New toy - 2001 MGF

Wozzaaah · Jun 9, 2023

Bought this today for just £500, 1.8VVC.
Looking forward to having a bit of top down fun in it.
The last MOT ran out in 2015.

New rear discs, calipers and pads ordered, front pads, wheel bearing, headlight…. That’ll sort out the issues it failed on, then I’ll see what else needs doing.
The “dreaded” K series engine but the head gasket has been done.
I’ll start a project thread once I get started with it.

cheb · Jun 9, 2023

Even the numberplate has an opinion.

Wozzaaah · Jun 9, 2023

Johnnybravo said:
Ultimate hair dressers car

Good save though…

It's funny, they never really appealed to me back in the day but now I love 'em!
I've had this one in my sights for ages, they took it in PX and it's just been sat there languishing.

addjunkie · Jun 9, 2023

Mid life crisis….did you already buy the medalion?

striker · Jun 9, 2023

I like these. A mate of mine has two. He thinks they are starting to go up in value. I think they look timeless. As good today as when they first came out. Well saved!

Robotstar5 · Jun 9, 2023

Will you be at Cofton park next April for the "Pride of Longbridge" gathering?.

tom2207 · Jun 9, 2023

striker said:
I like these. A mate of mine has two. He thinks they are starting to go up in value. I think they look timeless. As good today as when they first came out. Well saved!

from worth nothing at all , other than weight .
There really was no where other than up for them to go lol.
Sort of like a modern MGBGT, only leakier .

But it will be interesting to watch , check the rear frame too , beside the shock mounts theres a corner that rusts ,, Ive welded a few ,,, and theres a modified cooling bit , could be a thermostat housing that helps to stop them airlocking if they get a tad low on water and stops them cooking themselves ,,, you probably know this , but its worth a mention jic.

Wozzaaah · Jun 9, 2023

Robotstar5 said:
Will you be at Cofton park next April for the "Pride of Longbridge" gathering?.

I may well pop along!

eddie49 · Jun 9, 2023

Another couple of known issues:
- the shaft for the clutch release arm seizes in the bellhousing
- the exhaust pipe cooks the grease out of the front bearing of the alternator, causing it to seize

Beanwood · Jun 9, 2023

Bit different to the Disco 3 you were talking about the other day :clapping:

AVI_8 · Jun 9, 2023

I’ve driven one of these, they’re actually quite good fun to drive, for a £500 convertible what’s not to like

minimutly · Jun 9, 2023

Wozzaaah said:
Bought this today for just £500, 1.8VVC.
Looking forward to having a bit of top down fun in it.
The last MOT ran out in 2015.

New rear discs, calipers and pads ordered, front pads, wheel bearing, headlight…. That’ll sort out the issues it failed on, then I’ll see what else needs doing.
The “dreaded” K series engine but the head gasket has been done.
I’ll start a project thread once I get started with it.
View attachment 403015

That’ll keep you busy. Wife had a 130 tf version, I was forever fixing it, but it was fun to drive, would have been even more with an extra 50 bhp. I had a vvc version like yours, stripped out, coil overs on the front, 2 gallon tank, roll hoop, buckets and harnesses, set up for hill climbing. There were plans for a turbo and lsd, but life got in the way...

roofman · Jun 9, 2023

That will put a few smiles on your face this summer and for the money paid its got to be right :thumbup:

minimutly · Jun 9, 2023

eddie49 said:
Another couple of known issues:
- the shaft for the clutch release arm seizes in the bellhousing
- the exhaust pipe cooks the grease out of the front bearing of the alternator, causing it to seize

Erm, yes to the clutch and the alternator issue, but I would suggest it’s the weather blowing damp into the alternator through that vent which causes it to seize...
Rusty box sections over the front subby, failing track rod ends, rusting water pipes (all of them, penny pinching brummies), constant brake pads and discs, dunno, felt like more.

Wozzaaah · Jun 9, 2023

roofman said:
That will put a few smiles on your face this summer and for the money paid its got to be right

I've already spent £250 on the brakes, light and wheel bearing and it also needs a battery but even after that I'm still only £800 in.
I had an MX5 years ago and had so much fun in it but couldn't really afford to keep two cars on the road back then.
My daily driver is a boring (but quite pleasant) little 2015 Pug 308 so hooning around in this little go kart will be a hoot.