MGB's

[davestlouis]

I have been thinking about looking for an MGB...I had a 1970 Midget when I was a teenager, and it was a real POS, but a lot of that was the fact that it was a poorly kept little car and I was broke and unskilled in working on it. I'm now over 40 and too chubby to get in and out of a Midget, but I think a 'B could be cool. Anybody have any experience with one? Are the fasteners Whitworth or something weird, or normal metric? Compared to a Spitfire or big Triumph (Tr250 or TR6?) what are the advantages?

[frosty]

In the past I have entertained the idea of buying a Porsche 914. Still like to have one as a (practical) runabout. A good running condition one with good cosmetics usually starts at $5.

[MTI]

As much as I loved my "B" and "GT" from years gone past. . . have you considered a used Miata?

[thorsen]

I bought mine as a basket case in 1993. Got it running, Dad and I did the body work and painted it. I remember telling myself back in college that "this was all the car I'll ever need!"

The first picture below is me driving across the spillway of Paul B. Johnson state park about 15 miles south of Hattiesburg, MS. The second picture is me and my friend Jim outside the British car show at the Mobile, AL Botanical Gardens. The last picture is me rebuilding the engine in my parent's garage over the Christmas break. I was sick with the flu and yakking every 30 minutes, but I didn't stop until it was running again.

The fastners are all SAE so nothing to worry about there. Pretty much everything on the car you can buy from Moss Motors or Victoria British, and if you are used to Mercedes prices you will be pleasantly surprised.

[t walgamuth]

I saw a 49 tc with cycle fenders for sale near here today.

I am tempted.

Tom W

[PaulC]

The unit bodied MGB was built a little more solidly than the body-on-frame TR6.

The TR6 is more powerful than the MGB, especially the later MGB's which were dead slow.

The MGB offers more legroom than the TR6.

You can install a Rover V8 in the MGB, as MG had done in the '70's.

I would look at a chrome-bumpered MGB before the later rubber-bumpered models. Prettier, and better handling, as British Leyland lifted the rubber B's to meet U.S. bumper height regulations.

Overdrive is a nice option to seek on the B, as it brings highway RPMs down to a less frenetic level.

[PaulC]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I saw a 49 tc with cycle fenders for sale near here today.

I am tempted.

Tom W

Don't close the sale unless they throw in a tweed jacket, driving cap and stringback gloves.

[MTI]

The 73 was the last year for the chrome front bumpers and wire wheels. After that, the black rubber bumpers and Rostyle wheels appeared.

[Hogweed]

i've owned both a TR-6 and an earlier mgb gt. both fine cars for the most part
gregg

[davestlouis]

I just can't stomach the idea of a Miata, I only see women and OLD men driving them. I also have a neighbor who is a real butthead, who drives a white one with big Prudential Real Estate signs on the side...can't stand that guy! I have been snooping around on the MGEXPERIENCE website and forum trying to get some information. I'm astounded at what the going price is on these cars, decent ones are creeping up to, or past $5K. I looked briefly for a VW Thing or Old Beetle convertible, and they are getting dangerously close to $10K for decent ones, wild money.

Anyway, I am also out of garage space, and if I get another convertible one of the softtops will have to live outdoors, which doesn't impress me much. I don't see many MGB-GT's but always thought they were cool. I don't suppose you could get A/C on the GT variant? I'm just bouncing ideas around...

[jubjub]

I think Moss sells an aftermarket A/C kit for the B's now.

I'm surprised you said prices have gone up. I remember seeing them in the paper all the time for 2-3k.

Brutally simple cars, but f'ing Lucas wiring. I've commented that the main wiring harness in the dash is the same size as the wiring harness in the door of our Lexus.

Here's a pic of my 78'
Currently undergoing a neverending upgrade of:
Rover 3.5L V8 w/ BW T-5 trans and Ford 8" rear end
coilover shock on all corners
4 piston calipers and vented rotors all corners

[link]

I had a ’70 BGT back in ‘75. This had only 32,000 miles when I bought it. It was a fun POS that shared part of itself with nearly every item of clothing that came into contact with the car. If someone wants a car to fix, an MG is the choice.

Having owned one for 5 years, I’d rather have a life than an MG.

[David Wilson]

I owned a 73 Spitfire for a couple of years in the late 70's. IFAIK, same engine as the MG. Fun to drive when it was working. The electrical system really sux. I spent more time chasing problems than driving it. Very prone to rust as well. The MG is from the same family.
Not much power, but it was geared well. Good economy, but I would not want to be in one in a wreck.
But it was fun to drive.

[alabbasi]

I have one, I bought it in 9 boxes and put it back together. These cars have the same sort of parts support as a 69 Camaro. You can get everything for them from mechanical items to little fasteners.

They are a hoot to drive and very simple. They are still pretty cheap buy so there is no sense in buying a $500 restoration project. You can spend $3000-4000 for a decent running car.

If you are serious, get on the MG forum (http://mgexperience.net).

Here are some pictures of my car:









Like I said, spend the money on a good runner because a basket case will cost far more money to restore then you would ever get out of it (ask me how I know).

[732002]

Datsun roadsters 1600/2000 are fun cars. I have a friend
who started with MG's but now is a datsun nut.

MGB-GT: also look at BMW 2002 or Datsun 240Z.

New convertables, Miata or even MB's are too Metro for me.