The Great 76 MGB Project

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Steve Simmons
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1937 MG SA Saloon
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1969 MGC GTS
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

Do we need to announce a garage session for Spitfire's car? You supply the donuts and coffee and we supply the bloody knuckles? :D
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

well I can definitely get some doughnuts and various soft drinks together if anyone wants to come out to riverside to have a look and bang up their knuckles.
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Jimmy
Don't take him seriously!
Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

Hey, Spitfire,
If you end up needing odds and ends for that car, I've got a small (okay, large) crap load of parts left over from both my '74-1/2 and the '76 parts car. Plus, all the stuff I bought and didn't need. Not to mention the stuff I bought and forgot I had already bought.
Also, I just pulled out a relatively strong running engine with good oil pressure (because it was smoking at start-up) that is now left over. Add a good head - or at least valve stem seals - and you might be done. Oh, and I have a machined and otherwise done shortblock, too.
Either way, whatever you do, DO NOT tear the entire car down thinking you'll get it back together anytime soon!
Good luck,
Jimmy
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

Hey Jimmy
thanks for that I may take you up on the motor thing. Well and the other parts too. I am still trying to figure out what I need overall. I think I may have an electrical mess, although until I get the engine turning I don't want to think about it.
As for the full tear down, I have decided to not do that. For this weekend the plan is to drop the gas tank and run the restoration on it. Then finish that with POR15 and reinstall.
I am thinking of doing a bed liner type finish in the boot. But some very minor body work is necessary in the back, behind where the license plate frame sits and at the exhaust.
Then the chrome conversion and dropping 1"
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Steve Simmons
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Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

Don't take this the wrong way, but I want to make one suggestion. Get the car running before you spend any money that you can't part with. If you find out that the engine and gearbox are shot and all the major systems need rebuilding, then it may become cheaper to sell the hulk and buy a running car. I really don't mean to sound discouraging and if fixing up a broken car is fun to you then the money you spend doesn't matter. I just want to make sure you don't get caught up in a car that doesn't make sense to fix, after you've spent money you can't recover! I don't think that is the case but anything is possible. I'd love to see the car run with a minimum amount of cash spent.

I wish you were around during the week, my weekends are packed for the next couple weeks. Otherwise I'd be there lending a hand.
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

I wish the car was closer during the week too.
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

I will say this though Steve. I want to learn how to work on the car overall, so with the price I paid initially, and then what it will cost for say a new motor, then upgrades over time. I think it will be worth it for me. I still want to get her rolling as soon as possible. But a project is what I wanted and is what I got.
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Jimmy
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Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

Spitfire,
If you put Rhino Lining or something equivalent in the trunk area, it'll probably save you the trouble of lowering the rear of the car. That stuff is heavy.
Best,
Jimmy
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
User avatar
Steve Simmons
Site Admin
Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

An easier and possibly cheaper option for the trunk is carpet.

http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProd ... exID=29090

Image
spitfire
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

that reminds me, I need to get a bolt for the spare tire.
User avatar
Jimmy
Don't take him seriously!
Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

...or, you may want to look into a good compressor (such as the tiny one from Extreme Outback Products) and a good plug kit (also available from Extreme Outback).
Getting rid of the spare saves a bunch of weight and increases trunk space.
For long distance trips, I plan on getting an emergency spare, should I manage to cream a sidewall and not be able to simply plug the tire.
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
User avatar
Jimmy
Don't take him seriously!
Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

If it makes you feel better, I'm now pulling my trans out of the beater MGB again, because one of the release bearing clips broke.
On a happier note, the implanted overdrive tranny seems to work - that much I found out while it was still on jack stands.
Working on cars is fun, right? Right?!?
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
User avatar
Steve Simmons
Site Admin
Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

Jimmy wrote:Working on cars is fun, right? Right?!?
Not as much fun as driving them. 8)
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

oh yeah, its tons of fun. Just realized that I am going to be purchasing a new gas tank.
I also have decided I am going to take the car in to a shop for the engine work. It just always seems like too much each time I look at it.
So I am saving up the cash for the shop work, so no new updates for a while.
User avatar
Jimmy
Don't take him seriously!
Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

