MGB Rebuilt

Author
Discussion

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

202 months

Friday 3rd August 2018
quotequote all
Hello all.

Having had an MGB years ago and been through a wide range of cars since, I decided to go back to a classic. I know they’re no E Type or DB5, but I’ve always liked MGBs.

It’s a 1970, albeit rebuilt on a heritage shell. I was able to spec it as I wanted. I went for a non MG paint colour, which will upset some purists I suppose. But who cares? The same applies to the seats.

Mechanically, I didn’t stray too far. It’s all rebuilt, restored or reconditioned. Basically better than new. Main upgrades were poly bushes, K&N filters, a brake servo, electric cooling fan and mildly lowered suspension (mainly at the rear). There’s a stainless exhaust and a few smaller bits and bobs to make it more reliable and efficient. I wanted it to feel like it should, for the most part.

I decided on slightly larger than standard wire wheels with knock-off hubs. I know they’re a pain, but I just like them. And a mohair hood and tonneau.

Interior wise, I went for good quality leather for the seats and matching door cards, a Mota Lita steering wheel and added sound deadening. The seats are heated, with the switches hidden under the dash. The boot has carpet, luxury of luxuries!

I intend to keep it until I stop driving.












Edited by Andy Meads on Friday 3rd August 23:34

Cupramax

10,469 posts

251 months

Friday 3rd August 2018
quotequote all
More pics please, that’s lovely.

That was a subtle edit hehe

Edited by Cupramax on Friday 3rd August 23:30

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

202 months

Friday 3rd August 2018
quotequote all
Cupramax said:
More pics please, that’s lovely.
Thanks! Sorry, there were more but I think I messed it up. Should be there now.

threespires

4,289 posts

210 months

Friday 3rd August 2018
quotequote all
That's lovely, I like the colour and trim. I have fond memories of my first 'B' in which I crossed the USA at the height of the peace 'n love era.

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

202 months

Friday 3rd August 2018
quotequote all
Cupramax said:
More pics please, that’s lovely.

That was a subtle edit hehe

Edited by Cupramax on Friday 3rd August 23:30
Sorry. I am no use at all with this pictures lark!

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

202 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
quotequote all
threespires said:
That's lovely, I like the colour and trim. I have fond memories of my first 'B' in which I crossed the USA at the height of the peace 'n love era.
Thanks. That sounds like a great trip at a great time.

psi310398

9,036 posts

202 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
quotequote all
Very nice. I've driven an MGC but never a B.

It is one car I've always lusted after, as I guess many who grew up in the 60s and 70s do.

Ayahuasca

27,427 posts

278 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Beautiful!

I always wanted an MGB (being a child of the 70s).

89forever

554 posts

72 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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my first car was a 1971 GT in BRG, fond memories... thank you for reminding me.

Yours looks lovely and you've built it how you want, fair play.... I hope you enjoy every mile with her

Bobberoo99

38,362 posts

97 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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That looks just right, lovely!!!!

Squadrone Rosso

2,740 posts

146 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Gorgeous.

Mr Teddy Bear

186 posts

190 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Very nice, more piccy's please!

What mods have you done to the engine?

Who carried out the work?

steve-5snwi

8,592 posts

92 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Thats very nice, the colours work well and the wheels suit it.

Paul S4

1,181 posts

209 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Very nice GT. I had one as my first 'proper' car when I lived in Newcastle. The lack of power steering was the main drawback, as parking on the street was always tricky, and, as you will know, MGB s have very heavy steering !

If I had my car now, I would modify it a bit more: apparently those engines can be made to produce quite a bit more power, as they are not the most spritely of cars in standard form.
I fitted an alloy rocker cover on mine, and a stainless steel exhaust with a narrow middle box to improve ground clearance.

Brave of you to go for the wire wheels.... they take some looking after !

Keep the photos coming

yellowstreak

613 posts

151 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Yes! This is a great looking build. Tell us about the engine though, is it standard or have you modified it, cam, carbs?

Justin S

3,637 posts

260 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Dont do MGB's . My father has one and does nothing for me. On the other hand, that looks absolutely amazing. Love the colour and as said, need more pictures please.

Mr Teddy Bear

186 posts

190 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Looks like 'Frontline Developements' by the colour scheme interior trim?

Shermanator

548 posts

74 months

Saturday 4th August 2018
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Oh that's lovely!

Have a goal to a GT before the end of the year, purely because it will live outside and a Roadster wouldn't work great. Would love a Roadster though, roof down during lovely weather and you'll be living life to the fullest!

Please keep this thread updated constantly!

Mr Teddy Bear

186 posts

190 months

Sunday 5th August 2018
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I wouldn't keep one outside over winter; it's just going to rust. It may well be a monocoque body, but they have seams running along the top of the wings for example, should be kept in a nice dry garage only, imo anyway.

Andy Meads

Original Poster:

320 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th August 2018
quotequote all
Thanks for all the comments. I’m glad to have rekindled happy memories for some!

I’ll put some more pics up as soon as I can. I’m out and about a lot today.

I’ll answer some questions on the meantime.

Hopefully I’m not breaking any rules if I say it was built up in Hull by CCHL. They have a good reputation and that’s why I went to them. I have no other affiliation to them. Can’t fault their service and attitude to the build, though. It was worth the (long) wait for the car. A Frontline would have been out of budget, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have their cars in mind when specifying mine.

The engine is fully rebuilt with new or rebuilt ancillaries throughout. I did think about a fast road cam, but was advised against it unless making other tuning modifications up to Stage 2 at the same time. The main upgrades were to the cooling, air filters, exhaust and manifold and the fitment of a brake servo. There is obviously an unleaded head too.

Otherwise, the engine is standard. It has quite a bit of low down torque and, being essentially new, it feels very healthy. I may consider other modifications in due course. You can supercharge then with a kit from Moss, but I’d be concerned that it might detract from the experience more than it would add to it. If anyone has driven one, I’d be keen to hear impressions.

I’d have loved a V8 of course, but that would have added at least £10k to the cost. I doubt The Steering Committee would have approved.

The suspension, again all renewed or rebuilt, has poly bushes. And the rear has been lowered a bit, as mentioned in the OP. That was important, as they can look jacked up at the back otherwise.

The carpet is better than OEM and the extra sound deadening makes a real difference. The boot is also fully trimmed, making the car quieter still.

All in all it feels willing and is quick enough for now. It handles well for a B and rides well too.

In answer to the comment about keeping these cars outside, mine is garaged. I agree that’s the best approach.

I also agree that I have been brave (some would say stupid) to go for wires. I think the clue is to clean them little and often. Bike cleaner does a good job and is easy without being aggressive.