Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Patioboater — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:48:23 -0500

Jump in, the water's fine!

I read over a lot of this site and the forums before I bought mine last summer, and it was time well spent. I'll also join the chorus upstream telling you to buy the best starting point you can afford, to avoid rust above all else, and to get one with an overdrive if you can find one you like.

On the maintenance front, I started in by having my mechanic do the tricky items, the safety items (brakes, suspension, etc.) or the items that really need a lift so that you can get underneath. And I've been trying to work through things that suit my skill level (new spark plugs, replacing electrical switches, etc.) It's a great car to learn on because it's relatively simple, the manuals are good, and there are lots of parts that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Good luck!

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

MGB567 — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:06:29 -0500

Peter I don't wish to spoil your dream but if you ever do just check the prevailing import laws at the time. As I understand it individuals may not import a car any longer hence the type of companies you mention. Reason: too many cut and shut rice burning turbos were being bought in - the dumbness of some has spoilt it for all!

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Peter-Sherman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:20:50 -0500

There are a few thriving busniesses importing MGBs to Austalia. Mostly in South Australia. Costs about 4K all up to get it here , off the dock, taxed and coverted to RHD. I've often thought that it would make a nice Holiday to go to the US, buy a very good MGB, drive it around the country for a while seeing the sights, then take it home with me.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

80MGBLE — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:10:08 -0500

I agree with Jon and would add that just for the car itself, you are paying a premium due to the fact that we got about 80% of all MGBs so our initial cost to purchase a car is so minimal compared to Australia. Your dollar is close to ours yet you will pay 4X what we can buy one for. Nobody in this country would buy a 1979 rubber bumper car with close to 100K miles for anywhere near to $15K. Just checked out some for sale in your country from above posting. Stay a virgin because you will end up married to your MGB and I don't think you will enjoy it all that much once the honeymoon is over.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Peter-Sherman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:39:16 -0500

http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/results.aspx?No=0&Qpb=1&keywords=&N=834+1216+1246+1247+1252+1282+4294960420+4294961367&sid=136984F0F8CE&Nne=15&Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Price_Decimal%7C1%7C%7CpCar_Make_String%7C0%7C%7CpCar_Model_String%7C0

A few worthy mark II candidates currently. Note some don't mention the overdrive, but might have it. It wasn't all that rare in Australia. You are looking for an overdrive badge on the boot and a funny crooked overdrive switch on the extream RH side of the dash, with the early cars. you can see these features clearly on this '69.
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=7&R=12403397&keywords=&trecs=134&__sid=136984F0F8CE&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Qpb=1&__Nne=15&__No=15&seot=1&__N=834 1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294960420 4294961367&silo=1011

and unless he has changed the gearbox over to non overdrive this one might have it, he dosn't mention it however.
http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?Cr=13&R=11087683&keywords=&trecs=134&__sid=136984F0F8CE&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32|1||pCar_Price_Decimal|1||pCar_Make_String|0||pCar_Model_String|0&__Qpb=1&__Nne=15&__No=0&seot=1&__N=834 1216 1246 1247 1252 1282 4294960420 4294961367&silo=1011

Later they put a switch on the gear lever or it went into the windscreen wiper stalk

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

ashtone808 — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:56:15 -0500

My first car was an mgb gt at 14 yrs old. I now have my 4th one! First car was a bit rusty( here in hawaii everything rusts!) One thing that made that car so reliable (by an mg stand point) was the weber carb conversion. It had been fitted before purchasing! The stock carbs can go out of adjustment, and can be a bear to deal with. If your looking for reliability, which ever car you decide to buy, you would want to have this conversion done! Rust is commonly found on the lower doors (front) rocker panels and rear wheel wells and the dog legs( in front of the rear wheel down by the rocker panel) and front fenders down on the bottom. Maintenance is relatively simple and a haynes or chiltons manual will take you a long way with a basic set of tools! There fun cars to own, and easy to get parts for thanks to ebay, moss, ect... It helps to have someone who is familiar with these cars to inspect a possible purchase. Buy the best one you can afford, if not be ready to put some in, and lots of love!! Aloha!

