AWAKENING A SLEEPING MGB
CHECKLIST

So, let's wake her up:

____  Put the car on 4 jack stands & remove wheels.
____  If there was an old battery in her, remove it to use as a core for a new battery.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

____  Disconnect fuel lines at carbs.
____  Remove spark plugs & turn engine over by hand checking for compression at
           each spark plug hole (I'm not interested in the amount of compression, just that
           I still have it!).
____  Install new battery (DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START ENGINE!).
____  Turn ignition key on & allow fuel pump to drain any gas remaining in the tank
           (&, in the event you didn't drain it before laying car up, you'll probably have
            'dead' gas in there.)  
____  If fuel pump doesn't operate, stop & rebuild fuel pump and repeat process of
           draining gas tank.  While you're under there, replace all flexible gas lines to fuel
           pump.
____  Adjust valves.
____  Change engine oil and filter. (In cold months, I use 10W-40 Castrol; in warm
            months, I use 20W-50 Castrol.)
____  Install new, properly gapped spark plugs.
____  Rebuild distributor (if electronic, check manual closely).
____  Install new spark plug wires.
____  Check the ignition circuit for proper operation (AGAIN: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
           START ENGINE! At this point, all I want to know is if I have 'fire' at the plugs.)
____  Drain all fluids (radiator, engine, transmission, rear end, brakes/clutch)
____  Inspect radiator for signs of leakage (the proper way to store a radiator is with
           anti-freeze inside; you can tell if there's been any leakage by the tell-tale wierd,
           green patina on the core or along the edges of the tanks.).  If there are signs of
           leakage, remove radiator for cleaning, pressurizing, and repair.
____  Back flush the engine cooling system to remove any built-up crud.
____  Replace engine thermostat.
____  Remove the plug in the water pump & add a bit of grease.
____  Remove all belts from front of engine.
____  Bench check alternator/generator for proper operation.
____  With proper spray cleaner & one of GEM Enterprises' special purpose brushes,
           clean all Lucas wiring harness connectors.  Once cleaned, coat them with a
           LIGHT film of conductive grease (I mean every one you can see with the hood
           up! Take 'em apart & clean both ends of the bullet connectors).  Pay especially
          close attention to the fuse block.
____  Replace all belts with new ones and reinstall alternator/generator.
____  Reinstall the radiator along with all new hoses.
____  Fill windshield washer tank.
____  Refill the cooling system with the proper mixture of water and anti-freeze.
____  Remove carbs & rebuild/clean them as necessary.  Replace air filters.
____  Inspect engine mounts & replace as necessary.
____  Replace all fuel/vacuum lines in engine compartment.
____  Replace fuel filter.
____  If so equipped, renew all emissions items to include recharging charcoal
           canisters.  If equipped, remove the hoses from the air pump & spray lithium grease up inside the pump.
____  Turn engine over with ignition switch to check compression (AGAIN, DO NOT START ENGINE!).

UNDERNEATH CAR

FRONT
____  Remove front rotors & check for warping.
____  Turn/replace rotors as necessary.
____  Check calipers for proper operation.
____  Replace all flexible brake lines.
____  Install new brake pads.

CENTER
____  Replace fluid in transmission with the same oil you put in engine.
____  Grease universal joints/check for looseness.
____  Inspect transmission mounts & replace as necessary.
____  Visually inspect exhaust for rust/holes, proper installation, etc.
____  Visually inspect underside of car for rust.
____  Lubricate hand brake.
____  Clean all Lucas wiring harness connections & coat with a LIGHT film of
           conductive grease.

REAR
____  Remove brake drums.  Visually inspect & replace/turn as necessary.
____  Replace wheel cylinders (NO! Don't even try to repair - just replace them!)
____  Install new brake shoes.
____  Replace flexible brake line on passenger side of car.
____  Drop gas tank & visually inspect for rust.
____  Remove gas sending unit & check for free operation of arm.
____  Have gas tank boiled/cleaned as necessary (I take mine to my local radiator
           repair shop).
____  Install cleaned & newly painted gas tank.
____  Replace all flexible fuel lines to fuel pump/gas tank.
____  Fill rear end with SAE 90 Gear Oil.
____  In trunk, if so equipped, replace flexible lines to vapor separator & gas tank.
____  Put 93-octane gas in tank & pressurize fuel system to carbs.
____  Clean all Lucas wiring harness connections & coat with a LIGHT film of
           conductive grease.____  Top off brake & clutch master cylinders
____  Bleed clutch slave cylinder & check for proper operation of clutch.
____  Bleed brake system starting with driver rear wheel.
____  Reinstall wheels & adjust rear brakes 

DON"T TAKE OFF JACK STANDS YET!

____  FIRE 'ER UP!
____  Allow oil pressure to come up & note where it stops at idle.
____  Allow car to idle until temperature has come up to normal operation range.
____  Make any adjustments to carbs or timing.
____  Depress clutch & verify its proper operation.
____  Check operation of transmission through all gears.
____  Check operation of hand brake.
____  Check operation of wheel brakes.
____  TURN ENGINE OFF.
____  Visually inspect for any leakage along gas, clutch & brake lines, at wheel
           cylinders & calipers, in cooling system.

____  Install & balance new 185x70R14 tires (tubes also if wire wheels) - HEY!
           They're probably dry rotted!
____  Install wheels, adjust rear brakes & take car off jack stands.

BODY
____  Check operation of all exterior lights.
____  Replace windshield wiper blades & check operation of wiper/washer system.
____  Spray lithium grease door, hood, & trunk hinges and latching mechanisms.
____  Install one of GEM Enterprises' emergency hood latches.
____  Lubricate top bows, seat rails & adjusters.
____  Check operation of all dash, interior, & trunk lights and switches.
____  Clean all Lucas wiring harness connections & coat with a LIGHT film of
           conductive grease.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
____  After engine has cooled down, readjust valves.
____  Check/refill cooling system as necessary.
____  Check engine oil level.

NOW, its time for a short test drive.  Once around the block only.  While driving, pay particular attention to status of gauges, check for proper operation of brakes, watch for tell-tale signs of smoke from exhaust.  Back in garage...

ENGINE COMPARTMENT
____  Recheck all engine fluid levels.
____  Check belt tension.
____  Check clutch & brake master cylinder levels (look for signs of leakage in
           engine compartment, under dash, and on garage floor under car).
____  Put car on jack stands.
____  Recheck rear brake adjustment.
____  Tighten lug nuts (or wire wheel center cap).
____  Put her on the ground.

        At this point, feel free to drive down to the nearest filling station and fill up with 93-octane gas.  I know, I know!  Some of you are going to tell me that's not necessary.  But, hey, that's all I ever put in my cars.  I personally feel its needed all the time but should be used at least once every few tanks full.

        Now, after a good wash, wax, and interior detailing, she's ready for daily use.  From this point on, follow the maintenance guidelines in your owner's manual.