1974 MG MGB GT MkIII
Purchase Date: March 2020
Nope, This is not a motorcycle. Bummer eh..
This time around I've decided to give a go at a different type of transportation. Albeit this is in a way similar to a motorcycle, it is not one. I've seen this car at a nearby consignment showroom. It was there for a long time and I do like the car. I've done my research on model years, overdrives and bumpers and whatever else before stopping by to talk to the ruthless salespeople. |
The day came by accident, my wife and I (still girlfriend at the time) were driving by the showroom where the car was (in the neighborhood) and I suggested we pop in. The price listed was high for the car, but not too bad so I was curious.
We entered the salesroom floor, noting the car in the corner I purposefully kept my distance admiring all the other cars until I finally "Stumbled" on the MG. My first impression is, "That looks fun"! This is exactly what I was looking for, an inexpensive daily driver that I can fix / maintain and it will put a smile on my face driving. "Putting a smile on my face" is one of the most important features of ANY vehicle that I purchase.
The salesman made his way over and opened the drivers side door inviting for me to have a seat. I have to admit that was a top notch sales pitch, he didn't have to do much more at that point. I couldn't believe that I actually fit inside the small car, and comfortably too. The car is low, that was my first impression - I do like low cars even though they can be difficult to get in and out of. Then I got a whiff of that oil / grease / cleaner car smell I associate with vintage vehicles, the smell made me feel like home; I glanced out the window to make sure I was not in my garage.
We entered the salesroom floor, noting the car in the corner I purposefully kept my distance admiring all the other cars until I finally "Stumbled" on the MG. My first impression is, "That looks fun"! This is exactly what I was looking for, an inexpensive daily driver that I can fix / maintain and it will put a smile on my face driving. "Putting a smile on my face" is one of the most important features of ANY vehicle that I purchase.
The salesman made his way over and opened the drivers side door inviting for me to have a seat. I have to admit that was a top notch sales pitch, he didn't have to do much more at that point. I couldn't believe that I actually fit inside the small car, and comfortably too. The car is low, that was my first impression - I do like low cars even though they can be difficult to get in and out of. Then I got a whiff of that oil / grease / cleaner car smell I associate with vintage vehicles, the smell made me feel like home; I glanced out the window to make sure I was not in my garage.
The salesman then offered to start the car. It started up, sputtered a bit due to a near dead battery and then came to life with a vengeance. The MG has a hot cam and a straight exhaust, it was loud inside the showroom. At this point I was trying to keep my poker face, which I am terrible at. The salesman mentioned that the price was highly negotiable. I asked how "highly negotiable" he was talking about, the response was several thousand dollars. I was okay with that.
My better half (Hillary) and I had a private discussion, I gave the car a quick mechanical look-over and decided to pull the trigger.
After a few back and forth negotiations and a locked in dollar amount I was to come back after they rebuilt the carbs and straightened out a small sputter. In the meantime we began paperwork, noting that the final test drive will lock in the deal.
My better half (Hillary) and I had a private discussion, I gave the car a quick mechanical look-over and decided to pull the trigger.
After a few back and forth negotiations and a locked in dollar amount I was to come back after they rebuilt the carbs and straightened out a small sputter. In the meantime we began paperwork, noting that the final test drive will lock in the deal.
A few weeks passed by and the dealer had the car sorted out (so they say). I was terribly impatient over those three weeks or so, my patience (or lack there of) and excitement had both been getting the best of me.
I arrived at the showroom where the car was staged, all clean and prepped for our test drive. It looked beautiful. The test drive went swimmingly, the car drove great. I couldn't be happier. The paperwork was wrapped up and I drove home with a new MGB GT.
I arrived at the showroom where the car was staged, all clean and prepped for our test drive. It looked beautiful. The test drive went swimmingly, the car drove great. I couldn't be happier. The paperwork was wrapped up and I drove home with a new MGB GT.
From 1962 to 1980, the MGB was to many considered the "epitome" of the British sports car. The car has a 4 cylinder inline 1,798cc inline engine. The 4 speed gearbox (with optional overdrive in 3rd and 4th) can reach a maximum speed of 104mph. Some details: A single dry plate clutch, rack and pinion steering; hydraulic with servo assistance brakes, front disc rear drum.
May 2020
Wiring: One of the issues that were pointed out to me upon purchasing was the wiring nest under the hood. This was the 1st thing I decided to tackle, in doing so I found several loose connections and poor grounds. Good thing I got this straightened out, could've left me on the side of the road somewhere. I also found that the fuel pump was recently changed, although not bracketed properly with also - poor wiring. I cleaned it all up properly.
