Blog

  Say "Hello" to the new Bertie! Now for six months 'bedding in', starting with a rolling road check this weekend. See if the original carbs (HS4's) are properly tuned. I replaced the Weber with these so that I can tweak the mixture at the side of the road should I need too. The brakes have a servo which they hadn't before and the clutch has been replaced, otherwise, mechanically, he is pretty much as was.  ...

As Berties' restoration nears completion it was only a matter of time before Bridget visited to see 'first hand' the progress. The picture above shows Bridget in the middle of having her fluids checked ahead of her appearance at Silverstone for MGLive. Below are a number of pictures, some featuring both cars, others focusing on 'Bertie the B'. The engine is now complete and ready for firing-up. The original HS4 carburettors have replaced the Weber as I need to be able to adjust the fuel mixture quickly at the side of the road when driving on extreme mountain roads (altitude over 12,000 feet). All the electrical connections of Bertie's new loom were made and the power turned on. Only the side lights worked! I started going through all the circuits comparing them to the circuit diagram and gradually things began to work. When I flicked the left direction indicator the front left light blinked, together with the rear right light! Ideal...

At last! I am making progress with Bertie's restoration. Thanks to fellow MGCC members, Mike Parker and Dave Kato, the power train is back in and the windscreen is finally installed. Initially I did not appreciate that installing the windscreen on the MGB Roadster is a two man operation. The design is identical to the MG Midget and I had replaced Bridget's several times, but I wasted a whole week trying to install Bertie's before several experienced people informed me that I would need help. With both of these tasks completed I can now get on installing the dash, connecting all the electrical items and installing the new interior. I can also start hanging all of the engine components back on the motor, such as the original HS4 carburettors, oil filter and electronic distributor. I have decided to replace the Weber carburettors with the HS4's because I may need the facility to change the fuel mix 'on the run' and that cannot be done...

I know that in the previous post I said that I would start Berties' rebuild from the back and work forward. However, the following morning I changed my mind and just tinkered! It is not therefore surprising that in the past two months little progress can be reported. I have had considerable difficulty, in the winter climate, to engage any enthusiasm. That said, I have completed most of the pipework, installed and removed the fuel pump twice and taken the decision to upgrade the braking ability of the car with the introduction of a 'Servo'. The pedal box has been painted as has the heater and the pedal box has been installed. New housing has been sourced and fitted for the two 12volt batteries, and they have been wired in parallel with the isolator switch fitted in the rear compartment. There have been several interruptions to the work schedule that were not within my control. A short health hiccup took out one...