Non bmw content - To buy or not to buy?

[leadphut]

I've been given the chance to help a family member out last weekend. She is retiring and downsizing. She's owned this car since '78, is the 2nd owner, 84k original miles, 4 speed, repainted original color. The interior is in very good condition, but needs a good cleaning.

It hasn't been driven or started in 3 years. The brake and clutch pedals are soft/non-existent. The steering feels solid, the doors close solidly, and I don't see any rust. It's been stored indoors its entire life.

The question is, do I buy and keep it or help her sell it? I could never sell the car until she passes, so turning the car is out of the question. On the other hand, it could be a fun weekend car.





I was surprised to see the intake is directly above the exhaust. The carburetors and exhaust manifold are separated by a heat shield.

[pleasefixitup]

I've been given the chance to help a family member out last weekend. She is retiring and downsizing. She's owned this car since '78, is the 2nd owner, 84k original miles, 4 speed, repainted original color. The interior is in very good condition, but needs a good cleaning.

It hasn't been driven or started in 3 years. The brake and clutch pedals are soft/non-existent. The steering feels solid, the doors close solidly, and I don't see any rust. It's been stored indoors its entire life.

The question is, do I buy and keep it or help her sell it? I could never sell the car until she passes, so turning the car is out of the question. On the other hand, it could be a fun weekend car.





I was surprised to see the intake is directly above the exhaust. The carburetors and exhaust manifold are separated by a heat shield.

dude how can you not buy it

[Duke]

Great cars, I had a 1967 MGBGT. They are fun but slow. That B series engine will produce ~95 HP in good tune.

I would help her sell it to an enthusiast as you don't know anything about them and it may become a burden as they do need consistent attention.

That is a perfect car for BaT.

[Drew in NYC]

Well how does the car make you feel? Does it speak to you?

If the answer is yes (to the second question), then buy it. If the answer is no, then help her sell it.

FWIW, it does look to be a nice example, and they are beautiful cars (if not exactly rewarding to drive, from what I hear).

[grahamular]

If you have to ask the question, then I'd say no to buying it yourself, but yes to helping her get it semi-roadworthy and cleaned up to sell.

-Graham

[Coldswede]

They are very simple cars. Very different from a BMW.

Dukes mention of always needing work should be a reference to everything except the engine. The old taxi engine is very robust and reliable. Electrics can be umm ... "interesting".

If you have any love for old English sports cars, this is a good model to have, the roof really helps stiffen the chassis. Fewer GT's, by far, were built than the roadster.

Check again for rust. If it is really rust free then I'd say it is a keeper. But then my first automotive love was a English car.

[leadphut]

I really like the looks of the car and as I age, I don't always need to go real fast, just briskly. Maybe just tuck it away and occasionally take it out on dry days.




It's surreal how the cars in my time are becoming classics.

...

That is a perfect car for BaT.

Thanks, I'll look into it.

[tsmall07]

If you like the car, have a place to put it, and it wouldn't be a financial strain to buy/maintain, I say go for it.

[EE TWO EIGHT]

I went through my Brit car phase. I had a 74 MGBGT, 74 Midget, and a 57 MGA. My Midget and GT NEVER gave me one problem. The A was a little problematic and I sold it for a lot more than I bought it for. The MGBGT as a GREAT car and very practical for a Brit mobile. It was my DD for four years and the guy I sold it to only had to do the clutch five years after I sold it to him. I never had even one electrical problem although here in New Mexico, we have no rust or corrosion to speak of. All of them were slower than shit, and handled well but NOTHING compared to even my E28. Fun to drive and the chicks dug them!

[leadphut]

I went through my Brit car phase. I had a 74 MGBGT, 74 Midget, and a 57 MGA. My Midget and GT NEVER gave me one problem. The A was a little problematic and I sold it for a lot more than I bought it for. The MGBGT as a GREAT car and very practical for a Brit mobile. It was my DD for four years and the guy I sold it to only had to do the clutch five years after I sold it to him. I never had even one electrical problem although here in New Mexico, we have no rust or corrosion to speak of. All of them were slower than shit, and handled well but NOTHING compared to even my E28. Fun to drive and the chicks dug them!

