Batmobile/F1 MGF

[diesel destroyer]

Built the button back a while ago to get rid of the stalks..

The car now has auto wipers, auto lights.. So wanted to move anything else I needed onto the steering wheel..

Some will have seen the set up a while ago in a post.. But essentially the buttons control/:

Indicators (via Atom/Radical controller)
Main beam on/off
Main beam flash
Single wipe
Washer jets (actually wet blade on single wiper)
Emerald 3 position map switch (econ/race/show)
EPAS on/off
Cruise control on/off

And sequential shift lights (switched on/off from arm rest)

Plus of course horn in centre..

The exhaust volume control switch is mounted on the back of the steering wheel (rhd) so that only the driver can vary the volume of the exhaust

The steering wheel I was using was a tad to flexible for my liking.. So ordered this from Italy

I'm sure some will be quick to jump in with 'that will fail an MOT' blah blah blah..

But before ordering I checked MOT regs.. Nothing about steering wheel being a complete loop. (I thought it had to be) just says about modifications that could affect its operation/strength

Went to see MOT inspector too before ordering.. He says he's happy as long as it's unaltered from manufacturer..

It's very very comfortable in 3/9 o'clock positions.. And gives me a better view (wheel straight) of the speedo/clocks that's currently being built in America..

Oh and no I don't think I'm Jenson Button.. I'm more Benjamin Button

[Softly~Softly]

As your car is so highly modified I would imagine it will suit very well ..
I agree the open top does allow a better view of the dials etc ..
The lack of an air bag would bother me, hence never changing mine on Madam

[diesel destroyer]

I hear what you are saying Jan..

But what's better? No air bag.. Or an untested air bag that's up to 20 years old..

Air bags kill as well as save.. The guy in Scotland is an example

Hope you are keeping well

[Softly~Softly]

Yep you have a point there, I wonder if there is any legal requirement on the age of an airbag fitted in a car

I am great thanks, you were mentioned on my group the other day re fitting chrome door handles

[diesel destroyer]

Hi I my arms are still bleeding from those chrome handles.

Andy Watson's air bag never went off when he had that tree jump out in front of him..

And I know another TF owner who hit a car and his never deployed either..

[Geoff.F]

Unfortunately if you want to Chav a car then you buy a Corsa.
If you buy an MG and Chav it then it is no longer an MG.
I may be a purist but then that is what Classic MGs is all about,
Geoff F,

[Forrester]

I don't think "chav" is the right word to describe what DD has done to his car.
He has put an immense amount of thought,time & expense into improving the safety, performance & look of the original car, so it really is a one off.
Obviously you think a car should remain as it came off the production line, regardless of design weakness's such as poor brakes etc.
Fair enough, if you want to keep your MG as made, but there are many owners who have made sensible mods.that will be upset to be called "chavs".

[diesel destroyer]

Well I didn't want a car with 115,120,143 or 160 bhp..

I didn't want a car with dire 240mm brakes.. Or adequate AP fronts and poor rear brakes..

I didn't want a car with shocking build quality either..

But do love the shape of the F/TF and love the size of the boot...

Coffee.. Not everyone's cup of tea Geoff..

All of the controls on the steering wheel... Mmmm.. Never catch on will it..

Except for F1 and Ferrari.. Oh and Range Rover, BCA mono etc..

What ever happened to live and let live?

[diesel destroyer]

I don't think "chav" is the right word to describe what DD has done to his car.
He has put an immense amount of thought,time & expense into improving the safety, performance & look of the original car, so it really is a one off.
Obviously you think a car should remain as it came off the production line, regardless of design weakness's such as poor brakes etc.
Fair enough, if you want to keep your MG as made, but there are many owners who have made sensible mods.that will be upset to be called "chavs".

Thank you... I know what I've done is not everyone's cup of tea.. Be boring if we all liked the same..

But how many on here would change stuff on their beloved MGF/TF if they could?

I can.. And I will..

