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MGB Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever work?

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drooartz

drooartz

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I'm in the test-drive-everything phase of my search for a vintage car, and went to see a 1966 MGB yesterday. The owner described it as an 8 out of 10, with overdrive and wire wheels. Sounded like a possibility, enough that I was making mental plans to call in a mechanic friend for a 2nd inspection. Then I got there...

Body looked pretty good, actually, once you got past the horrible metal-flake paint (why make a MGB look like a dune buggy?). The only real warning sign was some rubber/plastic rocker panel covers. But--the poor thing had been the victim of some horrible "modernization" efforts.

While I'm more of an originality guy, I have no issue with folks who seek to improve their cars. But this mess had wall-to-wall carpet, covering the doors, floors, center stack, everywhere. Black, scratchy, deep pile stuff. Repairs done with mismatched switches, and funky seat covers. Plus a duct taped rollbar and black painted bumper overriders. Geesh! Oh, and a funky steering wheel to boot. Looked like the MGB equivalent of a 70s custom van.

Once I added up the cost of redoing the interior and repaint and body work (door skins at least, sills unknown), I decided to walk on this one. The poor dear--had I the money, I'd buy it just to save it! (priced at about $7k US)

Did like my first MGB drive, though. Roomy (compared to the other types I have driven) and lots of power. I've added them to my short list of candidates.

One question: After driving a Bugeye, later Sprite, Mini, and this MGB, I've only had 1 that most of its gauges working, and that was the Mini (non cooper, so minimal guages). Do any of these ever work?

-Drew
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

A '66 is a great year for a B but you did the right thing by walking away. For $7K you can get a much better car. Who knows what real trouble lies beneath that poor thing. Sounds like a $3500 car to me, if the rockers have not rotted away under those covers.

Gauges should work fine, there's no reason not to. Sounds like the cars you have looked at were not kept in the condition they should have been. I can understand one gauge not working, but only one out of all the cars? That ain't right!
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

You forgot the MGA on your list. The best looking and most fun to drive.
and yes the gauges work if the wiring hasn't been messed with. usually the connections are bad.

1972 MGB and 1960 MGA

Tom
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

I have a 1980 MGB close to pristine and 100% original......$7K would buy one very close to it.You definitely did the right thing by walking away!
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

The first LBC I worked on was a '64 MGB and I still have a very big soft spot in my heart for the chrome bumper "B"s. My eyes popped when you said the seller wanted $7k for this one. Very optimistic on his part.

As others have said, the gauges are usually fine, it's the wiring and sending units that go bad. However cable driven speedos and tachs have their own set of problems but can generally be reconditioned.

Good luck in your search!
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

[ QUOTE ]
You forgot the MGA on your list.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, the MGA and TR3 are on my list, but they're a little above the budget in most cases. This is my first LBC, and I'm on a pretty tight budget.

I'm getting good practice in walking away from a car if it isn't really what I want and a good deal--not always something I've been good at. I really wanted to like that B, but feel good now about passing. Thanks all for your comments and encouragement.
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

Out of curiosity, what is your target cost and what are your expectations? A car suitable to be a daily driver will obviously cost you more than a project car. Both will cost you a fair amount in maintenance and/or parts until you get the car sorted out. Are you looking for a car that's ready to drive and if not, how much work do you anticipate doing to the car yourself?
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

[ QUOTE ]
what is your target cost and what are your expectations?

[/ QUOTE ]

My hope is to have a budget of $10k put together (I have $5400 today). That budget would ideally include car purchase, extra tools (I have good basic set, but no air tools) and the initial main fix up--belts, hoses, brakes, that sort of thing. If I eventually find I need a bigger budget (say if I really want that Bugeye), I'm willing to save a little more initial cash.

I'm looking for a drivable car, for fun drives and to learn more about working on vintage cars. I'm going to do most of the work myself. I'm willing to take the time to learn, and it's okay if the car is off the road for a stretch since I have a modern car already to get me to work. I'm also willing to spend the money to have the critical stuff I can't do farmed out to the right folks. My ideal car is probably a tattered but complete car, as I'm really more on the originality side than the modification side.

Mostly, I've had a thing for 60s cars for a long time, and want to get into the full hobby--driving, maintenance, wrenching, the whole thing. I tried it once, with a 1976 Land Cruiser, but it was my only car and I had no garage, so it was not particularly successful. This time, I have a garage and another car. I'm trying to be realistic about the costs, and am taking my time and checking out lots of different types of cars so I can find the one or ones I really like.

-Drew
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

You are perfect for this hobby, I can already tell. Best of luck in your search! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

I think you're on the right course with the MGB. You will likely find a driveable car in your price range and I never found them hard to work on. Most parts are readily available and there is a wealth of knowledge on boards like this to help you. Spridgets are another possibility but space is obviously a little tighter. Spitfires are nice also and the flip-up bonnet gives you great access to the engine for maintenance and tuning.

I'm glad you intend to work on the car yourself. Like all automotive work, a professional mechanic gets expensive. Professional repairs/maintenance on a mid-1960s LBC would require deep pockets. As you are aware, they don't have the reliability of modern Toyotas and Hondas. However, you'll find that you can handle most of the repairs yourself... especially since you have another daily driver.

Let us know what you look at next!
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

Hi
You should be able to find a MGB in perty good shape for about 5k.
I haveing not worked much on cars befor have found my 75B to be a fun, relatively inexpensive and easy to work on hobby.
Have fun with it all!
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

Metal flake paint job that is enough to stay away from that car. With the budget you have you will find a better candidate.

Become a member of a British car club and you will find very nice cars for sale.
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

[ QUOTE ]
Metal flake paint job that is enough to stay away from that car.

[/ QUOTE ]

Strangest thing is that this is the second car I've looked at with that sort of paint job. I'm not exactly sure that it is actually a metal flake paint, but it was cetainly wrong for this sort of car. Travesty.

I did join the local British car club (British Motor Club of Utah). Really nice folks, and they don't seem to care that I show up to events in a '03 Hyundai. They've been a great resource, as have you folks here. Really helpful since most of my friends are not car folks and don't understand why I'd want a 40 year old car when they make nice new ones!

Mostly, I'm learning to be patient and enjoy the process of finding that right car. Test drives are fun anyways, and I learn more about the process each time. Cash, for the most part, doesn't expire, so I figure I've got plenty of time.

-Drew
 
Re: Poorly "modernized" MGB and do gauges ever wor

An MGB is an excellent choice for a "starter" classic, or a long term relationship. Lots to choose from, lots of clubs cater to them, parts are cheap and the car reliable and fun to drive.
The MGA is similar mechanically but some body panels are very expensive, and the car is not as practical for highway driving or changeable weather conditions, and though beautiful, they are more expensive.
Take a look at a couple of Spitfires, they are very low, (not great if you have back problems!), feel faster than they are, and are easy to live with, and also roomier than the Spridgets.
Simon.
 
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