1960 MG MGA 1600 Roadster - Will It Run?

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  • Опубліковано 1 сер 2024
  • I am ready to get back to the MGA project so I have re-edited the original video from December 24, 2019 to remove the music and other tweaks amounting to twice the edits as the original. If for some reason you would like to rewatch the original version you can find it here: • 1960 MG MGA 1600 Roads...
    Trying to start and get running a 1960 MG MGA 1600 roadster that was sitting for a very long time.
    Don't forget to visit my website for more updates: www.thisweekwithcars.com
    This Week With Cars - Episode 0045
    #MGA #Roadster #WillItRun
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 146

  • @terran5569
    @terran5569 Рік тому +2

    That startup even made me feel good.

  • @oldtanker4860
    @oldtanker4860 3 роки тому +8

    It is simply amazing how you can find such old cars in such great condition instead of rusty hulks held together by the paint and mouse nests. That one sounded really good too.

    • @jbstepchild
      @jbstepchild 3 роки тому

      Cause those cars don't tend to rust as they don't sit outside

    • @jbstepchild
      @jbstepchild 3 роки тому

      I live in Ontario have a 62 with an 1800 it used to go out in all weather but hasn't for 30 years Looks great runs great an can be fixed with basic tools great lil learner car

  • @jjryansea
    @jjryansea 3 роки тому +22

    Always loved the lines of this car, sleek and elegant. Thanks for bringing it to us and back to life.

  • @beegee22
    @beegee22 2 роки тому +1

    Love watching a mechanic who knows what he's doing. It actually sounds very good for having been sitting for so long - smooth. 👍👏👏👏

  • @fjanson2468
    @fjanson2468 Рік тому +2

    In high school, a buddy bought a 56 MGA, I ended up being the mechanic for it. Wire wheels look better, plywood floors, 6 volt batteries, tricky carbs, sounded like a 2 seater should sound, quick little beast that was very fun to drive, except in the winter.

  • @dansotelo228
    @dansotelo228 3 роки тому +1

    1970 in L.A. my drafting teacher in Jr. high school had the exact MGA and was his daily commuter. He always had the tonneau cover wore Pilot RayBans and a cigarette when he drove to and from school and looked very kool... He was a great mechanical drafting teacher.

  • @gvxclassics
    @gvxclassics 3 роки тому +1

    You brightened my day when the second hose leaked. Thank you...

  • @jimstevens1726
    @jimstevens1726 3 роки тому +1

    In the 60s and early 70s I owned 4 of these. The last one I owned was a 1962 hardtop coupe with roll up windows! I loved these cars, but when I got married I knew I needed more reliable transportation as parts were not easy to get. I have some great stories about these cars.

  • @christopherjgibson
    @christopherjgibson 3 роки тому +1

    Love the methodical and no nonsense approach to will it run.

  • @generatorjohn4537
    @generatorjohn4537 3 роки тому +2

    That engine sounded pretty smooth for something that sat dormant for so long. Nice job!

  • @ChuckRosseel
    @ChuckRosseel 3 роки тому +1

    I owned a '59 MGA. Thanks for bringing your MGA back to life.

  • @wedjr97
    @wedjr97 Рік тому +2

    Boy, what a lucky day!

  • @imtonedeaf1
    @imtonedeaf1 2 роки тому +1

    My friend richard had this car in high school his family owned 4 of these we slowly restored 3 of them we bought 4 more had fun bringing them back to life that was in 90s

  • @roarlyng
    @roarlyng 3 роки тому +22

    I always enjoy your "Will it run?", keep'em coming 👍

  • @dennisgannon
    @dennisgannon 3 роки тому

    Diamond in the rough. You will have a good jewel when you are done. We all look forward to that day. Thanks for sharing.

  • @markfisher8206
    @markfisher8206 3 роки тому +19

    Would like to see the complete restoration.Great content always enjoy the will it run series!

  • @kennethgrasing2218
    @kennethgrasing2218 3 роки тому +6

    Always like the tips and tricks on working through starting issues. Thanks Steve!

  • @gryfandjane
    @gryfandjane 3 роки тому +1

    Loved it! I’ve owned my ‘78 Midget for 26 years, and have helped a friend on many occasions with his ‘61 and ‘71 Midgets. I love MGs, and it’s always a thrill to see a forgotten one come back to life. Plus, MGAs are just gorgeous.

