John S's Journal

The air cleared up last evening for a bit and was hoping it would continue today but we’re back in the hazardous zone. Just can’t spend hardly anytime outside. Got lots to do but even the garage is bad. Made a run to get some needed supplies for when I can be out there. Decided to mask up and look at the oil which turned out to be filthy and the plugs which were also filthy. Syringed some Marvel Mystery Oil in the cylinders for a good soak and called it a day. Throat irritation even with a good mask and a short stint outside. Forecast was for evening rain and possible T-storms and that held to be true. Hoping it will clear the air a little. I want to drain the tank if there is even any fuel in it. Sounds hollow but we’ll see.
I think I’ll do the same with the fresh gas in the ‘70 and use it in the GT when I try to pump some gas through the fuel line ahead of the carbs.I’m crossing my fingers that the tank is solid. A quick glance didn’t look too bad.

I need to change out the battery cables as it was still set up with two 6-volt batteries. I put a brand new + ve cable in the ‘70 about 2 mos. ago and that was a pain undoing clamps and clips. I’ll swap it over probably but down the road a bit when the car is up on stands. So much unknown about the car at this point. Going to spray some engine degreaser around when I can and let that work. Once I can get it a bit cleaner and the ash stops falling, it’s going in the garage and the daily driver gets the boot.
Don’t want ash all over the 2019 MINI. As it is there is a fine layer just from short trips and the stuff drifting into the garage.

Ordered a DA polisher kit on Amazon from Chemical Guys. Beginner model which will work fine for my needs. Went with the TORQX as it looked like it was plenty powerful and lightweight to handle the stuff that I’ll be doing. Supposed to be here on Saturday.

Figured out what I needed to send in for the title transfer and the plate transfer from my ‘70. The plates are good until 5/22 as it just got back on the road this Summer so they will get switched to the GT. On hold for almost an hour to talk with someone but the person clued me in to what I needed to do. The local ones are closed due to the air quality so online services are required for most things. 8-10 weeks until I see the new title. COVID times...

Had a good chat with the English gentleman who sold me the pristine steering wheel for my RD. Great guy and very knowledgeable about MG’s so it’s been fun chatting with him. He has a ‘70 GT that is awaiting a paint job but due to COVID, his painter can’t get to it. He mentioned earlier that he was thinking about selling and we had talked about me maybe buying it but it’s in L.A. and then I found this one only 70 miles away. We’ll keep in touch though.He saw the pictures that I sent him and he was almost as excited as I am about it. Really good to hear. I want to get going on it. Let it rain!