Good to know because it's slowly growing on me. We live in the country with some great rolling hills/corners that are fun to toodle around. Besides, I think it looks great in my shop and the wife digs it.

[alijonny]

veedub parts always welcome...

[leadphut]

veedub parts always welcome...

To bad you're not closer. I've got a couple of projects I'm losing interest in.

[wkohler]

I'd love to have that car.

[dolomiti]

yeah, that car is very cool

[Mark 88/M5 Houston]

Besides, I think it looks great in my shop and the wife digs it.

Done deal!

[lilpoindexter]

If it were me, I would get rid of one of my other cars, and keep this one.

[Amos830]

That is exactly what I'm looking for!!!!!

[swerved300]

My father is in the midst of restoring an early '64 MGB roadster... he added the late V8 wire wheels and damn, that thing looks nice. As far as I can tell, he's really enjoying himself with it.

But I def. prefer the GT, something about the shape of it just feels right; whereas the roadster's fantail seems a bit truncated.

I vote for keeping it. The value of these has been on the rise lately, and demand seems to be linked to their relative affordability.

Additionally, I can't imagine having a whole lot more fun in a 2002 either- (I've had plenty of stick time in both, restored/unrestored, GT and vert).

I have to disagree with Duke re: reliability. I haven't found them to be any less reliable than could be expected with a ~40-50yo vehicle. Same rules apply, just freshen the suspension, keep enough oil in it, set the carb and go play. Very few people who own a lift have much trouble maintaining such simple cars.


-ken

[Coldswede]

My father is in the midst of restoring an early '64 MGB roadster... he added the late V8 wire wheels and damn, that thing looks nice. As far as I can tell, he's really enjoying himself with it.

But I def. prefer the GT, something about the shape of it just feels right; whereas the roadster's fantail seems a bit truncated.

I vote for keeping it. The value of these has been on the rise lately, and demand seems to be linked to their relative affordability.

Additionally, I can't imagine having a whole lot more fun in a 2002 either- (I've had plenty of stick time in both, restored/unrestored, GT and vert).

I have to disagree with Duke re: reliability. I haven't found them to be any less reliable than could be expected with a ~40-50yo vehicle. Same rules apply, just freshen the suspension, keep enough oil in it, set the carb and go play. Very few people who own a lift have much trouble maintaining such simple cars.


-ken

"V8" ....MGB? "Fantail" ... MGB? "Carb"...MGB?

OP don't forget to put oil in the carburetors. (I am actually serious)

[leadphut]

My father is in the midst of restoring an early '64 MGB roadster... he added the late V8 wire wheels and damn, that thing looks nice. As far as I can tell, he's really enjoying himself with it.

But I def. prefer the GT, something about the shape of it just feels right; whereas the roadster's fantail seems a bit truncated.

I vote for keeping it. The value of these has been on the rise lately, and demand seems to be linked to their relative affordability.

Additionally, I can't imagine having a whole lot more fun in a 2002 either- (I've had plenty of stick time in both, restored/unrestored, GT and vert).

I have to disagree with Duke re: reliability. I haven't found them to be any less reliable than could be expected with a ~40-50yo vehicle. Same rules apply, just freshen the suspension, keep enough oil in it, set the carb and go play. Very few people who own a lift have much trouble maintaining such simple cars.


-ken

"V8" ....MGB? "Fantail" ... MGB? "Carb"...MGB?

OP don't forget to put oil in the carburetors. (I am actually serious)

I'm over on another MG forum, learning a lot about the car. Standard, not metric. And it actually has a negative ground instead of a positive. I have not found the part about oil in the carbs yet, but I keep finding people who swear by their reliability. I think I'm going to keep it.

