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End of road for a 72B..looks like

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jackq

jackq

Jedi Knight
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A local Dr. called me and asked me to pick up his 72B that he has had since new..said it needed some work. Got my dolly and a pal and went to get it. Top was partially ripped out of the mounts and bent. Top was rolled up and lying in car. Trunk was full of brand new parts...boxes and boxes. All new brake and clutch..cylinders, shoes, pads...total front end rebuild kits..Anyhow, he decided to buy one of my o/d trans so first I got the top frame and mounts repaired..he was shocked it looked so nice. I pulled the hood and eng, left the trans in place. Everything had been cobbled..wiring, mounts...mess. Lifted it up and total disaster. New interior had been installed seven years ago and then parked. Looks perfect...except sheets of metal had been chopped and thrown on floor(as original floor was missing). Spring mounts on rear would depart car on first good bump in road. On doors at the rear jamb...they are hitting, looks like tub has flexed and is bowed. I called him and he'll be at shop this morning. Only option...I think...is to salvage what we can and install on a very nice B we have..itsa 76 so could do the bumper conversion and press on. Hope he agrees as in good faith I cannot install all these new parts and send him down the road..I'd rather lose the job and money than see him get hurt....Think I'm wrong??
 
From what you described, I don't think there's any other viable choice.

You gotta live with yourself, after all.
 
Make sure you show him exactly why you're making this recommendation and what the cost would be to properly repair the existing shell. Then if he walks with the car at least you will know you honest and upfront about the choices.
 
Jack, I agree with your course of action. Wish there were more guys in the trade with your ethical standards.

The swap to the newer shell is probably the best course of action for him.
 
Spot on! I would be sure to let him know about the year change and if you are switching out the ID numbers? I have a pull handle shell here, if you have an interest?
Cheers,
D.
 
Yes,probably the best course of action as you say.
Here is an idea for what to do with the old shell rather than just junk it. :iagree:
 

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Jack:

I'm proud to say you and I share the same mentality and profession.
Stay the course, you have to look you in the eye tomorrow morning.
"Good Call"

Dave :savewave:
 
fogliner said:
Yes,probably the best course of action as you say.
Here is an idea for what to do with the old shell rather than just junk it. :iagree:
Click to expand...

I rather like this suggestion! I'd take the old shell, merge it with a small pop-up camper and Bob's-your-uncle! :laugh:
 
The DR. came down and we talked..and looked .and he said it gave him 38 years of fun. Going to bring the title an said if I'd give him close to what he paid for all the new parts stacked in boxes(unopened)..its mine. That dosen't even count the brand new interior he had installed before it was parked(Victoria). Its the buckskin..seats, door panels, top..two new tonneaus, black carpets. And he has the complete stock dual carbs, manifolds...I shouldn't feel guilty...so why do I???
 
jackq said:
The DR. came down and we talked..and looked .and he said it gave him 38 years of fun. Going to bring the title an said if I'd give him close to what he paid for all the new parts stacked in boxes(unopened)..its mine. That dosen't even count the brand new interior he had installed before it was parked(Victoria). Its the buckskin..seats, door panels, top..two new tonneaus, black carpets. And he has the complete stock dual carbs, manifolds...I shouldn't feel guilty...so why do I???
Click to expand...

cause you're a good man?
you told it straight - doesn't make it the easier thing to do, just the right thing to do.
 
I'm impressed...you're a good man Jack.
 
Do not feel bad. I go through this all the time. You can only give the best advise and let the client make the choice. Almost every restoration jos that I start, I tell the owner to purchase a car already restored for less than what they think the restoration would cost...they will come out ahead. Probably loose more jobs by doing this, but the cost of a restoration is very dear and want to be up front, and like you, never know what might be hiding ie rust etc.
Cheers,
D.
 
Jack, thought you were downsizing and getting out.
 
This is one of those "do the right thing" scenarios. Up front tell him the car is gonna break his heart. Better to be up front and HE made the offer after the news was disclosed. Why guilt out over that. Steer him to Bob (bob67bgt here) for a GOOD MGB!!
 
He has decided to get of of the MG business totally. Has numerous other neat vehicles...and its just the two of them. So the car sits in my shop and when I can I'll either find a donor body and do the swap with all the new parts stacked in and around it...or start sell the stuff off as well as dismantle the car and sell what I can. I wished I lived closer to civilization...I'd have a huge garage sale selling MG only stuff. As it is, I'm one of only a few people for 100s of miles that owns them.
 
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