MGB

[dmitsi]

I've been looking at a few cars recently, and I saw a 1975 MGB which had pretty good body work. The downside is that I wanted to get a chrome bumber, but this one is plastic. Is it possible to replace the bumpers, or is that more hassle than it's worth. I'd also think of replacing the engine, any tips on what to put inside?

[tuscan_v8]

Yes it is possible, I have seen few owner went down this route.

http://dialspace.dial.pipex.com/prod/dialspace/town/

[dmitsi]

Looks like a useful site, thanks very much. The difference it makes seems worth it, I can't get along with the look of the rubber.

[tuscan_v8]

No worries, good luck on buying it (MGB is great fun)

[heebee]

The Rover V8 is pretty well supported as an engine transplant!

www.v8register.net/

It may even be worth buying one that's already had the work done: many are to a high standard, and often cheaper than building your own.

You could go for a factory original, but they only fitted them to GTs.

[motormad]

If you want to convert a Rubber Bumper MGB into a Chrome bumper, there's quite a bit of work involved, and I know several guys who have done it, and they've said never again. Mind you - once done, it doesn't need doing again does it !!??
One of the few advantages is that if you start with a late model R/B then it doesn't take a great deal to convert to V8 if you eventually want to go that route...
Personally I'd rather buy a Chrome bumper with a heritage certificate, which needs some work, than a rubber bumper. The other thing is that a Rubber bumper rides higher than Chrome, which does prevent you grounding on 'sleeping policemen' - but doesn't help out when cornering with any speed.
To do it properly you'll need to change the front & rear suspension as well to drop the car by the necessary 2.5"
The choice is yours.
Here's a link which you may find helpful:
[url]www.mgbexperience.com[/url]
The forum is especially useful - and global. I once had a query, and it was resolved by a guy in Oz...
Best of luck.

Graham H.
:type

[dmitsi]

motormad said:

If you want to convert a Rubber Bumper MGB into a Chrome bumper, there's quite a bit of work involved, and I know several guys who have done it, and they've said never again. Mind you - once done, it doesn't need doing again does it !!?? One of the few advantages is that if you start with a late model R/B then it doesn't take a great deal to convert to V8 if you eventually want to go that route... Personally I'd rather buy a Chrome bumper with a heritage certificate, which needs some work, than a rubber bumper. The other thing is that a Rubber bumper rides higher than Chrome, which does prevent you grounding on 'sleeping policemen' - but doesn't help out when cornering with any speed. To do it properly you'll need to change the front & rear suspension as well to drop the car by the necessary 2.5" The choice is yours. Here's a link which you may find helpful: [url]www.mgbexperience.com[/url] The forum is especially useful - and global. I once had a query, and it was resolved by a guy in Oz... Best of luck. Graham H. :type

Thanks Graham,

Ideally I'd want a real chrome, the condition was so good though I thought I'd look into it.
I am probably going to get an chrome though and concentrate on working tarting it up.

I shall check out the site.
Ta.

[dmitsi]

heebee said:

The Rover V8 is pretty well supported as an engine transplant! www.v8register.net/ It may even be worth buying one that's already had the work done: many are to a high standard, and often cheaper than building your own. You could go for a factory original, but they only fitted them to GTs.

I had someone else recommend the v8, it's tempting. The work doesn't bother me, I need a bit of a project to get my teeth into. I can't imagine it will chuck up too many problems, other than money, and then it'll feel like I've earnt it more.

Cheers for the advice, shall update with any developments.

[MGBGT]

I'm in the process of de-bumpering my BGT and fitting a 2-litre O-series engine from a Maestro/Montego EFI. With a bit of tweeking, you end up with similar torque and BHP to the V8 and 40 mpg. Not only that, but you can use the good old overdrive gearbox instead of that bloody awful five-speed peppermill.

[dmitsi]

MGBGT said:

I'm in the process of de-bumpering my BGT and fitting a 2-litre O-series engine from a Maestro/Montego EFI. With a bit of tweeking, you end up with similar torque and BHP to the V8 and 40 mpg. Not only that, but you can use the good old overdrive gearbox instead of that bloody awful five-speed peppermill.

That's interesting, one of my priorites is getting the consumption up to a decent level. A colleague bought one recently and was getting just 16mph out of the standard engine, we've managed to get that up to around 23mph now. 40 sounds very good, I'd not considered an O-series, shall have a look into that and probably be back with more questions.

How are you finding the bumper conversion?

[MGBGT]

Still taking advice! There are some glass fibre panels about, but the ones I have seen are very flimsy. Apparently Kamei used to do a bodykit, but I haven't found one yet to check.

[carsoncitysmith]

Moss Motors sells a kit for coverting to chrome bumpers, lowering the suspension, the front air dam, etc.
You might admire my car over in the mgb for sale section.
P.

[sb-1]

dmitsi said:

I've been looking at a few cars recently, and I saw a 1975 MGB which had pretty good body work. The downside is that I wanted to get a chrome bumber, but this one is plastic. Is it possible to replace the bumpers, or is that more hassle than it's worth. I'd also think of replacing the engine, any tips on what to put inside?

Have a look /join the MGOC...all you need to know on the subject.

[niva441]

[redacted]

[Roman]

Check this out:

http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/mac65/T-S

I had a Rover 600ti with the 200bhp T16 engine - cracking motor and a great Q car.

0-60 in 7.0 secs & 33mpg even in my original 1300kg 600 with 120k

Ti's & Vitesses 'donors' can be bought for a few hundred £ now and the T16 is the turbo version of the M16 (based on the O series).

[sb-1]

My B is going in for a service/new hood next week....so will have to use it more this summer.

[doct93]

I'v both fitted a rover 3.5 and swapped the rubber bumpers to chrome on my 77 MGB. V8 conversion was fairly straightforward - I'd recommend using RV8 exhaust manifolds rather than block huggers as the noise is fantastic (I've had both!). Bumper conversion involves welding on little pointy bits under the back lights, so best done when repainting anyway!
Tim

[wildoliver]

I've got a decent pair of F/Glass wings for a chrome bumper Roadster if your interested, bit tougher than most and prepped for spraying.