NG Kit Car

October 06, 2020

A quick relaxed run while the rain holds off for most of the day, keeping to the drier roads.

September 21, 2020

Managing to pick a lovely week, we took a well-earned break in North Devon. Dobby covered just over 700 miles while we visited places on the coast such as Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, Lynton & Lynmouth. We also toured Exmoor including Exford, Dunkery Beacon, Dunster, Tarr Steps and Dulverton. The plethora of single track roads combined with steep gradients and sudden bends brought some added excitement to the proceedings – especially when encountering the odd large farm vehicle approaching in the other direction. Dobby made light work of Porlock Hill, a renowned long 1 in 4 hill on the A39 although slightly hot under the bonnet by the top.

September 08, 2020

Time again to stretch Dobby's legs and this time fill up with petrol ready for our trip to North Devon next week. This was followed by a little tweak to the idling speed.

August 25, 2020

Another little run, this time to check Dobby over before his MOT tomorrow.

July 16, 2020

Time to burst forth - Dobby was feeling very let down because, with all the lovely flowers in everyone's gardens (courtesy of lockdown) and plenty of breezes to blow around all the pollen, I had not driven him because of my hayfever. At last it had abated sufficiently for me to give him a good hour's healthy run of about 27 miles. Dobby feels much better having had some exercise.

May 21, 2020

Having completed the service this week and given the spoked wheels their annual shine up, it was lovely to take Dobby out for his favourite (human free) run with a couple of errands thrown in. Dobby is looking forward to being allowed to be with other NGs again.

May 18, 2020

Servicing has begun in fits and starts as there seems to be so much else to do.

May 16, 2020

Time for another gentle run and then placed ready for Dobby's annual service during the week.

May 05, 2020

Another sunny, human free run to keep up the exercise and show off the Rainbow rally plate.

May 03, 2020

Today Dobby’s “Support Our Heroes” rally plate arrived and he is now proudly wearing it on his nose. They can be obtained from Scenic Car Tours who are donating the cost of the rally plate to the NHS Charities Covid-19 Appeal. 

April 23, 2020

Despite lockdown, Dobby had to have a bit of exercise in the sunshine. Cars will suffer if not used for long periods of time. A gentle run of about 18 miles with no human contact whatever made him much happier.

April 15, 2020

March was a wet month which dissuaded any activity, then the Coronavirus caused its own brand of mayhem, so Dobby had languished since the Snowdrop Run. At least the weather in April was encouraging, so Dobby was started (with considerable encouragement) and driven to the local BP station, where I was able to fill him up (with gloves) and pay via the phone app so saving any human interaction. A little exercise followed – a run of about 15 miles. Over the next few days, Dobby was cleaned and polished and generally spruced up.

February 15, 2020

Although storm Dennis was threatening disruption, we decided to put up the hood and brave it (the wind & rain was not too bad in the morning). Our annual outing in February is the Snowdrop Run and it starts with a welcome bacon butty at Melbourn Village College. On starting out we found ourselves behind a gaggle of MGs going rather sedately. Wanting a comfort stop we decided to visit a pub en route, only to find that our forerunners had the same idea, so we continued to avoid causing a traffic jam. The next turning got missed (I won't say how) and we ended up on a dual carriageway which took us even further off route. Eventually Google Maps managed enough signal to download a route to Ely which brought us back onto the roads we should have been on. After a lunch stop, we parked in our designated spot right beside Ely Cathedral and joined an interesting tour of it. The journey home was slightly hairy in the wind and rain and Dobby breathed a sigh of relief to be back in his garage (a round trip of 170 miles).

February 05, 2020

A quick run to check Dobby is still OK with his new battery and to fill up ready for the Snowdrop Run in 10 days time.

January 24, 2020

New battery fitted and Dobby started. I have fitted a CTEK direct connector adaptor so it is easy to plug in my charger in future. Now awaiting the next opportunity for a run.

January 21, 2020

The voltage was no better this morning and this battery has only lasted 5 years (the previous one had lasted 10 years). Euro Car Parts have a sale on, so I've ordered a replacement.