[wkohler]

Where's Frank?

[leadphut]

Where's Frank?

?

[nbucklew]

Keep it. My dad restored a 73 Midget that was a blast save for him selling it when I was only 14. Then again he bought our 1st e28 shortly after selling it. I just remember us tearing down some twisty roads at a whole 35-40mph and feeling like we were doing over 100

Still you have a really nice example on your hands and the GT's are quite rare these days and they are very simple cars to work on.

https://vimeo.com/28548674

and here's a cool video about MG's to help make up your mind one way or the other.

[Coldswede]

I have not found the part about oil in the carbs yet,

You'll find it. However if you want a synopsis of where and why, say so and I'll give you a short explanation..

[slammin_e28]

Get it.

I have a friend who's dad is into MGs and Triumphs. Rode in my friend's MGB. Never though a slow car could be that fun.

They're so neat, especially the GTs.

We want to slam a Rover V8 into one of the MGBs my friend's dad has.

[leadphut]

I have not found the part about oil in the carbs yet,

You'll find it. However if you want a synopsis of where and why, say so and I'll give you a short explanation..

Sure, please provide anything you know!

I'm talking to guys over on http://www.mgexp.com and they've been very helpful with tons of support. A few sites they've given:

http://www.mossmotors.com/
http://www.advanceautowire.com/
http://tidentenn.com/pdf/AWAKENING%20A% ... CKLIST.pdf

This little car is really growing on me and I haven't even started it yet.

[Coldswede]

Well, I was going to write my Magnum Opus on this but then I realized i would just bore you, and everyone else to death so:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SU_Carburettor


Wiki does a good job


I always like my SU's. They were simple and when adjusted properly worked very well. Only my Austin Healy with three SU's seemed to get out of balance. The dual carbed cars stayed in balance forever.

Moss is a great resource.

[swerved300]

My father is in the midst of restoring an early '64 MGB roadster... he added the late V8 wire wheels and damn, that thing looks nice. As far as I can tell, he's really enjoying himself with it.

But I def. prefer the GT, something about the shape of it just feels right; whereas the roadster's fantail seems a bit truncated.

I vote for keeping it. The value of these has been on the rise lately, and demand seems to be linked to their relative affordability.

Additionally, I can't imagine having a whole lot more fun in a 2002 either- (I've had plenty of stick time in both, restored/unrestored, GT and vert).

I have to disagree with Duke re: reliability. I haven't found them to be any less reliable than could be expected with a ~40-50yo vehicle. Same rules apply, just freshen the suspension, keep enough oil in it, set the carb and go play. Very few people who own a lift have much trouble maintaining such simple cars.


-ken

"V8" ....MGB? "Fantail" ... MGB? "Carb"...MGB?

OP don't forget to put oil in the carburetors. (I am actually serious)

I think it was 1973 they offered a V8 MGB(pre-gas crises), and they made a few minor aesthetic changes for it including bigger wires spoke wheels. is that what you were asking?

Fantail refers to ass end of any ship, I'm a sailor; guess I assumed other people knew that too. I'll call it a transom next time.

And you're right, I should have said "carbs" plural.

sheesh.

-ken

[leadphut]

Fantail refers to ass end of any ship, I'm a sailor; guess I assumed other people knew that too. I'll call it a transom next time.

And you're right, I should have said "carbs" plural.

sheesh.

-ken

Hey Ken,

Are you stationed in Oahu? I was in for 6 years - 2 years in Great Lakes, 3 years in San Diego, final year in Everett, WA. FC1(SW).

Some of the best times of my life.

[Coldswede]

I think it was 1973 they offered a V8 MGB(pre-gas crises), and they made a few minor aesthetic changes for it including bigger wires spoke wheels

Wow! I never knew there was a factory MGB V8! I can only imagine the engine bay in that. A 4 is not lost in empty space and a I6 was tight lengthwise, A V8 would be as bad as a V12 in an e28!