My car is a 1962 MGA 1600 MkII Deluxe. I became the A's caretaker in the spring of 2008. The car was not running or drivable when I got it. I rebuilt the brake and clutch master cylinders, replaced the brake lines, had the brake calipers refurbished, replaced the tires, cleaned out the gas tank, changed fluids, and replaced the coil. This got the car running and drivable.
Prior caretaker's wife must not have liked him driving the A. There was a shop rag some paper and fibrous material in the fuel tank. The first drive was trouble. The brakes would not release... the master cylinder was not releasing completely. Had to bump out the center of the retaining washer on the master cylinder.
My addiction and affection for this car were fueled by several reasons. I like to know how things work. What better way to understand how things work than to take them apart and get them working again. My Dad had an MGA while he was going to school. He needed money for tuition and sold the car to his uncle, who kept the car for years and years.
When my Dad had his 50th birthday, his uncle gave it back to him. My Dad and I have been working on the car ever since. We have rebuilt the engine, transmission, rear end, welded substantial patches into the frame and are starting reassembling (we learned how to weld to do this). The suspension is now back on and are preparing for brakes and the drive train. I enjoy all things mechanical and electrical, so this is a great car to tinker on. I am a mechanical and electrical engineer by schooling, and currently am superintendent of maintenance at a coal fired power generation station. I also love the lines and shape of the MGA.I was working a forced outage and was talking to the superintendent for our mechanical contractor about working on my Dad's car. He said he knew someone nearby looking so sell one. I went and looked at the car. I knew the 4 wheel disc brake deluxe was uncommon and struck up a deal right away. Another friend of my had a trailer and trailered it to my house.
Eventually I would like to take my car down to the frame and fix it up to compete in vintage racing (there are holes in the frame). Most notably the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.
My wife is patient with me, but would rather me work on the house than play with the car. Current projects on the car are reglazing the windscreen, front suspension seals, and repair the exhaust (holes in the pipe). Oh yeah, and installing a center brake light my parents gave me for my birthday.
I hope that you enjoy this story, and are inspired to keep your cars on the road and enjoy them.
Joseph McCurdy
Editor's note: We simply love some of these stories, and are very grateful that people like Joseph take the time to share them with us and our readers.
We chose one of the photos Joseph submitted for the contest to be posted alongside MG MGA Restoration Guide: 1500, Twin Cam, 1600, 1600 MkII, 1955-1962 in The Motor Bookstore.
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