RB to CB Conversion

I have recently picked up a 77 RB with virtually no rust. I also have a 73 CB that is swiss cheese.

My plan is to meld the two cars using a good interior from the 73 and all of the new parts I had put on before getting the 77. I may have to swap engines as well since the 77 is currently seized and has a blown freeze plug.

I also plan to ditch the rubber bumpers and put on chrome. I never plan on showing this car or selling it based on its provenance. I just want a car that I like to drive and that I think looks good.

After two+ years on this forum, I can pretty much predict what both the originality folks and the "make how you want it" folks will say. But, I am curious as to how the members would poll on this topic. I think the members of this forum are some of the most knowledgeable and passionate MG owners I have ever come across and your opinion matters to me.

Also of interest would be what I do with the VIN if I swap the engines. Would I register it as a 73 or a 77?

I'd be grateful if you would let me know your opinions by answering the poll and commenting as you see fit.

Thanks,

John

I voted for the swap. Why not? It's your car; do as you like to it. Use all the good parts from the '73 on the '77 shell and license it as a 77.

The car below is a '77. Not quite as it left the factory but I like it. If you have any questions on doing the bumper swap, let me know. I've got photos of that project with this car.

I'd have to say I side more with what you'd deem the "originality folk". I like a very standard, well kept original example of a car. Even down to a detail like an aftermarket radio - it's just not for me. Looks misplaced.
..but by the same token, chrome bumpers were at one time, original. I am of the belief that had the emissions and safety regulations not come into place as strictly as they had, these 5mph safety bumpers would have gone by the wayside. I really think these cars look their best with a CB. I don't think there are many that can argue that. - if there's someone that likes my RB more than their CB, I'll trade them!

Best of luck with whatever you decide...it's sure to drive just as well with either bumper! :)

If the choice is a chrome bumpered exrubber bumper or a rubber bumper then chrome-a-rama.
This also allows the interesting possibility of putting in a V8, since you are not constrained by originality and the engine compartment is all set in the rubberbumpers.

go for the chrome, and other retro mods, but dont touch the vin.
somewhere down the road that can bite ya..... and its easier to explain that its been converted back to CB status rather than deal with why the vin code stamped in the chassis doesnt match the one on the shut panel and dash top. things i look for when buying a car are number plates that have the wrong rivets, or bits of the wrong color paint on them or otherwise appear non-original. no-one needs the agravation of dealing with the suspicion of a stolen car or the reduction in value caused by that possibility.

I'm in the camp of "its your car"
Sure, some will say if you want chrome....
But, you already have a chrome bumpered car, so there! The rubber bumpered cars ARE cheaper to start with, tend to be better condition (I know this is not always the case, but it is in yours),are better suited to a V8, and no matter what anyone says, they are NOT rare.

I have 2 '77s. One will still be original (more or less), with its rubber bumpers and 4 banger. The other (my first MG, by the way) will wear chrome and sport a V8.

Now with THAT said, all I ask is to please make a nice conversion, not a hack job. We don't need more ammo for the -keep it original, you are your own DPO- crowd.

BTW, NICE B there Simon!

OH, almost forgot. The VIN is tied to the body, not the engine. If it was tied to the engine, almost everyone would have to re-VIN. After all, how many have swaped engines by now? Leave the VIN alone.

I only voted for the conversion because it sounds like what you want but do not mess with the VIN. I also have a component car and have discovered that the VIN is not something that you want to mess with. A while back California started seizing and crushing cars with modified VINs with no way for the owners to recoup their loss. I would be afraid that the car could fall victim to a similar program if the idea spreads.

Convert to chrome but don't switch the VIN.

The VIN is an intersting dilemma. You may want to refer to this article before you make a decision on changing it. http://www.mgexperience.net/article/mgb-vin.html

Great feedback you guys. I guess my "hybrid" will remain a 77. Interesting that with the exception of Scott, who sounded a bit like a Massachusetts politician:), no traditionalists have chimed in. I expected some feedback from that camp.

The journal begins today with and attempt to un-seize before pull and replace. V-8 may or may not happen in the future. For now I'm shooting for running.

