saving another MGB

After building 2 Cobra replicas over the past three years I swore I would not tackle another car project...until I got the phone call. A dear friend who lives on the west coast of Florida is trying to clean out his chicken farm and knowing I wanted a MGB called to say I could come and get one of his cars.
It's a 73 B that needs "a little work". I've been around cars long enough to know EXACTLY what that means! Anyway I went to check it out and it was under a canvas tarp, but the weather has not been kind to it. Chickens have roosted under the hood and the floor boards are almost gone.
I was worried about what my wife would say to anoither car project so I've
been really working on the honey do list. Heck, I feel like the hired lawn keeper I've worked so much lately! She finally said OK, but only if I take it slow and not neglect her or the house.

I'm making arrangements to trailer it home now and make a new home for it in our garage. Hopefully it will come with some chickens rather than snakes!
I raced SCCA G Production back in the early 70's and have rebuilt several race cars over the years. Most recently the 2 cobra replicas, which were sold out of nesscessity not by choice.
But for me the MGB will be different. First, it takes me back to to my youth
driving a beat up old MGA, later a Midgit in SCCA racing, then a Lotus 11(sure wish I still had that car!) .

I plan to take the restoration very slow. I understand the pitfalls of restoration and I think this time I can be mature enough to take my time and savior the project. I've set no time table to meet.
Since I won't have alot of cash to throw at the project all at once it will slow going based upon that restriction so maybe that's not all bad.

I would like to keep everyone updated on the progress and can use all the advice you all can give (short of telling me to run the other way of course!!).

So... this long drawn out story leads me to ask several questions:

1. Best restoration manual?

2. Best company to deal with for parts and supplies?

3. is there a mgb restoration wed site?

Thanks for any advice and direction.

Richard Chaney

Welcome Richard!
You'll probably get a dozen responses from 11 people. But since I'm first I'll tell you mine

1. Lindsey Porter Restoration Manual and/or "The Original MGB" by Clauseger (Porter's book has some good info, and it follows a total rebuild of a Heritage Shell. But, it's based more on the British side of the pond)

2. MOSS has the most support, and several smaller companies are really Moss distributor. I've also used ProperMG for parts that Moss doesn't carry (like chrome pieces made in the UK, rather than Tawain)

3. you're probably on the best web site for questions, but also check out <www.mgcars.org>

Good luck! Post some pics if possible

Steve

Also, there's dozens and dozens of restoration web sites, but all are done by enthusiats that took pictures. Here's one of my favorites
<http://www.mgplace.co.uk/>

I believe he never had driven an MG before starting to restore, and he did a great job!

Don't discount eBay. I get a lot of my parts from eBay for a dime on the dollar. But you need to know your prices. Some parts are higher than retail if you are not careful.

The Porter book is OK. I expected it to be better though. I find the haynes manual a bit better than the original one.

I like Moss, for the most part. They just need to stop sending me parts that don't fit. I always get the parts next day or day after at the latest. Good support for the most part. VB is good, sometimes they have different parts than Moss does, the plastic splash guard shield is a good example of a part that Moss doesn't carry (I couldn't find it, if they do happen to carry it)

I use all of the above suppliers, but typically get engine stuff from Brittek (bob Johnson is helpful) and rubber parts from MacGregor.

You can get anything Moss sells from Little British Car at a discount and pay only actual shipping costs. Sometimes Jeff Zorn takes a bit more time than Moss but is always cheaper.
The Roadster Factory also can supply parts which are made in England where both Moss and VB may supply bad replicas.
Brit Tek is one I favor for most mechanicals.

Another 73 joins the ranks. VB does have some parts that Moss does not. Like the proper gaskets for the front turn signals. And, the cockpit bulkhead piece.
Have fun. My 73 restoration was a learning experience.

VB has a lot of little gizmos that Moss doesn't. They have a lot you don't expect to find so easy and you may overlook them several times.

I offer Moss parts at a 15% discount on list and 10% off of sale prices, and use the Moss shipping rates, which are usually less than what I actually pay to ship parts. I am slower than some though, as I don't take plastic, just checks and money orders.
Get the Bentley manual and the Clausager book mentioned above for a guide. Porter is ok if you are not doing a stock rebuild especially.On some things, his way is different than others would do it, ie replacing the windshield on a BGT.

I meant to mention Chris. I got a load of stuff from him and he was great to deal with.

One more that hasn't been mentioned is The Proper MG (www,propermg.com). They don't have the selection that Moss or Vicky Brit have, but sometimes their prices make them worth a quick look.
And welcome to the madness!

Just a quick note to agree about e-bay - be careful of the prices, especially in "Buy Now". On the UK site someone keeps pushing electronic SU fuel pumps for 44 GBP - and I got one from my friendly supplier in Sussex for 28 GBP - bit of a difference there.