June 2020
Miscellaneous: The single battery sits in a compartment under the rear bench seat. Upon starting, the battery felt weak. I Ioad tested the battery and sure enough, a fading battery. Also, the battery box section is slightly rusted through which I replaced with a fitted plastic shell . While replacing the battery itself I found poor terminal connections, replaced everything - and all is good to go.
As with any vehicle of a good vintage the nature of the beast is finding one thing after another in sequence. Everything has to be taken care of properly to avoid any future problems.
Added seat belt guides to the headrests. A previous owner removed the lap belts and had installed the shoulder belts.
As with any vehicle of a good vintage the nature of the beast is finding one thing after another in sequence. Everything has to be taken care of properly to avoid any future problems.
Added seat belt guides to the headrests. A previous owner removed the lap belts and had installed the shoulder belts.
July 2020
Lighting: The car came with a set of giant period correct fog lights. I removed them - bringing the car into the modern era.
October 2020
Exhaust: The exhaust that was on the car when purchased is loud, too loud for my liking. No resonator, straight pipe with aged muffler; also a bad weld joint from the pipe to the muffler itself. I opted to purchase and install a stainless steel Bell exhaust (Abington Spares) with resonator and muffler. The new exhaust system was a fairly easy install, fitment was good. I did have to add a new central universal mounting bracket because the original bracket was long gone. I also installed a new MG correct rear bracket assembly for the muffler itself.
The exhaust is a tremendous improvement. The car does not spit or pop on deceleration anymore, it feels as if there is more power and my wife and I can hear each other talk while driving. Overall a more pleasant experience.
The exhaust is a tremendous improvement. The car does not spit or pop on deceleration anymore, it feels as if there is more power and my wife and I can hear each other talk while driving. Overall a more pleasant experience.
January 2021
U-joints: I am still going over the car, following the recommended maintenance per the manual. One such maintenance is to grease all of the Zerk fittings throughout the car. Several Zerk fittings are found on / near the driveshaft, there's one on each of the u-joints and one on the telescoping shaft. In my situation the rear u-joint did not have a Zerk fitting, it was missing and the threads stripped where it once was. I took on the job replacing this. The u-joint itself only cost $19.95 (Moss Motors), I believe it was a Hardy brand with extended nipple. I bought 2 thinking I might also replace the front. Removing the original was quite a task, I believe mine was missing grease for some time and the bearing shells had frozen into the mating driveshaft / differential components. With some persistence, I was successful in removing the original u-joint. Installing the replacement was also tricky due to the needle bearings not wanting to stay in place. I ended up tearing one of the rubber sleeves, this is when I was grateful for having a backup set. Once completely installed, I noticed the extra play at the joint was also gone. Glad this was finished and that I noticed the missing Zerk fitting, this was a potentially damaging situation. I did not replace the front u-joint at this time, added grease and called it a day.
February 2021
Gearbox: The rear gearbox seal has been leaking, fairly quickly too. I first noticed this after finding oil drips on the garage floor after jacking up the front of the car. Another sign was the erratic shifting into overdrive when not in overdrive. Low gearbox oil level is one of the potential issues, as this is my case. The seal only costs $2.45 (Moss Motors), replacement is a few hours of cursing and busted knuckles laying under the car. I replaced the seal, and it wasn't too bad - but I did have a difficult time removing the original seal. I was successful after trying various methods including an actual seal removal tool which didn't work. The method that worked for me was making a small dent on the edge of the seal where I was able to use the "punch and hammer" technique - very carefully. To say the least I was glad to see it bend in my favor and it popped right out. The new seal slipped right in with some grease and a few light blows.
Also, to answer a predicted common question, I use 20-50W non-synthetic engine oil for the gearbox.
Also, to answer a predicted common question, I use 20-50W non-synthetic engine oil for the gearbox.
April 2021
I've been enjoying this classic daily driver for just over a year now. Unfortunately this past year was the COVID-19 pandemic and it came on just about the same time as when I got the car. There is personal correlation with the car purchase and COVID, not necessarily a good one. Call me superstitious, I don't know - but I haven't been driving as much as I planned therefore it is time to sell the car.
May 2021
The car is gone. It went to a dealer in San Diego. I sold it on the low $$ side for a quick sale, I wanted it gone. I'll stick with motorcycles, I have more fun with them. The MG was fun while it lasted, I like to think this would've turned out differently if the pandemic wasn't happening.
Sale Date: June 2021