HOW TO DRIVE AN MG-PB [Getting Used to Non-Synchromesh] - The Motor Shed Ep. 6
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2022
- Today we drive our first pre-war sports car, the MG PB and find out very quickly that gearboxes with no synchromesh take some getting used to.
The car itself is for sale with The Motor Shed (huge thanks to Mark for lending us the car) so if you're interested then do give him a call, its stunning.
The car: www.vintageandclassiccars.co....
Music by MetzMusic
We do not own the rights to any classical music used in this film. 
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Wonderful, seeing kids (I'm 75) driving a PB AND loving it ! You're so right about needing to get young people interested in these cars or they're going to disappear eventually. That would be such a shame. Actually, I can't see why any young person wouldn't go crazy at the sight of one of these, just like I did when I was about 6 yrs. old and saw an MGA. That was when I got the sickness which has been chronic all my life . Beautiful BRG-PB !
Also, I worked in television for 42 years and your production values are really first class.
As a man of nearly 60, it's so good to see young people taking an interest in this stuff. As you say, if the next generation doesn't take an interest in mechanical heritage then it's over. Thanks for sharing, great to see your enthusiasm!
Glad to see all the comments on the correct use of the clutch. Changing gears slowly is also the rule.
Brilliant! It does my heart good to see young people discovering the joys of old motoring. Well done!
Great job figuring out the joys of a crash gearbox 😄. Remember next time no throttle blip on the up shifts but plenty on the down shifts. And if you want to see us give them a beating come and join us at a MGCC or VSCC race weekend
The music and scenes from the portion of getting used to the gearbox is great. High quality production. And you are spot on with your comments about getting younger folks into them. I’d love to see more prewar car videos shot by you guys.
Just came across your Video. Another 60 year old guy. whose heart goes out to you. Get in and drive this stuff. A really brilliant video. keeping pushing this keep promoting I love my 60's classic Mini and Triumphs which I have had since I was your age. but I do have a bit of a hankering for a pre war. You look good in the MG mate. no Rant needed you are "On the Button"
I think you hit the nail on the head with your comment about old cars and young people. If the younger generations don't have any appreciation for the old cars, the hobby will die out. I think you also discovered what is so enjoyable about these older cars; they ARE a bit of a challenge...and that challenge can be fun. You really are actively driving the car when you get the behind the wheel...and that experience in itself, is was is appealing to many people. There really is no distractions....you really can't be looking at your phone while trying to drive something like this...it really requires your full attention...but that is what is so fun...it is an engaging vehicle.
That MG looks so much fun!
I've had to teach myself to double de-clutch recently, and the best tip I was given was to rest the gear lever against the next gear you're going to select. So, for instance, to change from first up to second, you'd come off the gas, go into neutral but have it resting against second in readiness, and then bring the clutch in again as the revs fall to about the right level. Get the pressure right and it should almost go in by itself. I find I tend to rush if I do it by ear, so looking at the rev counter helps.
I had the same learning curve when I got my Model A Ford. It is all about matching revs between the engine and spinning transmission gears. No one does it right the first time. You got it very quickly.
Great to see young guys enjoying classic cars, a nicely put together video and hats off to Bicester Heritage a great location.
Great upload!!! As you say, get used to it... they are magnificent. Sooooo many people sported & enjoyed them... Keep the spirit alive. Many thanks!!! Busy on mine ('34) & yes I also have to learn how to shift it; your enthusiasm is brilliant! PS, MG PB a car to experience the 30s, not 'speed' just buy an P911 for that, but remarkably, even that one you have to learn(!!) how to drive, despite its sync!! But once you have learned that, the 80s feel, you do appreciate the 30s again more and more.. at lower speed.... its called Petrol Addiction, a lovely CBD, and sorry I don't want to be cured....
Your rant is totally justified, there are too many grumpy old farts out there who don't remember that one day (hundreds of years ago) they were learning and if they don't start engaging and nurturing the next generation to use these cars then they will end up dead and deteriorating in museums. Non synchro gearboxes can be a nightmare so time, patients and good instruction are essential to get used to and start enjoying them. Besides, they were made to take a bashing, hence the name "Crash Gearbox"
These old cars come frrom an era when people got wet in the rain waiting for buses and trains and cinema tickets; had little money and were unemployed all too often; and working in heavy industry and smoking meant a short life. In short, their lives were terrifyingly, unimaginably austere.
