Ragging on RBs

Can someone let me in on all of the ragging on the RB cars.

I sure don't get it either, Dave.

A RB MGB makes a really great driver, once a few mods are done.

It would seem some (for some reason) value the RB cars less than the CB counterparts. Myself, I don't really understand it. Sure the RB cars have their issues, but so do the CB cars. Like my 65, that has a 3 sync transmission, single circuit brakes, and a generator. I just figure if it has an MG logo on it (and it's RWD) then it is a true MG, at least to me.

I like 'em. They start to grow on you the you look at MGBs.

Just lower it to CB height, change the stock carb and exhaust and you're set. I think if I found one that I really really liked I would take it. Mainly for the fact that I could put the top back. Super clean RBB can go for just as much as CBs too.

I own 2 of each at this point in time and I have enjoyed all of them. Yes, there are differences but those differences make each one what they are. Do I like one more than the other? Yes, I do but not because of the bumpers. Actually, I think the one I am driving at whatever given moment becomes my favorite for that time.

Cheers,

Rob

I wanted a CB but ran across a solid rust free RB rebuilder I couldn't pass up. I lowered it an inch during the rebuild, did many other mods to the engine and whole car and now like it better than a CB.

I love to see people converting CBs to RBs, each one raises the value of our RBs a little more. RB GTs are already bringing bigger bucks than CB ones.

I have one of each. If I was to sell one it would be the chrome Bumper B. I will never sell the RBB. To me it does not seem that they handle that differently although I do not race either. I just love driving with the top down.

IMHO the root of most of it is from the sudden shock to us old timers when BL threw such radical changes at us with the RB cars. They were just trying to keep the company going and had to comply with some really awful end result regulations. They didn't have the resources to design and build completely new cars and just did the best they could with what they had.

It has always been my belief that the appearances of the RB and CB cars were a matter of personal taste and that the running and handling deficiencies of the RBs could be dealt with to what ever degree the owner wished.

The ride height, dictated by mandated bumper positions can be reduced. The extra weight of the bumper structure can be eliminated and the lack of performance can be rectified by retro fitting earlier ignition, induction and exhaust systems. The rest of the car is still pure MG and actually, some would say, is more user friendly and comfortable than earlier models.

I wouldn't rag on an RB car anymore than I might good naturedly tease one of my brothers. In the end, to each his own as far as the cars go, but much more important is the firmness of an owner's handshake and broadness of his smile when he starts talking about his car.

Jack

They are both good.

John D Said this
RB GTs are already bringing bigger bucks than CB ones.

I agree there were limited number of RBGT,s sent to North America in 74 and no more to USA after that so I've been told.

John D. Weimer Wrote:

In my humble opinion, any MG that is out on the road being enjoyed by the driver is the best kind of B to have!

Don, your RBB is one of the nicest I have seen. I really admire it! Carolyn, I think you are correct. Rubber bumper MGB's are better for driving everyday, for obvious reasons:) Those bumpers will save you alot of money in body repairs, should you ever be "tapped".


peace, Kyle

twigworker Wrote:

I have witnessed 3 different hits on my '79, all in parking lots. No damage in any of them. I doubt though, that the bumpers would really take a 5 mph hit without some damage.

JimmyHilton Wrote:

MGB FOR ME Wrote:

Most RBs, in Calif, are subject to smog inspections, and this, to me, lowers their value.

However...an RB at CB height has a look I find really appealing.

JimmyHilton Wrote:

Interestingly enough this hit came from another 'B.

You can see that it didn't hit my bootlid (luckily) but it did hit just above my bumper (crushing the reversing light but missing the fuel filler).

With the bumper being pushed down a bit I was thinking maybe the other car might have actually slid up over my bumper (there was no obvious damage to the bumper).

My car is quite low even though it is running on 15" rims.

The car that hit me was under full brakes - but all locked up. Maybe he lifted to try to get traction and that lifted his front end? This was on a hard lefthand corner with me going around the corner and this guy going straight on because he had locked up and was carrying too much speed. He just tagged me, spinning me around.

I just purchased a 80 LE RB but I do admire the CBs especially since they seem to have an 'aggresive' look as well as the potential for CARB/smog free mod hassles here in California.
However, my RB is so clean, so original, so mint (even the radio is original, and cassette player works!) and now that I have lowered it and put on front driving lights, I love it even more. I don't envy having a CB now as I did before.

racer76 Wrote:

Sometimes it is not only about being a CB or RB, but can be purely of Sentimental Value. There is nothing in this world that could persuade me to every get rid of this RB MGB.

