Mav, restoration project

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 11:25 am

so far I've found: '58 MGA fixed head coupe (haven't called for details yet) '60 MGA (front end damage, some nasty dents, no rust, mechanicals OK but interior and finish need redone) '71 MGB (needs front right fender, interior needs redone, and most of it needs reassebled) I have a starting budget of $4000 (car, tools, etc), all of the above are $2500 and below. I'm thinking that I should rule out the '60 MGA because it involves some pretty major body work. I am going to keep looking until a couple weeks into January, so I've gots lots of time to investigate/research. Basically I want to know what you think would be ideal for a first restoration project. COLORS!

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 9:19 pm

Any of those cars are fairly simple. The MGA has aluminum doors, hood and trunk lid so that makes it a bit more tricky to do body work. In any car this age the most important thing to look out for is rust. A bit of body rust is nothing compared to the rust you cannot see. Make sure the sills are solid by tapping on them with the back of a screwdriver. Also check the frame (MGA only, MGB has unibody) to make sure nothing is ready to rust clean through. The biggest headaches on these cars are always the rust repair. If you look at the MGA Coupe, check carefully around where the roof pillars contact the lower body. This is a very common place for horrendous (and often hidden!) rust. These cars when left in fields to rot have been seen with the roof collapsed as the pillars fatigue beyond hope. The MGA is a far more primative car than an MGB, especially a later MGB like a '71. On a '71 you will have smog equipment to deal with which not only sucks in general but also chokes the already underpowered engine. I don't know the smog laws in your state but if you can strip that stuff off, do it! My personal preference in an MGB is an early (62-67) model. THe easiest way to spot one is by the all metal dash. As far as money goes, you will get FAR more bang for the buck with an MGB. MGA prices have skyrocketed over the past couple years. Fully restored examples are now selling for $18-30K depending on the level of restoration. Restoration projects can be had for $2k for a basket case up to $8 for a runner. A basket case MGB will usually sell for $500-$1000 while a runner will fetch $3-4K. A fully restored early MGB Roadster will normally sell for $8-15K. Check <a href="http://www.hemmings.com/" target="top">Hemmings Motor News</a> and also the classified section at the <a href="http://www.mgcars.org/" target="top">MG Enthusiasts Web Site</a>. If you're serious about buying an MG you should register on the BBS there as well. The MG Car Club is the largest single-marque car club in the world and the BBS on the MG Enthusiasts site is probably the best MG BBS on the net. If you want to check out my 3 cars, go to <a href="http://www.twosims.com/" target="top">my web site</a> and navigate to the "Hobbies" section. <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Wed Dec 03, 2003 9:21 pm

Almost forgot... if you can transport it, I have an MGA rolling chassis I'll sell cheap. Needs drivetrain and body and I may know where to get a body cheap. Drivetrain is always easy to find. I was gonna build it into a Coupe but I just don't have the space to do it. When you restore these cars you always want to start with the chassis so the body just sits there taking up a lot of room which is why I wanted to build this way. <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 11:29 am

CA is a long way off, and even if I could get use of my brother's truck a trip out there would cost hundreds in fuel alone <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/frown.gif ALT=":("> I'm going on what I can find within 3-400 miles I'd love a '65-'67 B but they are extremely rare around here and are usually only found in the fully restored state. I've got almost two months before I'll buy anything... lots of time to plan and save. oh, and I found a guy who works on MGs alot... I've got to go talk to him sometime. its either an MG project, or a '92 MR2 (split w/ my brother) and restoring my '85 MR2... if I go the MG route I'll restore my MR2 once I get the MG done. I'm leaning toward the MG route... I still daydream about cruising the country side in an MG. (that and an MG would look nice next to my uncle's AH Sprite) I'll be back to working again soon so I'll be back into some money. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> *edit* strangest thing, I was in the middle of typing this post and it posted itself midsentence. (I didn't press 'enter' or anything... just typing along and POOF! it posted) odd neh? COLORS!Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub141.ezboard.com/bxmenclan.sho ... ckRider</A> at: 12/4/03 11:30 am

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Thu Dec 04, 2003 10:18 pm

Another MR2? I don't see the point. Be careful about getting into more projects than you can keep up with. It happened to me once and it almost happened again recently (which is why I'm selling the chassis). Towing a chassis from CA to OH would definately be a bad idea. I could prolly ship it to you for a few hundred by calling in a favor from a friend with a few interstate trucks. You can find early B's for restoration. You just have to be patient and wait as long as necessary if that's what you decide on. Don't rule out auto transport. Sometimes it's worth paying a little extra for the "right" car. I got my MGA from Atlanta and my YB from Ottawa, Canada. It was worth the transport fees because I knew beforehand that these cars needed no type of work that I'm unwilling to do. I would rather overpay for a car I know won't have any suprises than to buy something dirt cheap and realize I need to spend thousands of dollars for frame and rust repair! Keep an eye on classifieds, Hemmings and eBay. You'll find something if you're patient. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:54 pm

Found just what I wanted... '65 B in Ft. Bragg NC. Just need $1000 + S&H (wasn't planning on buying anything yet, but it would be a great roadtrip after exams next week. :P) question... what is meant by pull handle in "1965 pull handle roadster"? the point in another MR2? #1) great fun to drive #2) mid-engine fun! #3) entirely different bodystyle from what I've got. #4) fun fun fun! #5) its mostly for my younger brother oh, and this other MR2 won't be a project its a '92 w/ 60k miles and not a hint of rust (though there might be soon if someone doesn't buy it and put it in a garage where it belongs) COLORS!