They were stoic. They understood life was a gift, but one with a heavy price. A young blade from a Bolton backstreet would dream about taking his 'girl' to Morecombe in any car. But mastering one of these wonderful beasts, with all their extraordinary whims and smells, would be nothing compared to the joy it would have brought them both, had he the ready cash. And he and Gracie would remember that day, and all the other days of picnics and swimming and friendship the car meant, for the rest of their lives.
34K? Sounds like you lads made that price negotiable... 500 quid off for every gear grind. Anyway, this was a lovely video because it shows how specials cars used to be, and it shows how much we have lost, but more importantly, we saw a man (Al) fall in love with a motorcar. If I was well off and had the dosh, I would buy it and give it to him and he would likely spend the rest of his life enjoying the hell out of it. THAT is what they are for, and about.
Love this, you're absolutely spot on about getting younger guys into these cars. Once you master the quirks of each car they are a joy. Try working on clutchless changes for a bit less of a frantic foot flap
Love your videos and youthful enthusiasm - apart from Ben's inability to double declutch! This was my forth video but waited to comment . Now convinced and I want more and more. What WW2 airfield is it, not that it is relevant; just I was in commercial aviation? As an old codger and former competitor I am delighted you believe it is vial for youth to become interested in older cars as they are our heritage and in which they are driven - not controlling a soulless, computerised Eurobox devoid of any character and sensation/feel. Super stuff! Crack on!
Rob
Just found your channel, absolutely love it. I'm similarly of the younger generation, early 20s, wanting to get into classic cars. Makes me so happy to find other similar individuals. Excited to join you on your journeys.
Modern cars are so remote from the real joy of mechanical partnership that any dolt can drive one......BUT. ........to have that sense of achievement in coaxing the best out of your car & also yourself you end up with a joyous feeling of mutual pleasure. You feel your car respond to being driven correctly & you smile broadly every time you know you've got it right. Same box auto-everything evs' just have no soul......they don't even sound like a real car should.
Great video chaps. Big feet can be a big problem I've learned this myself. it's all about the shoes especially when doing a review and I need to get the hang of a car really quickly stiff spongy trainers can be your worst enemy
Absolutely lessons learnt for another day!
Shoe off!
Great car great video, beautifully restored. Ben try the MG TA, or even better TC they have a synchromesh gear box but look exactly the same as the PB and the TC has a better engine. To be fair to Ben, it takes a while to get the hang of it and we have all crashed a few gears when leaning, only difference we didn't do it on you tube. Practice in private and try skinny trainers. Up 1,2,3 and down 1,2. and you will feel it engage.
Your comment about if your generation doesn't learn to drive them their is no future, your spot on. Your channel promoting pre war cars is so important, and they look and are so cool. Great production enjoyed very much and loved seeing the MG.
Overhead cam engine, sweet as a nut. Mine was a 1936 2 seater (or 4 if you had a family of midgets!) and concours condition, even the chassis was painted to match the body colour. We once we had her up to around 88 mph on the M25 passing everything (some 35 years ago), tho the temperature would rise quickly so I'd drop her back to 60/65 where she'd cruise happily all day. As she did a few times on 360 mile trips to Yorkshire from the south coast! She was a show stopper, turned dozens of heads at a sitting, bless her heart. She's now owned by a chap in Germany.
I really feel your talk about getting young people into the "non-synchro shift" business. Yes, sure, you'll clash the gears a little - but everybody does that in the beginning. Better than have it catch dust in a museum somewhere.
I've taught 5 people to drive my 1930 Ford (and had to learn to shift it silently, myself) - and what did I find during the annual oil change? Not a single particle of metal. All the grinding, all the clashing - the transmission just took it. Because the engineers knew nobody would get it perfect from the get-go and put some extra meat on the teeth.
