Your MGB GT looks very good. I recently bought a 1971 model and thought it was fine! Famous last words, it was all over the road and gave me a fright! The front suspension bushes were completely shot, I don't know when it last saw a grease gun! It has been fitted with a telescopic front and rear conversion, but the bushes were badly worn. I have completely stripped the front suspension, and the crossmember is getting powder coated. So far, it's been a money pit!
Yikes, that sounds scary but you’ll soon have a great car. Mine looked good from 10ft 😂 Also needed a fair sum spent when I bought it - sure that’s part of the fun, right?
So nice to see an original steering wheel - so many otherwise beautiful cars have some aftermarket wooden tack that really dominates the interior. Good on you!
Certainly is a good example for a 50+ years old car. All time favourite of mine and I would definitely own one if I had a garage available. I think the idea of an on going restoration is really good as I imagine it keeps the interest going. Lovely car and I hope we all can put and about when the time is right. Keep well.
Thanks Philip, I’m trying to figure out the practicalities of a rolling resto with bodywork needs as I always prefer to work on an empty shell but if needs must then I’ll keep it on the road as I go!
@@restosaga I'm at an identical position, trying to decide whether to fix as I go or strip down to a shell. I'm very tempted to go the full works and strip it, that way all the rust and problems are sorted in one go and I won't have to worry about it for many many years. Otherwise, I'm concerned that if I fix small bits as I go (including sills) then I will just take longer overall and I will just be chasing problems forever without having that satisfaction of being "finished". However, time, space and cost are all a problem!
The trim you mentioned is anodized aluminum. I've heard of others that have sanded with xxf sandpapaer and then polished them to a brilliant shine. It would require annual polishing. Nice GT BTW. I have a 74.
Thank you for your video. I really enjoyed it. The MGB GT is one of my favourites. I presently have a 1978 (Last Edition) VW Beetle and a 1988 BMW 325i Touring and I would love to add a MGB GT to my collection. !
Glad you enjoyed it, Donal! Thanks for getting in touch. Sounds like you have some lovely cars too. I’d thoroughly recommend an MGB GT, very practical classic!
Very nice GT! I have a Blaze '72 GT that I am also doing a rolling resto on. I've had it for 4 years now and have rebuilt the front and rear suspension, rebuilt the carbs, replaced the gas tank, installed a rather large stereo, and did a lot of tuning to get it running reliably. I recently sourced an O/D and will replace the clutch, restore the engine compartment, re-seal and paint the engine and likely replace the cam and lifters while the engine is out. I''m also going to change it from RoStyles to wire wheels, incl. the shorter rear axle. At some point it will need a full body resto, but for now it looks great for a summer daily driver. These are great, practical classics that are very usable, and mine always generates positive comments whenever I have it out. They are also very reliable once sorted, despite all the Lucas, Prince of Darkness rumours! I especially like the double takes I get at the building supply store when I load 8 ft. lumber in it, and still close the hatch. Best of luck with yours, and I will be keeping an eye on your channel for updates. Cheers!
Thank you very much, and thanks for watching! Nice one! Sounds like you have done quite similar work to myself. I like the idea of keeping the car on the road as much as possible but for the bodywork and paint I think a full strip down will be needed!
Great, informative video thanks! I'm about to take the plunge to restore a tatty 1970 example (also red) that's sitting in a barn, at least to roadworthy condition. It will be on a limited budget, but thanks to videos like this I have a better idea of what awaits me :-)
A lovely car. I have had MG midget, B and BGT. I must admit my favourite is B. Really dream of having a B, but really I am not in that situation. Many thanks for sharing your video.
It’s a beautiful car. I have virtually the same car but it’s a 1973 in exact same colour. I bought it to restore but unfortunately ill health has crept up on me so I’m guessing that it’ll probably go to the scrap yard in the sky.
GT rear springs are a problem. Every car seems to have a different set. Mine were done by a pro and he had to try three different pairs before he found one that gave the correct stance. Take care with the selection of a stainless exhaust; some of them alter the exhaust note from the familiar 'B' growl, make it somewhat tinny.
