1976 MGB GT - First Car
Discussion
I reckon its time to make a thread for my mean machine, my first car. I'll try to keep it updated as and when I get around to working on it 
OKU535R is a 1976 MGB GT in Mirage. It's been converted to chrome at some point during it's life, most of which has been spent in South Wales. I took ownership of it in October 2009 for the princely sum of £950.
To Do List: Strip out interior and replace with red everything. Add some Anthracite Minilites. Bolt on a Leyland ST front spoiler. Sort out the numerous small rust spots. Bring it up to Stage One with some K+N Induction kit and a new exhaust system.
OKU535R is a 1976 MGB GT in Mirage. It's been converted to chrome at some point during it's life, most of which has been spent in South Wales. I took ownership of it in October 2009 for the princely sum of £950.
To Do List: Strip out interior and replace with red everything. Add some Anthracite Minilites. Bolt on a Leyland ST front spoiler. Sort out the numerous small rust spots. Bring it up to Stage One with some K+N Induction kit and a new exhaust system.
I got a nice delivery of parts from the MG Owners Club today. The front brake overhaul will be a job for the weekend, but I took half an hour today to make a £9 change that I think improves the look of the car in quite a big way. I apologise for the truly, truly shocking photos, but I was using the iPhone's rubbish camera as my 40D's batteries weren't charged.
Here was the car before I started:
First thing, remove the indicator lenses and chrome surround.
After removing the foam gasket, it could be seen that the backplate was getting a touch rusty. A quick sanding-off of the surface rust and a layer of Kurust soon sorted that out.
Finally, I replaced the old clear bulbs with amber ones and the amber lenses with clear ones. Et voila, much better.
Here was the car before I started:
First thing, remove the indicator lenses and chrome surround.
After removing the foam gasket, it could be seen that the backplate was getting a touch rusty. A quick sanding-off of the surface rust and a layer of Kurust soon sorted that out.
Finally, I replaced the old clear bulbs with amber ones and the amber lenses with clear ones. Et voila, much better.
Benjybh said:
Haha, I know! I'll be getting some new black and silver ones when the next paycheck comes in. I know they are for pre-72 cars, but the number of later classics kicking around with them on surely means the risk of getting told off is pretty low?
Yeah, you'll be fine with the plates and it will suit it better. I have a small Italian size plate on the front of my Alfa and it doesn't cause problems.Great car, nice pics.
Right, today was fairly productive - fixed the overdrive, which I traced back to a trio of electrical faults. At least I can now cruise at 60 without burning ten gallons of fuel per mile!
Also removed the front overriders are they were getting a bit rusty. I'm planning to do the same to the rear ones when I can find a decent place to mount the rear number plate lights.
Also removed the front overriders are they were getting a bit rusty. I'm planning to do the same to the rear ones when I can find a decent place to mount the rear number plate lights.
Right, another couple of pictures - sorry they're crap again. It needs a good clean too.
So, changes since the last update:
1) Overrides removed
2) Black and silver plates added
3) Front and read valances been roughly resprayed - need to get some more at some point because they're rusting away
4) Ordered a new steering wheel
5) Bought some Minilite-alikes which will be painted anthracite at some point over the summer.
Ben
So, changes since the last update:
1) Overrides removed
2) Black and silver plates added
3) Front and read valances been roughly resprayed - need to get some more at some point because they're rusting away
4) Ordered a new steering wheel
5) Bought some Minilite-alikes which will be painted anthracite at some point over the summer.
Ben
Edited by Ben Hughes on Saturday 26th June 19:03
Looks lovely and tidy! I adore these little MGBGT's!
Is it a daily driver? Do you keep it in a garage or is it out all the time? My partner and I would love one, and I can insure one for pennies, but we're concerned about the effect it would have on the car to have it out all the time? We don't have a garage
I adore these little MGBGT's!Is it a daily driver? Do you keep it in a garage or is it out all the time? My partner and I would love one, and I can insure one for pennies, but we're concerned about the effect it would have on the car to have it out all the time? We don't have a garage
Indeed it is a daily driver, and it's parked outside. To be honest with a bit of care and attention you should't have any issues. After fixing a knackered window seal no water gets inside even in the heaviest of rain, and as long as you liberally coat the think in Waxoyl you should be fine. Mine's been getting pretty much daily use since February and hasn't skipped a beat yet. It did have a few starter issues a couple of months back, but that was just some dodgy wiring.
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