Drive it like you know how to fix it ;P
You are correct in saying that unless younger people are exposed to these old classics they will die off. I have owned an MGB for 33 years and by the standard of the PB it is modern. It amazes me when someone asks why there are 3 pedals. When I explain the reaction is a scrunching of the nose and then asking why. Fortunately my stepson is growing into this and one day when I can really no longer drive, the B will be his. Also with the P series they were the last MG's with over head cam engines. Afterwards I believe MG had to use the Morris engines and parts. They still designed and made wonderful little cars given some handicaps due to a more corporate structure and they endured for decades. They were very popular here in the US, more so than the Triumphs. Motor on guys!
🤭 Another great video guys 👦. It's always great to see young people appreciating old classic vehicles. Which as you would already know, have so much personality and charm....
Well done young Gents, bravo! To my eye you both have caught it with both hands, keeping the past alive through Living History. I have both liked and subscribed...you have a fan in Arizona. Cheers! Larmo
Excellent ! Your videos grow better and more interesting each time. And yes, these older cars deserve a lot of interest, and they give lots of exotic pleasure too. You're so right about the whole situation : prewar cars owners HAVE to let younger car lovers experience + discover them, and appreciate the unique fun they are today. How can we organize this ? When and where do we begin ? From an ex MG TC owner
Alistair you summed it up perfectly. I also understand Ben’s issues. If you just don’t “fit” a car it can be hell. I test fit any car I’m looking to drive or buy. I recently was looking at an Austin A30, beautiful car but I just didn’t fit in it. (Copious bum syndrome). Wasn’t my car so couldn’t modify it to suit me. Well done guys I find I get a thrill when your new videos pop up.
Sounds awesome!
Please do some more pre & post war classics. it's a joy to watch your videos. i plan to screen your channel at our club gatherings! Classic Drivers Club, India.
Love your vid, I tried a pre war once at rush hour traffic. I‘m pretty sure, I was prodoucing the same amount of sweat, that my car from petrol needed.
Love your video! My late father used to own and race his mg pb in the early 1950's. I have lots of photos and a couple of trophies. I also have the original paperwork when he bought it and all his garage/maintenance reciepts and notes he kept, very interesting! I also have the original radiator cap from the car....not sure how he managed to keep that when he sold it. My dream would be to drive one....but sadly that will never happen....however, video is wonderful to watch, thank you. I'm sure my dad would have loved seeing it too.
I really love those videos..!! Always hit the "Like " button first and than I watch...I think it´s good substitution for Old Top Gear...for me...!
P.S-No problem with double clutching for me as former lorry driver and I love you for will to learn...!!
If at first you don't succeed,crunch crunch and crunch again....see you was successful..Great upload Gentlemen.
Look at this PB, and then find a picture of a Series I Lotus 7. You can instantly see the styling inspiration Colin Chapman was working from. Both cars were designed to be the minimum amount of car to do some spirited touring in. Chapman just found ways to make his vision even leaner than the PB. But not much more horsepower.
Gearchanges are easier if every other driveability feature on the car is functioning well- a good example on the subject car is the steering- that amount of play (even on high geared steering) is a pain in a straight line; you're constantly twiddling back and forth to keep the bastard in a straight line. Then you catch a cross-wind, then the camber pulls you over, etc etc. Get the slack out of the steering by whatever means possible and see the improvement! (Newly manufactured parts probably)
I had one, Reg no. started as BOY***. I sold it for £120 in 1966. A group of us at teachers trading college in Twickenham had MGs. There was an F type six cylinder, a TA and a TB. We spent more time messing about with the leaky vertical dynamo felt seal, trying to nance the SU carbs and adjusting the brakes. My PB was a light blue but I changed it to BRR. I’ve often wondered if it’s still about. So much regret selling it for a morris minor convertible. 1
You have a new subscriber, and its 100% due to syncing the transmission gear crunch with the Can Can.
In reply to a couple of comments to the Lads - you cant buy car as I did, and yep price was negotiable. Oh and a few journeys out and you learn the gearbox and as long as you have the right shoes becomes a smile a mile
Perhaps a pity they did not get a licence for the Alvis all synchromesh gearbox. Good video
Would like one, when I was younger, they were cheap, Not Today though.
