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Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin

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Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #1
261161 mark b brisbane, Australia	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:36AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 4

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #2
RAY 67 TOURER Ray Marloff Fort Bragg, CA, USA 1967 MG MGB "My Girl"	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:39AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,932

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #3
261161 mark b brisbane, Australia	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:42AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 4

Thanks Ray How do you find reliability ??

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #4
Soyokaze 72MGB Ryan Foster Ð¡Ð¾Ñ„Ð¸Ñ, Bulgaria 1972 MG MGB "Bitty"	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:58AM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 3,476

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #5
RAY 67 TOURER Ray Marloff Fort Bragg, CA, USA 1967 MG MGB "My Girl"	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:59AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 5,932

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #6
nlneilson Neil Neilson Mojave & Oxnard CA, USA 1962 Jaguar E-Type Convertible "Chevy SB" 1974 MG MGB "MG" 1979 Porsche 928 1995 Dodge Ram 3500 "Diesel Dually"	Posted: March 30, 2012 01:07AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 173

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #7
MGB567 Barrie Braxton Sunshine Coast, Australia 1966 MG MGB MkI "Money Guzzler"	Posted: March 30, 2012 01:13AM Registered: 2 years ago Posts: 5,292

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.

CKD 11/66 first registered 8/5/67 owned since 3/77. Undergoing nut and bolt restoration. Tartan Red (now). 18GB +40 balanced with almost all new internals. Peter Burgess big valve fast road head. Piper 285. TT exhaust. ARP everywhere. 123 ign. Needham 4synchro c/r box. Stock rebuilt/replaced suspension. Superpro bushes. New brakes all round including all pipes in SS flex. Interior redone. CAMS approved roll bar and side bars. Lots more. Hybrid of o/e and show/fast road car. Not for sale - it's my toy!

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #8
yonbear Andy Mathers Brisbane, Queensland, Australia 1972 MG MGB MkII "Bee2 (B2)"	Posted: March 30, 2012 01:38AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 399

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #9
RIRaven Dave Wilson Rhode Island, USA 1971 MG MGB GT 1973 MG MGB	Posted: March 30, 2012 04:42AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 967

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #10
Andrys Posthuma Delft, Z-H, Netherlands 1959 Saab 93 "The Old Lady" 1969 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 "The E" 1976 MG MGB GT "The B"	Posted: March 30, 2012 05:36AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 928

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

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 thumbs up

Like others I wouldn't recommend a project as your first classic. The second, yes (once the virus catches spinning smiley sticking its tongue out

).

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 spinning smiley sticking its tongue out

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #11
Woodypear Roger Sharpe EUNGELLA, QLD, Australia 1969 MG MGB MkII	Posted: March 30, 2012 07:47AM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 329

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

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #12
jharden73 John Harden Birch Run, MI, USA 1973 MG MGB MkIII "The Grine Hawnet" 1973 MG MGB MkIII "The Grine Hawnet Pic 2"	Posted: March 30, 2012 07:47AM Registered: 7 years ago Posts: 499

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #13
NewBRG72B Rodney McLain Greenville SC, USA 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class "The SLK" 2004 Volvo V70 "The Wagon" 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 "The Diesel"	Posted: March 30, 2012 07:52AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 785

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #14
pmaland2000 Paul Maland Leduc, Alberta, Canada 1973 MG MGB "Bea"	Posted: March 30, 2012 09:54AM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 566

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.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #15
melbaver Chris Howells Broadwater NSW, Australia 1968 MG MGB "Moneypit" 1996 Jeep Cherokee "Shopping Trolley"	Posted: March 30, 2012 10:17AM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 4,944

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.

Chris Howells

1968 MGB Purchased already dis-assembled which is why I'm often ignorant about what some parts are, and even more ignorant of where they go.

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #16
rlich8 Royal Lichter Chicago, USA 1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible 1976 Triumph TR6	Posted: March 30, 2012 11:33AM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 1,750

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!

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #17
john1971 John Feligno Fayette, USA 1971 MG MGB "18again" 1971 MG MGB MkII "18 Again"	Posted: March 30, 2012 11:58AM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 358

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. thumbs up smiley

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #18
NovasTaylor Tim Williams Raleigh, NC, USA	Posted: March 30, 2012 12:45PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 2,102

...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

80 MGB LE "ZOM B"
73 MGB GT "...?"
71 Triumph TR6 "TRawler"
"Modern cars - they all look like electric shavers." - Marv (Sin City)

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #19
Bankerdanny Daniel Palmer Chicagoland, USA 1972 MG MGB GT "Dudley" 1977 Honda MC Gold Wing	Posted: March 30, 2012 03:07PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1,055

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.

Endeavor to Persevere

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Re: Help Please - Advice to an MGB Virgin #20
mjamgb michael anderson NORTHERN NEVADA, USA 1954 MG Magnette ZA 1967 MG MGB 1973 MG MGB 1974 MG Midget	Posted: March 30, 2012 04:49PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 6,395

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.

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