With the Supercharger driving this MGB is truely a pleasure each and every time behind the wheel. All the modern modification to include power windows & mirrors, 5 speed trans, 96 amp alternator, and so much more makes you feel like you are driving a brand new car.

Ray

MGB FOR ME Wrote:

racer76 Wrote:

I especially like RBs when the bumpers are painted to match the body. It integrates the bumpers and unifies the whole design. Nice look.

This is the second time I've read a post where someone is concerned about the overall views, or comparisons between CB cars and RB cars. Only once have I read where a person said he would never own a RB car, and that's fine. I just think that it is a shame that this person has put a limit on his experience. Certainly not for me to be concerned about though. What is disturbing to me is that when this subject comes up, it implies that there is a Class separation between MGB owners. I personally don't believe it exists. I have had many instructional replies to my posts from both CB owners, and RB owners. In a Nut Shell, we all love your car. For those who don't, just consider them as limited and drive on. But by all means, get over it. Or you may find that you are one of the limited yourself.

Mick M.

I love the rubber bumper cars- as long as they've been lowered and converted to chrome bumpers! Those big black bumpers just look so heavy (they are) and cumbersome to me. CB's rule!

Shawn

I never meant to purchase my RBB. I was in Vero Beach (WireWheel.com) looking at a '66 BGT - and right next to it was this Flamenco Red RBB w/ original paint. The more I saw it out of the corner of my eye, the more I wanted it. Went home with that one instead of the BGT, and haven't regretted it for a moment. And guess what, when you're driving it, you can't see the bumpers anyway!

This is so similar to threads in another forum that I post to from time to time. (Fender Forum....guitars & amps, not car parts!) that I just have to chime in. Typical example below.

http://www.fenderforum.com/forum.html?db=&topic_number=640840

Every couple of weeks there is a "Blackface vs. Silverface" amp tirade. Which one has more mojo? The ultralinear transformers are horrible. Modding a Silverface to sound like a Blackface and on and on. You'd think it was a life and death struggle. (For the record, I own a much derided Silverface Twin that I bought new in 1979. It's never let me down, it's loud & clean and I love it.

I think the same goes for cars............I mean, like when you're driving it, do you adjust your mirrors in order to gaze at the chrome?

In my opinion, all MG's rock! (except for the ones with walnut shift knobs)

Bill

Since I have both I have to say that my favorite is.........both.

Having back/updated the RB roadster, it's a better performing car than the CB GT. And then there was the incident where the RB rolled out of the driveway and hit a 95 Ford F-150. Result: Ford: Totaled by the insurance company, RBB: Scuffed bumper that Armorall cured.

RBB's make better everyday drivers when modified for the driver.

Kevin Mott
'79 B HIF's, Pertronix, Jeff's recurved distributor, Z-car wheels
'69 B GT Pertronix
Alternating daily drivers
OKC OK

Hey guys,

Good post. I have had two B's -- both RB. I like the chrome too - though as many of you have said, they both are great in their own respect. Neither is better - just different, sort of like that the girl that is gorgeous as a blonde - and her friend is beatiful as a brunette...and both are....[you fill in the rest...]

My B was lowered by in my opinion, a genious of an MG guy - Sid Olson. His sons have raced in the NW for decades as did Sid. My second B - a 79 (purchased from Sid)...back in 2000 - has been a great-great car. I've re-done the interior and brought the cosmetic appeal to light for all to see and enjoy - (yours truly most of all)...and the lowered look - along with HS4's from a 68, zero smog components, and a very strong engine (thanks to Sid's handy work...still at 75 psi on the Oil Pressure - at 70K (from an upper engine rebuild)...she runs like very very well. This last spring summer, refreshed many systems on the car - fuel, cooling, rear end, brakes, wheels-like factory new rostyles! -- minor electrical and soon - OD Gearbox - come spring 08 - she's gonna be freshly painted in the engine bay! Can't wait! Rock on! Dan

I think its unfair to compare an unmodified RB to a CB. The ride height and carb sucked a lot of the life out of the car, and only a true RB fanatic would say that the RB was better.

BUT if you drop the RB, upgrade the carb, then you have a much closer comparison - you have unlocked RBs potential. Then for most daily driving, it really comes down to looks. But at that point the differences, IMHO, are largely cosmetic.

Just my two cents.

Rich

smirkinwill Wrote:

BUT if you drop the RB, upgrade the carb, then you have a much closer comparison - you have unlocked RBs potential....(the other guy wrote)...


...that's right - unlock the RB's potential. One thing no one can dispute...the RB cars are younger in years - that means the electrical systems haven't had as much stress or exposure to weather - no matter what, excluding abuse. All systems haven't been exposed to as much of the passage of time - for any material item.