I was tired of repairing my MGB and the lack of performance so I traded it in for a 2005 Crossfire Roadster. I have a black, base model car with a black interior. It is certainly a tremendous upgrade and as my friend quoted, "welcome to the 21st Century" (though I still have my red '71 Triumph TR-6 for nice weekends). I bought my Crossfire Roadster without knowing about the options that other models have. Also, I have run into a few issues I wanted some help with:

• I discovered that three of the four wheels have cracked rims and I loose a few pounds of air pressure every week. Obviously I need to replace them. Let me know if you have wheels for sale, or can recommend where to get some. I was thinking that it would be nice to have chrome wheels. Any suggestions.
• My headlights on the driver side point down. I tried to use the adjustment screw to raise them but it only raises them slightly. The passenger side lights adjust fine. Could it be that the light bulbs were not appropriately seated? The lights are not that bright anyway. Any recommendations on bulbs?
• I would like to install fog lights since the car did not come with them. Is it possible to install fog lights on a car that didn't come with them (without breaking the bank?). Would I have to replace the entire wiring system and switch? Any ideas?
• My model does not come with a cup holder? Any suggestions on one?

 

The headlight bulb is probably installed wrong, they can be tricky to install. I find the lights fine, you can install HID's and there are posts here to give you some info on how to install them.

You have a base model I guess and they can be installed, BUT (big but - not big butt) the fogs can cost $100 each used and are $200 new. The switch will work, you pull it out for fogs. It has been done here a few times.

You do not want the cup holder, 50% of members would like to get the bin you have and dump the OEM cup holder. So if you want a cup holder maybe you can arrange an even swap. Or buy an after market one.

Welcome to the forum.

 

MGB, the car everyone says "I wish I had one.' when seen but only by those who don't. Simple cars that defy the axiom, "Simplicity breeds reliability." Still, I wish I had one.

What you bought may, from time to time, seem not much better. But, they are Benz's under that exotic skin.

Cracked wheels seem to be prevalent along with other issues in the '05 models. Maybe just coincidence. New ones in chrome would be an excellent solution. Any used ones out there would be just as prone to "crack" and likely not pristine.

Fog lights can be added but I think there is no wiring in the harness. So you will have to do that all from scratch. Check out the Crossfire Parts for sale sub Forum for guys who are parting out their wrecks.

Best suggestion for the cup holder is to be happy with the bin. The factory cup holder is a POS. Get an after market unit from Autozone or Pepboys.

Welcome to the Forum!

 

The Crossfire is basically a "rebodied" Mercedes SLK, so technically you're still in the 20th. Century.
Even the styling is based on the Auburn Speedster, Mid 60's Corvette Coupe, and the 1967 Mustang Fastback.
I once owned a 74 MGB, and I'd love to own a vintage TR-6.
But after purchasing my 04 Crossfire "new" in 2005, I found myself sadly neglecting my other 3 sports cars. So much so infact, I parked them, and haven't driven any of them since.
The Crossfire can be THAT captivating.
Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks to you all for your suggestions and warm welcome to the Crossfire Forum. I look forward to being an active member!

 

Welcome to the forum and I'm sure with a little time here you will begin to find out a lot about your Crossfire
This forum has nearly 10 years of info buried inside and a large number of knowledgeable people to answer almost any question you may have.
The "search" feature will access a lot of threads/posts on most any topic as well.
So sit back and enjoy being here when you're not behind the wheel out cruising the Crossfire

We all like to know where are new members are located if you care to let us know there are many meets for Crossfire owners all around the country throughout the year and you will enjoy meeting others here by attending them.
Visit the Crossfire Meets section to see some of the events in the works.

Again Welcome

Gary

 

I am at odds with your statement above because there have been so many car designs that new cars have to look something like that which has been done before to some degree. I'm sure you are not suggesting that Eric Stoddards design is a plagiarized doodle and nothing else.

 

Something about standing on the shoulders of giants ?

The rear to me looks a lot like an Aston DB5 with flares or a Toyota 2000 GT from the side. Front just looks like a modern Chrysler.

To me it looks nicer from the side than an E-Jag coupe (always thought the windscreen was too vertical).

