A True Newbie

Hello all,
I am so amazed, I am transfixed with all the subject matter to be found on this forum. I am currently looking at a couple of 78 MGB's, Your website is Platinum in information. I am looking for a road worthy B (only cause I dont want the hassle of major repairs ie body etc and being female)...(dont get me wrong not afraid of getting my hands dirty just dont want to do it wrong!! if I have to and/or a minor? repair) I was reading this site for a couple of weeks before joining and have not really left it since except to sleep...lol. A little bit about me I am female live in Northern Ontario and well I just wanted to say thanks for all the insite you have given me to date. Anyway to get back to topic I have made the big plunge in contacting a few sellers almost in the neck of my woods...and may upon further pics...take the drive to go and view and possibly test drive the wee beasty's...at any rate I understand and finally through many read topics putting the magnet in a sock or soft cloth is great idea..to check for Bondo...and the sills and panels for rust of course stands to reasons hopefully if the are selling certified that all the lights, signals work etc...is there anything else I should try and pay carefull attention to?? Currently I have three to look at 1st approx $6k Cdn - new paint, rag tonneau and lots more...ragtop not installed might need Carb rebuild - exhaust donut & stud replaced, 2nd - Approx $7k - says not rust - certified paint looks orig but will be sending more pics and 3rd approx $3k - says needs nothing to cert and again willing to send pics and avail to take a test drive - paint looks like a quicky as the chrome trim (car is white could be confusing with pic) along side looks painted as well?? Okay guys an gals...this little novella long enough would appreciate any input you may have beside the MGB checklist...okay I know already you want pics for a better judgement...will try and do that for you??? Tks muchly from a Canuck gal...(and Ron tks for you PM sorry forgot your handle)

Kim,
Welcome!

Don't be in a hurry selecting a car. I spent 18 months and a lot of traveling before I found one that fit my capabilties and budget.

Personal after my experience I will not buy a car without inspecting first.

If your not familiar with British cars I would suggest finding some local expertise, maybe checkout the local british car clubs.

Welcome aboard, Kim. Definitely an interesting place to hang out... ;)

Regarding the 3 cars, without actually going out to see them it's going to be hard for you to be sure, but you've got the basics. Rust is normal, and it can be a deal killer. Mostly 'cause it's a car killer. Bondo - at $6k - should also give you pause. Most would walk away, I guess, but it would depend on how much and where it is. The quickie paint job may be hiding Very Bad Things, or it may've been done just to sell the car. Not necessarily bad, but it could mean repainting is in the future. For $3k, I wouldn't call that a deal killer. A carb rebuild and uninstalled top on a $6k car is another point against.

You've nailed the main requirement, I think. You need to see and drive the cars. If something feels "wrong" it's probably worth walking away.

Quick question: How comfortable do you feel doing mechanical and electrical work? Not that it'll ever be needed, of course :eyeroll: but hey - you never know.

Same advise as Clay Kim. Look at 'em with your own eyes. Don't trust pictures and take your time. I did about a year or so of nothing but internet research. This forum was one of the first things I found... then about 18 months of traveling around the state looking at B's that looked good on paper but all had some fatal flaw that lead me to walk away. I finally found the one I bought about four weeks ago.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Kevinn

Is this going to be your only means of transportation ? Be aware that these cars don't take well to a lot of idleing time in front of red lights, but are ok for 20-30 mile a day comutes to work on the open road and you'll need to check the oil, brake, and clutch fluid levels once a week and top-up when necessary. My MG has been in my family since 1990, and has been used it as a college students only means of transportation, and more recently as my " work car ". There have been 5 or 6 times when it was " out of service " to have rebuilt engines installed, brake master cylinders replaced, clutch slave cylinders rebuilt, front end suspensions rebuilt. Some work you can do yourself, and sometimes local shop mechanics will do the work, but want you to acquire the parts which can be done from your local auto supply store, Victoria British, Moss motors, or from folks on this forum. A lot of these things you'll need to figure out when the time comes, and planning ahead can be a waste of time, because when you really need them, they may be out of business by the time you need them. A lot of the time you just need to be lucky. Learn how to set the points unless you're getting one with electronic ignition and how to distinguish fine thread nuts and bolts from coase thread. I have often thought of selling my MG, but I would not feel comfortable selling to a Newbie female. I guess things are different these days, there are cell phones and AAA cards. I have only been stranded on the road twice, but each of my sons were standed a time or two with the MG, and it is not much fun to be stuck on the road somewhere waiting for a tow-truck to take your car somewhere and you need to explain why you're not at work. I guess this can happen with any used car. Also these convertibles are drafty and cold in the winter. With the heater at full blast on the cold days in Texas I use a coat over my pants to keep from shivering.

