Classic/Antique Car Repair: Nash Metropolitan, nash metropolitan, ford chevy

Question
Howard,

I just bought a 1960 Nash Metropolitan Convertible from  E-bay that was supposed to be a GREAT running car.  Well, that isn't turning out to be the case, and the mechanic that I had lined up here in the St. Louis, MO area has taken a new job and has no time for this.

The car begins to overheat after about 10-15 minutes of driving.  Well, that's when it starts up--it is doing quite a bit of grinding before it starts.

Can you recommend anyone in the St. Louis area who can work on these cars?  It has the 1500 motor in it, and I'm told than any MG mechanic can work on them.

Help, Mr. Wizard!

Thanks,

Chuck Corpening

Chuckcorp@aol.com

Des Peres, MO  

Answer
Hi Chuck,
First, the Metropolitan has an MGA 1500 engine except it has one carburetor instead of the two the MGA has. Just about all of the running gear is MG or BMC so yes any MG mechanic can work on it.

I do not have any contacts in St Louis but you can easily find them by contacting the local MG Club there in St Louis (http://www.stlouismgclub.com/) there may even be a Metro. Club there.

First contact the MG club to get a list of suitable repair shops for MG or British Cars.

However, the running gear in the Metro is very standard auto and any good mechanic can do any repair. The tests and diagnostic procedures are the same as any Ford, Chevy or Chry. of that era.

Metros are usually included in most MG or British car shows / meets and I bet if you contact that MG club there, you will either welcomed into their group or referred to a Metro club if St Louis has one.

I hope this helps, let me know.

Howard (Wizard? Ha! Thanks I'm flattered)