MGB 1974 MGB ready for lots of work and help with questions:]

[cwolters]

My neighbor just bought a 1974 MGB (with the chrome bumper!) and had it shipped from Florida to here in Michigan.

I'm just figuring out what it is to start working on it. I do know that she wants it to look original and drive dependable for a fun summer 2nd car.

I am in search of great resources to verify what I have and how to keep it in tact while I rebuild this car. I was asked 'can we strip it down to the bare frame and rebuild it from there?' so I know it's not a 'fix this and drive it' project. Luckily I got the furnace in my garage this summer since I'm sure it will get mighty cold here in Michigan this winter.

I do know it is a 1974 MGB (roadster?) converible with a single carb and low compression engine that was made in october 1973 and has around 30,000 original miles (it was in a garage for the last 20 years that I know of). It has a new top but that's about it. It has an a/c system (either previous owner or dealer installed) that I need to figure out if it's worth keeping and is in need of some non-pitted chrome and non-chipped light covers. Unlike the mustang I restored, it has NO RUST

but does need some tlc and a drivetrain overhaul before it hits the road.

You can always peek at the progress at: https://www.geocities.com/wolters1/mgb.html

What are the best books/web sites/people to help answer common questions before I begin filling this site will posts? I realize this question is like opening a can of worms, but instead of hoping to figure it out on my own, I'd rather hear what everyone has to say and take a lot of it with a grain of salt....

Thanks in advance for everyone's help as I explore the world of mgb's....

Gus

[ 10-23-2003: Message edited by: cwolters ]</p>

 

[Guest]

it should be a dual carb model but somewhere down the line someone converted it to a Weber. Good info can be found here and on the other MGB specific BBS. Tony Barnhill is a good source of used parts, his website is theautoist. Chris Roop offers a discount on Moss items, learn more here. And while you are checking out Tony's site, take a moment to join the MG List, a virtual car club. Get a copy of the Bently manual and you should be ready to go. and welcome aboard

 

[John Moore]

Welcome! The photos I saw were not clear, but it looks like a great looking car. A 74 is a great year. As Chuck said the original carbs have been changed out for a weber. Quite common. In addition to the Bently manual, I also have the Haynes Repair Manual and another Restoration Manunal by Haynes written by Lindsay Porter. The Porter contains the step by step body restoration of a B.

In addition to those two manuals I would highly suggest getting catalogs from Moss and Vitoria British. Both contain great "exploded" images of parts and systems and I often refer to them before the manual. Plus you'll need them for parts anyway. Other parts houses I personally use are Proper MG and British Wiring for electrical goodies. I'm about to undertake a full engine rebuild, and for that I would suggest Brit-tek.

Welcome again, Good luck and ask lots of questions!

 

[Kim de B]

Another great book as a resource is "Original MGB" by Anders Ditlev Clausager. The best source to see lots of photos and specs on what was original to what year.

By the way, although those photos are too low-res to really tell, I'd guess that the color of that car is called Blaze. (aka orange.)

Looks like your neighbor got a good solid car. Have fun working on it! (And they ARE fun.)

This is an excellent BBS resource, as is The MGB Experience, which many of us also frequent.

But yes -- you've got to return the car to twin S.U. carbs if she wants it looking like it should!

 

[Steve]

Looks like a nice example, a good basis for a rebuild. Good luck with the project!

 

[Bruce74B]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR!!!

I have one just like it...although a little further along in miles. The 74 was the last year of the chrome bumpers and the color is called Blaze as Kim said. As a 74 owner, just one word of caution...beware of the "74 1/2" model year car part...they are different in many respects.

I think you have a diamond in the rough for sure there...if you change your mind about restoring it, let me know and I will come pick it up!

And this is really the best forum for links to sites you will find to be useful. Tony's and Chuck's sites have lot's of info, as do many others in this forum. The MG Expererience is another you may want to check out. The Moss catalogue is online and is most useful for finding available parts.

Good luck and keep in touch!

Bruce74B

 

[tony barnhill]

But, Bruce...I love my '74-1/2 GT!