Russ Penty's Journal

Replaced Headrests

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:46:45 -0600

Russ Penty's Journal --

My '79 Roadster's original headrests were beginning to show wear on the backside, sun wear I presume. So I bought a new set from Moss they look great and are an exact match. After reading many posts here about having to fight the removal of the old headrests I was all set for a battle even scoping out pry bar material to get them to release and come out. So I straddle the seat, brace my back ready for the fight. I give the first one a light tug and it moves up about an inch then I pull a little harder and it slides right out! The second headrest exactly the same. It came out with just a swift pull, no fighting, tweaked back or headrest hitting my chin. Piece of cake. The new one's look great and slide up to adjust to my head level. It sure is nice when things just go as you think/hope they should.

Posted 2019-01-22 19:46:45 by Russ Penty

New Alternator

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 00:28:40 -0500

Russ Penty's Journal --

Just had my rebuilt (2 yrs ago) 45 amp alt replaced with a new 65 amp alt. Got the new alt from Basil Adams here in the MG Exp site for a fair price. Going to take it for a fairly long mountainous run this weekend since I haven't gone out for a long run in a bit. For those of you familiar with South Orange County, CA I'll be headed over Ortega Hwy to Lake Elsinore then to I15 down to Murrieta than back the same route a couple days later.

Posted 2015-10-23 00:28:40 by Russ Penty

Smog Test #3 Passed!

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 23:47:19 -0600

Russ Penty's Journal --

Well its been a three month ordeal in getting the MGB to pass CA smog. Bought the car in Oct 2013 and it passed yesterday! Jan 21st'14 Had to get a new California version catalytic converter. Which of course you have to overpay for (didn't choose to drive to Nevada or Arizona for the standard and cheap one). It passed easily. Got my tag's, I'm legal! Beware fellow Californian's there are plenty of catalytic converters advertised to fit MGB's, but they don't fit! They are too big (long) I found out the hard way during this three month process. You can get a CA cat that fits here: https://www.catalyticconvertersonline.com Or order one from Moss, much cheaper, and have it sent to a friend in any state other than Cali.

Posted 2014-01-22 23:47:19 by Russ Penty

CA Smog Test #2 Failed

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:26:33 -0600

Russ Penty's Journal --

Well it failed the second test. Prior to the test I took it to a local MG mechanic who tuned the ZS carb, it was running way rich. He leaned it out as far as he could but no go on the smog test. The CO level was still WAY too high @ 6.75 and 6.04 should be in the low 1%.
Now I'm looking for a mechanic who also can smog it. Frustrating!!
Other than that the car is great runs and looks great.

Posted 2013-11-22 20:26:33 by Russ Penty

First Smog Test

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 01:20:31 -0500

Russ Penty's Journal --

Well took the MGB to get smogged this morning. It went very well until the last test. Yeah it failed the CO% part of the test. It's running very rich and idling pretty roughly and low almost to the point of stalling after its runs for 10-15 mins.
Going to go get the carb adjusted to raise the idle level and check the mixture. Then hope for the best on the next test! Just want to get the car registered!

Posted 2013-10-27 01:20:31 by Russ Penty

Just Bought First MG MGB

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 16:50:39 -0500

Russ Penty's Journal --

Just bought a '79 blue MGB. Took it to my mechanic to give it a through bumper to bumper 'once over'. The car does seem to be in quite good shape overall. Pic's coming very soon.
No rust
46K miles
paint and body in good shape
new top, carpet, door panels
original tonneau and boot covers
so far back up lamps, gas gauge not working

Looking forward to figuring out how I can get a bit more power under the hood to offset the CA emissions on the car.

Posted 2013-10-20 16:50:39 by Russ Penty