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

costerhus — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:28:53 -0500

I got lucky with mine--it was a mess, but it was free. It was my dad's car; had I not known what had been done to it, I probably wouldn't have bothered. But, like the others have said, condition of the body shell is most important when considering a purchase. It takes the most time and cost to put right. Second, would be the mechanicals, with the interior last. Also, you don't have to do everything at once. With mine, I chose to get the body done second--I'd already had the engine rebuilt. Once the car was registered and running, I felt I could concentrate on the little things. That was why, when I first got it home, only the driver's seat and the floor carpeting was fitted. Since then, I've done the rest...and only a few details are still not done.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

johck — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:51:31 -0500

This is all excellent advice, and the best of these collectively is "take your time" and don't jump at the first one that catches your eye. I owned a 1965 B in college and always have had the bug to get another one. I just did, and bought a 1963 B. When buying a car that age, plan on replacing a number of, and most, things, especially if it's not been a daily driver.

Mine is a "barn" car, so I worked with a local mechanic and the plan was to do the best work we could to be sure the car would 1) start, 2) run well, and 3) stop!!! Sounds simple, but that means a lot of work on brakes, probably a new radiator, most likely a new exhaust, ignition, changing every fuild there is, and hope the engine, clutch, transmission and fuel tank are ok for a while. Then you can start to do the fun stuff like replacing carpets, rebuilding seats, etc. if you're inclined.

I have to resist the urge to do everything at once.......that's quite expensive......take your time and enjoy working on it. It will be very rewarding. Yesterday I completely took the trunk down to the bare metal and got all the rust and old paint out of it. Then a coating of rustoleum with sound deadening in it, and then new carpeting. One day job, fun, and a great result!

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

pooch2 — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:12:02 -0500

Lotsa buy the best you can afford.

If you follow their logic...

I have no idea what their finances are......

I say to a virgin, don't buy any car that has been resprayed within the last 5 years without absolute documented proof of work done to body/paint.

Unless you ignore the glossy POS in front of you and consider a rustbucket and pay accordingly.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

MGB567 — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:17:39 -0500

Mark you asked for my opinion on Mk2 with od. Although the Mk1s are probably more coveted (especially the pull-handle version), and you'll get alot of contrary views here' given what you noted from the outset that's probably a wise choice. Mk1s are usually a bit more expensive here than Mk2. And certainly more prevalent - I was at last year's Noosa classic for which MG was the featured marque - about 20 Mk2s and no Mk1s. As you can see from my signature block I have a Mk1 (not pull-handle) but I've essentially converted it to Mk2 spec (by installing an alternator and a 4synchro (albeit c/r box with no overdrive). Before about '72 Bs came to Australia completely knocked down (ckd) after that, due to local content rules, they were imported. If you look at some pictures you'll note that the grille changed from the original slat version to what is known as a 'fishmouth' - essentially a copy of the Mustang look - 1970 model year (in reality from about October '69 I should think). You should expect to find a 'MKll' badge on the left rear for a ckd Mk2 (this was a unique to Oz badge); the so called Mk3 was introduced around the time of ckd finishing - I'm writing some of this off the top of my head (and V8s are on) so my dates could be out slightly - if you need accuracy let me know. Bottom line you could do worse than a Mk2 with overdrive.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

261161 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:47:45 -0500

Hi Barrie

Thanks for your tips. I was thinking Mk2 electric overdrive. What are your thoghts ?

Regards

Mark

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

261161 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:43:54 -0500

Jon

Thanks appreciste your honesty. I am becoming very aware of the responsibilities of owning these classics. I suppose it looking past the emotion and dealing with reality.

Regards

Mark

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

mgbgreen — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:37:37 -0500

My opinion is a bit different than many folks here.

I think you shouldn't own an MG if you aren't willing to do much of the work yourself. It might break you having to run it to a mechanic every time some quirk arises and you don't know (or want to find out yourself) what is going on.

