MGB Made a decision, my MGB is going...

[AngliaGT]

Looks like you used about $1000 worth of wood
on that engine support.

 

[drooartz]

Looks impressive. (Is it worth removing the fan - plastic blades are vulnerable - don't ask me how I know)

I think they'll be okay. This will be snug in the back of the pickup and I've since wrapped the engine in that shipping plastic wrap to keep it all snug.

 

[drooartz]

Looks like you used about $1000 worth of wood
on that engine support.

I was chuckling about this myself. It's on a beat up pallet from work with some scrap OSB screwed down on top for support. The 2x4 was also scrap, quite warped and purchased back when lumber was cheap.

I was very careful with my measurements, however, as I certainly didn't want to buy any more wood!

 

[Rut]

Got the engine and transmissions all packed up and ready for hauling down to AZ for the rebuild. Transmissions you say? I happen to have two OD transmissions, the original from the car and a spare I picked up from a parts car. I'm bringing them both down so that they can use the best one as a base for a rebuild (or for parts if necessary). I've got a couple spare blocks as well, but hoping that the original one won't have issues and will be fully rebuildable.

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Good to see you making progress! The MGB gets driven almost every day, weather permitting and the kids love it! Clutch slave started leaking last week and I ordered a new one from Moss along with a rebuild kit. The threads were buggered up on the new one, so I used 1000 grit to clean up the bore on the old one and she’s back in business. They use it, I fix it...
Rut

 

[drooartz]

Made the trip from UT to AZ last weekend, safely delivering the car to the shop for work. Borrowed my FIL's nice F150, traveling in style! My friend and I co-own the trailer -- we both own old British cars so it's handy to have.

The shop was working on some really nice stuff, ranging from a MG TD to a TR3 to an AC Aceca and an Aston DB2/4. I think my little B is in good hands.

About 45 mins from my house, Mt Timpanogos in the background

Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam near Page AZ)

The shop

My B, off the trailer and waiting her turn

 

[drooartz]

The main work I'm having them do is a full engine rebuild and possibly a transmission rebuild as well. They're at least going to open up the box and see what it needs. I happen to have a spare as well (both OD) so I dropped off both in case my original one is too far gone.

Today I got the results of their initial inspection of the car for any other issues. I asked them to look it over and see what else is needed. The list they sent me contained no surprises, just the usual seals/brakes/hoses/worn out bits. I did chuckle as some of this is replacing parts, like the brake/clutch hoses and tires, that have aged out since I installed them 10 years ago when I first bought the car. I guess I've been doing this long enough now to need to redo my own work...

So here's the initial list. I'm going to have them sort it all out, and get me a quote for the minor bodywork (door skins, repaint engine bay and inside the boot). I'm not sure the bodywork will be in my budget, but it's worth finding out. The rest of it is usual wear, and I'm perfectly happy to have them sort it out so I can be driving all that much sooner.

• Rear spring bushings are expired
• Axle case gasket and pinion seal
• Change rear shock fluid
• Axle service
• Axle retaining straps
• E-brake system needs cleaned and lubed or to be replaced
• All fuel hoses going to and from fuel pump
• Recommend power washing of undercarriage
• All brake and clutch soft lines
• Need rear brakes
• Tires from 2010
• Fuel filler neck
• Passenger door mirror? We can get a quote for you on patching the old mirror holes if you would like
• Bonnet prop rod holder
• Wiring in engine bay is disarray
• Steering rack has a few leaks
• Oil pressure braided line
• Heater valve pull cord
• Fuel filter
• Brake master
• No battery
• Horns are very faint

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Sounds like you're gonna have a new car!

Great looking shop - must be a delight to work there.

 

[drooartz]

Sounds like you're gonna have a new car!

Great looking shop - must be a delight to work there.

Probably going to cost as much as a new car as well! No regrets, though. I'm happy to "buy" this car again and get out and drive it.

 

[DrEntropy]

Shop looks to be a class act, Drew. Good choice.

We'll be interested to learn of progress.

 

[drooartz]

I'll keep y'all posted. This is going to be a fun adventure. It almost feels like I'm buying this car for a third time, just as exciting to think about driving it again.

 

[drooartz]

Here's the update for this week (the shop sends a weekly update on Friday).

They have received parts for the list of work to do, and the engine is torn down and at the machine shop. We're waiting to hear back from the machine shop on details so we can make a plan for the rebuild.

 

[drooartz]

June update from the shop (image as they sent me a PDF for the June bill). In short, all is disassembled and cataloged. Looks like I made a good call to rebuild this engine instead of keeping on driving it. Seized piston rings, worn bearings, but cylinder walls and block look OK. Also nice is that the transmission seems to be in good shape -- it was shifting fine before, but I figured we'd go through it with everything out. May be a nice savings if it just needs a looksie and servicing.

I like the detail they're giving me. My friend had similar work done by this shop and he received the same level of detail, so I was expecting it. Still, it's nice to see a clear record of what they're doing. Makes it a bit more pleasant to pay the bill.

 

[DrEntropy]

That's great, Drew! Seems as if you're in good hands.

The report is a bit more verbose than we'd do but finding a shop that does it at all is rare. Ours were terse by comparison. We also shot many photos as things progressed, I would guess they're doing the same.

 

[drooartz]

Does make me feel confident for sure. Now comes the interesting part as we fix what's broken and put it all back together.

 

[DrEntropy]

ISTR you've a spare engine. Any intent to go thru that at some point? It could be at a leisurely pace, a kind of "journey of discovery" for you.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Would like to see the machine shop report regarding the block condition….I am curious about the cylinder measure.

 

[drooartz]

ISTR you've a spare engine. Any intent to go thru that at some point? It could be at a leisurely pace, a kind of "journey of discovery" for you.

Two spares, actually. I would like to do a refresh on one of them some day, would be a fun learning experience. I've actually got replacement bearings for one of them (same size) as I was planning on a simple refresh before I decided to go all out. It's certainly on the list, but the Bugeye comes first.

Would like to see the machine shop report regarding the block condition….I am curious about the cylinder measure.

Me too. I'll post up what I find out once it comes in.

 

[drooartz]

First bit of news back from the shop. Small crack in the head, machine shop feels it's an easy fix. I have other heads, but there's no guarantee they're any better so going to try the repair and see how it goes.

 

[DrEntropy]

First bit of news back from the shop. Small crack in the head, machine shop feels it's an easy fix. I have other heads, but there's no guarantee they're any better so going to try the repair and see how it goes.

Cylinder #3?

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Seen a few of those, Doc……..