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MG For Sale

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DougF

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Going out today to look at a 1964 MGB. I have Triumphs and a Healey. I know a little about the B, but was wondering what to look for.
I know to look at footwells, floors and other usual suspects for rust. Any other hidden areas?
The car is supposed to have been restored. I'll forward any information about the car if we don't buy it.
All I know is the car is white with red leather.
 
Good luck!
 
Thanks for the help. I'll feel a little better educated now.
Some day I'll get my "doctorate" in car hunting and learn to just stay at home.
 
Okay, so a friend and I went to look at this car. Overall, it is a nice driver. It has good paint, but the prep leaves a little to be desired. ie ripples in the metal etc. but nothing terribly major. No bubbles or surface rust.
The chrome is very good. Red leather interior is new, as is the good fitting black top. There are a couple toggle switches that are probably add ons. The knobs need to be replaced. Two of the knobs, heater?, appear to be from an old stove.
Most of the body is very solid. There was putty in the rockers and wheel arches and the floors are glassed over. The shelf in the front wheel well is solid, but there are pin holes at the base of the piece(paassenger side only). We also found pin holes in the back of the rear wheel wells. Nothing major. Trunk is solid. Doors open and close when jacked in the air. Hinge pins show a little wear.
It does have the original aluminum hood. Not a perfect fit, but very presentable.
The engine has good oil pressure. 75lbs at start up, 40 lbs. at 140 degree idle. Didn't let it get to full temp since it is in an enclosed garage. Can't say anything about the tranny since we didn't drive it, but the clutch is new.
The serial number(right side inner fender) was a 31000 series. The body tag(left side inner fender) did not match that number, it was in the 30500's. Is this normal?
Steel wheels, good tires, new spare.
As before, the car is being represented as a 1964. Does this coincide with these body numbers?
What would be a rough estimate value of this car? I understand that it is difficult to guess without having seen it. I do have an idea of the asking price.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
 
"...putty in the rockers and wheel arches and the floors are glassed over."

You should probably pass on this one. Likely spells more trouble underneath. There are plenty of 'em out there.
 
Pin holes usually mean big holes. Unless it were really cheap it might not be all that great. If you have pics you can post them and we will be able to better help you. From past experience, I've learned never to look at a car without a digital camera. You can get the pics home & really study them. There are so many thing that show up just by sticking your hand under the car & start snapping.
 
Depends on if you're looking for a couple years fun driving or a keeper. A glass floor and some pinholes are no big deal if the car isn't going to become a family heirloom. Price should be in line with the perfectness of the car, so you have some bargaining points. My sons "B" is all pop rivets and plastic and ran and drove as well as my solid one. Just won't last as long without HELP. Bob
 
tony barnhill said:
Here's a link to an article I wrote on the art of buying an MG:
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting this Tony, I was one of the guys begging for a copy!
 
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:]I was one of the guys begging for a copy![/QUOTE]

I don't mind you guys using it for your personal use - I just don't want it published in any club newsletters or on websites all over the internet, etc.
 
Absolutely not!

Just this week, during my hours behind the windshield, I was mulling over the wording of a disclaimer in hopes of persuading you to relinquish a copy. I'm delighted to have one for my personal use.
 
I'm constantly changing it - have some photos I need to add to give visual effects....down the road I might try to publish it along with my "rewakening" checklist.
 
tony barnhill said:
I'm constantly changing it - have some photos I need to add to give visual effects....down the road I might try to publish it along with my "rewakening" checklist.
Click to expand...

Is that the one about bringing a B back from hibernation? Love to have that also!
 
So what did you do about the car?
 
My friend made an offer on the car and is awaiting an answer. I have enough projects.
 
DougF said:
My friend made an offer on the car and is awaiting an answer. I have enough projects.
Click to expand...

I am curious...what was the offer? We are in the same market and I have a similar situation here...one of my neighbors has a 65 driver MGB that he is thinking of selling and my wife's birthday is coming up and I have no idea what to get for her.

Bruce
 
I'm not certain of his offer. The owner was asking $6k. I'm certain the offer was well below that. I have not heard if the offer has been accepted.
 
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