Forget the quickie blow over.

The new paint one ....ask for resto photos as the bodywork and paint progressed.

If they have not got any, don't believe anything they tell you.

The original paint one.....looks the best bet.

You can cover a tennis ball size of rust too easily these days with fibreglass bog.

Rust is, indeed, the biggest enemy that you are facing. Everything else on these cars is amazingly simple, compared with cars today. They are straight forward to work on. There's nothing complicated about the engine, transmission or rear axle. The Lucas electrical syetems have recieved a bad reputation over the years, some deserved, most not. In the 37 years that I have owned my '67 B, I've never been let down. Maintanance is critical, but so it is on any car. I looked for 9 months, in 3 states, before I found the right car. Don't rush yourself, there are a lot of good, clean well cared for cars out there. RAY

Kim I see the experts have already piped in so I'll just say Welcome to the best MGB Forum on the Internet. These folks have a thousand years of MG Experience and are most willing to share that wisdom with you. Good luck in your search for just the right one and you will know it immediately when you drive it. They fit like a nice shoe. I've been driving a MG since age 16 and I know I'll always have one. Welcome again :) :)

Welcome Kim!

Hey I remember driving through South Porcupine many years ago on my way to a Provincial Park near Timmins... Lovely area up there...

Over the past couple of years, I've seen a surprising number of ads for MGB's in Timmins. Not sure what it is about that town. I remember thinking "good deal, but too far". So like the others say, don't rush into a car that doesn't feel right.

Hi Kim,

Welcome to the Forum!

I have a female cousin living in Pocupine she works for one of the mines.

I prefer to use one of those flat fridge type magnets not to strong. No one has mentioned anything about the engine one thing to look at is in the area between No2 and 3 plugs for coolant that has ran down...which most likely is a leaky head gasket or maybe a cracked head. If you can let it sit and idle for 20 minutes or so to see if it runs hot. Get one of those infra red sensors and point it along in the area of each plug. Jack up the front end and see if you have play on the front suspension King pins etc. Grab the wheels top and bottom and try to move up and down.

Kim,Welcome to MG heaven........My 1st MG was a 66 B that I drove the heck out of and loved every mile. That was a awhile back and the cars are much older now but still a lot of fun. Don't rush into anything and try to find a club to join even before you find a car. You will have a wealth of info and maybe find a good car through a club.
I am looking to add a car to my collection of one.......(my husband doesn't understand why I want another but once you are hooked you can't help it) and sometimes feel bad about kicking tires without buying but you have to do a lot of hunting to find a trophy.