I know every sound and behavior of my B so that, if something seems to be getting fishy or quirky, I can nip it in the bud and not let it develop into something worse. If you aren't keen to take this care and attention to your car's behavior, especially an MG, you might end up killing it early, or let small problems lead to something they needn't have, and you have expensive repairs or catastrophic failures.

I drive my MGB every day, and every day the hood is up, fluid levels checked, take a good look around the engine once she's warming up and look under the car as well. I smell things, listen to things, look at things. I caught the fact that I had an old front brake hose leaking with pressure just 4 months ago, by doing my daily snooping about, right before I was about to get on the freeway for what might have resulted in a dangerous and catastrophic failure. You have to be willing to take this level of care for the car and yourself to be safe with it.

I mean, if you are only going to store it in the garage and take it out 7-8 times over a summer, well ok. But then it's only a toy, and you can do whatever you want with toys.

My strategy in buying the MG I currently have was to buy the best one that I knew I even though it wasn't perfect, but that I knew that I could fix up properly - and thus I could haggle with the seller because there were these things wrong with it. It wasn't perfect and still isn't perfect - and I don't want it to be - I want it to be fun and reliable (mostly) and last at least another 30 years by paying the right kind of attention to it. Attention these cars need and deserve. You just can't have it any other way.

Saying you aren't going to do any maintenance, unless you have loads of cash and take it in for regular, complete servicing every six months or so, I don't see how it's going to last with you very long.

Jon

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Peter-Sherman — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:19:28 -0500

this red fishmouth one doesn't look bad value. If you don't like the furry seat covers refurbishing the interior is dead easy. Moss or Prestige can sell you whatever you want.

http://www.mgccq.org.au/classified.htm

Check the classifieds/for sale section on each site
http://mgcc.com.au/

lots here
http://www.carpoint.com.au/

http://www.carsales.com.au/used/mg/

or here
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Cars-/29690/i.html?_dmpt=AU_Cars&Manufacturer=MG&Model=MGB&_sadis=50&_fspt=1

http://www.tradingpost.com.au/Automotive/Classic-Unique-Cars/Vintage-Classic-Cars/MG/MGB/Locations/I

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

tazman72 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:04:34 -0500

In reply to # 2026384 by 261161 Hi Everyone,

Would love some honest advice from you all about the pitfalls of owning MGB's and any suggestions for someone new to the MGB world about purchasing their first car. I am living in Brisbane Australia FYI. For a 1st ever MGB Would you recommend restored or needing a little work given I will not be able to do mechanics myself? I am looking at the car for a weekend drive, to be admired polished and loved up. I would appreciate any honest feedback and advice on these vehicles. I have always wanted one and wondering now if it is time.

Thanks heaps. Regards Mark

Mark, if you do due diligence and purchase an sound MG and do proper maint. afterwards,you'll be a happy camper.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Peter-Sherman — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:54:45 -0500

