Technical Articles – MGA Engine Bay

As indicated previously the following members have volunteered to assist in the writing of technical articles for MGA! and the NAMGAR Website. This is a big change from previous years in so much as we have always relied heavily on one tech editor to do this for each MGA! Magazine published. These gentlemen have a lot of knowledge and experience in repairing and restoring Mgs. They will be assisting Bob Shafto with writing articles for MGA! As well as our Website.

We would encourage other NAMGAR members to get involved by submitting a tech article to publish. Please write to Bob Shafto our Technical Editor at tech@namgar.com, with your ideas for an article.

Let me introduce the following NAMGAR members with a little Bio on their technical qualifications. As before these submitted tech tips can assist us all with keeping our cars in tip top shape as well as safe on our roads. We owe a gratitude of thanks for all their time in assisting with writing these articles that benefit us all. Safety Fast!

Moose Stovall:

Moose’s first MG experience was in 1964 when his neighbor bought an MGTD and together they disassembled and assembled the TD as well as fabricated various wood components.

In later years, Moose bought an MGA that was listed on Craigs List. The ’58 MGA was well cared for and in great shape. At that time in his life, he also owned a 49 TC, and a 1965 and a ’71 MGB.

Since then, Moose has added to his collection of vehicles and with his mechanical and electrical skills along with a flair for tear down and assembly, has rebuilt a variety of cars he owns today. Moose is a member of the Texas MG Register and resides in Clifton, Texas.

John Casey:

John grew up in Maryland and when he was 14 purchased a derelict ’69 Ford and for the next two years restored everything. John sold the car later while in college. After college John was in the Navy and became a fighter aircraft pilot and retired after 20 years of service.

In 2009 John bought a 1958 red 1500, which today graces the highways, and is a consistent award winner in many venues, including our own GTs. John has converted his 1500 MGA, to an 1800, 5 speed, 3.9 drive train. He changed many of the suspension components to improve stability and performance. John also built a two-speed windshield wiper system and much more. John is a member of the Mid Atlantic MG Chapter of NAMGAR and has assisted many members of his chapter with needed repairs while traveling the country. John resides in Jefferston, Virginia with his wife Laura.

Dave Smith:

Dave first restored a 1959 MGA 1500 roadster back in the early 1980s and on his maiden voyage, drove it to the Carnival of Cars show in Utica, Michigan. Dave also joined the Michigan Rowdies in 1982 and NAMGAR a few weeks later. Dave is well known in the vintage racing community, with Number 49 a 1962 MGA Mk11. He has held many positions within the Michigan Rowdies, NAMGAR, MGC Register and the MG Council. Dave was a former Chairman of NAMGAR, in the mid-nineties.

Having vast experiences in racing, restoring, doing mechanical and electrical work on MGAs over the years, Dave has been a go to person when the need has arisen for assistance. Dave has assisted many people inside and outside of the Michigan Rowdies with their restorations and conversions. This assistance makes their MGAs perform even better than when they were new. Dave resides in Holt, Michigan with his wife Chari.

Forrest Johnson:

Forrest is the owner of the Rusty Moose Garage, in Grand Haven, Michigan. This shop is well known around the country for mechanical and electrical solutions for your MGA and well as complete restorations. Forrest worked with John Twist of University Motors for several years and honed his skills in the preservation of all MG models.

Forrest is a member of the Old Speckled Hens of Michigan as well as the Michigan Rowdies. Forrest resides in Grand Haven, Michigan with his wife Leslie.