Category Archives: Tech Tips

*New* Harbor Freight Jack Stand Recall

July 2020 Update:
Harbor Freight added a fourth jack stand to their recall list. This jack stand has been recalled because of the weld splitting (breaking). This new recall is for the Pittsburgh 3 ton jack stand number 56373.

The May 2020 recall applies to three-ton and six-ton heavy-duty steel jack stands with these 3 item numbers:
56371
61196
61197
The number on the three-ton units can be found on the label at the top while the six-ton stands have their numbers printed in the yellow section of the label found on the base. These jack stands carry the Pittsburgh Automotive brand name. These jack stands have the potential to disengage their support pawl under shifting weight, causing the stand to drop suddenly. Based on the NHTSA filing, the recall applies to approximately 454,000 jack stands made between 2013 and 2020.

Harbor Freight urges anybody in possession of affected jack stands to return them to a store in exchange for a gift card equal to the current shelf price of comparable models. Any unsold jack stands covered by the recall have been removed from stores. Owners may contact Harbor Freight customer service at (800) 444-3353 or email: recall@harborfreight.com

MGB/GT A/C Installation by John Rachow

1974 MGB/GT Chrome Bumper.
On a summer day in North Carolina this is one HOT ride. That’s why I decided to install air conditioning in it.

I bought a used MOSS Motors A/C kit off Craigslist. The MOSS motors kit is specifically manufacture for MGB’s. The previous owner had removed it from an MGB/GT after only one season of use. He had everything packaged up in original boxes, and had all the hardware bagged and labeled. A new drier was included with the sale.

Installation began with the draining of coolant and removing the radiator and core support. This allowed for removal of belts and alternator. Installed compressor in alternator location, new brackets above compressor. Reinstalled alternator and belts.

Reinstalled radiator support and radiator. Also installed new fan shroud for more air flow through condenser and radiator (recommended by MOSS). To accomplish this oil cooler needed to be relocated, and new location for oil lines below radiator support. Oil line holes will be used for A/C lines.

Next moved on to the installation of the evaporator in passenger’s side foot well. Mounting bracket used existing holes in firewall. Installed evaporator (twice), A/C lines had to be connected before mounting and passed through firewall. Mounted fan and compressor switches. Next installed four A/C ducts and vents, limited space back of dash.

Location of Relays and fuses in the wiring harness found and mounted. Connection of power wire to starter terminal made. Wire to keyed fuse made. Ground connection made. Temperature probe mounted in radiator, completed electrical work.

Installation of A/C lines from condenser to compressor, from condenser to evaporator, from evaporator to compressor were made.

Filled radiator with water and antifreeze. Topped off oil because of cooler relocation.

Once installation was complete (approx. 15 hours), I had Gary Nye of Basically British, charge the A/C system. Have not had the opportunity to really try it out yet but it does blow cold air.

So now being a HOT ride, it is also a COOL ride.

NC Emissions Inspections Change

As of December 1, 2018, vehicle emissions testing will no longer be required in 26 North Carolina counties including: Henderson, Haywood and Rutherford counties.

Emissions inspections remain a requirement in 48 of 100 North Carolina counties including: Buncombe county.

Vehicle safety inspections are still required for registration renewal in all 100 North Carolina counties.
Exemptions:
Vehicles manufactured prior to 1995 are exempt from emissions inspections.
Vehicles more than 35 years old are exempt from annual safety inspections.

“This change is only possible because of the strides we’ve made in improving air quality throughout the state of North Carolina,” said Assistant Secretary for the Environment Sheila Holman.  The process to remove the emissions inspection requirement in these counties started more than four years ago. The Division of Air Quality determined that ending inspections in these rural counties would not negatively impact air quality or interfere with the attainment status or maintenance of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
For more information:
NC Department of Environmental Quality Certification Letter
NC Division of Air Quality Inspection and Maintenance page: Inspection / Maintenance Program
NC Division of Motor Vehicles: Emissions & Safety Inspections