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MG MGB Technical - Paintwork...

I am new to MGB ownership, and have bought a car that is mechanically and structurally very good, but has a tatty body. Nothing serious (eg sills etc are good), but the doors are a mess (entire units will need replacement) and the back end will have to be done (rust along the seams along the top of the rear wings, new bootlid skin and, I suspect a new offside rear wing (full of filler). Front end is fine as it was totally professionally rebuilt a few years ago after a minor crash (no chassis damage).

I think that the car is worth repairing - it is a relatively desirable '69 roadster (still with the chrome slatted grille) with cream Connolly leather, walnut dash etc. It is mechanically great - previous owner had had the engine balanced, brand new carbs, K&Ns, stainless steel 3-branch exhaust manifold and stainless freeflow system, Kenlowe, redone brakes with full braided steel hoses, suspension overhaul etc. He clearly cared more about the way that the car drove, as opposed to how it looks (and it drives beautifully).

Unfortunately, I have heard that bodywork is expensive - the preparation part especially. I do not have the time to do the prep myself. I shall start having the car done in October (over the winter).

A full Heritage shell would be a waste, given that from the doors forward the car is pristine (apart from the engine bay, which could use a lick of paint). Can I get a half shell for the rear? And if not, how much (roughly) would the panel replacements I have detailed cost, including preparation and painting, roughly. I'd rather go for new panels on the wing/doors/bootlid, because I do not want the rust to come back.

Does anyone have any experience of this amount and level of work in the UK? And if so, can you recommend a good West London/Western Home Counties bodyshop that would do a good job without cutting corners?

Any help/tips would be appreciated. I have never had paintwork done on a car before...
Resh

Almost any chrome bumper mgb roadster is worth repairing, and from what you tell us, yours is well worth the trouble. To the best of my knowledge, part shells are not available, but all the panels necessary to repair your car are readily obtainable. Unfortunately, you are going to be in for a fairly hefty bill, I would think into four figures once you include spraying. As for who should do it? There are lots of mg specialists in the south-east, they advertise in the club magazines. Go and visit a few and talk to them and get quotes. Get them to show you work they are currently doing. I would not take your car to any back street car body shop - sure they will be cheaper, but what quality work will they do?

Good luck,
Mike
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed on 24/04/2002

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