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A Mighty Battle Raged....

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RTR52nd

RTR52nd

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...in my garage...

Went to pull off the Rear Brake Drums to do some work back there. The driver's side came off like a dream, practically glided off into my hands. Which was a nice surprise, considering it's quite rusted. Pleased with this momentary progress, I headed to the passenger side, whistling a happy mechanic's tune.

<<<span style="font-style: italic">Dark clouds roll in, ominous music starts playing...</span>>>

After 2 days of pulling, pounding, prying, crying, beating, pleading, and general knuckle-smashing frustration, I finally emerged victorious.

Here is the treasure that greeted me...
brake1.jpg


BrakeDetritus.jpg



Seems the more I get into this little project, the more overwhelming it becomes.

Does anyone know of Moss sells a replacement 76 MGB?
 
Just to make you feel better I will add that I have encountered similar situations more than a few times over the years with MGs. I don't think that I have ever had to actually break a drum on and MG but I know that I have had to on other makes, especially those that use the hub itself to center the drum, like GM products.

All of this points to the wisdom of actually pulling the drums for inspection and doing some house cleaning and adjusting every year or tow. If you drive in the rust belt it might be a good idea to do it to any car or truck every season. A PITA for sure but the alternative is a REAL PITA.

Jack
 
Heck, that doesn't look too bad...I have seen a lot worse in my driveway. Clean up all that rust and replace the cylinders and shoes, plus whatever just doesn't seem right, and you will be good to go for another 30 years.

Just be thankful that they are not GM rear disc brakes!
 
RTR52nd,

:iagree:

I agree with Bruce and also suggest that you pay particular attention to the retaining springs. They do have a proclivity to break under stain if rusted....

And by the way.. Your project looks ripe to be visited by the 'Just As Well' gremlin... as in, I 'just as well' take that off and fix it, then this and then another that... ad infinitum.. until you have a stack-o-parts that resemble an MG :rolleyes:
 
"Seems the more I get into this little project, the more overwhelming it becomes.
Does anyone know of Moss sells a replacement 76 MGB?"


Not a '76, but I heard about a '77 today that shows about 38K on the clock and it is for sale ... and it's in the Denver area.
I haven't personally seen the car, but I've seen pics, and it looks pretty decent.
Interested?
 
To answer the question, <span style="font-style: italic">"Does anyone know of Moss sells a replacement 76 MGB?"</span>, the anaswer is 'YES'!

I can get you a new bodyshell and almost every piece you'd need to build an entirely new '76 MGB - or any year for that matter!

If you've got deep pockets!
 
I wuz thinkin' that. Just what it would cost to start from "scratch" and build one. It could be a GREAT promo for Moss, but I suspect it'd be WAAAY overpriced, and likely a few bits 'n pieces would kinda be fallin' off here and there too quickly... Nevermind how one could legally title such a monster. :smirk:
 
Actually, given time, I could probably source every part needed!

& you're correct, Doc, it'd be way overpriced!
 
VW did that with a type 113 back in the early 70's, late 60's

For a car that cost out the showroom door less than 3K it was just over 15K over the parts counter.
 
Just think how nice that is going to look and how well it is going to work when you finish.
 
It always looks bad when you first get it apart,try and not get too discouraged.

for a little inspiration just watch John Twist doing his youtube rear mgb brake assembly video.
It really makes it look much less intimidating.

Type "University motors" into youtube search and you will see a bunch of video's that will help take the mystery out of MGB's.Its probably on the second page.There's 4 pages of video's.
I took apart my HIF carbs and reassembled them after seeing his video on them no problem.And set the float levels flawlessly ...(ok i did have to take them off again and do it twice).Have fun with it and enjoy the learning experience.

Mark
 
Thanks for the encouragement everyone!
Ronzi - if I buy another LBC instead of a desperately needed new oven, I'd better be able to cook dinner on the manifold... Which would be fine with me, but my wife might have some objections....
Tony - I sure you could get me every part from the ground up, but I'm sure I'd run out of cash about half way up the tires.
Mark - I've actually got John Twist on my youtube subscription list, and cleaned up my old laptop to keep in the garage so I can have his expertise right out there with me! Haven't yet seen the rear brake assembly video, but I'll be sure to check that out. Thanks!!
My initial vision was that I would keep removing parts, finding things that needed work, removing them, until I finally found myself staring at the driveshaft saying "Well, at least this looks to be in pretty good shape...."
Thanks again. I'll keep you all posted
 
When you get to the driveshaft, be sure to check the u-joints and "you might as well" have it balanced!! :smile:
 
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