  • @RestorationAustralia
    @RestorationAustralia 3 роки тому +1

    Beautiful classic.

  • @douglasmills6276
    @douglasmills6276 3 роки тому +7

    I enjoyed the video. I always wanted a MGA to restore.

  • @bswalker4819
    @bswalker4819 3 роки тому +1

    Great video. I bought a 58 Coupe 2 summers ago from a barn find, just cut all the brush away from the ramp leading to the under barn storage. Hope to winch it up in the next few weeks . I'll wait until its in the shop to start it up and this video was really helpful.

  • @batterymakermarkii2654
    @batterymakermarkii2654 3 роки тому

    One of my favorite little cars.

  • @stefeniedavidmusic
    @stefeniedavidmusic 3 роки тому +2

    I had a 1960 around 1973. Paid $200 for it. Wood floors. You could reach out and strike your match on the road to lite your cigarette. Very cool

  • @AutoAli
    @AutoAli 3 роки тому +1

    Prettt sweet looking A! Ours was a pile and we built her from the ground up. Sadly one of the rods was a quitter so I’m starting to rebuild engine #2 this weekend.

  • @johndavey72
    @johndavey72 3 роки тому +2

    Result ! She really sounds fine and the bodywork looks very promising so it's a win , win Steve . Great stuff. ! Thanks

  • @leroyspicer8927
    @leroyspicer8927 3 роки тому

    My first sports car was a 1962 MGA. It was an easy car to work on and parts were cheep in the 70's.
    I drove it hard for 3 years and enjoyed every minute behind the wheel. Liked your video...

  • @celticpridedrums
    @celticpridedrums 3 роки тому +1

    "when the last time it was ran" well I'm glad good English grammar has no relationship with good auto mechanics. I can write a book, but I could not start this car to save my life buddy--thats why I love watching you guys; its amazing to me that you seem to know exactly what to do--well done; always amazed.

  • @paulhall170
    @paulhall170 3 роки тому +1

    I always worry about people who start stored cars without dumping and changing the oil first.... That said, I like your patient, methodical approach!

  • @MrDunky48
    @MrDunky48 3 роки тому +3

    Your skill and knowledge plus the way you demonstrate the work is so straightforward and
    in no time something that has not run for 30 years is working. I was looking forward to another
    of your videos. And still finding an American so keen on old British cars is a treat!

  • @fw1421
    @fw1421 3 роки тому

    I had a friend that had an MGA back in the late 60’s. He always took his Afghan Hound Dog with him. They both had long red hair and were a sight to see with their hair blowing in the wind.😁

  • @ranger2316
    @ranger2316 3 роки тому +1

    I've had two 1960 MGA's man, does this bring back fond memories. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!!! They really are pretty simple to work on, and run forever. You're a lucky man!

  • @fknsl1
    @fknsl1 3 роки тому +1

    The Papers in the Trunk from Scarborough Faire - this was a shop in Rhode Island on the Providence/Pawtucket line that specialized in parts for British Imports. Right on Route 1. They would advertise nationally, I saw them in Hemmings Motor News. Plus I have driven by there many times...

  • @mgbsandotherstuff2982
    @mgbsandotherstuff2982 Рік тому +2

    Love the MGA, a bit of a tight fit for me but love the lines and the fact you can pretty much get most of the parts you need. Love your approach. Subscribed

  • @leefranklin3054
    @leefranklin3054 3 роки тому +4

    Love that expertise you have built up dealing with these old classics. Had a friend back in the 80's with one of these, always an amazing looking car.

  • @roycarter6235
    @roycarter6235 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for another excellent video. A simple step by step process to get a long unused vehicle running. Always enjoy your videos.

  • @henryrodier8024
    @henryrodier8024 3 роки тому +1

    MGA that’s are car I would enjoy in the late 1970’s I had 1965 Triumph TR4 A w/ IRS was a blast to drive

  • @StephenEgertonMusic
    @StephenEgertonMusic 3 роки тому +7

    A very enjoyable watch, as always. Thanks!

  • @lib556
    @lib556 3 роки тому +1

    I miss my MGA.

