'75 MGB

I'm looking at buying a '75 MGB, but know little about them, other than what I researched on the internet. Following is some info, that I would appreciate some feedback on. I'm comfortable with engine, suspension, and brake system rebuilds, but I don't do body work.

'75 MGB

Rust through (1 1/4") on right rocker panel.
Surface rust on few areas of the body, not visible, see next line.
Repainted about 10 years ago some of the paint is bubbling (not much, but, looks like rust problem to me.)
Little rust under the hood.
Engine and Trunk look solid.
Underbody solid.
Crack in right door just under quarter window.
Ran magnet over most of the body, no bondo found.
Oil leak around rear seal.
Engine runs (didn't when I looked at it, but did fire, I think there is a fuel problem)
Carburetor replaced with a Weber.
Can't say much about top frame or top, since they are not on the car.
Interior is fair, but needs restoration.
Battery compartment not bad.
Fuel tank has been replaced.
Wiring harnesses look like a plate of spaghetti with a few piles of electrical tape thrown on top.
Owner complains of a tapping when the engine gets warmed up completely. Thinks it is a problem with a rod knocking, but I'm guessing a bad lifter or stuck valve. Unfortunately, we could not get it started tonight, so I can't be sure.

I really don't care if the engine is trash, but I don't want to have to do a ton of work (i.e. pay someone else) on the body. Info appreciated.

Thanks,

JW

First Question, How Much?????

What part of the country, does it reside(Salted Roads / Near Gulf of Mexico???

(The next question, someone is going to hit me with a "lead Balloon"/"Fan me with a rock")
How long was it "Twiddling it's Tires/ staying stationary/collecting dust???

(I think it was JDW, that said he started one up after sitting for 12Years)

Spread more "INFO", on us…

The car has been sitting for 5 years, this last stint in a garage. The owner worked on it some about then, but only had it running for about 500 miles, before loosing interest again. Sat for 2 years before that. Overall, it's been parked mostly for about 10 years (current owner is related to previous owner.) The car is in the Mid-South (Memphis,TN) area, asking price $1850, but since he didn't know about the rust through spot and he couldn't get it cranked last night, I think he would take less.

Thanks,

Jason

Keep Looking.
Rust is the enemy, and is very expensive to fix, especially if it's into the structural members, and from your description, it is.
Floors aren't that bad to replace, fender repair sections are harder to do right ( they show), but when you start getting into the sills, you've got a problem. I'm not saying it can't be fix, it can, but it won't come cheap.
All that coupled with a rod knock aka. engine rebuild, and what you really have there is a parts car, maybe worth a couple of $100 to somebody.
JMHO
H.

$1850 is a tad steep for described '75. Harlan is correct, it's a rebuildable parts car. Memphis ought to be in Tom B's area. You might want to get his sage advice. Be careful of the mule skin though...

'course, I drove my '75 home after coughing up $1500 so I can't talk much. Although mine had a ton of new parts and tires and is now a happy daily driver.

Pay's your money...

I paid a grand for my former basket case, but it had ablolutely no rust through. I wouldn't pay that much for what you've described. I bought better for $650.00.

Whats the owners name. I may know the car. I will tell you this much,it waaaaay too high. It sounds like a parts car to me. Parts cars go for 2-300 around here. Matter of fact I have a late model that has no rust,new carpet, good tires,that was driven to my shop that I would sale for not much more than that. I would like to know who the owner is. Just curious I wouldn't even pay nothing near $1000 for it let a lone $1800

Tom B.

Thanks for your input. Please email me direct at michaeljwilliams@hotmail.com. I don't think the owner is trying to pull one over on me, I just don't think he really knows much about the MG line. He was suprised that I did so much research before looking at his car. Over all, I think the car is restorable, just maybe not by me. I spoke to a friend in Houston who has been working on a TR6 for a few years and he also was a little concerned about the rust. He is flying to San Diego this weekend to look at an MGB GT ('74 chrome bumper) that he may haul back here (what a good project, overdrive and wire wheels, surface rust only on the front wings for $4500 and runs great!) Let me know about any other possible 'B' 's that you know of. My interest of the car goes back to school, when I used to run around with a good friend in his (really belonged to his uncle, but very popular with the young ladies.) ;-> ...good for 16 year olds!
When I started looking for a project car to work on, my wife really liked the idea of an MG.


Info appreciated,

Tks,

Jason

You can't go wrong with an MG for a fun car, but just like any other car you have to know what's just too expensive or time consuming to mess with.

I'm going to contact the owner again this weekend and try to get a few pictures of the potential trouble spots and general pics to throw on to my web site. I'll repost then and gather comments. I had one recommendation (since it wouldn't run) to offer half his asking price (~$950) just to see if he would bite. If there is no damage to the substructure, I found the skin for the rocker for $70, and I know someone who does good body work. Any idea how much replacing the door skin would be? I've been told that it is the only good way to fix the crack under the quarter window.

No idea about replacing the skin. Get 'hold of Tom Bedenbaugh, he's local and that guy knows his shit about MGs. Don't burn yourself on this thing, you keep making it sound a little sweeter all the time, but your first post told the real story.

Thanks for the advice, but don't worry. I've decided to start looking outside my area. I don't think I'll be buying the '75. I have found much better for less after a little research. I am very glad I found this site, though, because it seems to me it just saved me some cash and a lot of problems. I'll still be on the hunt, though. I found a '74 in NC for less money (bad motor), but the body looks good. Owner has sent me several pics. I'm going to try to call him this weekend.

Thanks to all for the help.

Jason