1973 MG MGB

4 SPEED STANDARD

GHN500310054 G

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE I purchased this vehicle in August 2009 on eBay from a gentleman in Charleston SC who had owned it since some time in the 1980's. He had religiously changed the oil filters etc. during his tenure and installed new seats, door panels and a new top. However there were some areas beginning to fall into disrepair that required attention. All the work I did (had done) was with the idea it wouldn't have to be repeated in my life time. ELECTRICAL The first was to replace all the wiring with an Advance Auto-Wire "Power Block" wiring kit. It's worth looking up on line to see what you get. The next step was to replace the headlights with HB2 Vision Plus DOT headlamps to increase the cars visibility. The following switches were replaced: Ignition; Turn/High/Low Beam; Wiper and Headlight. Engine electrical replaced: Cobalt spark plug wire; Lucas Sports Coil and rebuilt period correct distributor. All gauges work. DRIVE TRAIN In June of 2010 I discovered a miss in the engine and checked the compression. The exhaust valve on no. 4 cylinder proved to be burnt. The head was pulled, leveled, and new springs, intake valves and stellite exhaust valves installed. There was no damage to the seats. The head received a three angle valve job and the valves were lapped. The compression on all cylinders is in a correct range. Oil pressure is 55 at idle and 70 at 2000 rpm's. The engine pulls strong to 5500 rpms. I've never had it higher. The carburetor currently on it is a Weber 38 I purchased new along with the manifold. I have the original SU HIF 4's, intake manifold and linkage stored in a zip lock bag. They're negotiable. The transmission works properly. The car does have the infamous MG clunk. In chasing it down I've replaced the thrust washers in the differential, replaced the rear springs and bushings and yet it persists. It only occurs when the car is improperly shifted. The splines on the wheels and hubs are satisfactory. The car will put a couple of drops of oil on the garage floor when you park it. INTERIOR The seats are like new; the door panels like new except for a short piece of trim broken off on the drivers door panel; the top was like new the last time I saw it(car is garage kept by both myself and the prior owner and isn't driven in the rain); the carpets are satisfactory. The dash board was replaced by the prior owner and is perfect. The glove box however does not latch. The catch mechanism needs to be altered somehow. The seat belts (Wesco) are new installed November 2010. The car has no radio however I left an unused wire under the console for that purpose should one be installed. I have no idea if the speakers in the trunk work. EXTERIOR The appearance speaks for itself and it looks that good in person. When I got the car the paint was dull and suffering from being oxidized. I can't recommend Meguiar's Ultra-Cut compound enough. There is a couple of small dings and some paint chips as befits its age. The car has been repainted at some time and the original color was yellow. The chrome is all good on the bumpers. The luggage rack has some minor pitting. The mirrors are stainless steel. The glass is all good and the wiper blades are new. The wheels are wire with knock-offs. The wheel's paint is basically good but they have bumped the cubs a few times. The tires on the front are new and the other three have good tread left. When I bought the two new tires for the front (for a trip through the Smokey Mountains) I had all five wheels balanced. They could not get them balanced perfectly and the car has a slight shimmy at highway speeds. This car will not win any major car shows but you'll never be embarrassed to drive it anywhere. HYDRAULICS/BRAKES I've replaced the clutch master cylinder ,clutch slave cylinder and the corresponding pipe (the slave went out and I got a ride home on the tow truck). While I had the box off to replace the master clutch I checked the master brake and it was only operating the front brakes. It was then replaced. I put a complete new brake kit on the rears (pads and cylinders) and had the drums turned. The emergency brake works. The fronts haven't required attention. CONCLUSION If I were to keep the MG my next plans were to replace the carpet and a new set of wire wheels. I don't really think the chrome wheels would add anything and may detract from the car. I have very mixed emotions about selling the car. I'm planning a move to south Florida where my new home will be a condo with no garage. I can't see letting the B get beat to death with the south Florida sun nor can I see driving a non air conditioned car there. Since I and the previous owner only took the car out on nice days and it never gets too cold in Coastal South Carolina, it was not an issue to us that it had no heater. It may be to you. The engine does provide some heat through the heater duct work. The same applies to its lack of equipment for a windshield washer. The wipers work fine however. Also all of the smog control devises have been removed. Just a little buyer beware. If you have any questions or want additional pictures, please email me through eBay or give me a call at 843-504-6417. I've described the car's condition, both bad and good, to the best of my ability. Car is being sold "as is, where is". If any international buyers are interest, I live approximately 60 miles from the port of Charleston SC and would be happy to deliver it to the port for a small fee. I would also be willing to drive it to a nearby destination for a fee I almost forgot auction also includes very nice car cover and the following books: The Complete Official MG; Haynes, MGB Repair Manual; Guide to Purchase and DIY Restoration MGB and MGB Electrical Systems, the Essential Manual. Thanks for looking.