September 30, 2007 Tie Rod Ends

Replaced the two tie rod ends since their condition was a bit of an unknown and the boots were ripped wide open.

Followed the procedure of counting the turns for removal and then installing the new ones the same number of turns.
Removal of the ball joint end was aided greatly by a simple little tool from Princess Auto. Instead of banging a pickle fork type of remover into the space, this little tool wedges the two apart with a bolt. It popped apart with no effort and didn't destroy the boot at all.

The most difficult part of the operation is the refilling of the rack with oil. I used a soccer ball inflater to fill the boots before snugging them up with the zip ties.

September 6, 2007 Maiden Voyage

The first picture of me driving the MGB, pulling out of my Dad's garage under power for the first time.

And a video of me going around the block

September 6, 2007 Clutch Hydraulics

Well after the installation of the spare engine and the re-installation of the carbs, distributor, alternator and exhaust, I finally fired up the engine and got it running. Sweet.
I was hoping to take it out on its maiden voyage at that point. Got a seat installed, put a fire extinguisher in the cabin and hopped in.
Pushed down the clutch pedal and grabbed the gear shift to pull it into reverse...
Nothing...
Pushed harder, grind...
Clutch isn't engaging. Damn.
Opened the Obsolete Auto flyer and ordered up a Clutch Master Cylinder, Slave Cylinder and hose.
The most challanging part of this job is reaching the lower fastener on the front of the master cylinder. It needs to be reached from inside, under the dash through the firewall using long wobble extensions.



Not easy.

Installation of the slave cylinder and hose was pretty straightforward. The only wrinkle is that the slave ships with the bleeder in the wrong hole for some reason. Get this wrong and the system can't be bled in the conventional way.

I used the reverse bleed method anyway, pushing fluid up from the slave rather than trying to pump air out of the bleeder. Worked great.