Gave the donk a leak down test and cylinder 1 is like 80% through the valves. I wanted an excuse to rip it apart anyway, so not too fussed. Someone has tidied the engine up on the exterior, and it was pretty clean internally too when I pulled the rocker cover off. I may just get away with a valve grind (may even just be a sticky valve), but I'll strip it right apart in the next couple of weeks and give it a thorough going over before I tackle the body.

In other news I stripped the interior out and the floorpan is completely rusted through. My landlord is a coach builder (my workshop is an ex-panel shop) and said he'd do it if I rebuild a diff for his MG. Deal. Also, unfortunately, my engine number does not match the plate. Not a biggie, but a little disappointing.