We are looking forward to seeing many MG owners and enthusiasts at our birthday party this coming weekend – Saturday, January 21, from noon to four pm.  Directions To University Motors.  Our parking lot is miniscule – a far cry from the two acres we had on Fulton Street!  We have been arranging for parking at the neighboring businesses.  From the corner of Patterson Avenue and 44th Street southwards, you can park at Production Tool, Jostens, and DieNamic (next door).  Just this morning I walked over to speak to the owner of DieNamic about the parking and he said, “My brother has an old MG up in Traverse City.”  He called his brother and we got the VIN.  When I walked back to the shop I was able to locate the file immediately.   Sure enough, we’d seen the MGC before -- in 1987.  Isn’t it amazing that where ever you go, someone owns or has owned an MG?

This past weekend Lynn, my wife (whose sister drove a Sprite in the 1960s), and I flew to Fort Bragg to collect my son James’ personal vehicle as he’s being deployed to Afghanistan late next month.  We spent Friday evening with Lynn’s son’s wife’s family in Raleigh.  At one point the father-in-law said, “I own a 1949 Allard.”  British cars, from ACs to Wolseleys, but especially MGs, seem to have graced so many families.

This past week we were able to return two long term projects to their owners.  The cycle winged 1947 MG TC which Curt has been working on for several years was shipped back to its owner in the Washington DC area.  The 1977 Brooklands Green MGB which underwent great mechanical work and a body restoration was delivered to the Indianapolis area yesterday.

In marked contrast to the situation three years ago, we have a great amount of work: 1957 MGA from Cape Cod for the completion of a restoration started at another shop; 1973 US specification MGB/GT V8 from Anderson, IN, for a body restoration; 1969 MGC from Lansing, MI, for mechanical work; 1969 MGB, from Renssleaer, IN, for mechanical work; 1980 MGB with a Heritage body from Texarkana for completion of a restoration;  1976 MGB from Spring Lake, MI, for an underbonnet restoration; 1962 rhd MGA police car from Bristol, IN, for a nut and bolt restoration; 1967 rhd Midget from Bloomfield Hills, MI, for welding and paint; 1970 MGB/GT from Washington, MI, for completion of a restoration; 1974 MGB, from Chicago for a mechanical upgrade and body restoration; 1972 rwa Midget from Otsego, MI, for a body restoration; 1977 Midget from Brighton, MI, for mechanicals; 1953 MG TD from Chicago for engine leaks; 1975 TR6 from Grand Rapids for rear end work; 1985 Mini from Grand Rapids for mechanical work; 1960 MGA from Fairfax, VA, for mechanical work..  Then there are bench jobs of all kinds:  1947 TC Engine, Michigan City, IN; MGA frame and engine, Charlevoix, MI; MGB rear axle, overdrive, and engine from Forsyth, GA; and several sets of carburetters.  We are expecting an interesting project later in February – reassembly of a TD which the owner purchased new in Japan in 1952 while in the army.

There are five of us working, two full time, two nearly full time, and one part time.  We could probably use more help!

Mike has the forms up on the website.  The three day, weekend seminar covers the Complete Lubrication the first day, the Complete Tune on Saturday, with toolbox tips and electrics on Sunday.  Even if you have attended a seminar before, use this weekend as a refresher course.  If you have not attended a seminar this weekend will invigorate you, no question!

We are still making plans and will have information and registration forms soon.

Mike found the pictured wiring loom in our parts department.  Why it’s there is a mystery.  It fits an Austin Healey Sprite or Midget Mark I 1958 – 1961.  It carries the Moss number 356-100 and retails at $332.95.  This NEW, UNUSED loom can be yours for $230.  Please call (616-301-2888) or email Mike.   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

We are looking forward to seeing you this coming weekend!

Safety Fast!

John Twist