and catch-up with Alan.

Wednesday – first call in Pegswood – 2003 TF 160 (Xpower Grey – LEF). Daniel had bought the car as a lockdown project, but had got busy with other things so was now wanting to get it finished. Full cambelt service carried out for him. Then he’s going to carry on replacing the interior in Grenadine, which will look fab when he’s finished. Good to meet him.

We then headed over to Belsay for work on a TF 160, which was registered in 2007 (Ignition Blue – JGY). Head gasket replacement carried out along with a cambelt service.

We didn’t meet the owner, Alastair, as he was away on his hols, but we were looked after very well by his cousin Chris.

Our last call of the day was in Dinnington, where it was lovely to meet Chris who had just bought himself a MGF 75th anniversary (Mulberry – CDM) number 1904 of 2000, which was in need of a hydragas pump up.

Thursday – Sunderland – 2003 TF 135 (Trophy Blue – JEV). It was lovely to see Steve again, who has owned this car from new and never had any issue with the proverbial, until he noticed a few telltale signs last year. So he tucked it away for the winter months and awaited our visit. All gaskets duly replaced, along with the service items. Thanks to Steve’s parents for the loan of their driveway and for all the welcome cuppas. We look forward to seeing Steve and his Dad again, next year, when they come for a run out to the workshop for the cambelt service.

That brings us to this morning, and a very warm Friday. We left our fab digs in Gateshead and headed over to the first call of the day.

Consett – 2001 MGF 120 (Platinum – MNX). Andy had just recently bought himself the car, having wanted to own one for a number of years. Initially, it was booked in for just a check over to see what was needed to be done. But, as he was having issues with the EML and had found that the cambelt service was well overdue we reshuffled yesterday’s original booking to this morning.

Full cambelt service carried out, a very timely save of the alternator belt as it was hanging on by a wing and a prayer! Catalytic converter replaced, along with the forward Lambda sensor. New HT leads replaced as his fell to pieces. A chat about a few others things he’d like doing at a later date at the workshop and he’s good to go. Great to meet Andy, thanks to him for the cuppas and not forgetting the box full of different varieties of popcorn, that’ll keep Jon quiet for a while!

Then onto our last call of the week, this afternoon, which found us back in Durham for the annual minor service on Roger’s 1996 MGF 120 (British Racing Green – HAM), plus replacement of one of the track rod ends. Great to see Roger and have chat with him before heading home.
Bit of a long slow stop-start trip in the heat, but it was great to finally get back and be greeted by our very lovely and very vocal cat.

As always warm welcomes and fab hospitality from everyone on our latest trip in the north east, on what has been a successful and productive week.

Hope everyone has a super weekend, where possible, and can get out and about for some top down fun in the sun. ☀️ – https://ift.tt/LsmN6QA

Mainly a workshop week this week…

Stuart came over first thing on Monday morning from Scunthorpe in his 2003 TF 135 (in Xpower grey – LEF) for a full cambelt service and to have the MOT carried out on site. Stuart went off for walk into the village while we got things done for him. Great to see Stuart again, got a pic of the interior this time as I don’t think I did on his last visit.

Pete had come over from Doncaster at the weekend to drop off his 2002 TF 135 (in British Racing Green – HFF) at the weekend.

This was in for welding of all four sills. The rears were far worse than expected, but all done and ready for collection this weekend.

John had also dropped off his 2002 TF 160 Sprint (in Trophy Blue – JEV) at the weekend having driven down from County Durham.

This one was for full underfloor treatment and replacement of the underfloor coolant pipes for stainless. We’d noticed it was looking a bit ropey when last in with us for other work in November. All done and ready for collection at the weekend.

Tuesday found us over in Pontefract, at Bob Wests Classic car garage. He’d bought a 1996 MGF VVC with 11k on the clock to do up for an American chap, who is currently living in Germany and will be having it shipped over there. Following the purchase, Bob had noticed it was showing signs of head gasket failure so asked if we could come over and sort it. We didn’t get to meet Bob himself as he was away, but his trimmer, Les, was there to meet us.