I'll join in the chorus- it is far cheaper to buy a top notch restoration than repair a rough car. You should be able to get a very good one for around $20K.
Although Tim's point is valid, do get a colour that you can live with. Don't get a colour that you hate, it is expensive to repaint a car unless you do it yourself, labour component. A First class paint, inside and out out, will run you 10K. From a financial point of view it is not worth doing as you would never recover the cost. I prefer darker colours for two reasons;
*Less glare on a sunny day when you have the top down. I had a white MGA for a
short while and the glare made it quite unpleasant to drive in bright sunlight,
compared to the dark red MGB .
*Darker colours highlight the chrome.
Chrome bumper cars are most valued. Ignoring the look of the rubber bumpers vs lots of shiny chrome, the higher ride height of the rubber bumper cars, plus lower compression motors means that they don't go as fast or handle as well as the chrome bumpers. Mine was a '75 rubber bumper car (the first and the worst) and I spent allot of money lowering the ride and converting to chrome bumpers and putting in a metal dash. I was looking for the V8 engine compartment (present in all rubber bumper cars) , which is why I got it.
Don't be too concerned about non syncro on first gear of the Mark one cars. The gearbox is better on the later cars but you very quickly adjust to using NS first and the very early cars with the pull handle doors are most valued. That said, the early '70's cars are more comfortable inside, and 10 years younger.
I would consider overdrive to be a necessity. It effectively gives you 6 forward gears and a very nice long distance cruising car. Plus it is a fun toy to play with generally. My '69 had overdrive and non sycro first and was vastly superior to the 75 (before I started fixing things). You can buy and fit an overdrive box, but it is not cheap or easy to find. Worth paying an extra 2K for a car with a good overdrive gearbox.
Wire wheels- love the look of them, but keep in mind that they are about twice the weight of alloy wheels and (edit alloy wheels) are much easier to balance, so there is a definite plus to getting a car with bolt on wheels. Plus with bolt ons you can carry a SAAB space saver wheel (pre '87). Know also that the splines on wires wear and wheels plus hubs have to be replaced with new ones every so often. I had to replace the wire wheels on my '69. A tell tail sign is when you accelerate or brake you can hear a musical "clunking" noise as the hubs shift in the wheel splines. Factor about 2K into your offering price if you find one with clunking wires. Could be a plus as then you can get Dayton replacement wire wheels, which are the best and outlast all the rest. You can have tubeless tyres on them, up to 6 inches width, tougher stainless spokes quadruple chromed etc.
http://www.daytonwirewheels.com/britishcars.html
I will cost about $1200 for alloys. Performance in SA make some nice polished rim alloys. 15 by 6 is the largest that will fit under MGB factory guards. You would need to run 195 by 60 tyres to keep the speedo correct.
I still much prefer the look of wire wheels, so this is the compromise approach I took.
http://www.britishv8.org/Articles/Dayton-Wire-Wheels.htm

RUST
The most labour is in the body repair.
The Sills are the big issue. Often Dog legs are rusted, and the end of the sill underneath. Nice not to have to deal with this, but it is not a big problem. That should cost you no more than $1000 to get someone to repair and paint both sides. This would effect the price, plus some PIA factor. We are fortunate that KAS in Bendigo make the best replacement doglegs in the world. They actually fit, others don't. http://www.kas-kilmartin.com.au/prod02.htm
If the sills themselves are rusted you need to pull the entire side of the car apart to fix. Do a google search on MGB sills, images, if you want to horrify yourself. The best solution is, don't get one of those rusty sill cars, no matter how cheap. Even though you can't see the inner membrane part of the sill, you can get a pretty good idea. The drainage holes must be clear of obstruction and if you insert an alan key , or bent bit of wire, you will not be able to spin it 180 degrees. The inner sill membrane will prevent you from doing this, if it hasn't rusted away. Also be very wary of bubbles under the paint, that's almost certainly rust coming though from the other side. Be extra cautious if it also has rusty doglegs of course, could have spread.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

mjamgb — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:49:42 -0500

Resist the urge to "tinker."

Unless, of course, you are really into hands-on learning and ribbing by your neighbors, wife, children, your boss, complete strangers, vagrants etc.

I kid a little.

Doing the basics your self is IMHO mandatory. Having a local mechanic who is worth a darn or having a strong desire to figure it out yourself is important for the "bigger" things.

When I say resist the urge to tinker, I mean to enjoy the driving of the car for a while before you start any "improvements." Nearly every one of us can tell you what happened the first time we turned a screw or nut...

And x a bazillion on getting the best car you can afford... also, be patient. Try very hard not to get too giddy and buy a pig in a poke.

There are plenty MG's out there so you don't have to "make do" with whatever rolls across your path.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Bankerdanny — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:07:27 -0500

Personally I think the MG is one of the best old sports car options out there for someone with limited mechanical skills that wants to learn.

