This is a list of products I have come to rely on when maintaining the cars in our garage. Generally speaking they are of equal or greater quality than original.

Note: The "vehicle application" line refers to the cars in my garage that I use a certain product on, not what vehicles it is designed for. In most cases the product can be used on many different types of vehicles including those which I do not own.

This list can and will change periodically as I see fit!

Product List

Catagory: Paint
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB
Product Name: Duplicolor Dark Canyon Red
Manufacturer # T278
Description: This paint is a dead-on color match for MGB and many other B-Series engines. Not only is the color as close as you will find, but this stuff is very durable. It is not affected by coolant or many other chemicals like other paints I have used. I used a competitor's paint advertised specifically as MG engine paint. It streaked and stained the first time coolant and oil touched it! On another car I have this Duplicolor paint and it still looks great after 25 years.

Catagory: Paint
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MG TC, MG YB
Product Name: Plasti-kote Brake Caliper Paint - Hi-Gloss Black
Manufacturer # CP-253
Description: I use this paint on brake calipers and drums. It holds up quite well but remember to thoroughly clean all parts before painting to remove all traces of old brake fluid or grease. In the years I have used this product I have not had to repaint an item due to the finish peeling or cracking.

Catagory: Paint
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Product Name: Duplicolor Ceramic Engine Enamel - Gloss Black
Manufacturer # DE 1613
Description: I haven't yet used this paint on engines, but I use it on everything else in the engine bay which requires spray paint. It goes on beautifully and dries to a mild gloss. The finish reminds me of a semi-gloss powder coat. Of course it isn't as durable as powder coat, but it looks as good and is easy to touch up. I use this product on radiators, miscellaneous small engine parts and engine bay trim pieces.

Catagory: Paint
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Product Name: Duplicolor Self-Etching Primer
Manufacturer # DAP 1690
Description: This is a great primer which I use on just about everything before top coating. It is best applied to bare metal. Do not use it on high temperature items like exhaust manifolds.

Catagory: Brakes
Product Name: Hydraulic Brake Switch (low pressure)
Vehicle Application: MGB
Manufacturer # SW-32
Description: The latest crop of replacement brake switches for early MGB do not last long and cannot withstand the use of silicon brake fluid. The SW-32 switch from Ron Francis Wiring is a high-quality unit and a direct replacement for the original. It is the same overall size, but does have a different look from original. The body is silver and round, and the connector is a modern plastic one with high quality terminals. Until someone produces a quality OEM-style replacement, this is all I will use.

Catagory: Battery
Product Name: Optima Red Top 75/35
Vehicle Application: MG TC
Manufacturer # SC75U
Description: Optima batteries are known for their high quality and reliability. They are gel cell, which means no maintenance and no battery acid spills. They can be mounted in any position including sideways. If your car sits for long periods of time, chances are it will still have plenty of starting power when you crank it up again, even after a year of non-use. The 75/35 is the largest battery that will fit in the battery box of an MG TC, and I have had many years of flawless service from mine.

Catagory: Battery
Product Name: Westco
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC
Manufacturer # 12V31M
Description: This battery was designed for Miatas, but happens to be the perfect thing for MGs as well. It uses "absorbed glass mat technology" which means no maintenance and no battery acid spills. It is significantly smaller and lighter than a standard battery but still offers 475 CCA which is plenty for our cars. Best of all, it fits inside the cramped battery boxes of MGA, MGB and MGC. In fact it is so small, you may need to install a base at the bottom of the battery box so the battery doesn't fall through! Moss sells battery box liners for MGB which work very well with this battery. They sell the Westco battery itself as well.

Catagory: Lubricants - Engine Oil
Product Name: D-A Super Speed Sport 20W-50
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Manufacturer # N/A
Description: This oil is designed specifically for our older engines. There are differences between 40-year-old engines and modern ones, and the lubrication requirements are different as well. Super Speed Sport is a synthetic blend (not full synthetic) and has the necessary ingredients to lubricate an M.G. engine properly. While arguments continue to rage about the lack of zinc in modern engine oils and the effect it has on flat tappets, there is no need to worry with this product. It has more protection than you will ever need. The only downside I have noticed is that it leaks out easier than standard dino oil, but that's something I can live with.

Catagory: Car Care
Product Name: California Car Duster
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Manufacturer #
Description: There is a difference in dusters, and this is the best. Using a duster each evening can greatly reduce the number of times you have to wash a car, and this helps reduce wear on the finish as well as rust. Dusting the car before putting a cover on will also help reduce scratches. Every car enthusiast should have one of these in the garage.

Catagory: Car Care
Product Name: California Dash Duster
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Manufacturer #
Description: To compliment the car duster, I keep a dash duster in each vehicle. They are marketed towards interior detailing but they are the same thing as the larger car duster, only on a smaller scale. This makes it perfect to throw in the boot so you can dust off your car before covering it at your destination. I also like to keep my cars dusted while on the road, because you never know when a bit of water might turn simple dust into a spotted mess.

Catagory: Solvents
Product Name: Brakleen Brake Parts Cleaner
Vehicle Application: MGA, MGB, MGC, MG TC, MG YB
Manufacturer # 05089CA
Description: This is one of the most useful products in the garage. It cleans everything without leaving any sort of residue behind. Take care however, it will clean paint off your bodywork as easily as it will clean heavy grease from a bearing. Beware of condensation on water-sensative surfaces after using this product.

More to come...