1971 MGB GT - Sorting out the Sierra’s mess - see page 41

[Peter C]

The MG's steering column was not aligned with the driver's seat and I was certain that this was because I had to set it up like this to enable correct alignment of the upper and lower steering columns, whilst fitting the replacement steering rack.

You can just about see in the photo that the left side of the steering wheel is closer to the driver than the right side.

This has been bugging me for months and today I decided to do something about it.

The alignment of the upper steering column can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, by loosening two clamps. The process involves removing the centre UJ, re-aligning the steering rack by placing shims (washers) between the rack and the crossmember, fitting two plastic cones on the ends of the upper and lower steering columns where the UJ is usually located and adjusting the upper steering column to get the tips of the cones to align. It sounds complicated but is actually quite easy. I've described the process, with photos, sometime last year. 

I removed the UJ, loosened off the upper steering column clamps and loosened the fixings that secure the steering rack to the crossmember. I wiggled the steering wheel, hoping to align it back into a straight position only to discover that the range of adjustment is miniscule - no more than 5mm, if that.  Evidently, MGB steering columns extend into the cabin at an angle.

I secured the steering rack fixings, aligned the upper and lower steering columns, re-fitted the UJ and tightened up the upper steering column clamps, effectively putting everything back as it was before I started. I was no better or worse off but at least I knew that there was nothing I could do about the misalignment of the steering column. 

I went for a  test drive and everything seemed ok. The steering wheel was centred and the B drove just fine. Until, as I was nearing home and turned into a side road, there was an almighty bang from what felt like the offside front suspension. The B has never done this before. It sounded like metal on metal impact, maybe a spring breaking? I drove home very gingerly, then jacked up the front of the B and removed the front wheels.

There was no sign of any problems. The spring was intact, the droplink and antiroll bar were all fine, I couldn't see anything that could have caused that horrendous sound.

I can't see how loosening off and retightening the steering rack bolts would disturb anything and cause enough slack to allow sufficient movement that would cause any noises. 

I put the wheels back on and went for another drive. Everything was fine, no more noises. 

What had just happened? Answers on a postcard.

 

[Dj_efk]

??

 

[Matty]

On 07/05/2026 at 23:38, vtec-e said:

I had several manual 1300's back in the day and would get around 38-40 mpg (measured by brimming the tank) on a long journey and cruising about 60-65 mph. I also had an auto 1300 estate, but that struggled to get over 30 mpg.

@Peter C following you back around the M25 from Flower Festival 4, we were cruising along at 60-65 according to the Clio's speedo, with the MGB seemingly having plenty in reserve to speed up into a gap for overtaking. At one point we were in the outside lane (lane 4) doing 70 without any problems.

A fair point well made. In anything with a speedometer way past its first flush of youth, id always assume it of pesimism 😄

[colino]

With the suspension jacked up and  loosened off, did the spring wind itself out of its cup and then "pop" back into place?

[Peter C]

19 minutes ago, colino said:

With the suspension jacked up and  loosened off, did the spring wind itself out of its cup and then "pop" back into place?

That’s what I’m hoping for but those springs are in there pretty tight.

[Wibble]

I thought this too 🤞

[Peter C]

I went to the Enfield Pageant today. The autojumble gets worse every year, almost half the stalls are now non-automotive related. All I bought was four jubilee clips and a couple of spare fuel filters.

I did enjoy a skulk around the show cars and marvelled at the wonderful colours that some MGBs (and Cs) came in.

For a moment I thought I saw @HMC’s Roadster…

But he has better taste and wouldn’t be seen dead in an MGB with Minilites. @Wibble - agreed?

[Wibble]

Absolutely agreed mate!

[GeorgeB]

3 hours ago, Peter C said:

 

For a moment I thought I saw @HMC’s Roadster…

But he has better taste and wouldn’t be seen dead in an MGB with Minilites. @Wibble - agreed?

HMC would never mount a boot rack the wrong way round.

[Peter C]

The GT is the practical ‘B.

[beko1987]

It's a shame they reacted so badly and warped or you could have washed them down and re-glued them down

Worth the expense of more fuel resilliant tiles or is it cheaper to just make sure that never happens again? 

[adw1977]

I bet that was an unpleasant journey with the smell of those in the back!

Even if they hadn't warped, I doubt you would ever get the smell out of them, also wouldn't they remain flammable unless you could someone soak the petrol out of them?

[Peter C]

20 minutes ago, beko1987 said:

It's a shame they reacted so badly and warped or you could have washed them down and re-glued them down

Worth the expense of more fuel resilliant tiles or is it cheaper to just make sure that never happens again? 

New replacement floor tiles and contact adhesive were delivered yesterday, total cost £120. There was no point in trying to salvage the damaged ones, I only want to do this job once.

[Peter C]

10 minutes ago, adw1977 said:

I bet that was an unpleasant journey with the smell of those in the back!

Even if they hadn't warped, I doubt you would ever get the smell out of them, also wouldn't they remain flammable unless you could someone soak the petrol out of them?

Correct on both counts.

Despite spending the last 72 hours outside, the tiles stunk of fuel. The garage is getting better but it will take a while for the smell to completely disappear.

[Tayne]

I don’t think this is what you’re aiming for but I thought you might like to see the interior detail.

 

[Peter C]

9 hours ago, Tayne said:

I don’t think this is what you’re aiming for but I thought you might like to see the interior detail.

 

I like the finish of the luggage area but the rest of the interior doesn’t do it for me, especially the installation of the modern head unit.

[RayMK]

17 hours ago, Tayne said:

I don’t think this is what you’re aiming for but I thought you might like to see the interior detail.

 

The workmanship looks neat. Not sure that the exhaust will survive for long unless driven on very smooth, flat surfaces with no luggage. 

[chadders]

39 minutes ago, RayMK said:

The workmanship looks neat. Not sure that the exhaust will survive for long unless driven on very smooth, flat surfaces with no luggage. 

Their reimagined version of the V8 is a bit over £200k.

I've bought a few bits from them for my MGB, very good quality and they work well albeit a bit pricey.