Getting comfortable with a TC

[jdubsnyc]

Hi

I am curious as how long it takes to get comfortable operating an MgTc. I inherited my father’s MG, which was completely rebuilt a few years ago and my dream is to drive it more than just around the block. I’m fearful that it will break down, or something will happen and I won’t know what to do.

Is this a “practice” makes perfection type of sport?
Anyone got tips for a newbie. Thanks

[Steve Simmons]

I guess it depends on what you're used to. If you have previous vintage car experience then it isn't much different, If you're used to driving a modern car then it's a huge leap to get straight into pre-war technology. The bottom line is that the car can be driven pretty much normally, other than being slower than most other cars on the road. They are very reliable cars for their age assuming everything is in good shape. Yes, it's possible to break down but these days that isn't really so scary. A cell phone and a AAA card will have you home safely in no time.

The more you drive the car, the more comfortable you'll get with the steering, brakes, etc. It will start to feel natural before long. I drive mostly old cars, so when I get into a modern car it takes some getting used to. Same thing, just in reverse. If you aren't mechanically inclined, you may want to work on that. It helps to be familiar with the car so you know what the normal noises are and when the car is trying to tell you something bad is coming. Having a basic understanding of automobile mechanics is a very good thing as well, since most roadside issues can be fixed on the spot with basic hand tools. I'm sure there are British car clubs in your area you can check with to see if they have any tech sessions, or anyone who could show you the basics.

[DavidSmittle]

Take it out and enjoy it. Try to find a route at first that doesn't have much traffic to get to know the car in a less stressful environment. In time, find a sloped location like a parking lot or a country road with a railroad crossing to practice starting out on an incline. Use the clutch to hold the car on the incline and get the feel for the friction point. This will help you feel more confident when you're on a hill, in traffic and some bozo has pulled up right behind you, lol. Also, practice some emergency stops on a deserted road or in a parking lot. Does the car pull? If so, it's almost always brakes and the side opposite of the way it pulls are the weaker brakes. Adjust using a flat blade screwdriver looking through the hole in the drum until you can see the adjustment screw. If you don't know how to adjust brakes Google it or ask here. Get AAA or a roadside assistance program like Hagerty provides with their insurance and DRIVE the car; when it breaks down, then you'll know what was wrong with it. Don't be intimidated, you'll learn over time and don't be afraid to ask others, everyone learns by doing and, also learns from their mistakes. Yes, you'll make mistakes but in reality there's little that you can screw up that will hurt the car or can't be fixed. Lastly, as I taught my kids, drive defensively. You will never win in an accident so avoid the accident at all costs. Go off the road, into the field, I don't care, just avoid the collision. Best of luck! In time, you'll want to drive the car to reduce stress or help you forget life's troubles. They really are enjoyable cars to drive!

[Rob Reilly]

Welcome JD.
By your words "fearful it will break down....won't know what to do", I'm guessing you have not much knowledge of how an old car works. Don't be afraid to ask things here. We will endeavor to be sympathetic. They are really pretty simple compared to modern cars, and all the important things can be learned by anyone with a small amount of mechanical skills. I did at age 15.

Echoing what Steve says, build your understanding of automotive knowledge on Youtube, and get an old book on basic automotive systems, I mean carbureters and ignition points, not one about computer modules, fuel injection and electronic ignition systems. An MG manual written by a chap named W.E. Blower is my first choice, but there are others such as Kenneth Ball's MG Midget T-Series that are good. They turn up on the internet sales websites.

Here is an example.
If your car suddenly stops running, it is usually one of two things; lack of fuel or lack of spark. With lack of fuel, it will usually start sputtering and acting like its running on 2 cylinders before stopping. With lack of spark, it will usually just stop suddenly, as if you had shut off the key. Read up on what to do in those two instances, and that's a good first lesson.

[jdubsnyc]

I guess it depends on what you're used to. If you have previous vintage car experience then it isn't much different, If you're used to driving a modern car then it's a huge leap to get straight into pre-war technology. The bottom line is that the car can be driven pretty much normally, other than being slower than most other cars on the road. They are very reliable cars for their age assuming everything is in good shape. Yes, it's possible to break down but these days that isn't really so scary. A cell phone and a AAA card will have you home safely in no time.

The more you drive the car, the more comfortable you'll get with the steering, brakes, etc. It will start to feel natural before long. I drive mostly old cars, so when I get into a modern car it takes some getting used to. Same thing, just in reverse. If you aren't mechanically inclined, you may want to work on that. It helps to be familiar with the car so you know what the normal noises are and when the car is trying to tell you something bad is coming. Having a basic understanding of automobile mechanics is a very good thing as well, since most roadside issues can be fixed on the spot with basic hand tools. I'm sure there are British car clubs in your area you can check with to see if they have any tech sessions, or anyone who could show you the basics.

[jdubsnyc]

Hi everyone

Thanks for the replies. I worked for the infamous Joe Curto and he has been a great resource for all questions MG. In terms of taking it out and driving… not to much time. I live in the city and a car is not something I have and driving is kinda crazy. I’ll try to put in time behind the Mg soon !

[68bullittbuilder]

Hi Jdubs, I'm out on the island in suffolk. Nice to see another TC owner not far away.