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bluecoat

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This is my first post, have not had an MGB in 20 years, back in college. Found a very clean 1979 I am thinking about buying, are there any major problems that have developed over the years with this model that I need to look at, it has no air and no overdrive.

Thanks in advance.
 
Rust. Look for rust. Then look for rust again. Then take a magnet and look for rust again.
Then climb under the car and look for rust again.
And when you think you're done looking for rust, look for rust again.

After that, spend a few minutes looking over the rest of it.
 
You'll get plenty of help here with your potential purchase. Let me welcome you to the best forum to ask about LBC's. The rust thing is a pretty universal concern on British Iron as it seems to come pre rusted. Good Luck and welcome back.
 
Two other things-no MGB ever came with aircon from the factory. Any air contidioning systems you may have seen are aftermarket, dealer-fit items, and are pretty rare as well. That said, I believe air can be fitted to a B without too much hassle.
Second-an overdrive wasn't standard on the B either, although it was very common on later rubber bumpered cars. Overdrive fitted gearboxes are pretty easy to locate, though, and are pretty easy to fit, too from what I understand.
Most important is to look for rusties. Have fun, good luck with the search, and welcome!
-William
 
Listen to Tony and read that article as well as checking the info on MGB Experience re: buying a B. Save yourself a lot of time/money by buying right. I didn't. Nuff said.
 
still undecided on this 79, couple more questions if you all don't mind:

1. all the electrics work but I am not happy has far as "smoothness" of ignition switch, heater fan and wiper switch, can all these be upgraded or replaced or am I just going to have to live with it?

2. The car has 47,000 documented miles, car runs tight,not abused, what is your expierence has far as engine life, will it go 100,000 miles?

3. The carb is original and runs a little rough, it looks like an easy rebuild, are there any better replacement aftermarket carbs that can still be found?

I know I am being picky for a 20+ year old car but my wife tells me I am a bit of a perfectionist.

Thanks in advance.
 
If you're a perfectionist, don't buy an MG! Now, I'm not being nasty when I say that, just pragmatic - something will always not work or not work to your liking - if you can't live with it, think about a Miata
 
Tony has an original owner 79B that he swears by.

The carb is a ZS and is an easy rebuild, but probably your problem is with the water choke. Tony has a tech tip on his web site on overhaul of the choke. ( if its a carb problem at all)

As far as the electrical issues, Hey the thing is twenty five years old.. What did you expect?
The switches can be cleaned and refurbed. Replacements are available for just about all the electrical stuff except smith gauges. But old used is rather common. Just ask Tony....

I have a 79 that I bought for $500 (which I know now is about 300 more than I should of paid), but I bought it non-running, after it had sat under a pine tree in Jasper TX, for three years... It now runs, and is a lot of fun, ... I was lucky, almost no rust..

Dive in, the water is fine...

Oh, I live in Granbury, TX. Where are you?

Ed
 
Ed's right, chances are the problem is in the water choke.

And my (low) opinion of ZS carbs is well known, so I'll just briefly say, yes, there are several carb options open to you. The trick is deciding which one is right for you. It may be the ZS, it may be something else. For more thoughts, go to https://shadetreemg.com/carb_choices.htm
 
&, Baxter & most folks know my opinion on ZS's...if you want it to work correctly, go to https://www.theautoist.com/zs_water_chokes.htm ...if you decide to toss it in the trash, toss it & everything you have that goes to it (emissions stuff included) my way - I'll pay the shipping costs!
 
1. The switches came with a grease inside. After this much time, it is gunky. Ignition switches wear out but are an easy replacement.
2.The factory suggested new rod bearings at about 40k miles. That brings the oil pressure back up. As for the top end, if it was well maintained, it will do more than 100k.
3. I prefer not to register carb opinions, other than that I have a Z/S system (manual choke replacing the water choke) that now after many dollars and much work, actually functions well! My other cars have dual SUs, and have more snap. Whatever turns your crank.
 
I recommend the MGB roadster as an enjoyable and low cost entry tdo the sports car hobby. I have two rubber bumper MGBs (78 and 79) that have been restored and have a great time with them. Parts are readily available and ususally very reasonable in cost. The electric switches are easily replaced for reasonable after market items As to carburetion, I like the single ZS but recommend that you replace the water temperature choke with a manual kit that is readily available. If you want more performance then go to dual SUs or other side draft configurations. The down draft Weber is about as undercarbureted as a single ZS. There are other performance and reliability upgrades available such as solid state ingition systems and improved fuel pumps. The MGB with thoughtful upgrades can be made to be a very relialbe car. DO NOT BUY AN MGB WITH MORE THAN SUPERFICIAL RUST. You will pay for this in the long run. Get the cleanest that you can find and you will be money ahead. I think that the MGBs are becoming more of a collectors item and are beginning to increaase in value. (The have been a sleeper in the market up til now). Tony Barnhill (the Autoist) is an excellent source of information, help and parts. Best regards and go for an MGB.
 
Welcome to the forum, Bluecoat. Here's my ten cents' worth on the purchase subject: when you eyball the car, take someone with you who is skilled and experienced in British car restoration.

Even if you have to pay someone $100 bucks to go with you, I think it's worth every penny if you don't have the skillset or experience to evaluate the car's condition.

This way, you'll get the best value for your investment.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!
 
Thanks for all the help, I took the dive and bought it last night, turns out after the old guy dug out the paper work it is a 1980 B. He even found the original window sticker, I am going to start with fluid, hose, belt changes and just drive the car and see what developes. Again thanks for all the info.
 
Hi Bluecoat,

Welcome to the fraternity of MG owners. I believe you'll be happy you took ther plunge. One question for you... Any chance you could post a scan of that original sticker for us to enjoy?

Thanks!

[ 01-31-2004: Message edited by: Rick ]</p>
 
Hi Rick,
I just checked out your web site. Beautiful car, well done. Great web site, also well done. You can be very proud of your project. If I had a place to put another car, one like yours would be my choice.
D
 
Being a newbie I want to thank everyone for putting up with my ?'s, got my manual today and have explored the Moss sight and that has helped alot, give me a couple of days and I will post some pic's of my car and the paper work that came with it, again thanks!!!!
 
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