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May 30, 2022 18:31:22 GMT
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I need some help convincing myself as I'm just not sold I've always been into 80's and 90's cars but have recently fancied something 70's, in particular something registered in 78 as it was the year I was born which brings me to a mgbgt I've been offered and unusually my immediate reaction wasnt a yes but I cant put my finger on why so I'm after some inside info from you lovely lot I know the support surrounding them is huge so parts and info isnt an issue but what are they actually like to own and drive? I've had varying responses from friends some of which are probably based on the old man image they suffer from rather than actual experience of driving one
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May 30, 2022 18:48:26 GMT
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A '78 would be a rubber bumper car (unless modified, which they often are, by retro fitting chrome bumpers), and as an early '60s design, so it will be dated by 1978 standards so it will need 1960s service intervals etc, however there's nothing actually wrong with them - there's a reason they are so popular. If the condition (especially of the body) is good, and it's colour that you like, then I don't see the catch! I've never driven a B, but often have the use of my uncle's A, and that's fun to drive. I've always thought that they look especially smart with the factory / period chin spoiler and on period alloys However I've never been a fan of the stereotypical tartan red chrome bumper roadsters on chrome wires...
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Last Edit: May 30, 2022 18:50:00 GMT by Paul H
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May 30, 2022 19:08:58 GMT
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A '78 would be a rubber bumper car (unless modified, which they often are, by retro fitting chrome bumpers), and as an early '60s design, so it will be dated by 1978 standards so it will need 1960s service intervals etc, however there's nothing actually wrong with them - there's a reason they are so popular. If the condition (especially of the body) is good, and it's colour that you like, then I don't see the catch! I've never driven a B, but often have the use of my uncle's A, and that's fun to drive. I've always thought that they look especially smart with the factory / period chin spoiler and on period alloys However I've never been a fan of the stereotypical tartan red chrome bumper roadsters on chrome wires... it still wears its rubber bumpers, I actually prefer the look of the chrome bumper cars which maybe part of my hesitancy along with the fact its yellow (strange as I've always fancied an orange car) and I wouldnt need it for everyday commuting as I have a sensible car for that Gt's are used loads for auto testing so they must be a hoot to drive right? I'm not looking for a drag strip hero more something that puts a smile on my face when I drive it
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May 30, 2022 19:14:02 GMT
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Can you weld? nope but I'm told its a solid one, in fact its a two owner (father and son) 28,000 mile car This will either mean it'll be a stunner or a sweep it upper
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May 30, 2022 20:44:28 GMT
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In my experience by todays standards sedate turn of speed with heavy'ish steering. Replace the running gear with MX5 or similar and electric power steering and, Bingo.
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adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 4,951
Club RR Member Number: 58
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mgb gt.. talk to meadam73bgt
@adam73bgt
Club Retro Rides Member 58
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May 30, 2022 21:00:46 GMT
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I've had mine 10 years now but it's been a long time since I've actually driven it anywhere Mine always put a smile on my face when I was driving it, it's not particularly fast obviously, but it'll keep up fine. Just about every possible modification that can be done to a B, has been done and certainly even if you buy a rubber bumper model with the higher ride height etc. it's not too difficult to make them handle as they should. I did go for a chrome bumper model over a later one as I preferred the look and particularly the interior looked more "classic" to me. But I also wouldn't discount a later model, the black bumpers can look quite good with a bright contrasting colour like the yellow, particularly with the ST or LE lower front spoilers as well, very 70s. In terms of ownership, it's the usual stuff about rust etc. the mechanicals are simple and parts are easy to get. The caveat being that there are lots of cheap rubbish parts available for them also. I once had a rotor arm disintegrate inside the distributor on mine, but I kept a spare with me. I did use it year round and once I got an electronic ignition system on it, I didn't usually have any issues starting it even in winter.
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Last Edit: May 30, 2022 21:03:53 GMT by adam73bgt
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rlw7w
Part of things
Posts: 30
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May 31, 2022 18:32:03 GMT
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I bought mine a few years back as an unfinished project. It was a bare body shell with a rotisserie and lots of boxes of bits. I always intended to do an engine swap and I wanted to swap it for something with more cylinders. Of course, I originally planned the Rover v8 but they are so expensive now especially with all the right bits to put it in an MGB. nickwheeler had a Vauxhall v6 sitting in his garage that he thought might fit so we measured it up & turns out it's perfect. A 200bhp v6 with a 5-speed manual in an MGB is much fun Read more here
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Last Edit: May 31, 2022 19:09:38 GMT by rlw7w
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May 31, 2022 19:00:01 GMT
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I'd like to know more , however .Link not working
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rlw7w
Part of things
Posts: 30
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May 31, 2022 19:09:58 GMT
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I'd like to know more , however .Link not working How about now?
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Good read and full of information. Thanks for posting
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yep good info been looking at them for a while as well
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The MGB is a lovely car with great parts support, however, if your not feeling it my advice would be don't buy one unless you think you can make money at it (which usually with classic cars you don't :-) ).
While its tempting when someone offers you a car if it isn't right for your then its best to stay away and wait for what you want.
Just my 2P :-)
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Jul 22, 2022 10:00:00 GMT
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superbeandid you ever buy the mgb ? i have been taking a more serious look at them the past few weeks as i’m not getting my K11 micra back from long term loan to a mate and have one in my sights that has all new floors,sills etc but a poor respray which i can live with as would suit the ratty retro race look i fancy with sebring front and rear valances and roundels etc just found this guy that should sort the power out in the future plans vmaxscart.com/products/copy-of-twin-45mm-throttle-body-a-series-fuel-injection-supercharger-kit-transverse-or-inlineand a decent lowering and shock conversion would sort the handling out to a decent standard the iris blue one below is a converted rubber bumper car so shows what can be achieved
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Last Edit: Jul 22, 2022 10:16:05 GMT by redratbike
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