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C5Alive Forum - Archive Section => Other Interest & Hobbies - Archive => Complete Archive => MGF => Topic started by: Karl on 08, January, 2012 - 21:16:25

Title: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 08, January, 2012 - 21:16:25
Something else to keep me out of mischief ;

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject010-1.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject011.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject014.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject015.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject016.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/Project%20MGF%20TF%20135/MGFTF135ournewproject013.jpg)

It is a bit of a "work in progress" as its a part-ex clearance from a local car dealer and was in a bit of a state when I got it , but it has scrubbed up nicely and does run well.

Chuffed with it so far  8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Lancealot on 08, January, 2012 - 21:23:38
Now you have a two seater C5, about the samespeed as one anyway!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

At lease you could use the battery!!!!!!!!!!  :D :D :D :D :D

Seriously they make a good, cheap summer car but don't go to far they are quite unreliable.

Lance
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: radiomarty on 08, January, 2012 - 21:29:57
Looks tidy - you will look the part on your hairdressing rounds  :) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: vanpeebles on 08, January, 2012 - 22:29:02
Ha! I thought the engine bay in my Alfa was cramped!  :o
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: thedesigntailor on 08, January, 2012 - 23:05:50
Nice one Karl

Talking about cars... I've got an RX8 for sale if anyone's interested in another unusual vehicle

(http://lnmotors.co.uk/images/rx8.jpg)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 09, January, 2012 - 07:59:47
Looks like you bagged a tidy one, Karl. You'll have fun with it, but they are quite unreliable especially with Headgaskets going every 50,000 miles or so on the K-series engine.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: vanpeebles on 09, January, 2012 - 08:31:21
The headgasket issue is curable to a certain extent and is usually caused by a worn or dirty cooling system. The radiator and cooling setup on the k-series is very marginally so unless it's in tiptop condition then the engines can easily overheat.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 09, January, 2012 - 20:09:29
Thanks for the "heads-up" , I did a little research before parting with hard earned beer tokens and the head gasket problem is well documented. I guess this is the main reason the cars are so cheap to buy. When searching for one I had literally hundreds to choose from ! I opted for an MGF "TF" rather than the earlier MGF because of the scarcity and expense of hydragas components for the suspension. The "TF" variants use simpler shocks etc that are readily available and much cheaper.

As for the head gasket, there are again lots of options. Guys like those on the link below and many other similar outfits, are out there ready to fix it at a reasonable cost so I'm not too fussed about that either ;
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260927192312?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Keeping with EBay, there doesn't seem to be much for a "TF" that you cant get hold of very easily and really cheaply.

Overall the TF is proving to be quite a laugh at the moment and I'm still very pleased with it  8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 09, January, 2012 - 20:22:58
They are quite an easy thing to replace on a K-series, the headgaskets, it's just people think they would be difficult due to little space in the engine bay and mechanics making people think it's a harder job than it actually is because of the fact that it is mid-engined.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 09, January, 2012 - 20:28:33
They are quite an easy thing to replace on a K-series, the headgaskets, it's just people think they would be difficult due to little space in the engine bay and mechanics making people think it's a harder job than it actually is because of the fact that it is mid-engined.

The basic idea of the MGF was to recreate cheap and cheerful motoring akin to the earlier MGB's (and also cash in on the popularity of the Mazda MX5 no doubt). Like you say, they do go wrong but seem easy to repair without costing the earth. Happy with that  ;).

Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: coverman on 10, January, 2012 - 10:42:41
Used Metro floorpan to reduce developement costs.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Lancealot on 10, January, 2012 - 19:33:56
I wouldn't admit to having anything to do with a Metro. Once had one for a few months and got rid of and back to Ford fiesta (in my early days). ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Lance
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 10, January, 2012 - 20:13:30
Used Metro floorpan to reduce developement costs.

Quite true , this quote is about an MGF Trophy posted on the MGF register (forum) ;

Dave Walker, former Editor of Car & Car Conversions, said he liked it a lot. And when you consider what range of machinery he's had the opportunity to sample, I reckon that's pretty high praise. His comment came as my Trophy was driven onto the Emerald rolling road, where it revealed itself to have 172 horses in utterly factory spec. After a couple of track days to get familiar with its handling capabilities, it remains the quickest point-to-point car I've owned. No mean feat for a collection of Metro bits and a development budget that would barely cover the cost of a sandwich

Sometimes having a car that has a bad reputation can be quite an advantage in that you can get more car for your money  :P  In the past I've owned a couple of Rovers and they've been as good as any Ford or Nissan I've owned.