Safety Fast,
Irene

Thank you all for your warm welcome & input so far, as I am just starting out on my quest for a 78B, yep that part I know so far. This will not be my only form of transportation, as some of you will know it would be insanity to have one as a daily driver in the winter months where I live I do drive a Rav4. This B will be strictly for pleasure and hope to use as a much as possible during the short-lived summer months. I do expect there to be rust (darn it), and of course mechanical issues hopefully not at the outset?? The closest B so far to look at is approx 2-3 hrs drive and the others onward up to 9hrs away...to the "big" cities to which I am not opposed to doing. Just from reading the formums I definitley will be wanting to test drive the vehicles before making the decision and I am hoping to bring a friend along to assist me in checking them out. I will still check the "quickie paint" one as that is closest...and will give me a better perspective on the ones to follow? Have been asking history etc & pics and as it is getting close to Xmas....there is flexibility on viewing as peeps are busy? so again not feeling rushed...Again all good points to remember when checking out the B's and I will be showing my friend this thread as two heads are better than one!! I am attaching a pic of the 78 White B (and will be getting more or taking more as I travel in my search for the 78MGB that's just for me!!) so you can see for yourself what I mean about the quickie job or was it just a bad hair day..?? the wheels do not look too clean either??
By the by Greg the park is called Kettle Lakes Park, mind you there are quite a few parks up here - I myself used to go to the Stouffville Flea Market years ago??? (as my search is relativley new have not seen any from the Timmins area but of course the hunt continues and closer is better by a long shot?)
Paul - Again small world - mind you that does not mean I know of her though - have only come home in the last 3 years?? but nice to know that I dont live a town that people say "Where do you live, or that they think Northern Ontario is Hunstville (no insults intended)
Thank you all again for your input it has been a pleasure and will be a pleasure in the future.

Hi and welcome. I'll leave the advice to the experts here. I rushed a bit into buying my B, and while she has been very mechanically reliable (knock on wood), she does have some rust issues that will have to be addressed soon. I was curious, however. Does it have to be a 78, or would any late model rubber bumper do?

Kim,

Based on the photo, I agree that it is hard to tell whether the chrome strips are actually painted or just appear to be white against the white paint. The wheels look pretty rusty and neglected which - may - be an indication that the rest of the car loked the same way before it had its quicky respray. It takes very little time to remove those strips so if they were painted that is a sign that this is a quick "lipstick on a pig" paint job designed to move the car.

If it is far away you may want to first ask for some more detailed photos from the seller - especially the engine compartment, the floors under the carpeting, the bottoms of the front fenders, the area underneath the sills (rocker panels) called the castle rails, and the dogleg area between the door opening and the rear wheels. If those look solid, it's worth looking at, but look very carefully! Also, check the condition of the top since it is folded incorrectly and that soon leads to tears at the rear corners.

If you get detailed pictures, post them here and you will get lots of experienced advice.

And, welcome to the MG Experience - Naomi is right, this is the hands-down best MG site on the web.

Jack

Welcome from Huntsville Alabama.

Kim...I can talk about Northern Ont. For ever....I grew up in Rutherglen 20 miles east of North Bay....bet you have never heard of it? Lived in Chapleau, downtown Ramsey, Biscotasing, Missanabie, Sudbury, Coniston, Mattawa, Parry Sound, Pickering and Ajax.

For the ones that are an 8 hour drive away, perhaps someone near could do a look-see ?

Thanks again, folks for the input and advice, I have expanded my search techniques and have found others out there...I am not totaly commited to the 78B (okay my search is just beginning and it's a women's perogative to change her mind lol) it is just from the many that are out there that is the style I seem to like vs the earlier ones and I like the luggage rack on the back?? I have seen some give or take a year, that that either have or do not have the rack? As I have said I have emailed a few and have gotten a few responses back now just waiting for more pics and details.
So, I wait patiently for further info...will be posting as things develop for my inner sanctum (the MG Experience website) to help guide me along the way.
Paul - ha ha ha heard of Rutherglen - however Biscotasing, Missanabie - you got me there???
PS the 8 hour drive does not bother me, living in Northern Ontario it comes with the package!!!
Kim

[color=#000099]Welcome to the madness Kim! Absolutely echo the others... take your time in searching and post LOTS of pics and ask LOTS of questions here.... you won't find a more complete, responsive and knowledgable MG group..... anywhere.....period.

Good Luck!!! :)[/color]

Hi Kim. I would run and run quickly from that white car. Nothing hides better than refridge white. About $25 extra would have bought nice painted wheels. Apparently the budget well ran dry. 3 to 5k in my opinion, is a danger zone. Easy to get buried. (Ask me how I know).

