Generation Cyb

Checkover
Checking over a used Maestro will usually reveal a fair number of faults, and it’s a good idea to do some research into the trouble spots of the Maestro before going out to buy. There is some helpful advice from the MG Owners’ Club if you’re looking for an MG, but on any Maestro the most important check to make is for corrosion (especially structural). As I mentioned earlier CHO was bought as an MoT failure, and this was mainly due to the braking system at the rear of the car which I will probably concentrate repairs on first and try to get it through an MoT. Of course, buying an MoT failure presents you with the legal obligation to book the car in for a test on the way home, otherwise a heavy fine could result if you’re stopped!

Apart from the mechanical problems CHO is in good shape. The body is also good, with only one rear wheelarch corroded to bits – the other three are untouched by it. There are rust spots around the body, but these are small and only surface rust, so not difficult to cure. The wealth of other minor irritating faults includes a sunroof that won’t slide and leaks, non-functional windscreen wiper switches, sagging headlining and a broken driver’s side electric door mirror. When CHO was new it did not come with the optional electric front windows and alloy wheels. I am considering fitting these as modifications, and I think a set of alloys at the same time as I change the rear tyres will make the car look far more of the sporting pedigree from which it comes, rather than the slightly more cheap looking plastic wheel trims, one of which is missing!

Former Glory
One thing the previous owner of CHO had neglected to do was keep it clean, having used it as the everyday workhorse and as a tow car for the previous 9 years. The car had been laid up under a tree in a garden for the last couple of months, therefore complete with all the leaves and dirt to show for it. There was (and still is) even a small garden of moss growing from the perished window rubbers. Immediately the vaccuum cleaner came out and the interior got a brief going over. The seat covers were removed to reveal the almost spotless herringbone trim underneath, and the dashboard and plastics got a thourough coating of “Armor All” which seemed to do the job effectively of removing all the mud stains bringing back a shine I thought would never return. It is not advisable to put too much effort into getting the dashboard moulding too shiny, as this may cause distracting reflections. Armor All advises that the surface is wiped over again with a damp cloth to restore the matt look.

It was under the loadspace carpet I found the first unexpected surprise – CHO even came with its own small lake in the back!! The bottom of the spare wheel well was covered by water and mud. Needless to say I suffered the very dirty process of cleaning this out with several old rags before any harm was done. Incidentally, CHO is fitted with a towbar so I’m wondering if any of the mountings are letting in water. I have also washed down and waxed the exterior just so I know how good the metallic Azure Blue can look.