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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Nov 30, 2020 10:01:56 GMT
New car on the way ... bit of a change as it's not an MX5.
I've been hunting around for a fun classic car I could enjoy with my family ... my MX5 is more track orientated so becoming less and less useable on the road
I've tried a few cars previously ... Volvo Amazon, Porsche 924s, Lotus Elise and others ... hopefully this one hits the mark a bit better
So I've found an early 1966 Mk1 MGB GT. All original and matching numbers but it's completely stripped apart. There is some bodywork to do but it's generally pretty solid.
There aren't many of the Mk1 GTs left, something like 10 of the 1965 cars and about 50 of the 1966 cars. Very few 1967 Mk1 cars were made as they switched to the Mk2.
The plan is to restore it and keep it as original as possible, any upgrades will be 'in period'.
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Russell
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Post by scottydugg on Nov 30, 2020 10:19:57 GMT
Nice choice, any pictures of it? Had seen a guy on youtube stick a 1.6 from an MX5 in one of these and turbo it, maybe some watanabes for good measure  |
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Post by Zed. on Nov 30, 2020 12:27:37 GMT
 Don't believe you  I've found an early 1966 Mk1 MGB GT. All original and matching numbers but it's completely stripped apart. There is some bodywork to do but it's generally pretty solid. they are out there, hopefully this hasn't suffered from previous bad repairs as theres lots of scope for previous welding on these (done a few!) good early cars are appreciatibg classics but luckily (& un luckily maybe?) not high pricetag cosidering age & scarsity  The plan is to restore it and keep it as original as possible, any upgrades will be 'in period' 'period' mods will be expensive although theres plenty of 'accepted' modern upgrades if you look in the MGoc's shop  I've a '65 Midget growing in my garden, my Mrs is of the belief it's doomed but I've different ideas Keep this thread updated Russell as it's an interesting project  seen a guy on youtube stick a 1.6 from an MX5 in one of these and turbo it the Mazda engine fits nicely, theres a few around in both MGB & Midgets  maybe some watanabes Minilite's for good measure that would be more correct, wat's are copies of the Minilite minilite.co.uk/Rich.
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Post by thruxton on Nov 30, 2020 13:10:15 GMT
Hi Russell.
I've been through the MGA, including a twin cam to the MGB and an MGC.
The MGB being the easiest and most rewarding of the three.
Just keep it period and enjoy driving it.
Not sure, obviously, if you know, but the dampers ARE adjustable, yes.
There's not a lot, but a bit.
There's a valve inside them that can be cranked up, very simple.
And you can easily get better cart springs for it.
The 1800 'B' engine is just not in n/a format tuneable.
It's potential for power increase is lamentable and ferociously expensive, so don't go there.
It's a great usable lovely to look at Classic, especially the GT, so much nicer than the soft top.
Try to keep this one for a long time .... even a month! Crazy I know.
Regards.
Rich.
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Dec 1, 2020 0:45:41 GMT
Ok, just to be clear ... 'original' 🤣 ... so no MX5 engine or wats or even minilites! If I wanted to go that route (which I do like the idea of) I would be using a 70s rubber bumper car and it would be going in a wide arched sebring with a V8 direction. That's for another car though, not this one ... it's got original wire wheels and they're in lovely condition so they'll stay exactly as MG intended It's a completely original car, no previous repairs and just about everything I need is already here. It's already got uprated suspension and it's all correct for the period. The engine is a peach, nothing needed although I'll quite possibly buy a spare engine to mess with. There isn't lots that can be gained cheaply but there's some, so I'll get what I can within a very strict budget Just the one pic so far ...  Russell |
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Post by thruxton on Dec 1, 2020 9:02:51 GMT
That's bang on Russell.
That's the year.
That is going to be a lovely car to own and drive, it really is.
It's also good to know that your going to bring it back to life.
Good luck.
Regards.
Rich.
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Post by scottydugg on Dec 1, 2020 9:18:08 GMT
Looks great, looking forward to seeing how you get on with it (and potentially the V8 Sebring after it!).
Any idea on the paintwork underneath?
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Post by howardb66 on Dec 1, 2020 13:45:24 GMT
I had an MGBGT. My girlfriend (at the time) gave it to me as a project. It was so full of filler, must’ve been why it was so slow.
The driving experience was prarrie canoe. Didn’t go/stop/go round corners/heavy steering/crap lights/prarrie canoe wiring & everything rotted
Good luck!
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Post by thruxton on Dec 1, 2020 14:33:01 GMT
Howard.
Don't sit on the fence.
Tell us what you really think.
Regards.
Rich.
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Dec 1, 2020 14:58:42 GMT
That's bang on Russell. That's the year. That is going to be a lovely car to own and drive, it really is. It's also good to know that your going to bring it back to life. Good luck. Regards. Rich. Thanks, I've been thinking carefully about this car since March ... the main thing is to appreciate it for what it is and enjoy it that way. It's essentially what the MX5 wanted to be ... a relatively cheap, fun car. Not super fast, not pin sharp handling but a real pleasure to drive. It's a 60s car, but if you look at the development process it's a 50s design. I have the MX5 for track use, this will be for leisurely drives in the country. I may have to buy a flat cap and a flying jacket 🤣 Russell |
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Post by thruxton on Dec 1, 2020 15:25:29 GMT
Your so right.
Mine was primrose yellow, chrome wires, chrome bumpers and a full length Wabasto sun roof.
It was a year old when I got it.
It was quick for the period in which I had it, 1972.
Unlike a whole lot of cars back then it was ultra reliable also.
Not bad mpg, but above all it made me smile and I thought it looked bang on.
Regards.
Rich.
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Post by suggs84 on Dec 1, 2020 15:30:14 GMT
Will be keeping a keen eye on this project, that's a great example in a lovely colour and being a D plate '66 is more rare as you said. When I saw the title my first thought was that it would be a Leyland'ised rubber bumper (clearly missing the Mk1 part, d'oh!). So this is very cool! My Dad had an MGC Roadster for 38 years, so my childhood was all about MG's, even been to Abingdon where the factory was. Great cars! I too have seen the Mazda powered GT's, the one made by Frontline is stunning but should be for the price tag they charged |
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Post by dickie on Dec 1, 2020 20:08:17 GMT
I would suggest a solid state upgrade to the SU Fuel pump in place of the points, I used to have a stick and a hammer in my 67 roadster to wake the pump up.
Mine had a tuned engine with weber 45 it was quick for a B and would go to the red line in overdrive top. I also fitted a high capacity 12v battery instead of the two 6v ones and built a wooden toolbox in the vacant battery position. I could get 22 to the gallon out of it if I drove carefully, normally about 18 MPG.
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Post by wannabe on Dec 1, 2020 22:44:15 GMT
You realise all you older chaps should be going for picnic trips to garden centres with the MX5OC instead of being on here chatting about modifications and trackways? lol |
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Post by suggs84 on Dec 2, 2020 12:22:30 GMT
You realise all you older chaps should be going for picnic trips to garden centres with the MX5OC instead of being on here chatting about modifications and trackways? lol There's truth in that about the MX5OC, i often post a photo of some new upgrade i've done and get literally, zero response - then the post above will be someone taken a photo of their brand new model, totally standard, with a sunset and it gets loads of comments and likes on there  |
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le sigh