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MGB 1973 MGB in Illinois

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erik

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I'm considering buying a 1973 Limeflower MGB (I actually like the color) that seems to have 47K original miles. In Illinois all cars built after 1967 need to be emissions tested every 2 years. How difficult will it be for this car to pass? It still has the original air pump, and the only mods I could see offhand were some different air filters (chrome covers). Also, do I have to add a lead additive to the gas on this car? I'm pretty sure we can only get reformulated unleaded here in Lake County. What other things should I look for?

Thanks.
 
Hi, Erik -

Welcome to the Forum, and the world of LBC's (Little British Cars). I'm restoring a '73 myself and painting it another rare color, Black Tulip. I like the Limeflower color, as well.

47,000 miles is a great find! As for what to look for: RUST! Check thoroughly - poke around the sills and under carpets, inner fenders, under the dash - everywhere. Also check all electrical equipment. Corrosion there is common, and often easy to fix. Make sure the wiring hasn't been butchered by adding stereos, lights, etc.

As for passing emissions tests, a properly equipped and tuned MG should make it OK. As for lead additives, check out the earlier posts on the Forum for lots of discussion. I don't use them, and haven't had a problem. Others like the insurance.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Mickey
 
If you get antique vehicle plates & drive the car under 5000 miles/year you do not have to take emission test
 
There's a book called "Haynes Restoration Manual" by Lindsay Porter about restoring MG's - It's listed in the books section of the latest Moss catalog. It's got a step-by-step inspection procedure with advice on buy/don't buy criteria.

The most painful rust that I've heard about is on the rocker panels and on the top of the gas tank (Oh, and I just found a bad patch on the front corner of my drivers door).

Good luck!
 
Hi There, I have a 74 gt and live in Illinois also. It has the air pump and components torn off motor. I have never heard of having a emissions test every two years, is this something new or have I and everyone else I know been non compliant all these years ? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I think the testing might be localized to the Chicago area. Where do you live? I already had to have my 2000 Volvo s40 tested. They send you a document in the mail. It's pretty easy with newer cars. They just hook up the computer. Here's a page:

https://www.sos.state.il.us/departments/drivers/autoemissions.html

By the way, I just test drove the 73 MGB. It was a blast to drive (it's only my second time behind the wheel of an MG). The brakes seem to have a problem where they would go to the floor occasionally, but they said they would fix that. It's currently at a British sports car dealership in Lake Bluff, IL.

Erik
 
I live on the west side of state on Mississippi river,that sounds like something Chicago would do, with that amount of vehicles, Good Luck!

Paul
 
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