First time buyer advice
Discussion
Rust is likely to be your major problem especially behind wheel arches (which can be difficult to see)and sills, the usual places for an older car.
The engines are pretty solid and can be quite easily overhauled if needs be.
Mark Evans programme on Sky " An MGB is Reborn" is being shown again and is worth watching (or buying his DVD), his problem is that money is no object I believe his rebuild cost around 15 K !!
If you do see one, don't be too embarrassed to take a magnet with you to check for filler - I didn't and rust eventually came through again.
Check out the site www.mgcars.org.uk for lots of information on your choice.
Good luck.
The engines are pretty solid and can be quite easily overhauled if needs be.
Mark Evans programme on Sky " An MGB is Reborn" is being shown again and is worth watching (or buying his DVD), his problem is that money is no object I believe his rebuild cost around 15 K !!
If you do see one, don't be too embarrassed to take a magnet with you to check for filler - I didn't and rust eventually came through again.
Check out the site www.mgcars.org.uk for lots of information on your choice.
Good luck.
I'd advise a (sound) chrome bumper MGB (ie: '62-'74).
The 'pull handle' cars ('62-'65 approx.) command a premium because of their relative rarity. Everything up to '67 has a 3-sync gearbox: 1st gear has no synchro, which might not be very appealing to people who aren't used to it. Overdrive on the 'box is a good thing.
If it's a wire wheels-car, check for 'clunks' when accelerating/braking, as they indicate worn hubs (not that cheap to replace).
Mechanically, these cars are very easy and quite solid. Parts availability is huge, and parts are cheaper than parts for new cars. There are a some very good specialists in the UK as well.
The site that was mentioned previously is very very good indeed.
If there's anything else you want to know, shoot!
The 'pull handle' cars ('62-'65 approx.) command a premium because of their relative rarity. Everything up to '67 has a 3-sync gearbox: 1st gear has no synchro, which might not be very appealing to people who aren't used to it. Overdrive on the 'box is a good thing.
If it's a wire wheels-car, check for 'clunks' when accelerating/braking, as they indicate worn hubs (not that cheap to replace).
Mechanically, these cars are very easy and quite solid. Parts availability is huge, and parts are cheaper than parts for new cars. There are a some very good specialists in the UK as well.
The site that was mentioned previously is very very good indeed.
If there's anything else you want to know, shoot!
Check for rusty sills, A-posts, wing and door lowers, headlamp area, rear wheel arches, front inner arches, rear spring hanger points, footwells and boot floors. Mechanicals are dead easy to repair and gearboxes can sound like a bag of nails and still work perfectly. Overdrive can be a bit of a bugger if it goes wrong and some electrical faults just defy logic. My BGT is my daily drive and I wouldn't swap it for any new car that you would care to mention.
Above all, join the MGOC to get all the help and advice you need on www.mgcars.co.uk
Good luck...
Above all, join the MGOC to get all the help and advice you need on www.mgcars.co.uk
Good luck...
John Mac, he was trying to sell the car featured recently for £18000, claiming they'd spent over £100,000 restoring it for the show I believe although not many people include the cost of film crews etc in the price of a resto!
When you check the sills, make sure you give them a knock and a squeeze, sometimes people will put on a new outer sill to cover up rusty castle etc. Like the guys have said it's basically rust that you're looking for, get under those carpets and under the car if possible.
Got to agree with MGBGT, I've been driving my BGT for the last few months having spent a couple of years restoring it and it's a great little car!
Steve
When you check the sills, make sure you give them a knock and a squeeze, sometimes people will put on a new outer sill to cover up rusty castle etc. Like the guys have said it's basically rust that you're looking for, get under those carpets and under the car if possible.
Got to agree with MGBGT, I've been driving my BGT for the last few months having spent a couple of years restoring it and it's a great little car!
Steve
Gassing Station | MG | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff