I thought that I posted this last month, but found it rattling around in
my outbox. Please forgive me if you have seen it, but I offer it here in
response to Mr. Easton's posts concerning MGA books. I have just finished
reading David Styles' MGA: THE COMPLETE STORY, and will post a review on
it in a day or so.
MGA RESTORATION GUIDE, Malcolm J. Green, Brooklands Books, Cobham,
Surrey, England 1995.
156 pp., soft cover,.
ISBN No. 1 85520 302 2
$18.95 U.S.
This book has been around for a little while, but, perhaps, a review is
in order for those who are not familiar with it.
The author takes a common sense, hands-on approach to his subject and the
result is an informative and useful addition to the MG bookshelf. The
book is well-illustrated with staged photos of restoration projects from
well-known English specialist shops as well as photos of cars and memorabilia
from Mr. Green's own collection.
A sixteen-page introductory chapter deals briefly with the well-known
development of the MGA as the author, a British subject, interjects some
of his personal recollections of the car's introduction. Some interesting
early MGA press pictures snapped in the countryside around the hallowed
village of Abingdon are presented along with photos from 1950s auto
shows. This book is not intended to be a history of MGs though, and so
Mr. Green quickly moves on to his pragmatic approach to MGA restoration.
Sound advice on procuring and restoring an MGA is offered next. In
outlining methods for car evaluation the author points out key
components to examine and possible pitfalls to avoid. Following chapters
deal first with chassis and running gear then on to other systems
following a logical progression until we finish up with paint work and
weather equipment. A photo of paint chips is presented, but the color
reproduction is so poor as to be hardly useful except that they are
approximate enough, in my estimation, to dissuade anyone from ever knowingly
painting an automobile Tyrolite Green or Alamo Beige. There are,
however, a few nice color plates including a highly informative
step-by-step sequence depicting reupholstering techniques and carpeting.
The book concludes with the reproduction of various BMC service memoranda
dealing with such issues as Twin Cam water loss to correct servicing of
timing chain tensioners to reglazing of windscreens. Nifty photos of MGAs
sporting Proluxe period accessories such as headlamp eyebrows gives one
pause to reflect.
If you are restoring an MGA yourself, having one restored professionally,
or contemplating the prospect of rebuilding one of these fine little driving
packages, you absolutely must have this book on your shelf next to
the factory manual. The concise text, clear illustrations and photos,
and the author's no-nonsense approach to the subject will surely prove
helpful to beginning and experienced restorers alike.
Standard disclaimers apply.
Respectfully submitted,
David F. Darby
Hilda, Missouri
MGAs, MGBs
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