Back to MGB Driver Click on any image below to get a larger view. You Might Be The Victim of A DPO** If… **Dreaded Previous Owner by Dennis Trowbridge All of the wiring in the car is the same color. The oil refuses to drain out of the gearbox without the help of a torch. The wheel studs snap off when you try to change a tire. The clutch push rod has been lengthened. The wire wheels have been Bondoed to the hubs. The radiator capacity is down to 2 quarts because of the accumulation of stop leak. You find Grade Two coarse thread bolts everywhere. The exhaust hangers are official hangers all right—coat hangers. The sills have been repaired with any combination of duct tape, beer cans, aluminum siding, tin foil, fiberglass or Bondo. The oil pressure valve has 4 or more shim washers. You find an empty can of J. C. Whitney’s “Engine-Rebuild-in-a-Can” in the boot. You find a receipt for the “new clutch”—that was installed 25,000 miles ago. The dye washes off the “new seats” the first time they get wet. There is no heat because the leaking heater valve has a blanking gasket behind it. The fuses are “ultra slow blow” 1/4 ” 20 bolts. The ignition circuit has a household wall switch as a cut-out device. The under-dash wiring is consists of electrical tape, scotch blocks, white 14 gauge wire, wire nuts and nylon wire ties. One FS key works everything in the car including the ignition. You find an Ultra Quickie Lube sticker on the door jamb. The top bows have been riveted together in the up position. The fire extinguisher is empty. The brake rotors are so grooved you could play them on your old turntable from college. None of the tires match. When you peel the carpet off the floors, layers of cardboard, tar and thin sheet metal come up with it. The missing steering wheel nut has been replaced with a hose clamp. Compression fittings are found spliced into the brake lines. The crankcase breather has been replaced with a catch tank. The headlamps are upside down. The overdrive 3rd/4th gear limit switch has been removed so overdrive can be engaged in every gear—including reverse. Back to MGB Driver