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MG MGB Technical - Anyone Restoring?

Is anyone a couple of months into restoring a 64-67 B? I am just starting one and would like a couple of e-mail addresses so that we might ping off of each other during any problems.

Thanks In Advance:
Steve
Steve C

Steve. Much depends on your particular definition of "restoring". Probably most of us are constantly restoring our cars, especially those of us who use them as our primary means of transport. I like your idea of a "restoration support group", but, ideally, it should be composed of people who are using a similar or identical definition of restore. In the mean time, feel free to ping anything you need off of all of us. Most of us have "restored" one, or more, cars over the years. Also, if you are not a "member" of the MG Enthusiast's Club, join. Takes a few minutes, costs nothing and gives you access to the archives. A wealth of information and ideas there. Good luck with the project. Les
Les Bengtson

Steve,
I have been working on a '67 B since September, 2000. I am (mercifully) nearing the end of the restoration, but did all the work myself.
Dave
David Steverson

Steve,
if you haven't already gotten yourself a copy of the book by Lindsay Porter on mgb restoration (either the original on Ebay, or the later, more complete version published by Haynes), you owe it to yourself to have or borrow a copy. It will give you a good overview of this project and it will give you excellent advice on how many technical subprojects can be handled by the home mechanic/restorer.

This, along with both the Haynes AND Bentley shop manuals have seemed to be highly valued by most MGB restorers. And don't forget to exploit the good will of other MGB people, either on this BBS, the archives here, or in a local club. There is a wealth of experience out there about these cars and not all of it is written down or on somebody's website or magazine article.

Somethings are best learned by doing with an experienced hand to guide you. I found this out very early on, and tho I offer advice today, what I am really doing is passing on what someone or some experience has taught me, sometimes the hard way.

One other thing. Just remember that for many things you will do, you will be offered more than one way to do it - all of them successful, and most pretty much equal in result. You can pick amongst those things for your level of skill, comfort with the products and processes, and the tools you have available. However, when it comes to somethings, like rebuilding the driveline, following the factory's recommendations and the consistent good practice of generations of mechanics can save you much grief. You just have to do your research and weigh the benefits.

As you take a look around this BBS and go to the webpages of many of the folks here, you will see that many seemingly ordinary people have done extraordinary things, even if they did them each just a tad differently one to another. You too are capable to do a great restoration, just take your time ~ as hard as that might be sometimes. We know, we have been there too! ;-)
Bob Muenchausen

There is no such thing as a 'completed' or 'finished' restoration until you sell the car. As long as you own it, there will be SOMETHING else you want to do to it. It's all part of the sickness.....
Ken Lessig

Ken, unless, of course you are out of money....
David Steverson

Steve, I'll be working on my 67 for the next couple of years (unless I hit the lottery). I plan to do it all myself, but may farm out the paint if $$ permits.

It's a little on the rough side but pretty original. Let me know if I can help with pictures or anything.

Good luck

Bud
Bud Goetzinger

Steve,

I have not done a complete restoration, but I have probably had just about everything apart at one time or another in the 11 years I've owned my '64 B. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.


Bill

Bill Barge

I have 64B I bought new in July 1964. Feel free to ask about anything.
Bill Taylor

Steve, I'm about a year into my '65 B - still stripping it down - and would love to compare notes.

Dan D
'76 B Driver
'65 B Project
See 'em at -
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/dibiase/Working_MG_Gallery.html
Dan DiBiase

Just finishing up a 67 MGB (after 5 years), but I couldn't have done it without the help and knowledge of this BBS. Don't hesitate to ask any questions and check out the archives as suggested above. One of us has 'been there, done that". Good luck and keep us posted. -Rod
Rod in NC

As far as paint work is considered, if you take your time and are willing to be particular you can just about do it all yourself. If you want the best of top coats, do all of the prep work and then take it to a good body shop for the final spray. The final coat is the hardest to do and keep dust free. I've done that with several vehicles.

G'day
Blake

Hi Steve

I am in the process of restoring a 65B of which my wife and I are doing some of the work. Fortunately, through my employment, I have the use of a fully equipped shop along with several skilled technicans that work for me. Through "side contracts" they are assisting with the "complete" restoration. We started last June and from the looks of things, we should be finished by about this June. As I have always maintained ... with several thousand hours and several thousand dollars, you can restore a MG !!!

I have taken pictures along the way, so please feel free to e-mail me directly with any specifics, if you wish.

Cheers ... Harv
Harv

I can't help with engine mechanics, but finished redoing the interior of my 66B last winter, including sound deadeners and heatshield insulation under new carpet and repainting the crinkle-paint dash.

Dan D, enjoyed your photos. Did you ever successfully get your dash crinkle-painted? If not, I am very happy with the way mine came out, and wrote up some instructions for a friend's site.

They're posted, with a couple of photos, at http://www.shadetreemg.com .
Click on Tech. There are some other good tips there as well.
Kim de B

Steve

I think you must have a look at
http://64mgb.home.mchsi.com/
This guy had completely restored a 64MGB and put all the step on his web site.
May be helpfull.

Pierre
Pierre

This thread was discussed between 10/01/2003 and 11/01/2003

MG MGB Technical index

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