We also got further on with the TF 160 that’s in with us with a trashed head. All pistons and liners removed with quite a bit of debris in the sump, fearing further carnage to the bottom end we discovered it was parts of one of the pistons that had blown to bits, so that was lucky for Jonathan that his bill wasn’t going to get slightly bigger!

One of our doer uppers went in for some paint work and a full detail too this week, so that’s almost ready to roll. The chaps at AM Paintworx have done a cracking job on it, looks fab!

Van all stocked up with the parts and kit required for our next away trip, heading off bright and early on Monday morning. So we’ve now got the weekend off to get caught up on a load of other things.

Have a lovely weekend everyone, not sure this fab weather is going to hold out, but have a good one where possible. – https://ift.tt/BkOrR3W

A busy few days, we took delivery of a rather sorry TF 160 on Wednesday morning, from Walsall; the cambelt had snapped, resulting in quite a bit of carnage, but it’s nothing that can’t be sorted, we look forward to getting this one back on the road for Jonathan.

It was lovely to see Kevin and Amanda, who came down from North Broomhill on Thursday to collect his, newly acquired, Trophy that had been left with us whilst they were away on an adventure. Full cambelt service, underfloor coolant pipes, Kmaps remap, new key fob, reverse light switch, MOT and a few other things all done to get this ready for them to enjoy further adventures in. Big thanks to them for surprising us and taking us out for lunch, it was good to hear many stories.

Up bright and early on Friday morning to head down to Spalding, to carry out the cambelt service on Bruce’s 2003 TF 135 (in Trophy Blue – JFV). We’d last seen the car just before lockdown hit back in 2020. Good to see Bruce again, thanks to him for the cuppas and bacon butty.

We then headed over to Turves for the annual service on Matt’s 2004 TF 135 also in Trophy Blue. Good to see Matt again, next year will be time for the cambelt service again.

With a dismal wet day the gazebo was deployed!

With a stopover in Ramsey, for the evening, we headed on to Cambridge this Saturday morning, where it was lovely to meet Flo, for work on her 2004 TF 135 (in Platinum Gold – MCN).

Having owned the car for three years Flo had found that the cambelt service was well overdue and also thought that there was a problem with the head gasket. Fortunately, for her, it was nothing but a faulty expansion tank cap and a leaking water pump, not surprising it was last replaced in 2016! Luckily nothing else more serious had occurred.

Full cambelt service carried out, along with replacing the exhaust back-box and the CAT as it was noted on the last MOT that it was past its best. We took with us a stainless back-box from Rimmers, it suits the car and has a decent tone. Thanks to Flo for the cuppas and thankfully the rain passed us by.

A hassle free run back home this afternoon. We have two cars being dropped off at the workshop tomorrow, ready for work next week.

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable weekend and dodging the showers! ☔️ – https://ift.tt/9xCyHSV

🇳🇴 Our Visitors from Norway! 🇳🇴

Over to the workshop first thing on Monday morning to greet our overseas visitors from Norway, who had disembarked from the ferry in Hull. They are on their latest tour of the UK and are members of the Norsk MG klubbs gruppe having met up from various locations in Norway.

Part of their tour was to come over to us for some work on their MGs and in no particular order, over Monday and Tuesday, we carried out the following:

Per and Berit who live in Asker came over in their 2004 TF 135 80th anniversary (in Goodwood Green – HQM). This was fitted with a new ‘Mike Satur’ stainless-steel exhaust back-box, new exhaust down-pipe, rear and forward Lambda sensors were replaced, brake discs and pads all round, new clutch-slave cylinder and free off of the clutch-release arm.

Svein and Bente who came over from Slattum in their 2005 TF 135 Spark (in Xpower Grey – LEF) wanted to have a preemptive head gasket carried out, full cambelt service done also, plus a Kmaps remap.