[diesel destroyer]

Blast... Guessing none of the MG magazines will want to do a feature then on my chav mobile...

Ah.. No.. Awkward..

Engine hand built by one man (Jason at Hellier)

Gearbox built by one man with tapered bearings, LSD, and custom fifth gear

Custom built front and rear bumpers.. Built by one man..

One off fully sound proofed interior..

Custom one off hubs.. 5 stud wheels

Only Road legal MGF running Brembo brakes..

Full keyless entry and start including secure remote start..

Auto wipers and auto headlights..

Mm.. Might wanna give those issues a miss Geoff if your a purist

[mgfsoldier]

Back to Jan's question most manufacturer's put in a label advising them to be replaced after 10 years iirc

[diesel destroyer]

I didn't think there was anything official from MG about life expectancy?

Anyone?

[Rob Bell]

Yes there was. 10 years "inspection" on the MGF and a 15 year on the MG TF.

The new steering wheel is pretty startling! Ideally suited for a really quick rack though so you don't need much more than one whole turn from lock to lock?

[diesel destroyer]

Was trying to get a 2.4 made Rob.. Less than 2.4 would be a mare on the road...

But no one is interested unless I can arrange 15 minimum order..

Got 5 interested.. But that's it..

2.4 rack would be ideal..

Still waiting on Ralph for the titanium steering arm mods.. Not heard anything.. Have you?

[stuart]

Rather churlish to knock the endeavours of someone on a public forum- don't even dignify them with a response Allan- your car is awesome

[talkingcars]

Unfortunately if you want to Chav a car then you buy a Corsa.
If you buy an MG and Chav it then it is no longer an MG.
I may be a purist but then that is what Classic MGs is all about,
Geoff F,

I think the key to Geoff's argument is "classic". The F hasn't reached classic status. I guess if each of Allan's mods were viewed independently each mod might be considered "chav" but as a complete package they are a long way from stick on Halfords garp! This purest view hasn't done the MG world any favours for many years, still doesn't.

[diesel destroyer]

I must have it wrong.. I thought a car was 'chav' if it had loads of stick on bits from Halfords etc.. Like a 'turbo' sticker or huge exhaust and a 1.2 engine..

Nearly everything on my car has either custom built or custom modified.. Nothing much 'off the shelf' and deffo nothing from Halfords..

I actually think my car is still quite subtle looking.. No huge spoilers..

But then I am a fan of that MGB with huge flared arches and monster engine...

Plus I don't know any 'chavs' who spend £20k on a car and around 4000 hours... Then again come to think of it I don't know any chavs..

[diesel destroyer]

Purists must hate this then..

[cath's mg]

Hi DD I don't think I have commented on any of your posts before but I have been following the progress of yourself and 924Rothmans build with a lot of admiration.

Is what you and Rothmans have done what I would do...............................Nope
Is what you have both done pleasing to MY eye.......................................Nope
Do I wish I had the skill, money and time to do what you have both done .......Yep
Do I admire the size of the Project you have taken on...............................Yep
Will I keep reading your posts enviously................................................Yep

I take my hat off to both of you, your cars are truly original, just like each and every human being and I guess without you doing what you have done they could well have been turned into Baked Bean tins.

Look forward to more posts from you both and seeing your cars at some stage

Gary

[Dave J]

Hi DD I don't think I have commented on any of your posts before but I have been following the progress of yourself and 924Rothmans build with a lot of admiration.

Is what you and Rothmans have done what I would do...............................Nope
Is what you have both done pleasing to MY eye.......................................Nope
Do I wish I had the skill, money and time to do what you have both done .......Yep
Do I admire the size of the Project you have taken on...............................Yep
Will I keep reading your posts enviously................................................Yep

I take my hat off to both of you, your cars are truly original, just like each and every human being and I guess without you doing what you have done they could well have been turned into Baked Bean tins.

Look forward to more posts from you both and seeing your cars at some stage

Gary

i second that ... well said mate

Dave J