MGF Specialist

The region for Herts & North London

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beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Mon Aug 18, 2014 9:37 pm

Hi all

Can anyone recommend an MGF specialists around the Watford area?

Cheers

Stuart

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colintf
Committee Member & Regional Rep
Posts: 12489
Joined: Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:49 pm
MGF Register Region: Devon & Cornwall
Model of Car: MG PA TF160 ZTV8
Location: Bristol / Cornwall (back home!)
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Re: MGF Specialist

Post by colintf » Mon Aug 18, 2014 10:19 pm

How far are you from Steve Tyler - British Legends ??

Myself I have driven 100 miles each way for the great services from Austin Garages several times


A really good place is worth travelling to 8-)

Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs




http://www.two-sixties.com/main.htm http://www.triple-mracing.com/

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Tue Aug 19, 2014 8:19 am

Thanks for the response.

They would be a 2.5 hour round trip, which isn't ideal if you need something doing in a hurry but I hear what your saying...

Anyone else know any decent garages nearer to Watford?

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cath's mg
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MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: MGF
Location: Broxbourne

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by cath's mg » Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:54 am

Hi Stuart
What do you need looking at?
There is a MG Rover garage in St Albans but I have never used them

Gary
Cath's car but Gary's plaything :-)

purplebargeken
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MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: MGF VVC
Location: North London

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by purplebargeken » Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:21 am

A Rover owning friend has used them and they seem ok. They are just off the London Road on the left going from London Colney to St. Albans. As Gary said, what needs attention?

They are just down the slope to the right of the Spectrum office at 222 London Road, St Albans
AL1 1PN

Ken
1965 Volvo 'Amazon', TR7 powered Triumph Toledo, Triumph 1500 FWD and a modern 1.6 Beetle. My name is Ken and I am a caraholic. There is no cure. Thankfully!

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stuart
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MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: TF160

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by stuart » Tue Aug 19, 2014 10:46 am

Brown and Gammons in Baldock is pretty close by
Stuart

'02 TF 160 - an Original MG Rover Group Press Car...and still lookin' sharp!

Bilstein Shocks, Z&F Remap, B&G Coolant Alarm, Glass Rear Screen, Braided Hoses, Bling-free at the moment...but that'll probably change

ashleyfrazer
Posts: 168
Joined: Wed Aug 08, 2012 12:58 pm
MGF Register Region: South Midlands
Model of Car: MGF 1.8 MK2
Location: Aylesbury, Bucks

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by ashleyfrazer » Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:45 am

beefio wrote:Hi all

Can anyone recommend an MGF specialists around the Watford area?

Cheers

Stuart
Hi. Sent you a pm with details of a guy that looks after my F. He is local to you. Asg

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talkingcars
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MGF Register Region: South East
Model of Car: mk1 VVC
Location: West Sussex
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Re: MGF Specialist

Post by talkingcars » Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:48 pm

The southern mobile mechanics will cover Watford.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.

MGF chatting on the Register and at http://www.the-t-bar.com

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:52 pm

cath's mg wrote: What do you need looking at?
I haven't brought an F yet, but I just wanted to get a few local options for:-

a) an idea of the servicing costs
b) potentially get someone to inspect the car before I buy it
c) any bits that need putting right once brought

Many thanks for the suggestions so far!

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cath's mg
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Re: MGF Specialist

Post by cath's mg » Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:53 pm

beefio wrote:
cath's mg wrote: What do you need looking at?
I haven't brought an F yet, but I just wanted to get a few local options for:-

a) an idea of the servicing costs
b) potentially get someone to inspect the car before I buy it
c) any bits that need putting right once brought

Many thanks for the suggestions so far!
Why not pop over to one of the monthly meets at the Plough in Crews Hill. We normally have F's & TF's with a verity of specifications, give you some idea of what you might want.
We are a friendly bunch (Ken can get a bit grumpy if he hasn't had his desert :lol: )

Gary :thumbsu: :thumbsu:
Cath's car but Gary's plaything :-)

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Dave J
Regional Rep
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MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: Poseidon TF160
Location: Ware

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by Dave J » Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:30 pm

Hi Stuart (2) ... sorry .. we've already a Stuart :?

As said in my PM's finding an immaculate F with no rust might take quite a while to find as you gotta take into account these cars will be nearly 15 years old or older... dont be to put if there is a small amount of light surface rust as we know an excellent body restorer who does an excellent job and is pretty cheap :D ...also if the cars good externally but your not to keen on the interior Gary and i are dab hands at perfecting interiors.
Main thing is Service history,Head gasket changed with belts etc.
If your on Facebook check out the MGFregister facebook page as you get alot of peep's selling their cars on there :D

Dave J
herts@mgfregister.org

2004 monogram Poseidon TF160
2003 monogram Lagoon TF135
2017 MG3

purplebargeken
Posts: 734
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:01 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: MGF VVC
Location: North London

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by purplebargeken » Tue Aug 19, 2014 8:50 pm

Oi, I'm not bloody grumpy......... ah, ummm. Fair enough.

As t'other lot have already said, pop over and have a look at what we have. Always happy to see new folk with or without an MG.

Ken
1965 Volvo 'Amazon', TR7 powered Triumph Toledo, Triumph 1500 FWD and a modern 1.6 Beetle. My name is Ken and I am a caraholic. There is no cure. Thankfully!