Hey, Spitfire, there's nothing wrong with the gas tank in my '76 parts car, as far as I know.
It is empty, though. Sorry.
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
spitfire
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

PM me a price on the tank Jimmy.
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

Ok, so after some time away I think that I will be pulling the motor. Since I cant figure out where the crack is with a pressure test, I am going to pull and visually inspect with a thorough cleaning and magnifying glass. Then a rebuild. So the garage it is currently in is a 3 car, with room for one and not much else. I will be checking out the options to make more room then pull. I really want this car to start driving. The motor repair, new fuel lines, and bolting the seats back in should be all i need to get it drivable.
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Steve Simmons
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Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

Might be worth having a pro (or one of us hacks) check out the engine before you go through pulling it all apart. You can probably pay a garage out there $50 to do a couple tests to figure out if it's the block or head, possibly saving yourself a lot of effort and aggravation. Just a thought!
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

Wow, its been since July since i really updated on this at all.
So we went out to have a closer look at the car this past weekend. It seems that other than the engine its all cosmetic. You know lenses, steering wheels, interior, wiper blades, paint, etc...
So I guess I really just need to find someone to help me get that motor running, or find out if I need to replace the head or whatever.
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

So, I had a thought recently about the motor problem in my B. I opened the oil filler cap and found white sludge. That compounded with 0 compression in all cylinders, I was thinking perhaps the issue is really a blown gasket and the mechanic that stated there was a crack, just didn't want to do anything. Granted this is all hope and whatever. I most likely won't be able to really get to the car until January. I just have so much going on during the weekends now it seems.

I guess the real thing is to actually find someone with more experience to give their look at the car to tell me if I am right or not.
User avatar
Jimmy
Don't take him seriously!
Posts: 1434
Joined: Tue May 26, 2009 7:25 pm
Vehicles Owned: '74-1/2 MGB
'76 MGB (parts car)
'52 TD
'71 MGB staqtion wagon
'69 MGB (parts car)
'60 Sprite
'79 MG Midget (parts car)
'63 LBC
Plus, a Turbo S (with a damn roof) in the household.
And three Mercedes on 20" wheels.
Location: NM

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Jimmy »

Now that Malcolm has gotten into the bad (for him) habit of fixing forum cars for free, try bribing him with a Spridget grille.
In baseball, running into someone is apparently a "collision".
But doing the same thing in a car somehow makes it an "accident".
User avatar
Steve Simmons
Site Admin
Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

Could be a head gasket, sure. Could also be a crack of course. The only way to know for sure is to remove the head. You have to do it regardless, so go grab a socket and yank the sucker off! It isn't as difficult as it might seem. Take pictures and post them.
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

I have been shying away from pulling the head since I don't yet have a torque wrench. But this was more of a thinking out loud and wishing for the best kind of thing. All while using a sounding board for ideas.

So until that happens I have decided to try refinishing my wheels. I did a test on the spare and it turned out alright. But it seems that the "primer is not needed" thing is kind of a lie.
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Steve Simmons
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Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by Steve Simmons »

I'd use primer.

As for the head, you don't need a torque wrench to remove it. When the time comes to put it back on, you can easily borrow one. But you can't move forward until you know what you're looking at. I know I keep saying this, but I would concentrate on getting it running since you could find out that the engine is gone and it might be cheaper to part it out and buy something even better with the money. There have been some amazing deals on early cars lately. At least once you know what the car needs, you'll be able to determine if you should stick with it or sell the lump and move on. It doesn't take long before you've sunk far more money into an old car than you can possibly sell it for, and if that happens to a car you can't make run again then you're in trouble with the wife! ;)
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Re: The Great 76 MGB Project

Post by spitfire »

funnily enough, i have brought up the idea of selling cheap and get something running. She says no, and is determined to put all of my money into this one.
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