MGB GT as a Daily commuter? Advice please!

[320touring]

Hi there,
I'm new to these parts, as I generally prefer my vehicle swith a more teutonic flavour..

HOWEVER, as a present for my Girlfriend's birthday, I hired an MGB roadster/convertible (not sure of the correct term) for the day.

Needless to say, the T plate car was a hoot, and she really enjoyed driving it!

She was ok with the manual choke and 4 speeds etc. Additionally, it had a chrome bumper conversion- as the good lady much prefers that style to the rubber bumpers.

Anyway, to the crux of the matter:

Do you think it'd be possible to use a B GT as a daily car- doing circa 8000 miles PA?

if yes, then

1. What is the best way to insure it for commuting- would a classic car policy allow it?
2. Best places to get spares/service items and consumables
3. I'd appreciate your suggestions for the best value B GT for under £2500 (circa)

I currently have a selection of old BMW's, so I'm comfortable spannering and fiddling with old cars- so maintenance etc ought not to be an issue

thanks

Neil

[320touring]

ATE399J said:

I've just bought a BGT to do just that. Only been running it for a week or so but parts seem to be pretty cheap and, at 8000 miles pa, you should be able to get classic insurance provided it is a second car and you have access to "modern" which is insured in the standard way.

Less that £2500 seems to be the right ball park - assuming you're happy to live with a rubber bumper car.

As I'm pretty new here too I'm sure there'll be someone along soon to correct my rose-tinted views!

Phil.

Cheers Phil.

I reckon the good Lady would prefer a chrome bumper, as would I (not to mention getting one thats tax rate £0)

I have a modern (1996) bmw the good lady is on, so that should work out well.

As you've just bought yours, can you give me some hints and tips on what to watch out for when viewing these chariots?

I'm reckoning they'll be similar to my e30s- buy on body condition, as everything mechanical can be resolved by a competent mechanic?

I vaguely recall some issuse with "castle sections" or somesuch in the sills?

thanks!

[320touring]

many thanks for all the replys chaps (and chapesses?!)

Certainly you have given me plenty to think about- I can see the sense in buying the best condition car We can, regardless of bumper type.. will have to see if the boss could be convinced- out of interest, how much would a chrome bumper conversion cost?

The good lady has been driving my BMW for the last 2 years, so is comfortable with RWD (and no traction control/abs etc) in the wet- as with anything, some time to get used to it and learn the limits will be a must.

thanks also for the information regarding insurance, its certainly an interesting prospect running something so old as a daily, but as rightly pointed out, proper care should see it fine.

I'm away for a think, and a read!

[320touring]

Just a point of note, havign been spoiled with 5 speed boxes,

whats the safest way to engage overdrive on a 4 speeder? and does it work on 3rd and 4th?

thanks!

[320touring]

possibly got a lead on a C/b gt- what are the worst bits for Grot/rust/damage?

also, should I expect discs at the front?

thanks

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