Your fellow Aussies will weigh in on the availability of parts down under, but here in the States they are quite easy to get and generally very affordable. I was able to get a replacement starter and rebuilt brake calipers from one of the local chains with only a 1 business day wait. The MG also has the advantage of large production numbers and a strong owner's club (and I cannot stress enough how valuable a place like the MG Experience is for the do-it-yourselfer, novice and well seasoned alike).

By and large MG's are very simple cars, the engine bay is uncrowded with electronic components and elaborate emissions controls and most of the mechanical bits (with the exception of a few overdrive components) are right where you can get to them. Also, the car is very robust and most major mechanical components will last decades and tens of thousands of miles as long as you are dilligent about performing the regular maintenance like oil changes and lubing the key suspension areas.

Good luck with your search.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

NovasTaylor — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:45:10 -0500

...what everyone else said.

I passed on a car that was in much better shape than the one I bought, because of...colour (!!) and the fact it was lowered. Ugh. What a mistake.

I'm a computer guy. My previous experience was changing my own oil. With the help of this forum I've replaced a cylinder head and done extensive sill surgery, among other tasks and I really enjoy it. If you like routine maintenance and troubleshooting as part of the appeal and satisfaction of old car ownership, or have the $$$ to pay someone to do it for you, an MG may be for you. If not, you are going to have a bad time.

Tim

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

john1971 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:58:36 -0500

Take your time in the buying stage and get the car you will be satisfied with.Then go thru it system by system. This may start to add up the cost of the car but needs to be done for safety and riding pleasure. MG's are a true roadster and need attention, thats where this forum really comes into play, use it as we all have and enjoy the results that will be achieved. Good Luck, John.>:D<

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

rlich8 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:33:34 -0500

Spend the most money you possibly can to get the best possible car. You will ALWAYS pick up more on the initial purchase than you can do yourself in fixing it up. The sum of the parts is cheaper than each individually, if that makes sense!

AVOID rusty cars.

Enjoy!

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

melbaver — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:17:36 -0500

Mark,

All good advice. There's a 72 on ebay for $19,200 (no bids) and a 65 for $6,200 (Buy it now $6,500 - also no bids). MGCC is a great way into this hobby/obsession.

Barrie, remarkable restraint........an r/b is an r/b.........................chuckles.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

pmaland2000 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:54:33 -0500

I purchased my first one about 5 years ago, prior to my knowledge of this site. I was relying on my basic knowledge about cars in general, but a friend who once owned a couple of Bs told me where to check for rust.
I looked at a few, and got lucky with my pick. There were some examples that needed sills, floors etc. A little patience and only about $500 more found me one that had been maintained quite well. That extra time and money really paid off.
I had mine out yesterday for the first time in several months (winter in Alberta just over). Went through the car and checked it throughly and had a wonderful drive. That sense of accomplishment and fun is what lures me to an MG.
Best of luck and keep us posted with pictures.
P.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

NewBRG72B — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:52:58 -0500

Find a good garage that works on British vintage cars, you will need it after you get the car. Have them do a pre-purchase inspection for you, should cost no more than USD $100-200. Any prospective seller that will not agree to an inspection is hiding something, so stay away from that car. What you spend up front, will pay big dividends later.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

jharden73 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:47:53 -0500

You should be maintenance minded, and not be bothered by it. Meaning, the car will need a maintenance schedule followed to provide years of pleasureable driving. More so than most modern cars. Whether you do it or someone else does it, it will have to be done. It's part of the charm of the car.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Woodypear — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:47:10 -0500

Nice folk at Abingdon Motors. Talk to them and they'll give you honest answers.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Andrys Posthuma — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:36:25 -0500

What others said... buy the best you can get. But bear in mind that these cars require frequent maintainance - they're 40 years old. When you leave everything to a mechanic it will cost you big moolah, so get ready to get your hands dirty. Most questions on this forum are about "how to fix this" and "help, it doesn't work" and its a friendly bunch of folks around here, some of them are true experts (tu) Like others I wouldn't recommend a project as your first classic. The second, yes (once the virus catches (:P)).