  • @genebalinski645
    @genebalinski645 Рік тому +2

    Nice work ! Sounds amazing for condition

  • @neiloconnell2120
    @neiloconnell2120 3 роки тому +1

    Great fun. I smiled a lot when the new but old hose, leaked badly as well :) Your earthing tips were appreciated also. I am working on my 1929 Austin 12/4 heavy Burnham limousine tomorrow so I shall be re-using your knowledge to good effect. You do know your "stuff". It is also wonderful to see British marques being so well served in the good old US of A. From your cousin in the UK.

  • @tonymaiettasr.7340
    @tonymaiettasr.7340 3 роки тому +1

    Nice. Brings back memories of mine. Thanks for the video

  • @markdaugherty6378
    @markdaugherty6378 3 роки тому +1

    Love the way you get these going

  • @ColdWarVet607
    @ColdWarVet607 Рік тому +2

    Great stuff, thank you. Just found out my neighbors Dad has a 1960 MG 1600. Im told it wont start but she didn't know any other details. Its in excellent clean condition inside and out, engine is immaculate. Ive worked on American cars since I was 6 with my Dad but never on a 60's British car or any other MG. This gave me a good go over of things. The only thing I didnt understand is why you called the batteries negative terminal the "hot" terminal. I understand its a "positive gnd" system which is a misnomer because even though the battery positive is connected to the body its still positive. I get why you didnt want the negative terminal next to the positive chassis but I didnt get why you called the negative terminal hot? Great stuff thanks again.

  • @victorrobison5069
    @victorrobison5069 3 роки тому +1

    It's a minor point, but when I mark the first three, I usually don't put any markings on the fourth plug wire. Good video!

  • @TahoeRealm
    @TahoeRealm 3 роки тому +4

    Excellent please keep them coming!

  • @rocknrollrod5
    @rocknrollrod5 3 роки тому

    I had a 59 MGA, and they are great cars. I would fly over hills and lift off the ground for 30 ft. I used vacuum cleaner brushes to fix the starter and generator. When the Banjo steering wheel broke off, I drove with a big vice grip to steer. I paid $1000.00 for it in the 70ies.

  • @jamesjosef4826
    @jamesjosef4826 3 роки тому

    Can't wait to see this road worthy again! One of my dream cars, that are elusive here in upstate NY. I'd buy this one to restore in a heartbeat!

  • @johnhoye4535
    @johnhoye4535 3 роки тому

    Thanks for doing MGA,s they are real sports cars, I had one and just loved it. I found that you can’t get the motor out without the transmission connected. What a pain that was , lots of good memories from the 60s.

  • @yellowbird8690
    @yellowbird8690 3 роки тому +2

    This weekend saw an Iris Blue MGA, at an auction, at the London Classic Car Show, Syon Park. It was sold for £22,500.

  • @bbrut3332
    @bbrut3332 3 роки тому +2

    Another interesting project. Time for a bath and some interior and exterior TLC. It will be interesting to see if 34 years of parking have been good or bad to the interior and exterior finishes. Thanks for the video.

  • @brwlegge
    @brwlegge 3 роки тому +6

    Great video, what a great car! Can’t wait to see the next in this series.

  • @rayschoch5882
    @rayschoch5882 3 роки тому

    My first car! Mine was Robin's egg blue, however. Same side-draft carburetors, same funky, unreliable mechanical stuff. I basically thrashed mine - road raced other kids on rural highways (they'd never seen a "sports car"). They always won drag races, I always won if the road was curvy. Doubt I could get in and out of one now, but it was great fun when I was 16 and 17.

  • @jplacroix461
    @jplacroix461 3 роки тому +1

    You are always so methodical as you troubleshoot. I've learned a ton watching your videos. Keep em coming they are terrific!

  • @Tigerfan50
    @Tigerfan50 9 місяців тому

    She's a beauty!

  • @lucenmarcosgarage5649
    @lucenmarcosgarage5649 3 роки тому +1

    Always fun to watch your videos Steve. The simple approach to car tech so everyone can do the things. We sure could use your knowledge of British cars in our videos when working on our Austin.

  • @colinritchie1757
    @colinritchie1757 3 роки тому +9

    So annoying here where the MG was built , all I ever find are large lumps of rust that vaguely resembles a car , great work as always

    • @paulmaul2186
      @paulmaul2186 3 роки тому

      There are some good lumps of rust in Canada too. Even here in the city I found an MGA in British racing green that had been sitting in a driveway uncovered, with the roof off, for ages. Within about 5 minutes of downtown Toronto.

