Chrome Bumer Conversion - Moss vs. VB

I am thinking of doing a conversion on my '78. Moss sells a complete kit that once you add a grill, lists for $1,280.00. If you go through VB and pick up the front and rear bumper kits, the blinkers and the lower valance, it all lists for $720.00. That is a very large difference for a few misc. metal parts that could be fabricated at home for the money. I don't mind the extra work that may come from not buying the Moss kit, it's part of the fun for me.

What am I missing? Is the VB stuff that bad? Or is the Moss price that HIGH!. I did see that the front brackets on the Moss conversion kits are different then the stock kit from VB. Does this make that much difference?

I am curious what other folks have done when they made the swap. I would also like to save over $500.00

Thanks Jon

Jon.

I'm the one that introduced the Moss conversion kit.

If you are comfortable fabricating your own brackets, then by all means source the required original components yourself and go to it. Many of the required parts are available used such as rear bumper brackets, bumpers and turn indicator assemblies.

The kit was designed to make the job easier for shops or the home mechanic who didn't want to have to fabricate all the bracketry from scratch.

The difference in cost is due to having the required custom brackets fabricated here in the United States in limited production runs. The brackets are cut, bent, welded and powder coated. That does not come cheaply.

The work done to trial fit and fine tune the components is covered by company overhead, so that is not added in. Only the production costs of the components.

Kelvin.

I purchased a bracket kit from the UK, which included the conversion bumper brackets, front indicators,most bolts, and rear filler pieces, which including shipping, came to about $340, then bought the bumpers, valance and the front corner brackets from VB, which came to approx $400. The grill I bought used for $75, it is not perfect, but it is an original, total ....$ 800 ish
If you use original brackets then there needs to be captive nuts fitted inside the frame rails somehow, and I think the standard rear brackets are a PITA to fit
If you need info on the company that sells the brackets Its here www.ebay.com/itm/Conversion-Kit-MGB-rubber-bumper-chrome-bumper-/390346347502?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item5ae27493ee

Hello everyone. New to the site and just bought a 74 1/2 MGB. Would like to convert to CB and after reading this thread I'm wondering who or what is VB? Are there others who offer "kits" for this conversion? Thanks, Robert

Robert, that would be Victoria British, http://www.victoriabritish.com/

Good luck!

..thanks Dave. I'll check it out. Do have some reservations about changing a completly original car with very low miles (32K). Should I anticipate a decline in the cars value with a RB to CB conversion? Thanks, Robert

Bought several sets of chrome bumpers with brackets for $50 from a club member. Plan to fabricate sheet metal for the lights and am still searching for 1970 turn signal lights. I assume I will find them on a parts car at some point. Making a 1970 as it's the year I was born. Also looking for a fishmouth grill. As much as people hate the fishmouth style I should find one cheap. I think they look Ferrari-ish.

If or when MGB's become valuable collector's items, I would think that the more original the car is, the more valuable it would be. Therefore, a late model converted to chrome would probably lower the value. But I suppose you could convert it back if that day were to come in our lifetime.

Thanks Kelvin, I am not saying the Moss Kit is not worth it. I am aware that sometimes you get what you pay for. I am not really concerned about maintaining originality, it is my car and I want it to look how I want it to look.

Anybody have issue with the VB bumpers? I have heard some noise about them not being the greatest?

Hey Allen, I agree with that. Personally I never liked the RB look. Back in the day I had a 66MGB and I really like that look....lower ride height, chrome bumpers and steel dash. My 74 1/2 would be difficult to change the dash but the other stuff seems pretty straight forward...I also plan on removing the smog pump and air injection apparatus....my personal preference is for the mild custom look which the RB to CB conversion and lowering of the ride height achieves. Think I will just drive it this summer the way it is and change things this fall.....

Before you start spending big bucks, spend an evening or two doing an advanced search on this site and soak in years of experience and advice on:

1) CB conversions
2) Moss, VB, and other suppliers

It think you'll find a consensus that if you really hate the RB look, buy a CB car. This said, I'm in the midst of a CB conversion because I had a CB parts car and acquired a good rust free RB car with a damaged front rubber bumper. Hence it was begging for the conversion. There are plenty of nice convesions, but when you add up new paint and such, it gets pricey.

Good luck.

Bob

I have a chrome 'Bum'per

Bob, you're probably right and I was searching for that CB car for 4 months then ran accross this really nice low milage RB car with overdrive.....I was tired of searching, the price was right and bought it. Never thought MG ownership was in any way practical or logical but rather just plain fun so in that spirit I will probably drive it for awhile but those rubber bumpers eventually gotta go. Been lurking around several forums for the last few months and this RB vs CB discussion isn't new is it. It seems that there alot of folks who either consider or do the conversion so much so that kits are available. Nice car Chris!

I really like my RB car. I would like to have a CB as well, but that is just not in the cards right now. I do like messing around with my car and the conversion is just a thought that I felt would be fun if I could do it cost effectively.

Kelvin gave me the Moss point of view and I understand that. Does anyone have anything to add about buying the parts straight from VB. CB vs RB opinions are not what I am looking for. I am interested in the parts to do this job if I decide to do it.

I am in the middle of doing mine now I posed the question "why by the kit" I bought it all from Brit-Tek on the 10th of Jan for $714 shipping tax and all. I did have to go to morspeed Performance Products for the two rear brackets ($39 delivered price). I did not get or whant the bumper overrides and my valance was in great shape (althought I have since decites I an going to go with the Air Dam instead). I bought from Brit-Tek because Last year I bought 4new wheel trim rings from VB and the started to Pitt and rust by fall. I rebought from Brit-Tek and the quality is so much better. I also did not go with the kit because I wanted the older 62-69 Grill and front indicators. I just called Bob and he looked up the part number of what I needed and sent me the cost.

I like my RB

I have a lot of parts to convert to Chrome and just can't start I like the Rubber Bumper look.

.....I've seen this website with the dash kits.....anyone tried one of these? like the rocker switch version but at this point probably a bridge too far however am attracted to the idea. Doesn't seem to be a shortage of ideas for changing the stock appearance/performance of these cars. Seen a few RB cars with body color bumpers and this seems to improve the look for me. So many options to consider.....will try to absorb all this over time before jumping into major modification(as per Bob's recomendation). Someone has to like the RB look......