Get yourself a good car, ask an expert to come with you. Not necessarily someone who SAYS to be an expert... let alone your mates who know how to kick tires too (:P) Rust is your enemy, mechanicals are fixable, engine, gearbox & diff are expensive. Pay attention to the car having an overdrive or not (having it is a big plus, both in asking price and driving experience). Read a bit about originality (get Clausagers' book from you library) so you can see whether or not a car is a collection of parts from 5 MG's.

Time is on your side, so take it! The best reward of your patience is that you spend most of your time on the open road instead of under the car.

Good luck, Andrys

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

RIRaven — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:42:57 -0500

Just because you "but the best you can afford", don't think you won't be putting some more money into it the first few months as you get to know the car and get it sorted out. The more you spend up front the less you spend the first year, but generally you will blow by your original purchase price in fairly short order.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

yonbear — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:38:22 -0500

Mark,

I am fairly new to MGB ownership myself. (Nov 2011). As advised by others .. the best car you can afford. Set your top dollar and start looking at what's around. Get an idea of the prices. Read articles, there is are some great guides to buying on this site. Join a club, the Qld MG Car Club has an excellent reputation. I joined the Bayside Vehicle Restorers Club because it was a lot more convenient for meetings etc for me. Ask advice, take someone with knowledge with you when you go looking to buy. I also live just outside Brisbane in the Redlands.If you'd like to chat, click on my photo and it will take you to my home page with contact details.

Good hunting mate.

Andy

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

MGB567 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:13:27 -0500

http://www.mgccq.org.au/classified.htm

Aah another Queenslander - welcome. IMO first you need to decide if you want a Mk1, Mk2 or r/b (rubber bumper - first two are chrome bumper). A Mk1 is +ve earth and no synchro on 1st gear in original form; a Mk2 is full synchro and -ve earth and an r/b is an r/b. If you click on the link you'll see what's for sale through the local club (and they'll know of anything that's not advertised). The GC also has a club infact each State does and each has classifieds. If you're not mechanically minded I'd suggest you stick to these avenues rather than Ebay or carsales etc. You could also pop down to Abingdon Motors, 192 Annerley Road, Dutton Park, (3844 2881) - they often have Bs on consignment.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

nlneilson — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 01:07:56 -0500

In reply to # 2026384 by 261161 I will not be able to do mechanics myself?

You will learn. First with maintenance. Then tackle more involved repairs.

That is part of owning an MGB and a sense of accomplishment.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

RAY 67 TOURER — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:59:15 -0500

When looking at a prospective purchase, it's always best to bring along a friend who is well versed in MGBs. He will be able to point out to you things that are in need of repair and how much they will cost to mend. I've had the same B for 40 years. It took me 9 months, looking at a lot of sad examples of the marque, before I found the one that I have to this very day. It has always brought a smile to my face whenever I take it for a drive along the winding coast roads of Northern California. RAY

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

Soyokaze 72MGB — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:58:10 -0500

In reply to # 2026393 by 261161 Thanks Ray How do you find reliability ??

Look for a car owned by a local club member with recent maintenance records. As always, the best you can afford even if this takes some time either to save a bit more money or find a better car.

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

261161 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:42:22 -0500

Thanks Ray How do you find reliability ??

Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

RAY 67 TOURER — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:39:13 -0500

Welcome. First rule; buy the best car that you can afford. Less work down the line. Second rule; avoid rusted out cars. These will drain your budget very quickly. RAY

Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

261161 — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:36:18 -0500

Hi Everyone,

Would love some honest advice from you all about the pitfalls of owning MGB's and any suggestions for someone new to the MGB world about purchasing their first car. I am living in Brisbane Australia FYI. For a 1st ever MGB Would you recommend restored or needing a little work given I will not be able to do mechanics myself? I am looking at the car for a weekend drive, to be admired polished and loved up. I would appreciate any honest feedback and advice on these vehicles. I have always wanted one and wondering now if it is time.

Thanks heaps. Regards Mark