It is the Crossfire wheels I have trouble with, just too slab sided and too many spokes.

Maybe a black center channel but not sure that it is enough.

BTW I have had several MGs (and Jags, and 'vettes, and...), and consider the Crossfire superior. Still like my Reattae but they serve a different purpose, this is more a Fiero replacement with ps & OBD-II.

 

I got mine in September and have spent many hours having fun with her!

I have had many MG the las was a 80 limited with headers and 4 barrel but the Crossfire to me is a bread of its own, listen to the veterans on this site they will lead you to great time savers like the sticky key fix!

I also had many old early model Corvair Convertibles and my 64 was one of my favorite, I guess I like the odd cars!

Once my 05 Limited Roadster is paid off I'm adding a SR to my fleet these are awesome cars

Welcome and good luck!

 

Not at all Dave, I would never be so presumptuous to ever imply such a thing.
Like some automotive journalists suggested (when the Crossfire first made its debut) I too felt the Crossfire's roofline was reminiscent of the mid-60's AMC Marlin. My curiosity got the better of me, so I got in touch with Mr. Stoddard and asked him what inspired his design.
Eric replied:
"The main inspiration for the Crossfire design were cars like the Auburn Boattail Speedster and later the '63 Stingray and '68 Mustang fast back. The objective was to create a purely American art deco streamliner aesthetic".
He also assured me the Marlin was never part of his equation.
This was over 6.5 years ago, and I never got over how cool it was to have an on-line conversation with the actual "Creator" of our favorite car. Especially when you take into consideration he was no longer affiliated with Chrysler at the time. I think it really says a lot about the kind of guy Eric is.
The Crossfire wasn't designed by a committee, but a very talented artist, and car enthuiast.

 

I own an 80' B that has i think 52k on the clock. Super clean and straight. Its my second one. Id be willing to bet that car nevers leaves. I will go before that damn car will.

 

Welcome to the club. Your post got my attention for a couple of reasons, your XF is the same as mine and the TR-6 was my first dream car. Back in 1973 I was saving my pennies for a TR-6, I remember having a picture on my wall in my room. If I recall correctly they went for somewhere around $7500.00 new back in the day which was quite a bit in '73 dollars. I still love the look of the TR-6's and I did briefly considered one before I bought the XF. The TR-6 lite that 2 seat roadster fire that smoldered for over 40 years which led to the Crossfire roadster.

 

"The main inspiration for the Crossfire design were cars like the Auburn Boattail Speedster and later the '63 Stingray and '68 Mustang fast back."

Give me a break. I have had two of those and they looked nada like the Crossfire. There is a resemblance to the 852 in that both had six forward gears but that is it.

To me the roofline looks like a chopped & channeled 40 Ford that mated with a Cheetah. Frankly there were a lot of European coupes in the 60s that had similar rooflines.

And as for the Bulitt Mustang it looks as much like one of those as a 73 Riviera. Mustang has a Kamm effect rear, Crossfire doesn't.

Personally really like the lines of my Crossfire coupe but is it possible that Eric was pulling your leg a bit ?

 

Inspiration - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 

I spent a lifetime with MG. I bought my first in 1963. A TD. I used it three years as primary transportation. I fully restored it in 1994. I still have it. Then came MGB, MG1100, MGA. I experienced no failures. I know MG's. The Crossfire is a perfect match. . two seats and the top goes down....no failures.

 

It's not about looking like one, it's what inspired the designer. Can't debate what the designer says inspired him. Many of us have met Eric, and this is what he tells us inspired him.

 

Interesting what passions emerge from a discussion like this During my first college daze (were two before receiving a degree from GMI with an excursion to SEA in the middle) I had a Jag XK150s and a RHD MGA. Both droptops but only one involved an erector set. Drove the MG more because the Jag was a teensy bit temperamental (could drop the "tempera"). But still love the sound of a healthy six like a Jag on Bananas or Corvair on trombones. Something else I gotta fix.

