Had a drive of an MGB GT
Discussion
My Father-in-Law recently bought an MGB GT and spent a few weeks fettling it and giving it a good servicing. It's a late model with a chrome bumper conversion. It has had some refurbishment over the years as the interior is good and the (Tahiti Blue?) bodywork is in generally very good condition. I'm not sure of any other mods.
My only previous experience of driving an 'old' sports car was a Triumph Spitfire.
I had a ride and a drive in it earlier on and I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked the driving position and the position of the gearstick. The gearshift was fairly slick -Being used to driving with a modern 6 speed, the 4 gear 'gate' was much wider so I needed to make a more positive 'dog-leg' shift (3rd was roughly where 5th is in my car).
The ride was supple (the relatively tall tyres probably helped) and it didn't roll around.
The steering (with a fairly small wheel) wasn't as heavy as I'd expected, more highly geared too and it had a pleasant feel. It would be interesting to know what it handles like on a twisty road.
The engine pulled smoothly from low rpm, although I didn't get chance to push it to higher revs.
The brakes... Well, there had to be a downside. They did stop the car, but feel was almost non-existent. I suspect that a change of fluid and getting some heat into them might sort them out a bit.
I know it wasn't the last word in sports/performance even in its day, but I have to say that I did quite like it and enjoyed feeling less isolated from the road than in a modern car, which is also one of the things I like about riding a motorbike.
My only previous experience of driving an 'old' sports car was a Triumph Spitfire.
I had a ride and a drive in it earlier on and I was pleasantly surprised.
I liked the driving position and the position of the gearstick. The gearshift was fairly slick -Being used to driving with a modern 6 speed, the 4 gear 'gate' was much wider so I needed to make a more positive 'dog-leg' shift (3rd was roughly where 5th is in my car).
The ride was supple (the relatively tall tyres probably helped) and it didn't roll around.
The steering (with a fairly small wheel) wasn't as heavy as I'd expected, more highly geared too and it had a pleasant feel. It would be interesting to know what it handles like on a twisty road.
The engine pulled smoothly from low rpm, although I didn't get chance to push it to higher revs.
The brakes... Well, there had to be a downside. They did stop the car, but feel was almost non-existent. I suspect that a change of fluid and getting some heat into them might sort them out a bit.
I know it wasn't the last word in sports/performance even in its day, but I have to say that I did quite like it and enjoyed feeling less isolated from the road than in a modern car, which is also one of the things I like about riding a motorbike.
Edited by MC Bodge on Sunday 16th October 22:28
Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 17th October 07:14
Interesting stuff, thanks.
In my experience, most classics have things wrong with the brakes (people seem to put up with lots on classic cars, I've test driven a fair few I would describe as dangerous or undrivable) but when sorted they tend to give much better feedback then a modern car. Might be worth checking that the rear brakes are correctly adjusted and that it has good quality pads/shoes and that they haven't been 'upgraded' with harder material. After checking for leaks and changing fluid as you have said of course.
In my experience, most classics have things wrong with the brakes (people seem to put up with lots on classic cars, I've test driven a fair few I would describe as dangerous or undrivable) but when sorted they tend to give much better feedback then a modern car. Might be worth checking that the rear brakes are correctly adjusted and that it has good quality pads/shoes and that they haven't been 'upgraded' with harder material. After checking for leaks and changing fluid as you have said of course.
varsas said:
Interesting stuff, thanks.
In my experience, most classics have things wrong with the brakes (people seem to put up with lots on classic cars, I've test driven a fair few I would describe as dangerous or undrivable) but when sorted they tend to give much better feedback then a modern car. Might be worth checking that the rear brakes are correctly adjusted and that it has good quality pads/shoes and that they haven't been 'upgraded' with harder material. After checking for leaks and changing fluid as you have said of course.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^In my experience, most classics have things wrong with the brakes (people seem to put up with lots on classic cars, I've test driven a fair few I would describe as dangerous or undrivable) but when sorted they tend to give much better feedback then a modern car. Might be worth checking that the rear brakes are correctly adjusted and that it has good quality pads/shoes and that they haven't been 'upgraded' with harder material. After checking for leaks and changing fluid as you have said of course.
This, and tyres too!!
