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MG MGB Technical - In need of some help

Posted 12 March 2002 at 23:03:04 UK time
The G, USA
The following parts. Looking to get a carb for a 77MGB it has a Webber 45 series side draft that I guess is not working. I have the original manifold (intake exhaust thing combined) so I guess either one will work. I also guess I need to redo the brakes so who makes a kit for that and a good price. I also need spark plugs, and one of those thingys that the brakes hook into under the hood. Also what do you guy or gals think it will cost to have the trunck floor replaced along with the rocker panels, also a good wirring harness. Thanks I am slowly trying to fix this MG I have. So any help would be nice.

The G

G,

Have you looked at all the "usual suspects", such as Moss Motors, Victoria British, BritTek, Proper MG, etc.?

Others with experience in Weber carbs may be able to help you get it working. Weber sidedraft carbs are generally good carbs, although the conventional wisdom is that internal cylinder head and engine mods are needed to get the most out of it.

The combined intake/exhaust manifold is reportedly very restrictive. If you don't have to worry about emissions testing where you live, you can revert to the older twin SU carbs. This will require a different intake manifold and a header of exhaust manifold.

I haven't seen "kits" for the brakes, but any of the above-mentioned vendors sell all the parts. Many brake parts are even available locally. Any autoparts store can order the pads and shoes, and probably other things like the calipers and/or wheel cylinders. If the car has not been driven for a while, I suggest that you replace the rotors, drums, pads, shoes, hoses and wheel cylinders. Check the calipers very carefully. It might be wise to just replace them, as well, although they are not cheap.

Spark plugs are easy. The original was Champion N9Y. Many people like the Bosch plugs. Either one should be available anywhere.

I'm not sure what "those thingys that the brakes hook into under the hood" are. Could you be more specific? If you are referring to the four-way junction block that the master cylinder connects to, that the distributes the fluid to the four corners of the car and that the brake switch screws into, they are very expensive to buy new. I believe that there is one for sale on eBay right now. If you hurry, you might be able to get it.

Rocker panels (sills) are not going to be cheap. I have heard quotes of as high as $1,000 per side. If you are good with a MIG welder, the parts are only a couple of hundred dollars. It requires some tricky cutting and welding, along with bracing the car to maintain proper body alignment. After all, you are essentially cutting the car in half.

Wiring harnesses are available from the vendors I listed above. Occasionally, one shows up on eBay, as well. Check the "For Sale" listings on this BBS. Harnesses are often one of the things that can be salvaged when someone parts out an MGB, so they are usually available used. A little cleaning and a few new connectors and they can be good as new.
Paul Noble

Thanks.
The G

G, you have posted a number of threads which I assume all concern the same car, and if I am correct, I think you said in one of them that you are not "handy". Two of your requests for help are areas that are quite extensive, and demand a better than average degree of technical expertise. sills and boot floor demand a lot of disassembly, are rather daunting projects, and if not done correctly, can leave you with a dangerously weakened structure, as the design is monocoque ( hope I got that spelling correct).These are not 'glass and Bondo jobs. They are also very expensive to contract out- as someone pointed out in the case of sills. I do not want to throw a damper on your enthusiasm, and I know there are documented cases of inexperienced people using the body as a learning experience for the mechanical skills and engineering techniques and turning out beautiful, safe, strong well put together vehicles, but they are in the minority. You really need to stop, take stock of what you have spent, how much you can afford to spend, what equipment and facilities and equipment you have or can get access to, before you spend another dollar. When you have done this, I believe you will realize that you should spend that money on the best MGB you can find ( and you will still have to spend a lot more money) rather than trying to fix what may really be a basket case. Do please, please think carefully before you go any further. All that said, welcome to the club.
Ken R.
Ken Rich

This thread was discussed between 13/03/2002 and 14/03/2002

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