During my second stint I had the other MG1100 sold here and other than the stick shift, it couldabin a rental (also had a BMW 2000A of which the less said the better (x-wife wanted a BMW so....)). Agree dead reliable but could also leave off the "reliable". (Powerrrr)

I suspect people here have also had Corvairs, Fieros, Reattas, and maybe even a Marlin (then AMC hired someone with a functional brane cell and came up with the AMX (almost bought one in '70 but insurance was too high so bought a Buick GS with monster engine and 4 speed/posi. And a/c (Florida) and used to trounce embarrassed Z-28s in autocrosses.

Only have one V-8 now, have really always preferred OHC 6s even if the Crossfire has fewer cams than my Jeep. Even my RV has an OHC 6 (and gets 25-30 mpg on the road, and turns about the same RPM in top as the Crossfire.)

So my first memory of a ride in a sports car was in an MG-TC before seat belts or other safety item (back then cars were both flammable and crushable so it was considered safer to eject than to ride it out). Suspect it shaped me.

 

It's great learning about all the fun cars everyone has had! My first car was a 61 Mercury Comet and after considerable complaining, my dad bought me a 67 Mustang GT convertible with a 3-speed 390 w/ 350 HP. I wonder I survived my high school days! I then bought a '67 Fiat 850 Sypder which was an interesting experience. Got sick of that and got a '59 TR-3. It was a challenge keeping it on the road and a total lack of suspension, freezing in the winter and leaky when it rained. Those side curtains don't work worth a dam. I sold it and got a 69 Fiat 124 Spyder which was a great car. 1400 cc DOHC and a 5-Speed. Loved it til I smashed it up. Went into the Peace Corps for 5 years then got a '71 Fiat 124 during grad school. My wife drove it from Mass to Cal, and then I went up to get it and drove through Mexico down to Guatemala. It was shipped to Costa Rica where the car remains today. Fast forward to 1997 - I came back to the States from Nicaragua and bought a 71 TR6 which needed a lot of work, and by the time I got it into great running shape, I took a position in Moscow. Another fast forward to 2006 and I bought my '71 MGB. The MG could never give me the performance I wanted out of a sports car, so I bought my red 71 TR-6 in Wyoming and drove it back to Washington state. I took a job with Purdue University in Indiana and shipped both cars out - with the MGB being my daily driver. The MG was a fun car but hates the cold mid-west winters and runs like crap from Nov through March. With winter approaching, got my Crossfire after learning how much people loved them. Being made in Germany and the power compared to all my other cars made me totally convinced that it is a keeper. A push of the button and the top goes down. A real joy after a 15 minute wrestling with my top on my MG and then stretching the top cover. My TR6 stays in the garage with the top down and I just bring it out on warm days... Every time I start missing my MG, I enjoy the luxury, the power, smooth shifting and superior handling of the Crossfire. What a change!

 

Guess you missed the three liter MGB-GT6 and if that wasn't enough there was an MGB-GT in the '70s with a Buick engine just like Max's Old Yeller (well not a nailhead, but the Buick Jack won the Formula 1 championship with - you get the idea).

Had a 124 Spyder I loved just had to put 140 wt gear oil in the trans to keep the whine in 5th down (well it had over 140,000 miles so was not an issue) also had an 850R which would have buzzed me to death except was already hearing impaired.

Do blame the preponderance of Japanese cars here today on the 55 mph speed limit but you had to have experienced a 124 sedan at 60+ to understand.

All that said, I am a Floridian. All of my cars since a 1967 Camaro 327/4speed I bought new have had a/c (well not the racecars and a few ragtops). Guess I am an oddball that I enjoy taking a car that others sneered at and making it do improbable things. (in SCCA autocrossing the Porsches were embarrassed to be beaten by a Sunbird (glorified Vega).

Which brings us full circle to my preference for oddball American (well branded) cars. Do suppose that both my Jeep and the Crossfire are really Mercedes but the engine doesn't care whose name is on the valve cover. So this time I was looking for a Fiero GT and bought a Crossfire. Just need to get a big enough hammer to make it the way I want it to be.

 

I think most of these facts are not quite right.
MGB GT was a 4 cyl. 1.8 liter
MGB GT V8 was of course 8cyl. 3.5 liter. (Modified Buick)
MGC was a 6 cyl.2.9 liter
Buick above was actually an Olds based Repco engine I think. CLICK