Simon, while I doubt I will ever get to the beautiful level you have achieved, you and Alex can expect to be hearing from me over the winter. Thanks for the offer of advice and support.

Thanks to all of you,

John

I used to think that converting RB to chrome was rather deceitful... Whats the saying about making a silk purse from a sows ear?? But I'm beginning to think differently know. I (and others I'm sure) would be very interested to see your progress so be sure to document and post regular updates!

Kevin

If you haven't checked out the instructions from the Moss conversion kit, here's a link:
http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/Products/Instructions/453-878-888.pdf

Even if you don't use their kit, these instructions are invaluable.

And if you're interested in using the Moss kit:
http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=43218

Thanks Alex. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Always happy to help out, John. I'll be here this winter awaiting your questions. :)

Cheers
Simon

John, I would be glad to give you what info I can. I got just about all info from here myself. I had to do a search to find one of my first questions almost 2 1/2 years ago. (too bad the pics aren't there anymore)
http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?1,775641,775681#msg-775681

I started with the rear brackets like what the Moss kit has. I got them from Tim at morspeedperformance.com

Simon, I had to show your B to my wife. She is a car person, and she likes it. That says a lot about your workmanship!!

Emil,

Thanks for that. I will definitely be following those instructions.

I already have the bumpers and over riders and I'll fabricate the other pieces (I promise Alex, no hack job) and probably just buy the valance.

Stay tuned, I'll be asking plenty of questions, I'm sure. I'll also post my progress on the whole car restoration. It's going to be a fun winter.

John

Thanks Alex, you Texas boys are all right! :)-D

oh this topic's mine!

I've tried it,I say tried because nothing much from my 72 fits the 77.

I do like the crome bumpers but have nothing against rubber ones but I had them so why not use them.

The engine will swop over without too much modification,its mainly the mounts thats the problem.

Use the 73 wings,much easier than trying to convert the 77's.

the running gear might as well stay on the 77 if its any good because all the changes you would have to make kinda outweighs any improvement.

your 73 dash will not change over so don't bother trying,I had to use a V8 dash,its all down to the size of the steering cowel on the later cars being to big.

the front chrome fits straight on,no probs there.

doors, tailgate are just the same except for the badges.

you can change back to the nicer SU's without much hassle.

I could go on but just get the project underway,loads of help here,but I have tried the changover myself so if you need any help just ask.

Thanks Les,

I'm sure you'll be hearing from me. Your experience will be great in helping me avoid the pitfalls.

John

This was my guide,

http://webspace.webring.com/people/rp/paulhird/mgb_chrome/

You will also need to lower the ride one or two inches.

John,
I guess I voted to keep the RBs and possibly paint them body color.

Have you considered shopping for another CB? Converting seems like a lot of work when you could buy a CB car in driver condition for about the same money.

Of course, its your car and I don't know your resources and skill level.

Clay,

I bought the 73 for $100 and the 77 for $500. Converting to CBs will not require many resources since I already have the bumpers and I can fabricate the brackets. All I really have to buy is a new front valance.

On the 77, I need to do brakes all the way from the master cylinder out and the front end will require a rebuild, I suspect. Then it's just paint.

On the 73, I would have to do all those things plus repair the swiss cheese before painting (mucho buckos.)

My only concern with the 77 is the engine. It has a blown freeze plug and I can't turn it by hand. If I can't free it up, I will swap the engines since the 73 runs fine. That will be a pain but not the end of the world.

At the end of the day, I think I will have a car that runs well and looks good by my lights. It may not be historically correct but it will still be a good looking rig.

Thanks to all of you for your input. I appreciate it very much.

John

John, Make sure to plan on lowering the car too if you switch to chrome. If you don't, you probably won't be happy with the final look. CB cars just don't look good at RB hight.

Peter & Emil,

The plan, most assuredly is to lower.

Peter, thanks for that link. Between that and the Moss instructions, life should go a little more smoothly.

John

One car driven and enjoyed is worth two parked and sitting.

Les you can fit the metal dash, this guy did it.

http://www.britishv8.org/MG/MikeAlexander.htm

looks like you have to cut the bottom off the bracket, which you don't need anymore anyway