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HEY GUYS....I NEED A LITTLE ADVICE. I CAUGHT WIND OF A 1980 MGB SPECIAL EDITION FOR SALE TO THE FIRST $5000 THAT COMES ALONG. PROBLEM IS, IT'S PRETTY AND CAUGHT MY EYE BUT I'M A SPITFIRE GUY AND KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MGS. CAN'T FIND ANY GUIDE OF PROBLEM AREAS TO CHECK EITHER. ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. The car is a 1980 MGB Limited Edition with 72k original miles w/ mild 1/4 racing camshaft, Weber downdraft Carb, Peco headers (low RPM version)and Abarth free-flow exhaust (it has a beautiful note), new engine bearings, rings, gaskets, valve guides, etc., clutch, pressure plate and T-O bearing and an oil cooler. The engine also has a hot ignition set-up with a new (this summer) euro-spec distributor. Also this summer a new convertible top was added and the luggage rack in in good shape.
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TO B OR NOT TO B?
- Thread starter machinemd
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Paul Slice
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I have both a 78 MGB and a 80 1500 Spit. The size difference suprizenly is substatial, the B is much easier to get in and out of as well as driving a little smoother thanks to the weight and size difference. With the proper work to the suspension and shocks the B will also handle with the Spit and it has more power. I would check for rust in the rockers and floorpans, for that price hopefully there will be none. You also want a overdrive transmission if you do any highway driving. Also there are more parts available with the vendors(moss vb trf etc...)as well as e-bay than the Spit. Both are fine cars, BIMHO the MGB is a more wellrounded car and gets you closer to the height of the drivethru window or teller machine. If I was looking for another B it would be a earlier chrome bumper version instead of the later rubber bumper car that i currently have, but when you pay $500 dollars for a rust free origional 90k car you take it.
[ 12-12-2003: Message edited by: Paul Slice ]</p>
[ 12-12-2003: Message edited by: Paul Slice ]</p>
Chuck,
Thanks for that link. Similar to the Spitfire but more important as it is unibody. And guys, thanks for the additional info and encouragement. I'm planning on checking it out on Saturday, weather permitting. We just got 2 feet of snow, give or take depending on location, but the temps and rain have cleared the roads rather well. Time still allows any and all info before I check it out. And it will be appreciated.
Thanks, Steve
Thanks for that link. Similar to the Spitfire but more important as it is unibody. And guys, thanks for the additional info and encouragement. I'm planning on checking it out on Saturday, weather permitting. We just got 2 feet of snow, give or take depending on location, but the temps and rain have cleared the roads rather well. Time still allows any and all info before I check it out. And it will be appreciated.
Thanks, Steve
Yes, those wonderfull over the phone descriptions of used cars
I looked at a GT6 this past week that was much rustier than the fellow let on. He was "surprised" when I found holes in the backs of the rear fender wells, and bondo in the rear fender wells.(Even after I asked on th ephone about filler in the car).
No matter how blunt I am on the phone about not wanting to drive all the way out there to see a basket case doesn't make a difference. They must believe that they can talk you into buying their junk.
Too bad, as the car was a '69 with overdrive. But definitely worth maybe no more than a little over 1/2 of the $3200 he wanted for it.
Looked like it would need some frame work as well.
And the area behind the dash was extremely corroded, like it had leaked water in that area for a long time.
I looked at a GT6 this past week that was much rustier than the fellow let on. He was "surprised" when I found holes in the backs of the rear fender wells, and bondo in the rear fender wells.(Even after I asked on th ephone about filler in the car).
No matter how blunt I am on the phone about not wanting to drive all the way out there to see a basket case doesn't make a difference. They must believe that they can talk you into buying their junk.
Too bad, as the car was a '69 with overdrive. But definitely worth maybe no more than a little over 1/2 of the $3200 he wanted for it.
Looked like it would need some frame work as well.
And the area behind the dash was extremely corroded, like it had leaked water in that area for a long time.
I'd just about bet that Tony would have something available, if you really want a "B". If you absolutely must surrender to the "Dark Forces".
I'm going to look at a '72 GT6 MkIII this week. The original owner told me it has rust in the usual places, and has been sitting in her garage for quite awhile, so I almost know instinctively what I'm going to find. I didn't even ask her if it has overdrive, as I am primarily interested in the engine. But, she only wants $600 for it, so it's worth the 25 mile drive to look at.
I have the problem of people looking me up to see if I want to take these cars off their hands, for little or no money. Not a bad situation, but I have a hard time saying no, as the end result otherwise is going to be the crusher.
I would think that with persistence, and a little legwork you can find something suitable at the right price. It sounds as though you know what to look for, and that makes things a lot easier, rather than buying it and THEN finding all of the nasties.
Good luck in your search.
Jeff
[ 12-14-2003: Message edited by: Bugeye58 ]</p>
I'm going to look at a '72 GT6 MkIII this week. The original owner told me it has rust in the usual places, and has been sitting in her garage for quite awhile, so I almost know instinctively what I'm going to find. I didn't even ask her if it has overdrive, as I am primarily interested in the engine. But, she only wants $600 for it, so it's worth the 25 mile drive to look at.
I have the problem of people looking me up to see if I want to take these cars off their hands, for little or no money. Not a bad situation, but I have a hard time saying no, as the end result otherwise is going to be the crusher.
I would think that with persistence, and a little legwork you can find something suitable at the right price. It sounds as though you know what to look for, and that makes things a lot easier, rather than buying it and THEN finding all of the nasties.
Good luck in your search.
Jeff
[ 12-14-2003: Message edited by: Bugeye58 ]</p>
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Tony has a decent 72 project car that basically needs little but paint and an interior for $750 that I've tried to talk him out of, but I really have two many project cars. He also just got a 78 that he's been saying nice things about but I haven't seen
chris roop
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If you're east coast, Tony would be a good bet. If you're west coast, I have a couple that you won't sink a fist through no matter where you hit them. But if you hit them, you own them.
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Chris does have some nice cars too
Hey guys,
As I started with, I just happened apon the MGB. I've got a Spitfire that I'm happy with but just getting a little tired of and really hoping to find a reasonably priced TR6. I've looked at a couple that needed more than I care to get into, and I've been a hair late on a couple. As described, it sounded good to go. I'd say mechanically yes, but I dont need the bad sill and work to make it right. So my hunt continues. Thanks again and a Merry Xmas to all.
Steve
As I started with, I just happened apon the MGB. I've got a Spitfire that I'm happy with but just getting a little tired of and really hoping to find a reasonably priced TR6. I've looked at a couple that needed more than I care to get into, and I've been a hair late on a couple. As described, it sounded good to go. I'd say mechanically yes, but I dont need the bad sill and work to make it right. So my hunt continues. Thanks again and a Merry Xmas to all.
Steve