7:20 You are so right in what you say.
Take ballet, it will help you double clutch! Thanks fellas!
Another great video. You guys are perfect for this type of vlog. Very ingenious of you to come up with a good supply. That MG is pretty much the ideal for me but my wife won’t let me mortgage the house to buy it. It surely suits you Alistair but it obviously takes some mastering and I understand Ben’s reticence. But, in my mind, there’s no comparison between the MG and the Mini. The Mini is cool, the MG a work of art. I frequently borrow my brother’s ‘74 TR6 and there is something about the stance, smell, and sound of an open British Sports Car that is infinitely cooler than most other modern Sports cars. That coupled with the feel of the road and car combined is simply magic. Thanks guys and keep it up ...all the best...Chris 🇨🇦
Lovely video! Hey, but not a Sports Car! 4 Seats,,, an Open Tourer then. A Sports Car must have only 2 seats. Also open and low, which this is, just 2 seats too many. I had an MG Midget, that was a Sports Car! They are brilliant fun! I have an Open Tourer at the moment, I'm missing the extra fun a Sports Car can give.
Lads you will remember the first Austin Seven that you drove had no synchromesh and you managed it without issue. The clutch on the MG might need adjusting or perhaps it is a characteristic of that model (Disclaimer - I have no knowledge of MGs).
I do dislike overlight throttle springs, but surely one can have a stronger one put in without ruining the pedigree? Also well done on the double-declutching, how about getting an old codger (like me) in to give a few lessons. There must be a handful of racing drivers still around who raced "specials" with crash gearboxes in the 1950's? Maybe they have a few secrets underneath their cloth caps.
The front SU was missing its damper cap? The crash box has the same pattern as Riley 9 boxes. No shame in crunching 'gears', it takes some getting used to. The boxes (if like the Riley one) are very solid and it's the dogs on the gears clashing. You won't be hurting it. You shouldn't sit on them though! Cars I mean, except ones you own yourself. It's not polite and can damage them. Definitely don't sit on gearboxes!
Double declutch, double declutch, double declutch. Once learned it becomes second nature. You can even learn how to drive without a clutch altogether.
I envy you!
Great video! Ben please they're classic not classical cars. If you understand the theory behind double declutching, and see it demonstrated, it should be clear.
Noted😂 it was definitely tricky. The Austin 7 pearl we drove was much easier to double declutch in so I guess it’s just sports car nature!
@@selectingneutral I think the Austin 7 Pearl had synchromesh on all except first gear so it's no surprise that it was easier to double declutch. The 1933 Austin 10 I learnt to drive on was the last year Austin made crash gerarboxes on their car range, and it was a real challenge to change gear. If you were starting off on quite a steep hill, you had to let the revs drop so much between 1st and 2nd gear that you lost nearly all the speed you had picked up.
I drove a friend's 1964 Landrover last week, and, although it ostensibly had synchromesh on all except first gear, the gearbox was very worn and made nasty noises when changing gear, so double declutching was better, quieter and kinder to the vehicle.
Can you do a austin healey frogeye sprite next please
If we can get hold of one!!
@@selectingneutral I don't know where you're based but you can have a go in mine if you're not too far from Cambridge
Double De-Clutch.....or if you are a well experienced manual driver one could change gear without using the clutch by judging the right revs and slipping into gear BUT do not try it without someone who is experienced with you. I am 87
when are you coming back
Things are in the works we promise!
@@selectingneutral looking forward to it
soon
Shift slowly lol and don’t rev on up shifts that’s your issue
Just watched this again...now I know why they fitted a magnet 🧲 to the gear box drain plug in older cars...just joking.
I have to drive my J 2 with my shoe off
Just keep trying. You get the hang 'crash' gearbox after some practice. Think of it as a new skill
I definitely won't be buying that one, now they've crunched the gear box! 😳
Would it be kinder to the gearbox to not use the clutch for changing gear. The engine will slow it down quicker to find the right speed for the next gear. It definitely works with with lorry lorries that have constant mesh or non synchro.