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:31 pm

The second MR2 won't really be much different than yours apart from looks. Go for something different! "Pull Handle" refers to the two types of door handles used on MGBs. The early cars (1962 - 1964 1/2) had a beautiful pull-type handle while the later cars had a more standard-looking push-button versions. The pull handles are more sought after because a) they are more rare and b) they look better. However, pull handle doors use a fairly primative latching design which does not include anti-burst latches (this may or may not concern you) and they are known to be troublesome. If this car is a '65 and has pull-handles then it was probably manufactured in late 1964 and sold as a '65 model. My car has pull-handles (it's a '65 also, built in '64) and I wouldn't have it any other way. I haven't had any real problem with them in 15 years until just recently when I had a shop replace the entire latch mechanism in the driver's door when mine started to finally crack after 38 years. The door will no longer latch itself closed unless I hold the handle open while closing it and I can't for the life of me get it working right again. Ask if the car has a 3-main or 5-main bearing engine. 5-Main is more durable and a little smoother and was placed in cars from 1965 models on. If it's 3-main that's fine but that won't be a good engine for you if you plan to build it into something more powerful. If you want a stock engine, 3-mains are fairly rare and would be kinda cool. Then again you can't tell from the outside anyway so hope for a 5-main. If this guy with the car has any info or pictures send them my way and I'll check it out for you. It would also be a good idea to take someone along who is familiar with British cars to inspect for hidden rust. Don't assume you can tell by yourself, they call it hidden for a reason! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Fri Dec 05, 2003 11:35 pm

Thanks, google had just now given me that answer... just had to phrase the question right. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> I've shot him an email. Also, just so you know, I want to keep whatever car I get as original as possible. I keep walking away w/o hitting "add reply"... 'oops' <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> COLORS!

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 1:19 am

Look for a book called "Original MGB". It's the holy bible of keeping things original. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ...  <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 1:31 am

If you want a coupe instead... <a href="http://homepage.mac.com/rob_thorne/mg/" ...  <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:25 am

great... now that I already have the Haynes MGB Restoration Manual they have a deal if I buy that w/ The Original MGB <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"> oh, and you said to get something different... I've already got a sports coupe <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> COLORS!

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:42 am

Aint' nothing similar between those two cars! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> Who knows... you may hate the old MG now that you're used to the modern feel of an MR2. You have to work harder for your pay when you drive an old car, but it does show you what most people don't know - how much your modern car is doing for you when you drive it around a corner. Vintage sports car drivers are far more skilled than the average driver. They have to be! You also learn how to use momentum since these cars are pretty slow compared to new sports cars. On books, if you really want the best manual, get the Bentley manual. It's worth the money and includes reprints of the factory owner's and service manuals. There are also plenty of great restoration books available such as Lindsay Porter's many books. <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ...

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:53 am

There is too pleny similar between the two... hard tops... 4 wheels... 4 banger... j/k <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> I know they are different as night and day, but I want a convertible and I want a restoration project that never ends. :P I've got 2 months still to browse and change my mind... MGA, MGB, Triumph Spitfire, or maybe even a Spridget... right now I'm leaning strongly towards a '65-'67 B if that's what I can find. COLORS!

Mavicator · Post by **Mavicator** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 12:10 pm

"I want a restoration project that never ends." Masochist! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/tongue.gif ALT=":p"> The Spitfire was a dreadful car even it's day. The rear wheels lift off the ground in hard cornering. I wouldn't take one if it was free. If I could have only one of your choices I'd take the MGA because it really defines classic sports car and it's one of the most beautiful ever made. However, if I planned to drive a lot I may pick the MGB because it's much more refined and more civilized to drive. An online friend once said, "You don't drive an MG, you pilot one." He was right on the money, especially with pre-MGB models. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> Oh, and keep in mind that the Spridget is TINY! <img src="http://www.camerasupport.com/oV/mavsigr ... Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub141.ezboard.com/bxmenclan.sho ... r</A>  <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://home.pacbell.net/stevesim/mindmunch.gif" BORDER=0> at: 12/6/03 12:11 pm

BlackRider · Post by **BlackRider** » Sat Dec 06, 2003 12:36 pm

I'd love an MGA, but I can't afford it... I found a $1,300 one that the owner claims is restorable, but I really don't think that I could afford to restore it (or it'll take 20 yrs :P) Off to look at a '72 B that I found nearby. I NEED an MG! <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> COLORS!

Mav, restoration project

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