January 20, 2020

The first opportunity this year to have another run in the sun and what happens? Dobby decides to throw a wobbly. A few lethargic cranks of the engine and then... nothing. Not even a click.

After messing about looking at the master fuse, the contact on the starter motor (which was poor) and generally scratching my head, I thought I'd check the voltage. Aha 10.5v is not enough for the solenoid to kick in. So out with the booster pack and we're cranking again but still not firing. By this time with flooding a real possibility, I removed the spark plugs and replaced them with new ones (this would have been done at the Spring service anyway) and after a couple more tries we were running.

So ½ hour later than intended we went off for a quick spin, trying to avoid local schools as it was now 3.30pm. On return, I put the battery on charge and left it overnight. 

December 30, 2019

At last, after such a wet autumn, we have had a few dry days and some winter sunshine. The perfect opportunity to take Dobby for an extended winter run of 33 miles (top down but with flying jacket). It was surprising how wet the roads still were with the run off from the fields. We got a little lost along the way and when I turned a corner, the low afternoon winter sun scattered light across the now dirty windscreen, so I had to stop to clean it as I could see nothing! Well that run was a nice round off to 2019. Happy New Year to you all.

October 31, 2019

Finally, after all this year's activities, I've added some pictures including those of the Scotland and Dorset trips. I still have some Highlands video footage to work through though.

October 30, 2019

Having had a couple of relatively sunny days, I took the opportunity of giving Dobby a little run in the sun to warm him up and then change the oil and filter.

October 23, 2019

Today I finally got around to replacing the choke cable. Over the years they seem to deteriorate to the point that they no longer lock when you twist them. It makes the warming up procedure a little awkward! I had looked for a better option - maybe a friction type cable - but the return pull of the choke is too strong and overpowers it. In the end I bought one from Moss and it seems to be much more positive - we'll see how long it lasts this time.

October 18, 2019

It’s been a busy late Summer and early Autumn so I have only just got around to updating this news stream. My apologies but I hope you have a chance to read these 6 latest additions from August onwards. I hope to add the pictures to the gallery shortly and something from our Scottish trip. Today, a respite form all the rain we've had and a quick trip out in Dobby, this time just 12 miles but avoiding the risk of standing water and run-off from the fields. It is getting colder though!

September 19, 2019

Another great NG adventure for our 40th Anniversary Year. Again 7 NGs (including Dobby) converged this time on Dorset (13th to 20th September) to have a relaxing holiday staying in a Farm House & Barn with lovely amenities. The holiday started with 15 NGs in the Arena at Beaulieu Motor Museum (we were joined by a number of extra NGs on various days) and NG’s designer Nick Green himself made an appearance. We all did our own thing during the days and combined together for our evening meals, a variety of home cooking (even a roast), eating out, BBQ or fish & chips. Places visited included Studland Bay, Lulworth Cove, Tyneham village, Brownsea Island, Bovington Tank Museum, Monkey World, the RNLI Training Centre.

September 06, 2019

This one’s a new event for Dobby and only in its 3rd year. A very impressive variety of vehicles including a good selection of agricultural vehicles and even a steam roller – which actually came under its own steam! There was also a live band and a variety of food stalls but with long queues. Certainly worth a return visit next year though.

August 24, 2019

Once again, a huge well laid out selection of vehicles spread over a wide area and a hot day to enjoy them. This event has become part of Dobby’s regular calendar and this year he won Best in Class for Kit & Custom Cars. Unlike last year when he won by default, this year he beat off a couple of the competition!

August 17, 2019

This is just a small local event now in its 7th year and growing. Previously run by the Rotary Club but this year in conjunction with the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance which meant we were joined by a number of classic trucks as well. The usual superb band “Shades of Midnight” entertained everyone with their excellent selection of 50s & 60s songs.