Hello. I enjoyed watching the video of your MGB GT - nice car. I used to have a 1967 MGB on which I did a nut and bolt restoration. I have several pics if you would be interested in seeing :-) . I sold it in the early 1980s and bought a Series 1 E-Type OTS Jag. You may want to do a little bit more research regarding the heat proofing material for the interior of the MGB. Dynamat is more a sound-proofing rather than heat reflecting. What you need is a material on the floor of the car which prevents the heat entering the car. In other words, the material needs to reflect the heat away ...... dynamat won't do this - it will prevent the heat from leaving the car as it is an insulator! Quite the opposite to what you want. Have a look at Koolmat (a US product) or dig around a little and find an equivalent on the UK market. Heat inside these cars (mine as well) can be a real issue despite the cooler climate here so it is well worth doing. By the way, I also live in NI - Hillsborough way :-) . Hope this helps.
Thanks for getting in touch! You aren’t too far away! Nice upgrade to the E-Type! Thanks for the advice re heat proofing, I will do some more investigation and homework on this! Keep in touch
@@restosaga I managed to get a "kit" from the USA for my E-Type. It was expensive but by all accounts it rates amongst the best available. I was given a choice to buy by the roll and cut out the panels myself (they provide a template) or buy a "kit" already cut panel by panel. I opted for the ready cut option. Sorry I cannot recall the name of the supplier just at the moment but if anybody would like to know, I will look back through my receipts and post accordingly.
Nice review etc, but one thing I notice the MG looks very 'under-tyred'. The profile of the tyres look very small compared to the wheel arches. It almost looks like rubber bumper height, which it clearly isn't - just down to tyre profile...
Yes the older tyre sizes really suited the cars back then. I'm also the owner of an MGB GT, it's a 1967 model (personally with the purest styling) in 'Sandy Beige' a GT only colour. It's on chrome wires, has a Webasto, mild cam, close ratio gerabox and many individual interior upgrades made by the first owner in the 60s which look factory - many of which MG later did. The interesting thing is I owned this very car in the 1980s selling it in 1988. By chance I found it 4 sale online a few weeks back and bought it back from the other side side of OZ. It's still in remarkable condition, I feel quite lucky I have it again.
Yes I feel quite lucky having the old girl back again, I should do some kind of review on the car. To give you an idea of the mods made by the first owner, he raised the front seat heights by an inch, which I can recommend re driving position (I've heard of this mod before). He fitted built in head rests (early Bs didn't have these), removed the Smiths heater and replaced it with a plumbed in blower/heater/air system with two little swivel eye ball vents at each end of the dash (the one on the left replaces the map light which is repositioned in the centre of the dash low down below the switches. The eyeball vent on the right replaced the Overdrive switch which was moved to the steering column using a second indicator stalk to activate it (this is now gone and the overdrive switch is atop the gear stick as per late MGBs). The map bin in the passenger footwell was moved to the passenger door below the grab handle with a fitted 'armrest' in top which you could lift out (this armrest is now gone). There was an identical map bin on the drivers door with padded lid (but this bin is now gone). There is a large and comfortable centre padded console in leather with a lift out lid with plenty of storage space underneath. There is also a storage shelf under the dash beneath the glove box and lastly there was an electric door mirror on the drivers door (now gone and replaced with a conventional mirror). Lastly he fitted a reverse light and 2 small under bonnet lights. All these mods were in the car when I had it in the 1980s. On buying it back its engine has been rebuilt in recent past, a brake booster has been fitted (early MGBs didn't have these) and a close ratio gearbox and a mild cam fitted. It appears to have had 4 owners since I sold it in 1988 (one owning it for 25 years, it was he who did the engine rebuild and gearbox).
Thanks for your video's , always nice to see other GT's, I have a Old English White 1966 GT, just a comment, your top hose on your radiator looks kinked and could be restricting flow ?. Not a criticism just an observation, safe motoring.
Thanks for reminding me Stuart. Have just checked there. The tyres are 165/70 R14. What would the originals have been exactly? Appreciate this, well spotted!
Prefect, thanks! Not sure I can fork out for a whole new set of tyres at present but good to know the springs are probably ok and not in need of lowering blocks.
Hi, thanks a lot for the video, really nice MGB! I wonder if you could kindly share the dimensions of the boot with the seats down? I'd be interested in one of these as a daily driver, but have some requirements on space...
Thank you Allan, and thanks for watching! Unfortunately I have now sold this car so cannot give you those measurements. Hopefully someone else on here will be able to help you!
Hi, sorry I did not make a specific video on fitting the conversion but the instructions that come with it are nice and clear. Highly recommend it, but just make sure you are aware it does not fit with the early type large starter motors
@@restosaga Thank you for the information. Can I replace the big starter with a smaller one and if so do you know the part # for the starter? Thank you. Later
Yes, so my solenoid gave up and I had to replace my starter anyway. I bought a high-torque one to replace the original - brilliant upgrade. I got mine off eBay, part number was GXE4441B for my one, just check it’s the same for yours!