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:40 pm

Hi Gary - yes Dave mentioned the 8th Sep so I'll try and come over for a chat/look...

Dave - I have seen a couple of nice F's with FSH and no rust, I just need to go and have a look. What do you think of this one...it's not a VVC which I ideally wanted but I think it looks decent...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Out of interest who's your body restorer, where's he based?

Thanks for the offer of perfecting the interior...I'll bear that in mind!

I'm not on Facebook but will keep an eye out on here

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cath's mg
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Re: MGF Specialist

Post by cath's mg » Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:15 pm

Looks like a nice clean car Stuart.
The price seems quite reasonable what with the low mileage and Hard Top.
The seller doesn't say anything about any HG replacement, which to be honest wouldn't bother me that much as long as the Dip Stick and Oil Cap are clean.
Got to be worth a look.

Gary :thumbsu:
Cath's car but Gary's plaything :-)

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Dave J
Regional Rep
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MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: Poseidon TF160
Location: Ware

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by Dave J » Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:25 pm

Hi Stuart ... it does look a very nice car ... although i think a bit expensive in my opion ... love the interior :) ... As Gary said you need to inquire if the head gasket has been done ??? .. if they say it has go and a good look at it .
the Body restorer we use is a guy in Dunmow Essex called Shaun ...hes done my TF and it looks fantastic .. he has a passion for cars .. not just as a business.

Dave J
herts@mgfregister.org

2004 monogram Poseidon TF160
2003 monogram Lagoon TF135
2017 MG3

purplebargeken
Posts: 734
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 9:01 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: MGF VVC
Location: North London

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by purplebargeken » Wed Aug 20, 2014 10:28 pm

That is a nice looking car with a good colour combination. I echo the opinion that it is a little too pricey.

There are plenty of other cars out there in condition equal to the blue one IMHO. Take your time, have a look at what is out there. Spec can easily be changed with different wheels, interiors, etc, all at a very reasonable price.

There is a car for sale in the forum classifieds, needs a HG and located in the South East - Colin and I know of a great mobile company that would attend to that for not a huge amount of money, even if a new head was required.

Ken
1965 Volvo 'Amazon', TR7 powered Triumph Toledo, Triumph 1500 FWD and a modern 1.6 Beetle. My name is Ken and I am a caraholic. There is no cure. Thankfully!

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Thu Aug 21, 2014 7:43 am

Thanks for the feedback!

I spoke to the lady who's owned it for the past 11 years, she's only selling as she's getting to old for it.

She said she'd take £1,350 and at that price I tend to agree with Gary, it seems quite reasonable what with the low mileage and Hard Top which I could always sell to offset the cost.

I really like the interior and I looks in top condition, what do you think would be a fair price for it?

As you've said I'm in no rush and would actually prefer a VVC to be honest.

Ken - I saw the one in the classifieds but it's not a MK2 which I'm after. Who's your mobile machanic?

Do you think it's worth me paying for an inspection, AA/RAC or someone independent?

purplebargeken
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Re: MGF Specialist

Post by purplebargeken » Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:07 am

Ah, sorry. Didn't clock that you wanted a Mk2. :oops:

The revised price makes it more reasonable :D

As you say, it has the hard top as well.

I can ask Colin to let you know, they were brilliant and really knew their stuff and I don't want to give you details of the wrong one - there are quite a few out there.

When are you going to look over the car? maybe one or two of us could look it over with you perhaps?

No reason why the AA/RAC shouldn't give it the once over for peace of mind though.
1965 Volvo 'Amazon', TR7 powered Triumph Toledo, Triumph 1500 FWD and a modern 1.6 Beetle. My name is Ken and I am a caraholic. There is no cure. Thankfully!

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Thu Aug 21, 2014 12:49 pm

Cheers Ken, let me know what Colin says...as it's really useful to have a decent mobile machanic to hand incase you can't drive to a garage...

I'm not sure when I can get over to see the Blue F (it's an hour away) or if I definately want it as I'd really prefer a VVC in Green...but I do love that interior...so I'll let you know if I do.

However it is in East Grimstead RH19 1JF so not sure you lads would want to travel that far...

Also I spoke to SMC MG Rover Heathrow about servicing costs and they quoted me an all in price of £99 Basic and £169 Full...this seems pretty good to me, what do you think?

With that servicing and the £100 insurance quote from Peter Best, they look pretty reasonable to run...if only they had classic car Road Tax status!

beefio
Posts: 852
Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:10 pm
MGF Register Region: Hertfordshire
Model of Car: 2000 MGF VVC BRG
Location: Rickmansworth

Re: MGF Specialist

Post by beefio » Sat Apr 25, 2015 9:09 pm

Dave J wrote:Hi Stuart ... it does look a very nice car ... although i think a bit expensive in my opion ... love the interior :) ... As Gary said you need to inquire if the head gasket has been done ??? .. if they say it has go and a good look at it .
the Body restorer we use is a guy in Dunmow Essex called Shaun ...hes done my TF and it looks fantastic .. he has a passion for cars .. not just as a business.

Dave J
Hi Dave

I'm interested in talking to your body restorer Shaun about some work I would like doing...are you able to provide his contact details?

Many thanks

Stuart

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