Sometimes you need a harder shove than over assisted moderns. Most Disc brake setups are perfectly good for road use. If you can lock your wheels on a dry road (mine will) how much more do you need??
Mine's got a servo.
It failed earlier this year... started the car, let it warm up for a minute and then reversed out of the garage. There's a lip of concrete to get over and then a slope down so a bit of throttle and then a bit of brake is the order of the day. Not this time though as the brake pedal went to the floor!
Grabbed the handbrake and stopped it before I went into the neighbours garden!
Brake fluid had been sucked into the engine through the vacuum from the inlet and burnt in the engine.
It failed earlier this year... started the car, let it warm up for a minute and then reversed out of the garage. There's a lip of concrete to get over and then a slope down so a bit of throttle and then a bit of brake is the order of the day. Not this time though as the brake pedal went to the floor!
Grabbed the handbrake and stopped it before I went into the neighbours garden!
Brake fluid had been sucked into the engine through the vacuum from the inlet and burnt in the engine.
As others have said about the brakes (in order of posts)
rear brakes adjusted
not harder pads
fluid leaks
old fluid
tyes possibly old and hard - this also applies to the brakes
servo not working
with respect to your father-in-law most new owners have very little idea of full and proper servicing, maintenance and repair that are certainly required or at very least need checking on a classic vehicle new to them
if he hasn’t already got a copy suggest he buys a copy of the owners Handbook as it tells you all about the car and list a servicing schedule much of which is often missed by owners
if there’s trouble with the braking I dare suggest that your father-in-law’s MGB GT is not representative of a classic in good condition and if you were to be able to drive one that is in good condition then you’d be even more impressed
unfortunately a lot of owners (possibly excluding your father-in-law) think that servicing is an engine oil change and messing about with the carbs, the problems with most classics are often from present and previous owners
rear brakes adjusted
not harder pads
fluid leaks
old fluid
tyes possibly old and hard - this also applies to the brakes
servo not working
with respect to your father-in-law most new owners have very little idea of full and proper servicing, maintenance and repair that are certainly required or at very least need checking on a classic vehicle new to them
if he hasn’t already got a copy suggest he buys a copy of the owners Handbook as it tells you all about the car and list a servicing schedule much of which is often missed by owners
if there’s trouble with the braking I dare suggest that your father-in-law’s MGB GT is not representative of a classic in good condition and if you were to be able to drive one that is in good condition then you’d be even more impressed
unfortunately a lot of owners (possibly excluding your father-in-law) think that servicing is an engine oil change and messing about with the carbs, the problems with most classics are often from present and previous owners
Thanks for the info, chaps.
The car hadn't been used much on the past few years, apparently, so it could be excused its sub-prime braking.
The 'servicing' did involve a bit more than an oil change and there was a bit of welding and panel replacement.
As I said, the brakes do stop the car sharply if they are pressed hard, but they are spongy. A fluid change and brake overhaul is on the F-i-L's to-do list, as is a thorough overhaul of the suspension.
Admittedly, my father in law is possibly considered a relative newcomer to the MG fraternity, as he owned his previous B Roadsters in the early 70s, when they were fairly new and not really 'classics'.
Oh, and he's finally getting the hang of working on cars having been a mechanic for, oooh, half a century or so
The car hadn't been used much on the past few years, apparently, so it could be excused its sub-prime braking.
The 'servicing' did involve a bit more than an oil change and there was a bit of welding and panel replacement.
As I said, the brakes do stop the car sharply if they are pressed hard, but they are spongy. A fluid change and brake overhaul is on the F-i-L's to-do list, as is a thorough overhaul of the suspension.
Admittedly, my father in law is possibly considered a relative newcomer to the MG fraternity, as he owned his previous B Roadsters in the early 70s, when they were fairly new and not really 'classics'.
Oh, and he's finally getting the hang of working on cars having been a mechanic for, oooh, half a century or so
MC Bodge said:
As I said, the brakes do stop the car sharply if they are pressed hard, but they are spongy. A fluid change and brake overhaul is on the F-i-L's to-do list...
Just help him pump the old stuff out and replace with new, only take about 15 mins and will make a real difference. MC Bodge said:
RichB said:
Just help him pump the old stuff out and replace with new, only take about 15 mins and will make a real difference.