    • @colinritchie1757
      @colinritchie1757 3 роки тому

      @@paulmaul2186 makes you want to weep, I love MG/Sprites so much and that is just tragic

  • @deep6thisdeep6this92
    @deep6thisdeep6this92 2 роки тому

    looks like an excellent candidate for restoration. very nice.

  • @stevemercer952
    @stevemercer952 3 роки тому +1

    Great video, Steve. Woild be great to see this roadster in the road!

  • @tomk4199
    @tomk4199 3 роки тому +16

    Definitely looking forward to seeing more on this car! The engine sounded great.

  • @awboat
    @awboat Рік тому +2

    That is in pretty damn good shape. Better than my 60. Mine's got the 67 MGB motor in it. I have to finish the dash wiring and being an old broken down body (mine), it is going to be hard.

  • @ronaldjohnson1474
    @ronaldjohnson1474 Рік тому

    Ah, the flood of memories! Had the same year MGA, nick-named "Maggie". Forced to sell her when moving overseas.

  • @kerrykrishna
    @kerrykrishna 3 роки тому +4

    Steve, I SO enjoy watching you work and how non-anal retentive you are about almost everything. You explain stuff SO incredibly well.
    I sure wish my life had taken a different turn, and I could have ended up with a small sports car like this.

  • @graemelliott3942
    @graemelliott3942 3 роки тому

    Good vid Steve! Yes make more like this one!

  • @riderxl
    @riderxl 3 роки тому +1

    Good job

  • @mickspencer4171
    @mickspencer4171 3 роки тому +1

    Great car Steve, hope you will be keeping that one.

  • @julianneale6128
    @julianneale6128 3 роки тому

    Love it!

  • @simoncampbell-smith6745
    @simoncampbell-smith6745 3 роки тому

    such a pretty car

  • @bobmanzi7712
    @bobmanzi7712 3 роки тому

    good stuff steve

  • @johnster1964
    @johnster1964 3 роки тому

    great video

  • @clivewinters7479
    @clivewinters7479 3 роки тому

    Really good video 🇬🇧

  • @micheltebraake7915
    @micheltebraake7915 3 роки тому +4

    The engine runs well.

  • @darrylyoes414
    @darrylyoes414 3 роки тому

    Ah, MG valvetrain tappet clatter. The sound of victory!

  • @warrenp2022
    @warrenp2022 3 роки тому

    I bought my 1958 MGA roadster on April 1, 1967, drove it until 1974 when I started taking it apart for repairs. Sadly it is still in pieces and after being 'stored' outside is in sad shape. I had wanted a TC or TD but at 6' 4" and having big feet I didn't fit in them so the A was the next choice. Presently trying to make room in the garage to work on it, rusty frame and lower body will be a challenge at 73 yrs old. At my age I'm not planning a fancy restoration, just make it safe, presentable and fun to drive again. In 1970 in NJ while playing Army, if I had a bad tire I would drive to the local junk yard, pull off my wire wheel and exchange it for another with a good tire for $5.00, youthful mistakes.

  • @Hernik_der_Herzhaft
    @Hernik_der_Herzhaft 3 роки тому

    Great Video... I really want to see what this one will be all cleaned up and tuned up

  • @antonbruce1241
    @antonbruce1241 3 роки тому

    Remember this one thing about British cars: If there's no oil under it - there's no oil in it. Also...you MIGHT want to take those twin SU's off and rebuild them. And I DO hope you have a carb sync meter. Still...nice to see she runs.

  • @BOBXFILES2374a
    @BOBXFILES2374a Рік тому

    When I was a teenager, I bought an MGA, "something was wrong with the engine.: (Broken crankshaft) I cleaned it up, etc, it sat in the garage all summer, until my Parents discovered what car insurance would be for a teenager with a sports car! My mother's boss had a brother who was a car mechanic, she bought it and he got it running. The one that got away.... Bob

  • @donelmore2540
    @donelmore2540 3 роки тому

    I just found a 1960 MGA hardtop at a lot just out of New Braunfels, TX on Hwy 46. Supposedly 1 owner and stock, but I saw that the steering wheel looked aftermarket. They said that they had done the brakes and done a tuneup. It looked in “fair” shape to me, but they are asking $24,000 if I remember correctly. I checked prices on line and it seemed to be priced at a “restored” price which it is not.

