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Opinions on this A - Mucho Oxido

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JoshP

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About a year ago, I went scoping around a local scrap heap where an old collection of LBC stuff ended up after the owner passed away. Most of it had already been picked through, but I found a couple of little jewels that I ended up photographing. One of which was the MGA in the link below.

https://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c46/jrp316/MGA/

I went through the photo album there and revisited that MGA. Yes, I know it's a heap; but one thing struck me when I revisited those photos. It doesn't look like nature's eaten it away per se, but rather like someone took it apart and never got it back together. From what I could remember of it, I couldn't find much in the way of rust through or structural damage. It doesn't look too bad in the photos; there's just not a lot to it. I don't know a great deal about the A however.

No engine or transmission there; actually, there was nothing in the bay if memory serves. Ditto for the gearbox. Front and rear suspension were there, but that's about it. Pretty much what you see there is what you get.

I'm not really considering a new project at the moment, but mainly just looking for opinions about this car and to learn a bit more about MGAs. Any opinions, comments or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
I'm amazed the aluminum hood, trunk lid & 1 door are still there...

Dash panel is also worth a few bucks as are the taillight assemblies....if that front fender isn't too badly dented, it also is worth a dollar or two.

I've hauled home lots worse!
 
That looks "do-able" if it's cheap enough.
An MGB engine and trans could be fitted pretty easily.

I have a friend up here in northern NJ who has a similar '56 MGA that has been in his barn for 15+ years.
It has a good engine, trans, etc. but fenders are off and engine/trans is out of car. It's a roller. He wants $2500.
 
At the time that I asked, the guy who owned the lot priced it to me at $100 with a bill of sale. I was unable, however, to find any identifying numbers, like a VIN or body tag. Titling it might prove a little problematic.

A good thing about it...tearing down wouldn't really be necessary would it? :p

I think I would go down the route of installing an MGB engine and trans; I've heard that trans tunnel modification or a new tunnel is needed to accommodate the B gearbox. That doesn't look like it would be a problem. No tunnel!
 
Josh,

My '57 A was in better shape, outwardly, than this one.

If you can get it for $100, It would be worth the effort... Even for the parts. I can see many parts there that, if sold, will more than recover the initial expense.

Once I tore mine down I uncovered all kinds of problems that were easily fixed. My project has been a COMPLETE tear apart and reassemble; over three years spent on it. It will be on the road this fall.

If you are going to rebuild it I would recommend a complete teardown, as in unbolt and remove everything that can be removed. Clean, repair, rust protect, paint, and reassemble.

It is not rocket science, just tedious--and messey... Take many, many pictures before, during and after. If you don't you will find yourself sitting on the floor trying to figure out where all these parts came from..

As my late father always taught me, 'If you don't spend the time to do it right, you will spend the time to do it over...'.

That is my two cents worth...

By the way.. my A looks better than I had ever hoped when I started...
 
One thought that I had about it was that the car could be anything that the builder wanted it to be. Without any kind of identifying info on the car and so many missing pieces, keeping it original would be near impossible anyway.

If it were me, I'd want to go with an MGB 5 main engine (it would be somewhat correct in appearance anyway) and either an MGB OD trans or if I had a bit of extra cash, possibly a 5 speed conversion. I'd try to keep the original suspension and refurbish it.

Not quite sure what colors I'd go with for paint or interior, though I'd try to keep that original looking.

Look at me...I'm making a project of it now. LOL
 
Josh,

OMG... run away, get help.... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif

Oh, and good luck... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thumbsup.gif
 
If you want a serious restoration project, there it is. But it will cost you far more money than buying one already completed.
 
Steve,

I guess a measure of madness can be determined by which one Josh will buy... The total restoration project OR the driver that needs TLC...

I know where I fall in the madness meter.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

Be advised that this measure can be used in the 'stoopeed' scale as well.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
Well...I've already got a driver (my '77) that needs some TLC...that leaves one to go.

Whether I get it or not, it's still nice to look and think about it anyway.
 
Josh,

Either way.. 'tis a joy.

As I posted in your 'I'm Back' posting.. I, too, have a '66B driver that keeps me motivated on the A.. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
ahh...

This is the kind of car, I would love to put on my front yard... make a nice piece of lawn art, and PO the neighbors...

actually if you follow e bay, somthing like this still commands about $5000 or more.. so it may be worth it..

Ok, you Baby boomers, remember going to a junk yard in the late 60's, and grabbing parts of of junked A's...that were only slightly damagaed..

Remember a 1622c deluxe in one yard.. twin cam wheels, four wheel disc brakes. ..if only....!!

also, note the car in the background...A facel... go for that too!
 
Ahhh Bob,

I remember my 1930 Model A Ford Coupe ... I could go to junk yards and get parts-a-plenty...

AND the cars going for MEGA bucks at Barrett-Jackson are those that we made fun of in high school...

Not to mention my 1957 Corvette... sigh, I ain't gonna mention it... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wall.gif

/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/cheers.gif
 
That car is a Sunbeam Rapier; that was the other 'jewel' I found there, and there are pics of it in my Photobucket album.

https://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c46/jrp316/Rapier/

It's a complete car; there is some rust through on the body, mostly on the trunk lid and bumpers. Overall, a decent looking project in my opinion. I'm not sure if the engine turns over or not, as I didn't have anything with me to try to turn it with.
 
Josh,

The Rapier, although rather rare, is not worth much on the collector market; topping out at $9K for a show condiditon car...

Although there might be someone at a Barrett-Jackson auction with more money than sense who might pay more because of some nostalgic reason...
 
Joah,

You might check out the Rapier Club link. The car that you have provided pictures is a convertable so is more rare than the coupes.

Here is the link..

https://www.sunbeamrapier.com/

Might be fun to drive this little beastie...
 
$100....there's that much in the aluminum hood alone!!

I once had an MGA with an MGB engine/trans...Jerri called it my rolling casket & made me sell it....

I'd not rebuild that one, I'd part it out!
 
For parts it a good find and should be dragged home especially if you get it cheap.
 
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