G'Day From Down Under

Hey guys,

New MGF owner here from just north of Sydney (Central Coast, NSW).

I recently bought a 1997 MGF (Non VVC) with the intention of bringing it back up to a good condition.

I'm no stranger to the MG / Rover / Land Rover marques as I also currently own a 1975 Rover P6B and prior to emigrating from the UK over 10 years ago owned the following: Rover 75, MG ZT (2), LR Defender, LR Discovery's (4), LR Freelander and an MG Montego Turbo.

So far the MGF has had a new timing belt, all new crank / camshaft seals and some attempts were made by a local specialist to sort the suspension which had the usual sphere issues. However, I discovered that the replacement spheres also started to leak and I appeared to have front spheres on all 4 corners...

As replacements / refurbs are difficult here, I decided to replace with the XPower replacement kit, hopefully I won't live to regret that choice as I'm aware there were some issues around that kit initially but it was an easier option to fit. I have just got to fine tune the height this weekend as Sod's Law happened when I fitted them a few weeks back and the locking wheel nut key decided to shear the pins, so I've just received the replacement.

I have a couple of other bits to fix like the heater blower speed resistor and fit the new hood that came with the car, but overall it's pretty solid. Not a spot of rust underneath, much like my 50 year old P6!

No doubt you will see a few posts from me asking for advice over the coming months

Stefan

 
 

Welcome to the forum!     

G’day Stefan,
fellow Aussie here, I see you.re in Smegtown (Sydney)……well I won’t hold that against you! 
I’m in Tramland (Melbourne) 
And as you’re a newbie I suggest you look at this:  https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-how-tos/99326-a-check-list-for-new-owners

Welcome Stefan, the antipodean contingent is growing.

Hello and welcome! 
There are some very knwlegeable owners on here who are always willing to help!
Enjoy your stay.

Thanks for the welcome all. 

Stefan

Cobber wrote:

G’day Stefan,
fellow Aussie here, I see you.re in Smegtown (Sydney)……well I won’t hold that against you! 
I’m in Tramland (Melbourne) 
And as you’re a newbie I suggest you look at this:  https://www.the-t-bar.com/forum/54-how-tos/99326-a-check-list-for-new-owners

Melbourne is a regular visit for me for work.

I live on the Central Coast, so thankfully a decent distance from Sydney 😁 however, I do have to go in to the city once a week!

Thanks for the link, will have a read.

Stefan

Hi Stefan VXR8,

Regards wheel nuts, I gave the troublesome originals the flick (the S.Steel caps end-up slipping making wheel nut removal a real pain) and replaced with a chrome set of the below from China....(I think they are Ford ?)

 
 

Hi Stefan,

Welcome, there are a few Aussies here on the forum.
Last year I purchased an F in Sydney, (I’m in Melbourne) and took it to Moxham Garage in Wyong to have the Head gasket, timing belts etc done.
As for the Blower resistor pack replacement, it is almost impossible to access with the A/c fitted to Australian delivered cars. Your best option is to leave the resistor pack in place, unplug it, and insert a new pack lower down between the a/c and the blower. It can be done but requires a bit of work to access and unplug the original.

Enjoy your F, they are a fun car.