August 06, 2019

With no rain forecast I thought I’d be safe to go hood down to this lovely event. A few drops then turned to drizzle, then light rain, then heavy rain with hailstones. It was becoming impossible to see with the hail and rain in my eyes so I made a quick turn off route to find a tree for shelter and erect the hood. Just as I finished it stopped – typical! By the time I had reached Croxley Green, the sun was out and the hood was dry again so down it came. Parking next to a Trotters Independent Reliant, I walked round the wide selection of vehicles present.

July 09, 2019

At last, a dry warm evening for a St Albans & District MGOC pub run. This one was to The Green Man at Great Offley near Hitchin. Dobby lead an RV8, a Midget, a TF  and a B through the lovely lanes and villages of Hertfordshire. The pub has a beer garden which overlooks the beautiful rolling countryside.

July 03, 2019

A chauffeur’s hat was the order of the day as Dobby escorted a young friend to his Prom at Forty Hall, a well-known manor house and estate in Enfield. Dobby proudly followed a classic Bentley!

June 23, 2019

This year’s National Rally (21st-23rd June) celebrates the 40th anniversary of NG. Dobby and family went along of course and we were delighted that around 60 NGs visited over the course of the weekend with the magic 40 being there on Sunday. The weather was kind to us again, although the hayfever wasn’t, and great fun was had by all.

May 26, 2019

Well the great adventure finally came! 7 NGs (including Dobby) converged on the Scottish Highlands for a few days of scenery soaking. This included the isles of Mull and Skye, the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Applecross as well as countless lochs and glens. Dobby covered 1750 miles in the 11 days (17th to 27th May), used 232 Litres of petrol (34.3 MPG), 0.6 Litres of oil and had one slow puncture. Came home with a smug gleam on his face. More details, photos and video footage will be on the website in due course.

May 04, 2019

This year we are celebrating 40 years of NG so the NG Owners Club decided to have a picnic here. We drove up to Stoneleigh and joined another 17 NGs in a dry and convivial atmosphere with hot drinks and cakes provided.

April 13, 2019

We went to Leighton Buzzard to meet other MG owners and pay a visit to the Light Railway. The visit was again organised by the Cambridge MG group. Unfortunately the weather was very cold and not conducive to standing around the cars, chatting. A wander around the workshop, a trip up the line and back and a rather tasty burger at their café was more or less our limit until we needed to return home to warm up!

April 05, 2019

Today I’ve just completed Dobby’s annual service. I started on 2nd April but discovered a weeping offside rear brake wheel cylinder (it’s important to look under the dust covers to make sure they are dry). So I ordered a new one (plus a spare) and decided that I would take the opportunity of changing the brake system’s fluid as well (Dobby was quite happy sitting on his lift for a day or two). 
I had also determined to change the front pads even though they would have lasted another year or three. However I thought 40,000 miles wasn’t bad for a set of pads.
The rest of the service went fine except for the brake bleeding – using a new piece of bleeding kit presented one or two “problems” – thus the lack of the smile.
The smile returned, however, once I took Dobby down the road for a quick spin and brake check.

March 24, 2019

At last, another bout of sunshine and Dobby was raring to go on his favourite run again. This time I gave him a good wash and vacuum out afterwards.

March 20, 2019

While not actually involving Dobby, this visit was about classic cars. I organised a visit for my Men's group at church (called MOT - Men Out Tonight). We opened it up to members of the St Albans MG Owners Club and other friends.

So what is Studio434? It is mainly a private collection of classic, vintage and modern vehicles belonging to Rodger Dudding together with other cars stored for customers in his storage facility. Based in Potters Bar, it is on my doorstep and there are two locations housing over 350 vehicles conservatively valued at over £40 million. You can read about Rodger Dudding and Studio434 at http://www.studio434.co.uk.

February 27, 2019

An evening run out to St Albans to The Prae Wood Arms where we had our AGM and discussed the events for the year ahead.

February 16, 2019

This is an annual event set up by the Cambridge & District MG Owners Club.

