MGB Going to look at an $800.00 '75 MGB

[JodyFKerr]

Any advice other than run away?!

This is one of those a friend knows a guy type deals. I know it's a '75 Rubber bumper. Was BRG at some point, but has sat outside an undetermined amount of time.

Have been told engine/trans are fine and it needs a top. So, I go look at these sorts of "opportunities" all the time and they're inevitably a crap shoot. I'm still hoping for my barn find one of these days. I read every article on the MGExperience.net and have lots of LBC experience, but not much with this generation MGB.

Anything specific I should be looking for? I've got my screwdriver, magnets, and compression tester ready to go.

Thanks in advance! I'll let y'all know about the car after I look at it Monday.

Jody

 

[rick_ingram]

The 1975 and 1976 MGBs are probably the worst of the production run.

Just a warning.

Outside without a good top, eh?

Take five $100 bills.

Maximum.

 

[Steve P.]

You've got the right idea. Go check it out and if its not
worth the price it'll be easy to wait till the next
opportunity. The best deals I've ever gotten have been
through friends.

One thing you need to consider if you are in a state
that requires smog checks is that all of the bits are
there and in good condition.
Steve

 

[JodyFKerr]

OK, went to look at it today.

Engine runs great. Things start to go downhill from there.

I'm really torn on this one and am having trouble deciding.

more pictures here: https://picasaweb.google.com/jodyfkerr/201005101975MGMGBPossibleProject?feat=directlink

I'm currently uploading video of the engine running.

Please help me decide. :wink:

 

[bobmga62]

ahh... scary...

 

[JodyFKerr]

Really think it's scary?

That's the part I'm trying to muddle through. If I rebuild master cylinder and rear wheel cylinders it would be driveable. What I was looking for was "cheap and cheery" while I finish my Jensen Healey. The silly and dog leg rust does not appear to have eaten into the middle.

I realize it might not be pretty, but compared to having to drive what's left of the wife's Corolla.. well...

 

[JPSmit]

if this is just a driver in between - go for it! 5 100 bills, another 500 to get it prettier and you're driving all summer

 

[Deleted member 8987]

Boy. Rusted out, bondo-ed over the rust, then rusted out again.

Door panels off looks like someone wanted the speakers....and the stereo....and the antenna.

Smog pump is on some other MG by now.

Weber.......how are emissions tests in Arid-zone-ah?

That one is going to take all your efforts to get running and keep running.

You won't stop when it runs, you'll be after the rack boots, the door panels, the ignition cover, the top, side sills, bumpers, finding a radio, you'll never get the Jensen done.

The A-arm pivot bushings are gone. You'll probably find the front end is SHOT.


Somebody has stock in the Pop-Rivet company, too.
Floors are going to get replaced when you do the sills.

Any of the missing parts come with it?

Dave

 

[JodyFKerr]

Dave,

Oh man, you mentioned the magic word: Emissions. After putting my mum's '78 Spitfire through that I'm not voluntarily doing it again. As to missing parts, I've got MG parts coming out my ears. Don't ask, long story of me rescuing other basket cases and the like.

So, if anyone wants a nice engine/transmission or a serious project let me know. I think I shall pass on this one and just get my butt out to the garage (after I finish my honey-do list).

Jody

 

[JodyFKerr]

Whoa. what the heck is that wacky formatting? It's not in my actual post. wierd.

 

[Stewart]

You might have won something or not.

 

[bobmga62]

do not like the rust what so ever.. (one of the floors was gone, right?)

but if you plan to drive it ONLY AS IS.. offer short money, and if you get a year out of it, you cannot go wrong.

Hey, I bought a Saab, was so disappointed with it, I sold it as lose within two years, and still paying for although I don't even own it...nothing like a 16K car, getting 3.5K back on a trade in...I probably should have just defaulted the loan, but, I don't work like that.

give me those $500 cars any day of the week..drive it for a year, and if it still runs, you can sell it for the same.

Good luck...