I agree. I suspect he'll manage to do it on his own, as I said, he has done a bit of work on cars before. MC Bodge said:
Thanks for the info, chaps.
The car hadn't been used much on the past few years, apparently, so it could be excused its sub-prime braking.
yes the car could but not the previous or current owners - sorry I'm not picking on your f-i-l just pointing out a common problem with 'classics' and old cars i.e. the owners The car hadn't been used much on the past few years, apparently, so it could be excused its sub-prime braking.
MC Bodge said:
The 'servicing' did involve a bit more than an oil change and there was a bit of welding and panel replacement.
As I said, the brakes do stop the car sharply if they are pressed hard, but they are spongy. A fluid change and brake overhaul is on the F-i-L's to-do list, as is a thorough overhaul of the suspension.
proper servicing would include all this if required and brakes, tyres and suspension should be a priorityAs I said, the brakes do stop the car sharply if they are pressed hard, but they are spongy. A fluid change and brake overhaul is on the F-i-L's to-do list, as is a thorough overhaul of the suspension.
MC Bodge said:
Admittedly, my father in law is possibly considered a relative newcomer to the MG fraternity, as he owned his previous B Roadsters in the early 70s, when they were fairly new and not really 'classics'
Oh, and he's finally getting the hang of working on cars having been a mechanic for, oooh, half a century or so
oh well, that could possibly explain all, the same way electricians sometimes have dodgy wiring Oh, and he's finally getting the hang of working on cars having been a mechanic for, oooh, half a century or so
perhaps the braking isn't as bad as you think it is and your f-i-l has the car in good condition
but if it is your f-i-l ought to know better and is perpetuating the reasoning that 'classics' and old cars are unreliable and not up to everyday use
Expatloon said:
williredale said:
Brake fluid had been sucked into the engine through the vacuum from the inlet and burnt in the engine.
Didn't you notice the massive cloud of white smoke behind you 
It was only when I put more fluid in that the I noticed the white smoke and worked out what the problem was...
na said:
ripostes to multiple quotes in an attempt to prove, somewhat unnecessarily, some kind of point.
Really, I'm not looking for some kind of lesson in how to uphold the allegedly tarnished reputation of 'classic' cars or for some sort of psycho-analysis of either mine or the owner of the car's technical prowess or knowledge.To sum up:
I enjoyed driving an MGB which has had a bit of maintenance work done to it which was sufficient for the standards of the 'MOT'. This MGB is still a work-in-progress. Please note that the car is not intended to become some sort of period racer destined for the next Goodwood revival or to be exhibited at Pebble Beach.
The brakes are not dangerous, but very possibly not as good as they could be, hence my original comment. Both the owner and myself are both aware of this and both parties are experienced in the art of bleeding brakes, cleaning calipers, adjusting drums etc. etc.
My choice of words in the original post may have been uwise, but no offence to the MGB or classic cars in general was intended and the hurt of any feelings due to the posting of said message are regrettable.
Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 17th October 23:02
I think only my posts will hurt the feeling of owners not your posts
No harm done - by you
In my defence to you I will put posting
‘Well, there had to be a downside. They did stop the car, but feel was almost non-existent. I suspect that a change of fluid and getting some heat into them might sort them out a bit’
did rather suggest a problem with the brakes and you did go on later to suggest they were spongy and were on a to do list plus you did keep you and your f-i-l’s actual knowledge to yourself until late
The others were trying to help you with information - and even me
To me these threads and posts are seen by others with varying knowledge and experience or new to classics and seeking information so posts are not just addressed to those taking part on the thread
I did think that maybe you weren’t suggesting your father-in-law was a lazy mechanic that’s why I put the ifs
No harm done - by you
In my defence to you I will put posting
‘Well, there had to be a downside. They did stop the car, but feel was almost non-existent. I suspect that a change of fluid and getting some heat into them might sort them out a bit’
did rather suggest a problem with the brakes and you did go on later to suggest they were spongy and were on a to do list plus you did keep you and your f-i-l’s actual knowledge to yourself until late
The others were trying to help you with information - and even me
To me these threads and posts are seen by others with varying knowledge and experience or new to classics and seeking information so posts are not just addressed to those taking part on the thread
I did think that maybe you weren’t suggesting your father-in-law was a lazy mechanic that’s why I put the ifs
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