MGB: new guy..old car..

Hi all, nOOb here..I have wanted an MG of whatever stripe for years, just never really got there until this week (I've never driven one!) Anyway, a very good friend of mine called me up last week and said she had a proposition for me (hmmm? no not that.) She asked me if I wanted her MG...uhhh..your dad's car? So we had that conversation out..she does indeed want to part with the car, and wants me specifically to have it..she gave it to me this morning when I went over to look at it. Blew my mind..it is a 1969 (titled '70) MGB GT, all original, almost zero rust (even the battery box has no rust!), California car, it is partially disassembled but mechanically complete..rings are stuck and clutch is sticky...but it is a little doll!

Here is the kicker for me, aside from the fact that this lady is almost a sister to me and I love her very dearly, her dad was the original owner of the car..it was his play toy, and I'm sure there are some interesting stories surrounding the car...

the one flaw is that the car was flipped four times in a wreck back in the 80's...it surprised me to learn that, as the body is incredibly straight..I do quite a bit of body work, and it took a while before I found even the first bit of filler...who ever did the body and paint work had some talent.

I do not intend to restore the car at this point, I believe it is probably more valuable in it's original condition with some repairs. maybe at some point in a few years when i retire it'll get a body off.

I'll try not to ask too many dumb questions on here..I know how to use a search function. ;P

Welcome to the madness! :D

Shawn

Ain't no dumb questions here Will, just some dumb answers from time to time! LOL

Welcome to the fold!

Make it run and drive it. Tomorrow!!

Jack

Well, there have been a couple of borderline dumb ones!

Great story, Will. Welcome!

Nothing like the patina of originality, unless you prefer something new. Welcome aboard, and ask whatever questions you need, this is the best source of MG information in this sector of the universe.

Jim D

Welcome Will. Ask questions. Look at the library. Use the search.
My car is a 'platina model. It had a rough life before me and it's still sooo fun to drive, and work on!

"but it is a little doll!" Isn't she! The B roadster is a pretty car. But there's just something about the GT styling. They really got it right.

Fix it and drive it!



PS. No such thing as a "frame off". the B is a unibody construction. Which why rust can be such an important issue with these cars, and it sounds like you have a good base with this one.

There was a post a while back that implied we were all old guys with old cars. We blew that baby outa the water!! Course had to do a double dose of geritol afterwards, but it was worth it.

Welcome to an addictive hobby and forum.

John

John, your post just hit me! THE NEXT BIG THING !!

I knew that I had been missing something! Geritol and Wild Turkey. I've been using one or the other and it just never occurred to me to save all that time and effort with a proper mix!

How does the idea of a concoction of Geritol, Wild Turkey Bourbon and Viagra strike you? Billy Mays, that guy who sells Lifetime Toilet Bowl Cleaners on the tube could hawk it with the name "Heads On Fire Magic Elixir". LOL

Jack

Will,

Welcome from the Netherlands. Great story, great car, wonderful forum!

Jasper

losmorob Wrote:

Aggravation builds character and is half the fun! ;-)

Jack

Hi will,I welcome you to the MG famly. I would suggest that you enjoy the car by driving as much as possible and resist the temptation to tear it down.I 've made that mistake.I would rather be able to hop in and enjoy the ride than know that my B is waiting for me in the shop,giving me the silent treatment. My car is currently 2 months down because the fan on the water pump came loose. A 20 minute fix became a full under bonnet make over. I am proud of my accomplishment but I would rather be driving. Drive man , drive ! Oh , and really , welcome .

Yeah, drive 'em!

I drive mine every day. We have three little kids, so I don't have the money or time to do anything fancy to it. Also, we don't have a garage, so I _can't_ do any serious projects! We have one minivan and at least one MGB and that's it, so I always need to keep it going (which isn't a problem). I've always been able to keep my MGBs running without more than, say, a day's downtime.

Drive 'em! They're a lot of fun!

twigworker Wrote:

Well, I got her home ok, she's actually a 1970, built in March of that year...I'll have to order a body rubber kit, and re-assemble the doors and windows..it's not the original color, it was painted a color alot closer to aqua. I believe it was originally Blue Royale.

It seems to be complete with the exception of a few interior trim items..and I do wish it had wire wheels...They are sort of the symbol of British motor elegance, at least in my mind...oh, well..they are a right bugger to polish.

As much as I don't like them, I will leave the recessed grille in place..it will eventually get a fresh
coat of Hi gloss powder..I happen to have the good fortune to won a powder coating set up..no sense in not spoiling myself...

I doubt very seriously this car will really be restored..maybe someday, it is very likely to have an unusual paint job, (I am somewhat handy with an airbrush) one including some scenes from it's first owners life and dedicated to the lovely lady that entrusted me with the car...It's a good thing I'm not single..she can't run that fast.

Only dumb question is one not asked!

Fishmouth grill with an unusual paint job..hmmm. :)

Nice!

No Union Jack tho'...it will have Alfred Hitchcock involved in some way..