Original MGB Oil Cooler
Author: M. Feig
I believe that this is an original 10 row oil cooler. Note that the edges were rounded. A friend just sent me the plate that he believe belongs to the oil cooler. Ingemar offered up a pic that shows where the plate belongs.
Updated 2/15/12 w/Oil Cooler that has correct Fittings.
Updated 2/23/12 w/Pic of plate on Oil Cooler.
Early MGB oil cooler with rounded edges
Early MGB oil cooler top plate
Early MGB oil cooler top plate location
MGB Factory Hood (Bonnet) Marking
Author: A. Henderson
Early MGBs to an unknown point had the last digits of the VIN written on the underside of the engine hood in felt pen, or paint pen. The hoods were removed as the cars proceeded down the assembly, so the hoods were marked to ensure that they were returned to the correct vehicle near the end of the line.
It is quite unusual to see this marking still in place as most early MGBs have been repainted at least once, or have had their engine hood replaced at some point, losing this unique identifier.
Marking pens used seemed to have been blue on lighter coloured cars, and yellow/white on darker colours. It is unknown how long this practice continued, but certainly to the mid-60s, as the photo which follows is of one of the last of the pull handle cars in iris blue - car #59195
Early MGB under-bonnet car number marking
Early MGB Radiator Surround
Author: A. Henderson
One special feature of the earliest of MGB is that early radiator surrounds did not have a large hole on the left side, roughly corresponding to the end of the front air filter for cool air passage to the filters and carburetors.
It is unknown when MGBs switched to the surround with the hole, as again this is a part which is often switched out as a result of repairs to body damage, or when replacing a radiator. Feel free to leave a comment with you VIN # and whether your car has a rad saddle with/without the hole in question. It is my feeling that cars after approx car #12000 to the end of chrome bumper production came with the hole.
Early MGB solid radiator surround
Early MGB solid radiator surround
Early Clutch Master Cylinder
Author: M. Feig
I am told that the early MCs had mounting brackets holes that were aligned perfectly to the cylinder although this one is not. The Clutch MC from my 1963 has a plastic cap. Also am unsure what the stamped circles on the body mean. Comments on originality welcome.
Correct Tudor Windshield Washer Bottle for Pull Handle MGB
Author: A. Henderson
This bottle has a slightly different profile, and a taller cap than did later bottles from the mid-60s.
The "TUDOR" label is also significantly larger than those used on later cars, and the decal is not supplied correctly in the reproduction decal kits available to my knowledge.
Correct Tudor Windshield Washer Bottle for Pull Handle MGB
Early MGB Horn Mountings to Car #5813
Author: A. Henderson
Later MGBs mounted the horns on the inner fenders, in front of the radiator. Early Bs mounted the horns on the hood shut panel, hanging downwards. The horn wiring harness was modified to suit.
Photos show 2 views of the correct early mounting.
Oil Gauge Pipe Retaining Bracket
Author: M. Feig with assitance from T. Aczel
This early MGB bracket rested on the shelf under the heater and its purpose was to prevent the fitting from turning and snapping off the little copper line. I am unsure of the changeover date but this bracket was eliminated from production when it was determined to be unnecessary.
Refer to B.M.C. Service Parts List (AKD3227) (11/63) Plate "O" AHH 6938
Oil Cooler Hose Stabilizer
Author: A. Henderson
Fitted to early MGBs and often removed/lost/destroyed. This consists of a strip of metal attached to the top rear generator mounting bolt, and to the oil cooler hose with a ring which attaches to the metal strip.
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