MGB Rebuilt

[Andy Meads]

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

[Andy Meads]

Cupramax said:

More pics please, that’s lovely.

Thanks! Sorry, there were more but I think I messed it up. Should be there now.

[Andy Meads]

Cupramax said:

More pics please, that’s lovely.

That was a subtle edit

Edited by Cupramax on Friday 3rd August 23:30

Sorry. I am no use at all with this pictures lark!

[Andy Meads]

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.

[Andy Meads]

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.

[Andy Meads]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

To be fair, that’s all true. The hood in particular is a mare. Once it’s stretched fully I plan to leave it down most of the time and I have a nice padded tonneau cover for it.

And I do love an Alfa. But I wanted something British after having had so many German cars over the years. Maybe one day...

[Andy Meads]

Shermanator said:

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!

Thanks for that. To be honest, while a garage is obviously best, I think that MGs lend themselves more to being kept outside than many classic cars. Parts are cheap and easy to get. The cars are simple and you can get good covers from the Club. So I’d say go for it. And if you want a Roadster, the Club shop will sell you a hood protector to keep the sap and bird lime etc. off the hood for when a full cover is a pain.

If you get a good car from the off and look after it, you should be fine.

By way of final encouragement, there’s a chap near me with a DB7 under a cover outside his cottage. And that looks pretty good to me when it rumbles past!

[Andy Meads]

Shermanator said:

Andy Meads said:

Shermanator said:

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!

Thanks for that. To be honest, while a garage is obviously best, I think that MGs lend themselves more to being kept outside than many classic cars. Parts are cheap and easy to get. The cars are simple and you can get good covers from the Club. So I’d say go for it. And if you want a Roadster, the Club shop will sell you a hood protector to keep the sap and bird lime etc. off the hood for when a full cover is a pain.

If you get a good car from the off and look after it, you should be fine.

By way of final encouragement, there’s a chap near me with a DB7 under a cover outside his cottage. And that looks pretty good to me when it rumbles past!

I plan on getting the absolute best car for my budget, getting a cheaper one is a false economy! As I'm sure you know.

I completely agree with that approach. I looked at a few and many of those needed quite a lot of work. People more expert than me will be able to tell you where the rust hides (the turret sections is one place I know of). Finding a good one in the first place will save a lot.

Having said that, it’s all about condition rather than price. I saw some that were really quite expensive but would have needed a lot doing. Joining MGOC or the MG Car Club is worthwhile for research. Happy hunting!

[Andy Meads]

Miniman631 said:

That is one really cool BGT, always wanted one of these!!!

What spec is the engine or is it standard?

Cheers, Miniman

Thanks!

The engine is fully rebuilt but only lightly upgraded.

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.
I added an electric fan, K&N filters, a stainless steel exhaust and improved manifold and a brake servo. The head is converted to unleaded.

I am aware of a supercharger kit from Moss, but am concerned it might detract from the experience more than it would add to it. A V8 was out of budget, but would have been nice!

By the way, this part of PH is great. Like the Barge thread, it’s populated by decent people who like cars and don’t seem to descend into daft spats. Wish I’d found it sooner.

I feel like a cheat having bought the car fully rebuilt rather than doing the work myself. Sadly I have neither the time nor the skill. I have been reading the SD1 Vitesse thread and the skill demonstrated there is amazing. As is the car. That said, I will post some build pics up when I get them from CCH shortly.

Edited by Andy Meads on Thursday 9th August 20:47