Are who lives in Kristiansand had driven over in his 2002 MGF 120 (in Old English White – NNX). On this we replaced all four hydragas spheres, a Brown & Gammons coolant alarm kit, new resistor pack and a Kmaps remap.

Jan who also lives in Kristiansand was on the tour in his 2002 MGF 120 (in Old English White – NNX). This one had a bit of a shorter list, which was to change the gearbox oil, fit a resistor pack, which is a little bit more awkward on the left hand drive cars, and also a Kmaps remap. The two white MGFs are two of three that exist in Norway.

Are was in his 2002 TF 160 (in Xpower Grey – LEF) and comes from Bronnoysund. On this we fitted a ‘Mike Satur’ 4-2-1 stainless exhaust system, this is also a slightly more awkward job on cars fitted with aircon, but we got round it, although taking a lot longer than is usual. Then finally a Kmaps remap.

Steinar and Kare weren’t needing anything this time on their TF 160 80th Anniversary and Bernt was on the tour in his 2001 MGF, it was lovely to meet him.

A tough couple of days, which we expected, and we did it almost all on time ready for their departure. Couple of delays with having two cars held up at customs and Are’s MGF undergoing a thorough inspection by the port security. Typically these were the ones we had planned on tackling first. The 4-2-1 took a while longer and another remap added in, but we did it! Both a bit achy now.

It was so great to see some old faces and meet some new ones too. Always a pleasure to meet up with them when they’re on their tours of the UK. We’ve met up with them in a few locations over the years now and even had a trip over to service the cars in Norway back in 2013.

They do keep their cars in tip top condition and take great pride in them. Thanks for entrusting us with them.

It was down to the wire getting the forecourt finished and concrete laid, I was in a slight panic about where they could all park, as all seven cars left with us overnight as they took a minibus into York to see the sites on Monday and Tuesday, returning to us mid afternoon.

We wish them safe and enjoyable onward travels, as they head into Wales on Wednesday morning and then on to the Cotswolds, a trip of 10 days in total with 7 cars. We will continue to follow their tour with Steinars regular Facebook posts. 😎🇳🇴 – https://ift.tt/AJOt3Uu

Considering we had Monday off, as it was the bank holiday, which we hope you all enjoyed where possible, we’ve managed to pack a fair bit in to the rest of the week…

We found ourselves over in Bracebridge Heath for the minor service on John and Lorraine’s 2001 Trophy (in FAR). They’d had a recent issue with slight coolant loss, for which we’d posted out a cap, fortunately this was all it was, which they were understandably concerned about it being head gasket failure. Date booked in for next year when the cambelt service is due again.

Making the most of being in the vicinity we went over to Rimmer Bros for more stock.

We had a call over in Horncastle for the minor service on Gary and Trevor’s 2002 TF 160, which was one of the original press cars. Their neighbour Roger came over for a remap on his 2005 TF 135. Great to meet him and to have a catch-up with Trevor and Gary. Cambelt service is due next year so a date booked in for that.

Robin had brought his 1998 MGF 1.8 mpi (original paint code JRJ – but has had a respray) down from Hartlepool at the weekend to have a full cambelt service and replacement of all four spheres, the car is certainly feeling a lot more bouncy. It will be good to see him tomorrow when he comes back to collect.

A trip back over to Horncastle this morning, where it was good to meet Adrian and his fairly new acquisition of a 2003 FT 135 (in xpower grey – LEF). Short cambelt service carried out and a check over of a few things. When it came to removing the water pump found that the coolant wouldn’t drain away. He’d mentioned a few days earlier that he was having an issue and presumed it to be the proverbial. We removed a couple of the hoses and cleared these out and then discovered that the engine bay pipes had a blockage too, when cleared out it was evident that some stop-leak had been added at some point. Everything cleared and put back together and car ran up to temperature with no issues.

We then went over to South Leverton for work on Richard’s also new acquisition, a 2004 TF 135 also in xpower grey. His last one, that was originally booked in and that we’d worked on a few years back, had very sadly been written off.