Hi Toby! I’m 6ft and there is a fair bit between me and the headliner. My 6ft 4in brother has driven it easily, also. Doubt you could cross Europe comfortably in it but it’s definitely usable for you, I’d say!
Not understand why you want to restore such car to a full restoration. I owned 2 GT and one MGA ( still have !) ..and I drove them and or still drive them ..they are made to be driven. If I want to see sculptures I go to a museum.!! 😉 Do not generat another garage queen
Your MGB GT looks very good. I recently bought a 1971 model and thought it was fine! Famous last words, it was all over the road and gave me a fright!
The front suspension bushes were completely shot, I don't know when it last saw a grease gun!
It has been fitted with a telescopic front and rear conversion, but the bushes were badly worn.
I have completely stripped the front suspension, and the crossmember is getting powder coated.
So far, it's been a money pit!
Yikes, that sounds scary but you’ll soon have a great car. Mine looked good from 10ft 😂 Also needed a fair sum spent when I bought it - sure that’s part of the fun, right?
Absolutely lovely car! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Glad you enjoyed it, my pleasure!
Great classic car.
Newly painted Garage floor looking very professional. 😀
Thanks! Have to show it off in these thumbnails while it remains tidy haha
So nice to see an original steering wheel - so many otherwise beautiful cars have some aftermarket wooden tack that really dominates the interior. Good on you!
Thank you! It took some effort to find a nice original one. The aftermarket one fitted to the car when I bought it was hideous!
Certainly is a good example for a 50+ years old car. All time favourite of mine and I would definitely own one if I had a garage available. I think the idea of an on going restoration is really good as I imagine it keeps the interest going. Lovely car and I hope we all can put and about when the time is right. Keep well.
Thanks Philip, I’m trying to figure out the practicalities of a rolling resto with bodywork needs as I always prefer to work on an empty shell but if needs must then I’ll keep it on the road as I go!
@@restosaga I'm at an identical position, trying to decide whether to fix as I go or strip down to a shell. I'm very tempted to go the full works and strip it, that way all the rust and problems are sorted in one go and I won't have to worry about it for many many years. Otherwise, I'm concerned that if I fix small bits as I go (including sills) then I will just take longer overall and I will just be chasing problems forever without having that satisfaction of being "finished". However, time, space and cost are all a problem!
That’s always the case, isn’t it, time/space and money. When you have one, you most likely have not enough of the others!
What a nice car, i am getting mine next week, cant wait.
Thank you! All the best with your new car, enjoy!
The trim you mentioned is anodized aluminum. I've heard of others that have sanded with xxf sandpapaer and then polished them to a brilliant shine. It would require annual polishing. Nice GT BTW. I have a 74.
Thanks very much David, this is very helpful! I did wonder if it was aluminium underneath so that’s settled it. Enjoy your car!
Thank you for your video. I really enjoyed it. The MGB GT is one of my favourites. I presently have a 1978 (Last Edition) VW Beetle and a 1988 BMW 325i Touring and I would love to add a MGB GT to my collection. !
Glad you enjoyed it, Donal! Thanks for getting in touch. Sounds like you have some lovely cars too. I’d thoroughly recommend an MGB GT, very practical classic!
Very nice GT! I have a Blaze '72 GT that I am also doing a rolling resto on. I've had it for 4 years now and have rebuilt the front and rear suspension, rebuilt the carbs, replaced the gas tank, installed a rather large stereo, and did a lot of tuning to get it running reliably. I recently sourced an O/D and will replace the clutch, restore the engine compartment, re-seal and paint the engine and likely replace the cam and lifters while the engine is out. I''m also going to change it from RoStyles to wire wheels, incl. the shorter rear axle. At some point it will need a full body resto, but for now it looks great for a summer daily driver. These are great, practical classics that are very usable, and mine always generates positive comments whenever I have it out. They are also very reliable once sorted, despite all the Lucas, Prince of Darkness rumours! I especially like the double takes I get at the building supply store when I load 8 ft. lumber in it, and still close the hatch. Best of luck with yours, and I will be keeping an eye on your channel for updates. Cheers!
Thank you very much, and thanks for watching! Nice one! Sounds like you have done quite similar work to myself. I like the idea of keeping the car on the road as much as possible but for the bodywork and paint I think a full strip down will be needed!