Hey Guys n' gals,
This is one of the B's I'm looking at the one with the original paint?, this individual has responded back to me with tons of pics (clik on link, I hope it works for you as I have attached pic of the Yellow?)
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=mh71z28&target=ALBUM&id=5411846760516502817&authkey=Gv1sRgCPqOlIjXjZLy8QE&invite=CO3qyZ4K&feat=email
As you can tell he did take very many pics for me to see the overall condition of the B and he is the 4th owner, I think no Maint history still worth a look?
I have also found a 79 B Yellow in the same area which would allow me to kill 2 viewing birds with one stone? This gent is the 2nd owner and from the preliminary pics on the internet car looks to be in even better shape?? for about a grand or so more? with the maint History. (pic posted)
Kilometers -150000
Classic beauty - Canary Yellow 1979 MBG Mark IV - 4 cylinder, 4 speed manual transmission, power disc brakes, luggage rack, new soft tops, convertible top,dual sport mirrors, immaculate black interior, bucket seats, new radiator, like new tires, new stereo & remote, under coated yearly. Over $3000.00 in upgrades. Stored in garage during the winter, second owner, have original book and repair book. Great little cruiser that won't break your bank account !!!
Price: $8000.00 - negotiable. Waiting for this guy to get back to me......
I have also found a 1979 MGB - Limited Edition no 14 of 250 , low miles , 60000, never winter driven . Completly rust free. Has overdrive and Dealer installed A/C. Black with tan interior. this car is immaculate throughout. Bought new at the Automotive Affair London June 79. Ist owner 28 years.
Price $10900 OBO - Still waiting for Individual to get back to me with pics etc...more $ but Orig owner? and will post when that happens...
So guys n' gals....have at it...and give me your best/worst thoughts ???
ta

Welcome to the forum. I like the idea of the original owner for such a long period. I bought a 67 B from the original owner 3 years ago. I paid top dollar, but it was worth it in the long run. Even so, you can expect to have to invest some money in these cars to keep them in top shape. In my case, I have invested more than the car is probably worth, but I have no intention of selling. Take your time. Each car you look at will give you more knowledge. Don't be shy about approaching the members here. This is a great forum with a lot to offer. Good luck! Mitch.

Morgan,

I am a new "B" too you are right about the forum, figure I saved myself about $5000. so far by reading. Everyone is so helpful. I have a '78, in my Journal I have detailed the cost of investment so far, and still counting, but it is fun, and compared to any other sports car out there cheap.

I love my yellow Mark IV, real eye catcher and now it is cleaned up has a great shine.

By the way, if your are shopping out of province and have to get an MOT safety, in Alberta it means everything. In other words if those pretty little marker lights don't work, it the defrost does not work, if the wipers don't work, no joy. They also dismantle the brakes and if there is more than 50% wear, make you replace drums and rotors, I ended up with about $3500.00 worth of certification cost. You may be able to down load a provincial inspection checklist, and take it with you at least you will catch the things you can check without taking the car apart.

If you feel really good in your negotiating skills make your offer conditional to the safety inspection being passed. Last, check your insurance company, make sure you do not have to get a separate certification from them. We don't in Alberta but who knows.

Hope my cautionary post does not deter you.

I vote for the yellow one!

Howdy Kim and welcome. That red B looks pretty good The '79 Limited Edition is a very nice car, but $10,500...a bit high. The overdrive is a plus. And with AC too.....like your gonna need that for those really hot summer drives! As for the Yellow 79....looks like a good straight car, but look real close at it.

Hi Kim,

Welcome. In a former life I worked at the Dome for awhile, so know and love your part of the Country.

I would advise reading the library section of this website. It has a great article about buying an MG.
Buy the best you can afford. The best deals are where the PO has already spent the money getting it "perfect". Enlist the help of a professional and one who specilizes in LBC's (little British Cars), if you can.

We pay more for our MG's than our cousins south of the boarder - maybe because there are fewer of them?? - so you won't get much for $5,000. About double that for a really good one.

Here is the Toronto MG Car Club site, where they have a good selection. I bought mine off this site.

http://www.mgtoronto.com/forsale.html

And take your time,
Best of luck,
Marshall