  • @Rob-fx2dw
    @Rob-fx2dw 3 роки тому

    Keep checking the electrics - Particularly the engine earth connection which was a woven wire connector on these cars and it often got weaker when it wore out by continued movement which caused it to gradually self destruct. It often was interpreted as a faulty starter when it was not so.

  • @eggy1962
    @eggy1962 3 роки тому

    Plenty to do on this and yes we do want to see it all.

  • @larrysorenson4789
    @larrysorenson4789 3 роки тому

    The heater blower motor is inside the housing on the firewall.

  • @johngrace199
    @johngrace199 3 роки тому

    And to think, I was excited when I was finally able to get my weed trimmer started this past weekend. LOL

  • @georgerrust4087
    @georgerrust4087 3 роки тому

    Had a 61' only 2 fuses, one for the headlights the other for everything else. A Lucas system that actually worked! Should be an easy fix to start.

  • @batterymakermarkii2654
    @batterymakermarkii2654 3 роки тому

    3:44 A Delco Freedom Battery--I haven't seen one of those in the wild in over forty years! I imagine the pilot light is dark....LOL

  • @fredbuhl
    @fredbuhl 3 роки тому +2

    Great (revised) video! I'm wondering how you figure out a purchase price for these barn finds...or even where you find out about them.

  • @SB-vb8ch
    @SB-vb8ch 3 роки тому

    Not sure where you find these cars but I'm very jealous! That battery looked very 1980s so lucky that it hadn't split it's case & leaked in the car.

  • @mikey9030
    @mikey9030 3 роки тому

    I had a mga as my only driver for 5 years.

  • @walterhluchyj3721
    @walterhluchyj3721 2 роки тому

    would like to see restoration of that car!

  • @dbernius
    @dbernius 3 роки тому

    I started watching and I am like I have seen this video before than I realized you had updated and edited it. :) Want come and fix my MGB her in Metamora, IL. It runs and I drive it, but the question is SHOULD I?

  • @cjwl1
    @cjwl1 3 роки тому

    I owned an MGA1600 Mk.2 in the mid '60's - as did my brother; we both live in Great Britain. the best little sports car i ever had! Luckily mine was not a twin cam - they were always going out of tune!

  • @rafibenor7981
    @rafibenor7981 3 роки тому +2

    Is there any update on the Datsun 280z?

  • @grayfool
    @grayfool 3 роки тому

    Love watching get theses great old cars running again. How many new cars will be running in fifty or sixty years time, assuming fuel is still available?

  • @davidjones332
    @davidjones332 3 роки тому

    Quite takes me back to the days of having to put the spark plugs in the oven to get my old Morris to start in winter. And they called them the good old days......

  • @jeremyclarke4883
    @jeremyclarke4883 2 роки тому

    Great informative videos! Thank you Steve. I noticed you often install new master cylinders in the cars but no mention of bench bleeding them first ( a lesson I learned the hard way on my BJ8). Do you do that? - and if so, maybe show folks how to do it. Thanks again.

    • @ThisWeekWithCars
      @ThisWeekWithCars  2 роки тому

      No I usually do not bleed them first that is a good way to spill brake fluid onto the car and ruin the paint. There are other ways to overcome the problem if needed but usually not required on a British car.

  • @regunter6599
    @regunter6599 3 роки тому +1

    One of my favorite cars, unfortunately they are a bit small for a 6'4" guy, I never found one in decent enough shape to buy.

  • @charlesmoore3321
    @charlesmoore3321 3 роки тому

    Not long after acquiring an MGB, it was a MGA I really wanted, problem is they drove them directly behind salt trucks here in the midwest.

  • @testacorsa150
    @testacorsa150 3 роки тому +8

    Cars you can fix with a hammer, are my kind of cars :)

  • @thomascatford2627
    @thomascatford2627 3 роки тому

    Anything can be made to run if you know what you are doing .

  • @thirdcargarage2951
    @thirdcargarage2951 3 роки тому

    Love two seaters.

  • @fgb3126
    @fgb3126 2 роки тому

    "last time it was RUN not last time it was RAN"

  • @robertoferrari5397
    @robertoferrari5397 2 роки тому

    ..i've been kind of thinking about getting one of these...i'm learning a lot from the video...(never even imagined two six volt batteries.)....ps,..why whitworth wrenches.. how are they different?