So today we fitted a Brown & Gammons coolant alarm, underfloor stainless coolant-pipes and repaired the drivers door lock. Good to see Richard again and have a chat.

Work completed on Kevin’s Trophy that he had left with us, having had it delivered from Northumberland, MOT done and ready for collection when they get back from their latest adventure.

Back at the workshop in the morning to meet Robin and to do the final bits of prep for our overseas visitors, that will be with us on Monday morning, we look forward to greeting them once they’ve disembarked from the ferry in Hull and made their way to us.

Have a great weekend everyone near and far. 😎 – https://ift.tt/aIKAm7V

Always a good moment when the diaries for the following year are finally in print and delivered to you. I shall enjoy getting this one filled in as the notes and planning pages on the current one are getting a bit full and scraggy! 🤓 I like to be organised and plan ahead! 📔 – https://ift.tt/aIKAm7V

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland trip – May 2025
Days 14 – 15 of 15…

After a departure from our digs, in Prestwick, yesterday morning, we headed along the road to Maybole for work on Karens 2004 TF 135 in Royal Blue – JFM, and Kens 2003 TF 135 in Nightfire Red – CBT, that were both due a cambelt service.

Full cambelt services carried out on both cars. Ken had reported only a few days previously that on his first run out of the year he heard a bang from the rear of the car and a resulting load of steam. We found that expansion tank had expanded somewhat. We replaced it with one from our stock. It remains to be seen however if it is in fact the proverbial that has caused it to go, Ken will monitor it and report back. One of the engine mount bolts was also questionable, so we had to resort to our Plan B.

Shame not to see Karen and Ken, as they were away on holiday, but their lovely son Sam made us most welcome, with cuppas and a bacon buttie for Jon. Thanks to Karen for leaving us a very generous tray-bake! Fab weather again too.

From there, we went on to Annan for our last lot of digs on this run. Not the quietest of evenings, staying above a club and a pub on a busy sunny Saturday night maybe wasn’t the best idea, haha, both kicking-out times were interesting!

So we set off nice and early to head down to Brampton, for what should have been the last job of the trip, where it was lovely to see David again for work on his 2006 TF 135 in Firefrost Red – CEV.

Short cambelt service carried out for him. We’d gone supplied with a new CAT and Lambda as he’d recently had problems struggling at the MOT with emissions. The CAT was found to be fine and it is an original one, on code reading we found it to be due to the Lambda sensor, which was one of the cheapo AMP sensors that don’t work. So we swapped this out, which has now cleared the fault.

After a chat with David and a stroke of his gorgeous puss we were on our way again, where we had a steady drive back over to Morpeth.

Had a bit of an issue with the vans clutch a few days ago, and unfortunately it gave up on us this morning on the way to David’s, so a roadside fix and replacement of the master-cylinder we were on our way again, still arriving half an hour early too.

We made it over to Dave’s back in Morpeth again to fit one of the rear control arms that have been quite elusive of late (please see first blog of trip). We managed to track one down with the lovely Jason Swinyward at MGTastic, big thanks to him for shipping it out to Dave’s for us. Arm duly fitted. The other problem Dave had been experiencing was a wobbly speedometer. We swapped out the cables and the sensor, long story short it was eventually fettled. It was good to see Dave again, it’s where this trip started and where it ended.

Thankfully we made it back home, in good time too, with only a few grumbles from the engine. So great to see our puss Binx aka Puddin who gave us a very vocal greeting.

What a long trip, it was always going to be a tough one, after everything and a lot to get done, but we did it!

Always made better by the warm welcomes and amazing hospitality that we have received, big thanks to everyone. We’re pleased to have your cars all sorted and ready for the summer months ahead. Here’s to more of this fabulous sunny weather.

A total of 1,201 miles, 21 cars and 10 lots of accommodation. A little fatigued now, but we have our own bed and a couple of days off to get turned around.

Thank you Scotland, we will be back! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 – https://ift.tt/FdaroIp