Ruby - 1974 Mgb

March 2, 2006

Wow! It’s March already.
I’m looking forward to getting Ruby out of hibernation and taking care of some necessary fixes.

But first, a couple of winter highlights:
I received a very special Christmas/Birthday gift from my Uncle-in-law from California. He apparently lifted a photo of Ruby off my website picture page and had sheet of postage stamps made (new first-class rate), a very unique gift and quite a surprise.

Second. When I bought Ruby about 1½ years ago in Cleveland, Ohio, and the PO was from Florida and he had some accessories stored in his neighbors’ garage. Well, she’s a Snowbird from Michigan and would not let him in the garage until she returned to Florida. I just about gave up ever getting them until a package showed up in January with my Jack and Tonneau Rails. Both were a bit dirty and rusty. I’m in the process of cleaning them up and will give them a fresh coat of paint (body color Damask Red for the Jack to coordinate with Ruby and either gray or black for the rails).

Now on to Ruby fixes, etc.
During the idle months I was able to purchase (from Tony) or acquire (from EBay) the necessary parts so I’m able to get started as soon as it warms up, and have Ruby ready for her spring debut.
The E-Hand Brake Cable snapped last season and I didn’t take the time to replace it.
While underneath the car securing the loose cable I noticed both Rear Brake Lines were pinched/crimped by a PO who had it towed improperly.
My illuminated Hazard Warning Switch worked, but was missing its lens. It took about 2 months of searching and bidding on them on EBay until I finally won one.
And while I’m into the console area I plan on replacing the Shifter Bushing and Cover Plate to tighten up the movement and vibration.

I wasn’t a couch potato during those bleak, cold months. The Mrs. and I are just about finished refurbishing and redecorating our 78-year-old master bedroom. It’s kinda like working on an LBC.