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GBT

GBT

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Hello Forum Members,
I took the plunge(gulp!)and bought a 1980 MGB. I am 60, retired and living in southern Florida. My motorcycle is getting too heavy to handle (725#)so time to move to a 4-wheeled hobby. The car is in good shape, 39995 actual miles, I am the 3rd owner. I came upon it in central Illinois while visiting my Mom. I am considering driving it back to Florida but I do a tuneup, do the brakes and exhaust and possibly the electric fans. Everything seems to work but the speedometer jumps around a lot and I don't think the overdrive is 100%. Any advice or encouragement will be appreciated...thanks in advance.

GBT
 
Welcome to the Forum! :savewave:
 
Welcome, indeed! You'll find lots of encouragement here, as well as advice and answers to your questions.

:cheers:
Mickey
 
Hi There GBT,

(1st) Welcome to the "Wonderful World of LBCs" (Little British Cars) & The BCF to help you with almost any question(s) you may have.

(2nd) A trip from "Illinois to Florida" sounds like a great fun ride but If it were me; I`d have the car transported. You just never know what you may encounter!!

Best Wishes,

Russ
 
Welcome, GBT!

A road trip of 1200+ miles in a 30 year old untested vehicle of any manufacture is proof you're intrepid (nevermind that you're still ridin' two-wheelers!).

A real "shake-down" period would be my counsel. Low mileage for the age has both good and bad connotation... things atrophy when left static. Seals in particular.

In this instance, I agree with Russ: consider transporting the beast home, then start sorting out what needs doing to make it reliable.

I ain't tryin' to throw a wet blanket on the fire, so if you've done the work on your bikes and are confident with the wrenches, GO FOR IT!

Just be sure to carry a device you can access this site with. We're here, we respond rapidly. Especially if you need help quickly. :wink:

Again, welcome!
 
Thanks to all for the great welcome! We made it to Florida with only a few minor issues, some of the smog equipment had bad hoses resulting in vacuum leaks. had to stop for one extra day and repair them. The car ran GREAT...plenty of power and fairly comfortable except for the heat. many days near 100 degrees. We took our time and split it up over 5 days as I didn't want to push it too hard. Really looking forward to making the B reliable and a daily driver...although I don't do a lot of driving being retired. I do like to work on cars and have found this forum to be very helpful. :thankyousign:
 
Glad ya made it! Another intrepid MG owner. :laugh:

A few years back, Herself and I did a Tampa-Cleveland-Tampa run in our '64. Only issue was the generator brushes at the Cleveland end. Couple o' bucks, fifteen minutes fettling and it was: "Press on Regardless!" :wink:
 
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