MGB MGB 76

[don62]

Hi,

I'm just about to make the move to buy a 76 model.
I'm not too sure if I should be looking for a triumph or fiat Spider Pininfarina 1983. I really need advice as to what should I verify, Should I go with a british car instead of Italian etc,.

Thanks

Don

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Don, and welcome to the Forum.

Since you've asked this on a British car site, the obvious answer would be the Triumph (even though you titled the post MGB76)!

However, the Fiat is a nice ride - different, but nice.

Is there anything specific you're looking for in the experience of owning a sports car? That would determine in large part which car to be considering.

 

[don62]

Hi Mickey,


I'm looking for something in the seventies.
I was told that it was easier and cheaper to get parts for an MG instead of the Fiat. As for the comparable, I'd like to know about the driving. The 3 models described have something to attract me. The best would be a test drive but it's kind of hard in my country actually. So the more info I can grasp, the better choice I'll make.

Thanks

Don

 

[DrEntropy]

Just my opinion but: for dependability, ease of maintenance, parts cost and availability, I'd go with an MGB every time.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Yep - hard to beat the B. I have a '73 (actually it's the wife's), and it's a nice ride. Lots of 'em out there, and lots of support.

 

[NutmegCT]

I sure enjoyed my 1976 MGB. Parts easy to get from Moss Motors (www.mossmotors.com).

Easy to work on (except replacing the gol'dern heater box).

MGB definitely recommended over the Italian cars you mentioned.

Tom

 

[kyreb1862]

Don, I have owned three TR's and one MGB. I'll have to say for ease of maintenance and parts price and availibility I prefer the MGB. I hear nice things about the Fiats but the investigations I have done show the parts to be expensive and even a bit hard to locate. Which ever way you choose to go any of the three cars would give you a fun and enjoyable driving experience.

 

[Shinsen774]

International Auto parts in Charlottesville, Virginia has a website where you can check out parts for Fiats and other Italian cars. You can then compare to Moss and other British car part sites for prices.

I noticed one Italian car part reference in their catalog said that three different brands of brakes were used, at random, in assembling the cars. They are not interchangeable and one car may have all three on it. You have to go look at your car and determine which one you need! Gotta love the Italians! I bought an MGB.

 

[DrEntropy]

I've a lifetime of both ownership and wrenching professionally on all of the "suspects" mentioned. MGB's are the 'bullet-proof sportscar' of the lot.

 

[don62]

Thank you all for your feedback!

Well My choice is pretty made up now.
I'm going tomorrow to see an MGB 76 in top shape.
A friend of mine saw it today and just turned me on.
I'll be making the move if it's really like he told me.
Don't be shy to tell me what to check on the vehicule as for the body, engine, anything please.
I'm receptive to all advice.

Thanks Again

Don

 

[Steve_S]

The most important thing is the structural sills. Check for rust or bondo along the side of the car below the doors. If the metal feels weak, walk away. If a magnet won't stick strongly to the sills at any point, walk away. Replacing this part of the car is very expensive.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Yep, and look under the carpets - do the magnet thing there as well. Check all the crossmembers. If you don't have access to a Moss Motors catalog, check it out online. The various "exploded" drawings will give you a hint of what to look at.

The MGB is a unibody - no separate frame - and structural repairs are critical and difficult. Plenty of good ones out there; you can't afford NOT to be selective.

Let us know what you find. Pictures are good!

Mickey

 

[GB1]

Welcome Don

Now which one of you clowns is selling your B ~snicker

Seriously, IMHO all the advice given above is very sound.

I hope you find a solid car at a fair price.

Patrick

 

[don62]

Hi erveryone,

Thanks again for your advice.
It's done, I'm a new owner of a british car.
MGB 76 limited edition. Same family owner. I've never seen a car in that shape, you would think it's a 3 yrs old car. No rust, original paint, loaded, etc.
Could you tell me what the limited edition has more than the other model?
I just can't wait for the snow to melt now.

Cheers

Don

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi erveryone,

Could you tell me what the limited edition has more than the other model?

Stripes, a dash plaque, and special wheels!

Maybe a bit more trim pieces, but otherwise the same as a standard B. I think, though, that they were '79 and '80 models. Here's some info:

https://www.mgcars.org.uk/namgbr/limited.htm

At any rate, congratulations on the purchase. Glad you found a nice one. Keep us updated on it.

Mickey

 

[don62]

MGB 76.

I heard that the 1976 model had electrical problems.
Is it true? If yes, anyone has a clue about it?

Thanks

Don

 

[jlaird]

They all have electrical problems unless you go through them very carefully, they are very old and corosion gets in the connections. Clean em up or replace the harness and they good for your lifetime.

 

[Dave Richards]

I've a lifetime of both ownership and wrenching professionally on all of the "suspects" mentioned. MGB's are the 'bullet-proof sportscar' of the lot.

Well said. IMHO

 

[don62]

MGB 1976.

I recently bought this great model but would prefer the chrome bumpers instead of the rubber ones.
I'd like to get your thoughts about the conversion kit offered in the Moss motor catalogue.
Will the value of the car be depreciated?

Thanks

Don

 

[Steve_S]

It won't be depreciated at all. In fact, many times the car will bring more money with a chrome conversion. You may consider lowering the car to chrome bumper height as well. It will do wonders for the handling and in my opinion looks far better.