Advise me on this MGB!

[Raza]

I like them. I really do. But it's no laughing matter. You don't get a reputation like that for nothing.

I laugh at people who are afraid of European cars!

[Rupert]

It's not just a European car. It's a British car, and it's old enough to be from the era of Lucas wiring nightmares.

[Rupert]

Get more money.  All you need is a bandanna and a horse to rob a train.  Fuck man, stop making things so hard.

Psh, no one robs trains anymore.

Stagecoaches. That's where the money's at.

[BimmerM3]

Exactly.

Although, after fixing its problems and such, it will probably be closer to $2000. Carpet is $300, a top is $350, various other things are probably more than $150, but I bet I could get it for $1000 or $1100.

Do you really need carpet?

[Raza]

Psh, no one robs trains anymore.

Stagecoaches. That's where the money's at.

Did you know that the term "riding shotgun" comes from stagecoaches?  The person sitting next to the driver used to carry a shotgun to protect the stagecoach. 

[Raza]

Do you really need carpet?

$300 for carpet?  Motherfuck!

[Tave]

Did you know that the term "riding shotgun" comes from stagecoaches?  The person sitting next to the driver used to carry a shotgun to protect the stagecoach. 

Everyone knows that!

[Rupert]

Did you know that the term "riding shotgun" comes from stagecoaches?  The person sitting next to the driver used to carry a shotgun to protect the stagecoach. 

I did. Just come up on the driver's side with a bigger shotgun.

[Rupert]

Do you really need carpet?

Nope.

[Onslaught]

I laugh at people who are afraid of European cars!

Not all of them. The ones in that SUV list? Hell yes.

[Byteme]

For $1,200?  Buy it with no second thoughts after you check for tin worm damage (rust).  If it turns out to be a turkey you can always part it out and probably get your "investment" back.   

For parts you might want to start subscribing to Hemmings Motor News.  There are many companies selling restoration parts for these cars and most all of them advertise in Hemmings, plus you get to see a ton of private seller ads.  Take your time and don't rush and I would guess you can find your carpet and top and other stuff much cheaper than you think.

In my limited experience electrical problems with British cars usually turn out to be poor connectors or poor grounds.  A good wiring diagram and a multimeter and test light are a must, as is patience.

Restoration - getting it running?  Take it one issue at a time.  Don't try to do everything at once.


Oh, final thought.  it it cranks check the compression.

[ChrisV]

It's not just a European car. It's a British car, and it's old enough to be from the era of Lucas wiring nightmares.

Yeah, but there's really not much wiring, and it's all easy to get to. Try not to let the smoke out of the wires, and you'll be fine.

Plus, there's no reason to have everything perfect. If a couple things are occasionally wonky, let 'em be. As Bytme said, don't work on everything at once. And as I've found over the years, many things can simply be lived with and still get full enjoyment out of the car.

Real enthusiasts need to own a car or dozen like this in their lifetimes.

[Byteme]

Yeah, but there's really not much wiring, and it's all easy to get to. Try not to let the smoke out of the wires, and you'll be fine.

True, compare the wiring diagram of an MGB with a new car and you will be amazed.  I would bet the biggest electrical headache will be bodges (screwups by previous owners). 

One useful hint I've heard but never used: 

To check that the wires are going to the right places and that you have continuity is by checking each circuit individually with the battery disconnected and using a 6 volt lantern battery.  You are far less likely to burn up a wire (let the smoke out) that way.

[GoCougs]

I knew a lady who had an MGB. She laughed at all the people who were scared of their reliability. 

I'm coming at it from the age and condition, and what sounds like your relative newness to working on cars. This would actually be less of a hassle then most cars its age - it's simpler electrically, everything about it is tiny, and there's pretty good aftermarket/salvage resources.

But having been there lots of times, estimate the cost and multiply it by at least 4, and estimate the time/hassle and then multiply it by at least 10. That's what you're buying here IMO.

[S204STi]

I agree with these more experienced guys that this will probably be a lot of work.  If it has major rust at all just walk away because it may have been an eastern states or coastal car.  Electrically almost everything should be rebuildable, and there is an epic aftermarket base for these cars.  I wouldn't be afraid of it, just be aware of what you're getting yourself into.

This car is on my short list of restoration projects too.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Did you get it yet?

[Rupert]

Thanks for the advice, wise old men.

The guy said someone (a real MGB enthusiast! ) was coming by to look at it on Thurs, but if he didn't get it, I probably will tomorrow.

[Laconian]

If an MG enthusiast passes it up, then you'll be plagued with doubt about the car's condition!

WHAT TO DO

[Eye of the Tiger]

If an MG enthusiast passes it up, then you'll be plagued with doubt about the car's condition!

WHAT TO DO

It was probably in too good of condition for the true MG enthusiast.

[Rupert]

If an MG enthusiast passes it up, then you'll be plagued with doubt about the car's condition!

WHAT TO DO

I know, right? Maybe he already has a project, and was just curious to see this one...

[Eye of the Tiger]

I know, right? Maybe he already has a project, and was just curious to see this one...

Or maybe he just told you that to make you think you needed to hurry up and buy it.

[Laconian]

I know, right? Maybe he already has a project, and was just curious to see this one...

Or perhaps he's a Chinese guy that mistook this car for a Modern Gentleman MG.

[Soup DeVille]

It was probably in too good of condition for the true MG enthusiast.

The only thing a "true MG enthusiast" considers in such a decision is whether or not he has the space on the lawn.

[Rupert]

Well, damn, the guy sold it. Who knows about Opel GTs?

[Rupert]

And, since we're on the topic, I have a preliminary list of cars to keep an eye out for: MGB, 2002, old GTI, 914, Miata, MR2, (Beetle, Saab 99-- not quite the right kind of car for the moment), various Fiats, various Datsuns, Alfa Spyder (or is it Spider?)...

What else should be on there? You can tell that my criteria are small, sports car or GT, light, cheap, has character. The aforementioned Opel doesn't make it because, though there is lots of character in a car like that, parts are kind of hard to find (I think) and probably expensive.

[Laconian]

Fiat X1/9

[Cookie Monster]

And, since we're on the topic, I have a preliminary list of cars to keep an eye out for: MGB, 2002, old GTI, 914, Miata, MR2, (Beetle, Saab 99-- not quite the right kind of car for the moment)...

What else should be on there? You can tell that my criteria are small, sports car or GT, light, cheap, has character. The aforementioned Opel doesn't make it because, though there is lots of character in a car like that, parts are kind of hard to find (I think) and probably expensive.

1960's Datsun Fairlady Roadster?

[Rupert]

Fiat X1/9

Chances are slim in Boise, but that would be awesome! Added.

[Rupert]

1960's Datsun Fairlady Roadster?

Do those exist cheaply? I'll just search for "Datsun" on craigslist. Might get some Zs then!

[Cookie Monster]

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/908138712.html

This would be pretty cool to make into an off roader:

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/898418489.html