Great, informative video thanks! I'm about to take the plunge to restore a tatty 1970 example (also red) that's sitting in a barn, at least to roadworthy condition. It will be on a limited budget, but thanks to videos like this I have a better idea of what awaits me :-)
Thanks for watching! All the best with the resto!
A lovely car. I have had MG midget, B and BGT. I must admit my favourite is B. Really dream of having a B, but really I am not in that situation.
Many thanks for sharing your video.
Thanks for watching! I’ve never driven a Midget so would love to try one!
Excellent. Lovely car, looks really nice.
Thank you very much! Though I'll be the first to admit the camera may actually lie and that the car looks a little less fresh close up!
Very nice, love the video!
Thank you very much! Positive feedback much appreciated as making interesting videos is difficult at present!
It’s a beautiful car. I have virtually the same car but it’s a 1973 in exact same colour. I bought it to restore but unfortunately ill health has crept up on me so I’m guessing that it’ll probably go to the scrap yard in the sky.
Thank you! That’s a shame you’ll not get to your project car, could you not sell it on even?
Restosaga Classic Car Restoration will have to look into my options after this lockdown business.
I think you’re right to. Unless it’s a total basket case I’m sure it would be a desirable project for someone!
GT rear springs are a problem. Every car seems to have a different set. Mine were done by a pro and he had to try three different pairs before he found one that gave the correct stance. Take care with the selection of a stainless exhaust; some of them alter the exhaust note from the familiar 'B' growl, make it somewhat tinny.
Thanks!
Hello. I enjoyed watching the video of your MGB GT - nice car. I used to have a 1967 MGB on which I did a nut and bolt restoration. I have several pics if you would be interested in seeing :-) . I sold it in the early 1980s and bought a Series 1 E-Type OTS Jag. You may want to do a little bit more research regarding the heat proofing material for the interior of the MGB. Dynamat is more a sound-proofing rather than heat reflecting. What you need is a material on the floor of the car which prevents the heat entering the car. In other words, the material needs to reflect the heat away ...... dynamat won't do this - it will prevent the heat from leaving the car as it is an insulator! Quite the opposite to what you want. Have a look at Koolmat (a US product) or dig around a little and find an equivalent on the UK market. Heat inside these cars (mine as well) can be a real issue despite the cooler climate here so it is well worth doing. By the way, I also live in NI - Hillsborough way :-) . Hope this helps.
Thanks for getting in touch! You aren’t too far away! Nice upgrade to the E-Type! Thanks for the advice re heat proofing, I will do some more investigation and homework on this! Keep in touch
@@restosaga I managed to get a "kit" from the USA for my E-Type. It was expensive but by all accounts it rates amongst the best available. I was given a choice to buy by the roll and cut out the panels myself (they provide a template) or buy a "kit" already cut panel by panel. I opted for the ready cut option. Sorry I cannot recall the name of the supplier just at the moment but if anybody would like to know, I will look back through my receipts and post accordingly.
Super! It s funny that a decent kit for a British classic is made in America, you’d have thought someone here would have supplied one!
The gear lever nut, i think, is 3/8-16 (3/8 UNC) for the 68-76 GTs. (7/16-20 (7/16 UNF) on later models).
Perfect, thank you very much for this!
Nice review etc, but one thing I notice the MG looks very 'under-tyred'. The profile of the tyres look very small compared to the wheel arches. It almost looks like rubber bumper height, which it clearly isn't - just down to tyre profile...
You’re quite right, those tyres were too low of a profile. I never spent the money but it would have looked much better on a nice set of crossplies!
Yes the older tyre sizes really suited the cars back then. I'm also the owner of an MGB GT, it's a 1967 model (personally with the purest styling) in 'Sandy Beige' a GT only colour.
It's on chrome wires, has a Webasto, mild cam, close ratio gerabox and many individual interior upgrades made by the first owner in the 60s which look factory - many of which MG later did. The interesting thing is I owned this very car in the 1980s selling it in 1988. By chance I found it 4 sale online a few weeks back and bought it back from the other side side of OZ. It's still in remarkable condition, I feel quite lucky I have it again.
@marknelson5929 Amazing! That sounds like a great car!
Yes I feel quite lucky having the old girl back again, I should do some kind of review on the car.
To give you an idea of the mods made by the first owner, he raised the front seat heights by an inch, which I can recommend re driving position (I've heard of this mod before).