This year it started at Melbourn Village College (near Royston) with a bacon butty and after a run of about 59 miles (through Cambridgeshire, Essex and Suffolk) ended at Chippenham Park (near Newmarket). The starting point was 37 miles from home and the end point 57 miles away, so that made a round trip of 153 miles. Dobby took it all in his stride and ran smoothly all day. The weather was cloudy but dry and fairly mild (for February) so the hood was down all the time. Our coffee stop was at a small café in the well known, delightful village of  Finchingfield. Just over 100 cars enjoyed this lovely early spring outing and the plethora of snowdrops at Chippenham Park was a sight to behold.

February 13, 2019

Another sunny day and Dobby does another 23 miler. This time without the hindrances of last time.

January 28, 2019

The sun beckons again so time for our favourite 23 mile run. Took longer today as, unusually, it was plagued by half a dozen or really slow moving vehicles. Every time one turned off, another took its place. Dobby is still running well though.

January 08, 2019

The sun just beckoned and I had to collect an order from Screwfix in Borehamwood so it was a chance to goad Dobby out of his hiding place. A little reluctantly, Dobby started on the second go - not too bad after 7 weeks of inactivity. We took the meandering route and even longer coming back. I'd forgotten how beautifully he is running now! Smooth - big smile!

November 18, 2018

What a glorious sunny day with not a cloud in the sky! I just had to take Dobby for his favourite 23 mile run though the Hertfordshire countryside. Yes it was cold, so out came the flying jacket. We just returned as the sun was going down behind the trees. Glorious!

November 03, 2018

Another fairly sunny autumnal day, so a chance to give Dobby a little run and do the annual oil and filter change so that he doesn't sit in contaminated fluid during the winter when he's not used quite so much. Went like a bird.

October 27, 2018

You may not realise that Dobby has written several stories about himself which have been published in the NG Owners' Club magazine ChangiNGear. Well now you can read them all here on the website.

October 23, 2018

Another run out to the St Albans MGOC meeting at the Prae Wood Arms. A bit cold tonight with the hood down but Dobby ran well.

October 21, 2018

We've just returned from a lovely long weekend in East Sussex where Dobby visited Sheffield Park Gardens (National Trust) and the Bluebell Railway. The weather was gorgeous so we had the hood down all the time. The trees in Sheffield Park were absolutely beautiful.

October 17, 2018

After various bits of tinkering over the last few months since I replaced the floats in the carbs, I finally decided to sort the tuning once and for all. I set the timing to 12½ºBTDC (previously 15º, then 10º) and adjusted the mixture again on the SUs and finally the idling speed.

October 09, 2018

On today's trip to School, Dobby's mileometer passed 40,000 miles! That's 40,000 in 14 years - not bad eh?

October 05, 2018

At last I've decided how I want my events page to look and work. This (Google) calendar is linked to my own so that whenever I add a car related event it will appear here. Hopefully this way I will keep it up-to-date!

September 25, 2018

Two lovely sunny days this week (if a little cold in the mornings) and Dobby has been to school on both of them. Tonight we went to the local St Albans MGOC meeting where there was a good turnout with a number of new members.

September 16, 2018

A lovely warm day inspired a quick spin out on Dobby’s favourite exercise run of about 23 miles through Hertfordshire.

August 26, 2018

Knebworth Classic Car show. Another annual event for Dobby. This one is laid out in categories by ages and additional categories for Kit & Custom, Military, American, etc. Dobby was awarded the Concours prize for the Kit & Custom category.

August 18, 2018

Potters Bar Classic Car & Bike Show. This is the 6th year now of our own town’s annual event run by the Rotary Club and has excellent live music from “Shades of Midnight” who sing songs from the 50s and 60s.

July 31, 2018

My son and I popped over to Croxley Green in Dobby for Classics on the Green. An annual event which draws an increasing and varied collection of vehicles.

July 16, 2018

My wife and I took Dobby to South Wales for a little holiday over the last 6 days. A journey each way of 260 miles (mainly M4) has really helped to bump up the mileage for this year. We stayed in a nice little holiday home in the middle of nowhere between Haverfordwest and St Davids. Dobby enjoyed the Welsh roads, the fresh sea breezes and the admiring glances.

