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MGB Where should I start? Total beginner to all things MG and classic cars

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clifton

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Hi everyone,

I was just gifted a 1978 MG MGB by a friend who was moving across the country and couldn't bring it. (He had noticed that I loved it - so it made for a lovely parting gift!)

However, I am a COMPLETE NEWB when it comes to all of the following: a) MGs, b) classic cars, and even c) general auto repair/mechanics. I mean, I'm pretty handy at home and fix most everything that goes wrong, except the big stuff, but have never tried my hand at cars.

Well I'm 44 and figure, now's the time to get started.

Like, for one thing, I live in Seattle and I have to park it outside year-round, since we don't have a garage I can use. So that's a bummer. I'm right now researching car covers that would be good for my situation.

But zooming out, does anyone have suggestions for where to start in this journey? Any books/sites/clubs? I probably just want to tiptoe into this right now, with the hopes of taking bigger steps over time. (I was just going to ask ChatGPT to make me a guidebook for MG newbs, but would take human suggestions as well. :smile:

Thanks! And nice to be here.

TOM
 
Welcome Tom and sounds like you have a great friend and a great project.

First of all MGs are easy and logical to work on - I know everyone says it but most of it will be well within and average mechanical skill set - it is a great car for a beginner.

One of the best things you can do is join a club. Looks like there is an MG club in Seattle. > MGs in the Northwest- Tours, Trips, Runs, and Rallies | MG Car Club NW Centre <

You can't work on an MGB without a good manual. You probably should have one of each of

Haynes
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Bentley:

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they can be had used and you may even find PDFs on the internet. (they are quite expensive new)
After that go one step at a time - come here with questions and you will be good.

Oh and there are lots of parts suppliers - Moss being the most common > MG, Triumph, Austin Healey, Jaguar Parts & Accessories | Moss Motors < - but there are others
 
hmm. first, welcome to the madness. second, google about for a local british car club (or european cars, or whatever). this forum is a fabulous resource; so is the "MG Experience" (google it). youtube is your friend. get a repair manual or two...ebay is cheap. the main parts supplier at this point is Moss Motors. they have a really good website with lots of exploded diagrams--look it up and browse. this is a good start.
 
My two cents advice as everything said in previous post is adequate. here is also ebay and Rockauto sites useful sometimes. Don't forget that your car is almost 50 years old and things in mechanical aspects are different now. A simple example is oil now ZDDP additive is absent in modern oil. You may find Castrol 20w50 but not the same one than under SE or SF specs. You may find ZDDP additives to add or specialized oil adequate. I also add an additive in petrol to avoid valve recession, now unleaded fuel only is available and non friendly for non hi-ductile valves seats. Tires sizes, there is a lot of discussion as 165R14 are a rarity.
 
Another good semi local parts house is

British Parts Northwest - British Vehicle Parts

Your One Stop Shop For All Your British Automotive Parts. Order Online Today! We Have The British Auto Parts That You Are Searching For. Order Today! No Sales Tax. Fast, Courteous Service. Rich Selections. Order Hard To Find Parts. Family Owned & Operated. Fast Shipping.
bpnorthwest.com bpnorthwest.com
in Oregon.
 
Welcome!! I found myself in your shoes a few months ago when I bought a 74.5 MGB on a bit of a whim! While I’m not new to classic cars (have cared for a 65 Mustang convertible for almost 30 years), the MG thing is very new to me. My best friend, a 40 year MG owner, said it best…you will regret every minute and you will love every minute. Get the books, watch YouTube, join a club, go to car shows, ask lots of questions and most importantly DRIVE your car! Enjoy it, you will love it!!!!
 
clifton said:
Hi everyone,

I was just gifted a 1978 MG MGB by a friend who was moving across the country and couldn't bring it. (He had noticed that I loved it - so it made for a lovely parting gift!)

However, I am a COMPLETE NEWB when it comes to all of the following: a) MGs, b) classic cars, and even c) general auto repair/mechanics. I mean, I'm pretty handy at home and fix most everything that goes wrong, except the big stuff, but have never tried my hand at cars.

Well I'm 44 and figure, now's the time to get started.

Like, for one thing, I live in Seattle and I have to park it outside year-round, since we don't have a garage I can use. So that's a bummer. I'm right now researching car covers that would be good for my situation.

But zooming out, does anyone have suggestions for where to start in this journey? Any books/sites/clubs? I probably just want to tiptoe into this right now, with the hopes of taking bigger steps over time. (I was just going to ask ChatGPT to make me a guidebook for MG newbs, but would take human suggestions as well. :smile:

Thanks! And nice to be here.

TOM
Click to expand...
Tom,
Somewhat similar situation with me.
An acquaintance asked me where she could junk her 1994 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe.
It did have some major dents around the body but it ran well.
My only 'mechanical' experience was basic brake jobs and early tuneups.
The Jaguar had about 7 onboard computers, 50 relays and 100 fuses.
I was unemployed at the time and had to squeeze every penny from a dollar.
One thing I needed to get done was a power steering hose that leaked.
For this and other things I knew nothing about, I pestered some of the local Jaguar independent Specialists.
Some were less than helpful, but one was always glad to see me and hear about my adventures.
After one particularly successful repair I did I dropped by to brag.
He asked if I was looking for a job and hired me on the spot.
I worked in that shop for about 5 years till my body refused to go any further.
 
equiprx said:
Tom,
Somewhat similar situation with me.
An acquaintance asked me where she could junk her 1994 Jaguar XJS V12 Coupe.
It did have some major dents around the body but it ran well.
My only 'mechanical' experience was basic brake jobs and early tuneups.
The Jaguar had about 7 onboard computers, 50 relays and 100 fuses.
I was unemployed at the time and had to squeeze every penny from a dollar.
One thing I needed to get done was a power steering hose that leaked.
For this and other things I knew nothing about, I pestered some of the local Jaguar independent Specialists.
Some were less than helpful, but one was always glad to see me and hear about my adventures.
After one particularly successful repair I did I dropped by to brag.
He asked if I was looking for a job and hired me on the spot.
I worked in that shop for about 5 years till my body refused to go any further.
Click to expand...
@equiprx - what a story - thanks for sharing
 
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