Car of the Month for June 2009 is an early MK2 Turbo, one of Mal's collection of BL tin -
here is the Turbo's story in his own words:
B564PLX was originaly owned by an older gentleman who had an eclectic mix of classic and modern collectable cars,
most of which were of british build.
The car was being used as his daily driver for approx 10 years but only clocked up just under 25k miles in this time.
When he passed away the car was offered to the neighbours son, who had often helped out with the cars
whenever the owner needed something doing beyond his physical capabilities.
He accepted on the proviso that if he could'nt give it the attention it deserved he could pass it on to some one who could.
Last year, the 2nd owner decided he needed to concentrate all his time on his MG midget which he wanted to finish
for the forthecoming silverstone and gaydon international MG meets.
He decided to offer it free in Practical classics to some one who would restore it.
Keith Adams an editor working on the magazine and founder of AR-online spotted the advertisement as it came across his desk.
Thinking it might well end up an engineless carcass he asked if the car could be offered on a site of 'like-minded' people
to see if a suitable home could preserve it from a possible "Mini-Destruction Order".
This is where I came in, I spotted the posting and contacted the owner, who said it was a low miles Mk2
and needed very little in regards to work,
but while in his care he had changed the scuttle due to some localised rot coming through.
He wanted the car to return to the road, and be enjoyed rather than sit in his shed slowly succumbing to the elements.
After several phone calls and emails, he offered me first refusal and we arranged for my trip to Ealing in London to collect the car.
- Mk2%20Turbo%206.JPG (32.56 KiB) Viewed 831 times
On arrival I spotted it was a very early Mk2, as it had the "yellow" dash clocks only fitted to the very first 'facelift' / Mk2 MG Metro's
before changing to the "Red" clocks we have all come to recognise.
In fact B564 is such an early Mk2 I have designated it a Mk1+ 1/2
as except for the obvious Mk2 elements (interior/facelifted front/Dash etc) externally it carry's over many of the Mk1 themes.
Two tone paint finish in Targa(1) over Gray lower half, Unpainted grey body kit, and MK1 Turbo Alloy wheels.
- Mk2%20Turbo%204.JPG (25.49 KiB) Viewed 830 times
As you may notice from the photo's it has'nt got a sunroof, which may well have aided in it being 98% rust free.(as far as we can tell).
- Turbo%201.JPG (23.29 KiB) Viewed 828 times
It has minimal Rust which consists of a small 'spot' on the n/side opening window frame
and approx an inch or so of surface corrosion in the drivers side gutter.
- Luke admires Mals recently aquired Metro Turbo..jpg (120.55 KiB) Viewed 829 times
The car is currently residing at the barn, after having its carb put back together (it was in bits when it arrived).
Work started on getting her running last weekend, and with Ricke1 and Mk1Turbo in attendance,
i left them to it, while I dealt with the sale of my Mk1 Rover sterling.
Suffice to say on several occaisions I heard her start and stop , to be treated finally by her starting and idleing.
She's a little rough on the running, but nothing that can't be sorted.
Richard, spotted that the radiator was shot, and that the oil light was coming on intermitently.
Yesterday I went shopping and now have the following to fit over the next few weeks.
New Valeo radiator.
New Rad fan sensor.
New Water Temp sensor.
New QH Thermostat kit
New water Pump.
New Oil pressure switch.
New Bosch Leads.
New Plugs.
New Dizzy cap
New Rotor arm.
I already have the following to add to the list.....
New fan Belt.
New Oil filler cap.
Carb Rebuild Kit.
Battery.
The plan is to clean and overhaul the engine bay over the next week or so, change the wheels and get the suspension tot he right hight.
Various New parts such as New Dunlop Sp Sport tyres, front bumper, new 'nut-covers'
and centres have been purchased in readiness for its overhaul.
Once happy with her, I will send it in for an MOT.
Hopefully All will be done before MG Saloon day, If not I hope to some how get her to BL day, which will be a task in itself.
It is hoped that B564 will return to the road for the 1st AGM/Metro Birthday this year.
More pics to follow as the resto proceeds.
Mal.
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