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Advice on MGB GT....

  • 08-11-2006 2:24pm
    #1
    cmxron
    Registered Users Posts: 6 ✭


    Hi All

    I'm new to the forum and very impressed with the information that's been made available. Really useful

    As i'm thinking of buying a vintage MGB GT, probably just over 30 years, 74-76 with rubber bumper, can anyone give advice on how to find a good car. I am aware that rust on these is deadly and the sills are critical. Budget is 2-3 k and can do basic maintenance. Would also like webasto roof (Do these leak?) Is there any other important areas for rust, is the windscreen area important or easily remedied for example...

    thanks:)


Comments

  • #2
    mustang68
    Registered Users Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭mustang68


    I was looking at a few of these for a friend, the things I noticed were :

    rust under the car and in the boot area, pull up the carpet have a look.

    Electrics in all of the ones I looked at were between terrible and fire hazard.


  • #3
    Eric318
    Closed Accounts Posts: 446 ✭✭Eric318


    Webasto roofs leak.

    So much could be said... You really should join a club and get one the MG magazines.

    In the budget range you are mentioning, you will only get rusty cars I am afraid :(


  • #4
    dasher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭dasher


    Basically every part of the MGB's are prone to rust but especially the boot area, sills, seams around the windscreen and boot and the headlight area. All expensive to get sorted properly.

    I have a Feb '75 chrome bumper model. This was the very last made. You will find it hard to get a '74 rubber bumper but you will still have '75 and '76 to choose from.

    For 2K I think you will get a bucket. For 3K I think you will be very lucky to get a good one but it is possible in the UK if you are not too fussy.

    Once they are going I think they are very reliable but if you don't buy a daily driver then you could have big bills ahead as one that has been lying around for any length of time will require work.

    If you do not have a garage I would not buy one with a webasto roof.

    There is a great buying guide at the following location.
    http://www.mgexperience.net/library.php#buy

    PM me if you would like a drive in mine. I'm in North County Dublin.


  • #5
    Eric318
    Closed Accounts Posts: 446 ✭✭Eric318


    Dasher, I am in North Dublin too (Malahide). I've got a 75 Roadster. How about a get together this weekend? A neighbour (cute girl) also has a lovely red Roadster.


  • #6
    green-blood
    Registered Users Posts: 610 ✭✭✭green-blood


    I'm thinking of buying an MGB - can I come drive yours ;0

    I'm thiking of buying a porsche or lambo, anyone got one of them I could try out


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  • #7
    dasher
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12 ✭dasher


    No problem green-blood. I've always wanted a shot in a cooper.

    Eric, would like a meet alright. PM sent


  • #8
    corktina
    Closed Accounts Posts: 17,733 ✭✭✭✭corktina


    + point...everything available, even a new bodyshell

    - point ...everyone and their dog owns one.....


  • #9
    Mitchomagic
    Registered Users Posts: 677 ✭✭✭Mitchomagic


    Hey Ron,

    Guess you are not interested in the one i have for sale,to cheap I guess.
    Should have ask for more:).Rust bucket its not,It had all the new sills,new doors,new wings f/r.full lenth sunroof v8 alloys and I cant even get 1500 for it.

    Looks like another one bites the dust.Hope you find the one you want....


  • #10
    franksm
    Registered Users Posts: 1,488 ✭✭✭franksm


    Mitchomagic wrote:
    Hey Ron,

    Guess you are not interested in the one i have for sale,to cheap I guess.
    Should have ask for more:).Rust bucket its not,It had all the new sills,new doors,new wings f/r.full lenth sunroof v8 alloys and I cant even get 1500 for it.

    Looks like another one bites the dust.Hope you find the one you want....

    Do you still have that, Mitchomagic ? I'm thinking of laying up the MX5 in Belfast over winter, I'm in Dublin more often than not so would be interested to take on an Irish-reg MGB. Have never had one before (only Triumphs)


  • #11
    Eric318
    Closed Accounts Posts: 446 ✭✭Eric318


    Hey Dasher, was nice to meet up on Saturday!! So we do it again next Saturday? We could do that leak on your clutch cylinder...

    Folks, there are 5 MGs in the 1 mile radius in Portmarnock! Any others want to show their wares next Saturday?


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  • #12
    Mitchomagic
    Registered Users Posts: 677 ✭✭✭Mitchomagic


    Hi Franksm.

    Yep still have it,Shoot me on your email and I can send some photos.

    Cheers MM


  • #13
    Eddie444
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭Eddie444


    Hi all . As a newbie here and going to be a priveleged owner of an mgb gt 1971 I had a question regarding the old metal fan blade they have.my question is , does the mg need any upgrade if it's been driven in the Irish climate I.e upgrade to a plastic or electric fan ?. Any help would 've much appreciated to assist me on my new journey.


  • #14
    SpitfireIV
    Registered Users Posts: 4,504 ✭✭✭SpitfireIV


    Eddie444 wrote: »
    Hi all . As a newbie here and going to be a priveleged owner of an mgb gt 1971 I had a question regarding the old metal fan blade they have.my question is , does the mg need any upgrade if it's been driven in the Irish climate I.e upgrade to a plastic or electric fan ?. Any help would 've much appreciated to assist me on my new journey.

    No, not really, the Irish cliamte aint much different to the British climate these cars were designed in and drove for many years in. You can add extra's like Kenlowe fans to the rad, oil coolers, uprated radiators etc but essentially the best place to start is to flush the whole cooling system, make sure the rad isnt beat up; if its not too bad a good descaling and flush would help and see how you get on after that.


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