Time will tell whether or not this MGF was a good purchase or not.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Retro Andy on 21, January, 2012 - 11:55:17
I do like the Mazda RX-8, but have heard they can be trouble ? Nice clean little MG Karl, I am still after a SAAB convertible I think  :-\ Can't make up our minds.

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: fezza_rs on 22, January, 2012 - 22:14:44
By the colour of that header tank its already had a head gasket failure so its unlikely to fail any time soon if its had the modified mls gasket put on. K series are great little engines light and powerful, rover just put the thermostat in the wrong place and cast the heads out of recycled corned beef tins so when they do blow they bend the head like a banana! They have been a staple steady income for my work lol! ::)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: fezza_rs on 22, January, 2012 - 22:15:21
Nice one Karl

Talking about cars... I've got an RX8 for sale if anyone's interested in another unusual vehicle

(http://lnmotors.co.uk/images/rx8.jpg)

I'll have the Glanza thanks!
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: thedesigntailor on 23, January, 2012 - 18:13:24
Quote
I do like the Mazda RX-8, but have heard they can be trouble ?

They are thirsty Andy, but then they are a performance car. My problem is I just never use it anymore. Had a buyer pull out on me a week ago so still for sale if anyone wants it!
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: BigglesBear on 28, January, 2012 - 11:50:59
I had MGF and it was on X plate and was the original Head gasket and water pump just rained in just above mirrors  occasionally  depending on wind angle,  just  sold it to buy a small car for my daughter ..
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/RonBiggles/BitsnBobs/DSCF2377.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/RonBiggles/BitsnBobs/DSCF2362.jpg)
(http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/RonBiggles/BitsnBobs/DSCF2373.jpg)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 28, January, 2012 - 22:22:08
Nice looking MG that mate. The leaky hoods as seen on the earlier cars has since been addressed I reckon. When I got mine home I jetwashed the roof to get rid of the green mould type stuff left on it after it had been parked up for some time under tree.  I laid out some towels on the floormats and "parcel shelf" area to soak up the expected leaks - but there were none at all ! Most impressed coz I gave it a proper going over with the jetwash  and a soapy sponge 8)

Since then I have purchased a "showercap" for it to keep the frost off the hood etc. and also got a wind deflector on order as well.

Then there is the stainless steel bolt changes for all those rusty fixtures and fittings under the bonnet etc , replacing the missing trim items with used stuff off Ebay. Slowly coming together as a much nice and more sorted car and turning into a fun little project.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 16, March, 2012 - 21:04:49
I've taken the plunge and had a partial restoration done by an MG specialist in Dorset.

It's all getting quite serious judging by the piccies he sent me today  :o ;

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf04.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf06.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf05.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf07.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf08.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgftf09.jpg)

I opted for the "sub-frame special" off the restoration menu  8)  When I get it back next week it will be like a new car...underneath anyways  :D
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 16, March, 2012 - 21:51:54
Looking good!  8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: rafarestaura on 16, March, 2012 - 22:50:16
Hi all, this my last restoration work  ;D ;D:

A Saab 900 GM 2.5 V6 SE Cabrio. With a few work it passed 200 HP and runs like a dream  :o :o. It´s a full equipe version, clima, wood, leather seats, hidraulic roof, it´s very reliable and not thirsty if you run legal speeds (about 30 mpg). It´s one of my right hand drive cars, bought in Swindon in 1996 and run to my hands in Spain in 2009. I´m very happy with it, it´s a pleasure travel on that car  8).

Some piccies here:

(http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/q8S4OgB20KGrHqUH-DMErCLKcNBKiU-htyQ_12.jpg)

(http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/11789055841.jpg)

(http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/11789055842.jpg)

(http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/11789055843.jpg)

Regards, Rafael
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: rafarestaura on 16, March, 2012 - 22:53:38
Sorry, I still don´t know how to put the images straight here   :( :(,  here is the link to the album:

http://s1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/

Regards, Rafael
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 17, March, 2012 - 07:55:41
Sorry, I still don´t know how to put the images straight here   :( :(,  here is the link to the album:

http://s1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/rafarestaura/

Regards, Rafael

...in photobucket on each of the pictures you will see four options at the bottom, use the last one shown as the IMG code. Copy and past that into the forum  ;)

Really nice car matie !
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: rafarestaura on 17, March, 2012 - 09:01:46
Thanks for the help Karl, it looks better on this way  :D :D.

