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Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Not TD, but MG

Trailered a 57 ZB Magnette home last week. Car has been sitting for 18 years but supposedly was running when it was parked.

I don't see much activity on the Magnette site, so thought some of you might be able to help with some questions.

I am going to try and get the engine running, but it will also need a clutch and brake master and slave kit.

I don't see Magnette on either Moss or VB. I found a UK parts supplier. Any other sources for parts in the US?

I know the Magnette shares a lot with the MGA, but is there a crossover list that anyone knows of?

The tires are flat and rotted. looks like 165/15 were on it. Anyone know what the widest tire I can fit under the fenders? Trying to pick up some used tires so I can roll the car around the yard and shop.
Bruce TD4139 Cunha

If all you want to do is roll it around, fatter tires will only make that more difficult. I'd just go for the correct size, or as near as you can get.
Kevin McLemore

Bruce - The Magnette engine is the same as the MGA, different exhaust manifold, but I believe that the intake manifold is the same as the one on the MGA. It also has the MGA transmission. I had a 58ZB and put a MGB engine and early MGB OD transmission in it - made a really nice car. Try this Magnette site on on the MG Experience site http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/list.php?27 It seems to have a pretty good following. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

NAMGAR (North American MGA Register) also supports Magnettes. You might want to join to find other members that can help.
David Littlefield

Bruce: I bought an MGA a year ago that had not been run for 15 yrs. Just got it on the road again. Put oil in the cylinders and turn engine over to get oil pressure before you start engine. Still have my TD.
Dave
DL Rezin

Thanks Dave. Nice to hear from you. Hope all is well. Moved out to CA to take care of my father, but still have my home in WI.

Found a good Magnette web group that are assisting me with what parts cross between the MGA and the Magnette

Went to the salvage yard today to get tires (dont want to put a lot of money in new tires as I am not restoring this car, just cleaning it and seeing if I can get it running to sell). Ended up with 4 new run flat tires for $20. Definitely skinny enough and 15". Of course once on the ZB, I will truly have a low rider.
Bruce TD4139 Cunha

Here is to the engineers at MG.

The ZB got cleaned today. I noted it has 57000 on the OD. Probaly 157,000, but hard to tell. Found that the driver floor is badly rusted, but the rest of the car is relatively solid. doors shut with a nice thud. Trunk is in good shape. Body is very straight and no signs of any bondo. Interior has been changed. It is a light pink. Seats, doors and even the visors. Green carpet. Grill is perfect as is the rear bumper, overriders and side chrome. Front bumper is straight, but chrome is peeling.

Pulled the wheels off to put tires on it. (a tip. If you need 14, 15 or 16 inch tires to just move a car around, go to the junk yard and get space saver spares. Brand new tires with a very thin profile. I got 4 for $20).

I was very impressed with the suspension on the front of the ZB. Not lever shocks as I would have expected, but a coil over. Interesting that the TD and the B are the same but the ZB had a totally different front suspension.

Best news. Car has a crank lug on it. Tried the TD crank and it fits. AND, the motor turns freely. Reasonable compression also. I don't think it will take a lot to get this car running. not bad for 17+ years sitting in a field.

Washed the body, Looks like original paint. Cleaned up pretty well. To dark to take a picture. Will do that tomorrow.

My only issue now is what to ask for it. This could be a driver with not that much work. Could also be restored or a great parts car.

Bruce TD4139 Cunha

Plenty of info here which may cross reference:

http://www.mgaguru.com/
G Evans

Bruce, if I wasn't looking for an A and if my garage wasn't full I'd make you an offer. It'd be quite the odd duck at any car show, that's for sure.

....
MAndrus

Hi Bruce: I've been looking for a Magnette ZB... Could you send me your email so that I can get in touch to learn more of your progress & plans? Thanks! I'm peter dot pope at bellaliant dot net
Cheers - Peter
Peter Pope

This thread was discussed between 13/07/2015 and 20/07/2015

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