June 23, 2018

Dobby has been to the NGOC National Rally this weekend from Friday to Sunday. Having such lovely weather, there was a very good turnout of almost 40 NGs at various times. We had our usual combination of food and drink, socialising, quiz, driving “skills”, etc. Dobby was delighted to be awarded the Best TF shield this year.

May 11, 2018

Dobby was proudly sat with a few balloons on the front church lawn today as an attraction for our first St John’s Church Festival. The event went well but Dobby got a little wet when the heavens opened.

May 08, 2018

I was able to use Dobby for travelling to school again this week (both days, Tue and Wed) – he is happy.

May 05, 2018

Dobby went in convoy with a black Cobra (Hawk 289) to Stoneleigh. Lovely hot day (very unusual). I thought the halls looked a bit sparse compared to previous occasions but a lovely drive there and back. Dobby ran beautifully.

May 03, 2018

This week I have completed the annual service on Dobby. It began with noticing one carburettor overflowing so, in view of the problem starting the other week, I decided to replace both floats and needle valves. This, of course, led to a retune and balance of the carburettors. I also replaced the remaining braided carburettor hoses with standard fuel spec. rubber ones which are easier to fit and see the condition of. The only other unusual things needed were a toggle switch replacement, a slight adjustment of the offside front wheel bearing and a top-up of the gearbox oil level. I think next year I will probably replace the front pads which have been on the car since it was built and have done 38000 miles (but still have plenty of wear left).

April 18, 2018

Dobby went to school this week on Tuesday and Wednesday so it a bit happier.

April 13, 2018

Apart from one journey into school shortly after the Snowdrop Run and being wheeled outside to clean, Dobby has been stuck in the garage due to the damp and cold weather. Finally after all the depressing cloud we've been having lately, a slightly bright day. A nice little run out I thought - but Dobby was having none of it. For the first time as far as I can remember, he refused to start. Engine turned over but not a splutter. Choke back in and full throttle to clear the throat in case I'd flooded him - but no. Fuel pump OK as I'd heard the clicks. Right then, back to basics, spark or fuel? Checked for a spark - seems to be there. Removed a couple of spark plugs - they looked fine and not wet from flooding. Next, removed the top of each float chamber and wiggled the float - both had petrol in. So let's have another go. Dobby finally decided that a run would be preferable to further sulking so, somewhat grudgingly, burst into life. After a bit of excited revving, we both enjoyed our favourite 23 mile run to blow the cobwebs away once more.

February 17, 2018

Another lovely sunny (but cold) morning and Dobby headed North to take part in the Snowdrop Run organised by the Cambridge MGOC. We met up at Melbourn Village College where we were provided with a bacon butty, a cup of tea and a snowdrop. From there we followed a 60 mile route through Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, finishing at Wrest Park. Here we visited the gardens and the house before having a snack. We returned home having had the hood down all day and covered just under 140 miles. This is the 10th time we've been on the Snowdrop Run; always enjoyable but as a bonus this year the weather was kind to us.

February 16, 2018

What a lovely day today - took Dobby out for a quick run (about 15 miles) and to fill up with petrol ready for tomorrow's Snowdrop Run - should be a nice day!

February 12, 2018

My domain name (ngkitcar.co.uk) has been adjusted to point to this new website which means in future you will come directly to this site. I hope you (continue to) enjoy ngkitcar.co.uk but do feel free to send me your feedback.

February 05, 2018

Just experimenting with how to add some news and events. Shortly I'll be moving the domain name over to this website so it will be the ngkitcar.co.uk website instead of the old one.

February 03, 2018

The Links section has now been completed. I have put fewer links here than with the old site as I have concentrated on the most useful ones and removed outdated links. There are additional links to those companies I used for individual projects on the relevant pages (e.g. Wind Deflectors and Radiator Grille).

February 01, 2018

Nice bit of sunshine today although it is cold. On with the flying jacket and a 23 mile run through Hertfordshire.

January 26, 2018

I have now completed the Modifications and Build sections which form the bulk of the content of this website.