He fitted built in head rests (early Bs didn't have these), removed the Smiths heater and replaced it with a plumbed in blower/heater/air system with two little swivel eye ball vents at each end of the dash (the one on the left replaces the map light which is repositioned in the centre of the dash low down below the switches. The eyeball vent on the right replaced the Overdrive switch which was moved to the steering column using a second indicator stalk to activate it (this is now gone and the overdrive switch is atop the gear stick as per late MGBs). The map bin in the passenger footwell was moved to the passenger door below the grab handle with a fitted 'armrest' in top which you could lift out (this armrest is now gone). There was an identical map bin on the drivers door with padded lid (but this bin is now gone). There is a large and comfortable centre padded console in leather with a lift out lid with plenty of storage space underneath. There is also a storage shelf under the dash beneath the glove box and lastly there was an electric door mirror on the drivers door (now gone and replaced with a conventional mirror). Lastly he fitted a reverse light and 2 small under bonnet lights. All these mods were in the car when I had it in the 1980s.
On buying it back its engine has been rebuilt in recent past, a brake booster has been fitted (early MGBs didn't have these) and a close ratio gearbox and a mild cam fitted. It appears to have had 4 owners since I sold it in 1988 (one owning it for 25 years, it was he who did the engine rebuild and gearbox).
Thanks for your video's , always nice to see other GT's, I have a Old English White 1966 GT, just a comment, your top hose on your radiator looks kinked and could be restricting flow ?. Not a criticism just an observation, safe motoring.
Hi Michael, glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, you’re right about the hose. It’s on a long list of jobs to do, for sure! Thanks
Nice car
Thank you very much!
How bad is the fuel economy? 25 mpg?
I have since sold this car but it was around 30mpg from memory
I may have said before but your wheel arch clearance could just be that tyre aspect ratio is not 80 which was standard for the period.
Thanks for reminding me Stuart. Have just checked there. The tyres are 165/70 R14. What would the originals have been exactly? Appreciate this, well spotted!
@@restosaga They should be 165 SR14 which is 80 aspect ratio. If it has no aspect ratio in the tyre size displayed it should by default be 80
Prefect, thanks! Not sure I can fork out for a whole new set of tyres at present but good to know the springs are probably ok and not in need of lowering blocks.
@@restosaga The gearing will also be 5% higher with the correct tyres
Excellent, that’ll help until I can source an overdrive ‘box!
Hi, thanks a lot for the video, really nice MGB! I wonder if you could kindly share the dimensions of the boot with the seats down? I'd be interested in one of these as a daily driver, but have some requirements on space...
Thank you Allan, and thanks for watching! Unfortunately I have now sold this car so cannot give you those measurements. Hopefully someone else on here will be able to help you!
@@restosaga Yes, I found your other video shortly after posting that. Thanks anyway!
No problem, all the best on your quest for a car!
That would be a little dream of mine coming true, having one of these as a daily driver...I really hope to hear from your project coming to Life!
Hi I have a 1974 1/2 MGB GT do you have a video on how to change the oil filter from on top to underneath conversion kit? Thank you!
Hi, sorry I did not make a specific video on fitting the conversion but the instructions that come with it are nice and clear. Highly recommend it, but just make sure you are aware it does not fit with the early type large starter motors
@@restosaga Thank you for the information. Can I replace the big starter with a smaller one and if so do you know the part # for the starter? Thank you. Later
Yes, so my solenoid gave up and I had to replace my starter anyway. I bought a high-torque one to replace the original - brilliant upgrade. I got mine off eBay, part number was GXE4441B for my one, just check it’s the same for yours!
Hi, hows the leg and headroom? I'm 6'2" and wondering how I would fit. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Toby! I’m 6ft and there is a fair bit between me and the headliner. My 6ft 4in brother has driven it easily, also. Doubt you could cross Europe comfortably in it but it’s definitely usable for you, I’d say!
What about for heftyer blokes. I am 6 foot and 18 stone. Think rugby prop. Very stocky. Does it fit a broader person in the car ok?
I’d say so! I’m not small myself so I’d say you’d be fine!
Not understand why you want to restore such car to a full restoration.
I owned 2 GT and one MGA ( still have !) ..and I drove them and or still drive them ..they are made to be driven. If I want to see sculptures I go to a museum.!! 😉
Do not generat another garage queen
Alas I sold it instead of restoring it. One day I’ll buy another. Each to their own’