MGB Register Forum

Regarding Lucas branded parts I should draw attention to this from the Lucas website:

2000s
The noughties was an eventful decade for Lucas. In 2003 the decision was made by TRW to license the Lucas brand to specialist licensees who could continue the development and investment of the Lucas programs.

I obviously don't know exactly what this might entail, but I have read of several accounts describing "Lucas" branded components being of poorer quality than originally.
Of course it could be that these "Lucas" products were fakes and just cashing in on the respected brand.
Anyway, the message has to be caveat emptor

Ian F

Thanks again for your help & info.I have now ordered my hose from Browns & Gammon.£14-64.Postage about the same as last hose I bought from MG parts @Ripley £6-48.

I would also add - Steelcraft.

From Bmh-ltd.com,
"Panels and assemblies are supplied primed in Electrophoretic paint."

From http://www.bmhweb.co.uk/steelcraft/about.htm
"Steelcraft panels are manufactured in the UK by Taylor Pressform Ltd. Since production started, in 1974, developments in manufacturing processes and materials ensure that every part is excellent fit and function, every time.They are tried and tested by thousands of body shops and home restorers with years of experience."
"All parts are manufactured from industry standard steel and are finished in a tough electrophoretic primer."

Whilst I have been unable to buy Heritage in the panels I have just bought, the Steelcraft description is absolute rubbish!

Example - Trumpet repair (front inner wing strengthener). The lower tab to weld it to the bulkhead was about 30* out - so I had to bend it to correct position. The 'primer just flaked off, but to be honest it was difficult to tell as the part was missing primer from storage at MGOC - and it was just cracked and flaking before I adjusted it. The welding tabs at the front were nothing less than warped.

Then I noticed (see pic). These 2 parts are supposed to be a flush fit. The Ashley HInton part has the same angle as on my car.

Steeelcraft is owned by BMH. Seems nothing has 'guaranteed' quality.

I am yet to experience BMH.
Now I am planning to replace my front valance which is very scruffy. I have tried to clean it up with the angle grinder but the rust is real bad.
At MGOC - you buy MB11 (Steelcraft) as they say that BMH part HZA592 is NLA. Not looking forward to that after the MB17R described above.

MGOC said to me that the MB11 is IDENTICAL to HZA592.

But then I noticed on Moss site, HZA592 is NOT NLA. They sell it alongside MB11 so you have a choice. Heritage is Steelcraft price plus £20.

But as usual MGOC price is just shy of Heritage panel.

Sometimes I wish I did not live so close to MGOC that postage is NLA as I find that over and over again, the 'club' is a business and ships any old crap so long as they make a buck.

They may have (usually) comprehensive stock and advisers but their quality sucks.

But I do have a question - has anyone had the opportunity to compare equivalent BMH & Steelcraft panels? And a front Valance would be interesting....

G