Regards, Rafael
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Markymark on 18, March, 2012 - 20:53:02
Guess this topic means I'm not the only one sharing my available fixing time between two cars and a C5! Lately it's my scirocco taking up all the time, but I finally got round to replacing the the CD Changer and Cassette Deck I fitted 12 years ago - USB is so much more covenient and I've claimed back the glove box back now the changer's been removed.  Hopefully be able to continue the C5 renovation now  :)

(http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w505/sciroccomark/S2.jpg)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 19, March, 2012 - 09:57:42
..I've had a Mk1 Golf Gti in the past but sadly never got around to owning a Scirocco , love the shape of those though .

Like all the other cars on this thread , it shows if you love Sinclair c5's you also have great taste in motors as well  ;D
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Retro Andy on 29, March, 2012 - 12:59:15
Great car the VW Scirocco, I had one many years ago (1985 GTX model) The number plate is funny  ;)

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Lancealot on 29, March, 2012 - 15:07:24
Hi Karl if that was true you would have got an MGA or MGB and not a MGF.............

 :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P  only joking, I think.............

Lance
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 29, March, 2012 - 20:10:19
Hi Karl if that was true you would have got an MGA or MGB and not a MGF.............

 :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P  only joking, I think.............

Lance

..this weeks edition of Classic Car Weekly puts the MGF against the equivalent MX-5 , and they give the nod to the MGF as the better car to own  8)

They're also cheap as chips at the moment and are the last British made mass produced sports car so its not "if" they ever gain proper classic status...just when. This might not be in my lifetime though  ;D ;)  (..and the refurb isnt exactly going to plan either at the moment  >:()

So they're just as much fun/frustration to own as a Sinclair c5
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 29, March, 2012 - 20:18:00
(..and the refurb isnt exactly going to plan either at the moment  >:()

So they're just as much fun/frustration to own as a Sinclair c5

I've seen your Facebook updates about you not being happy with the refurb? What happened?
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 29, March, 2012 - 20:21:04
(..and the refurb isnt exactly going to plan either at the moment  >:()

So they're just as much fun/frustration to own as a Sinclair c5

I've seen your Facebook updates about you not being happy with the refurb? What happened?

..it is being resolved amicably at the moment, so cant really comment at this time  :-X
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Markymark on 29, March, 2012 - 21:16:06
Great car the VW Scirocco, I had one many years ago (1985 GTX model) The number plate is funny  ;)

Retro Andy.

Do you mean the tippex, or the actual letters (some have referred to it as the milf machine before)  ;D
I had an '84 GTL back in the 90's, wish I still had that one too!
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Retro Andy on 30, March, 2012 - 09:59:13
The MLF  ;D

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 19, June, 2012 - 12:43:06
I've been adding some bling to my TF135 as the cabin was very dark and a bit sombre , so now its all sparkly and shiny  ;D 8)

 (http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/tf135chrome002.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/tf135chrome001.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/tf135chrome002-1.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/tf135chrome001-1.jpg)
 
Starting to get the car just how I want it, now mechanically sorted and a few bits of trim left to do. Very pleased with it so far  :)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: PLOD11 on 19, June, 2012 - 17:16:00
Looking real nice ..   8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 19, June, 2012 - 22:01:40
Looking good!  8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: radiomarty on 20, June, 2012 - 05:51:39
Short back and sides  ;) ;) ;) - Looking good bud - coming along nicely
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Retro Andy on 20, June, 2012 - 06:44:17
Looking very bling !

Retro Andy.
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 25, August, 2012 - 10:31:12
The next stage of "Project 135"  8)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf002.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf003.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf004.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf005.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf006.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf007.jpg)

(http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i257/1stbooboo/mgf008.jpg)

Thanks to the guys at the MGF Centre in Wolverhampton I reckon my MGF bodyshell will be as rust resistant as a Sinclair C5 bodyshell  8)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 25, August, 2012 - 11:40:43
That looks fantastic!  ;D
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: Karl on 26, August, 2012 - 09:38:20
That looks fantastic!  ;D

..something to consider doing to your Jag when funds allow  :)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: radiomarty on 26, August, 2012 - 12:57:46
Like that a lot  :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: I have another project - MGF TF 135
Post by: kamilb1998 on 26, August, 2012 - 17:54:18
That looks fantastic!  ;D

..something to consider doing to your Jag when funds allow  :)

Certainly!  ;D