1973 MGB GT - Lost in the woods for 32 years - will it run?? 

This 1973 MGB GT was parked in the woods of North Florida for over 32 years.  pulled it out of the woods, dragged it home, cleaned it up a bit, and then let it sit for two years. Now watch as my boys and I attempt to get it running for the first time in over three decades! 

[@jetstreek17]

I could watch you and your kids for hours working on old cars. I love the interactions and learning. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Great video.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! We love doing it! We’ve definitely got the bug, lol. Hopefully, with each video we will get a little more relaxed and not look so awkward in front of the camera, lol

[@johnm.5848]

Great job on getting that little MGB out of it's long slumber. And If I may say, spending quality time with your boys is rewarding.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! And yes, spending quality time with my boys while doing it is definitely a huge plus! Just wish my daughter would show a bit more interest in it as well!

[@gregmooradian3711]

Great teamwork guys! Beautiful MG with lots of potential. Always a blessing to watch a Dad train up his Sons. God bless you all and thanks for sharing!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thank you! It is greatly appreciated!

[@sallyb3]

🎉 good to see your son's helping. 👍

[@chriskilmister5680]

Good to see the old girl come to life. MGs were built at the Longbridge factory Birmingham England long gone, now an housing estate not far from where I live. Keep up the good work.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Currently working on a 51 Ford deluxe, but hope to get back to the LBC’s real soon!

[@YuriAtOlympicHyundai]

Amazing job fellas! It's wonderful to see a father not only being a great father, but also teaching his sons about working on old cars, solving problems, patience, and everything else that should make a man a man. Well done, and you've got a new subscriber!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!! I absolutely love getting to spend time with the boys and teach them an important skill while we work on cars. They love it too!

[@RandallFlaggNY]

Reminds me of my Dad and me back in the early 70's. My dad wasn't that mechanical, but he taught me how to jack the car, change tires, plugs, batteries, bulbs etc. I kept going with DIY'ing for the rest of my life.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I didn’t know my father until I searched him out later in life so I had to teach myself everything growing up. Definitely want to teach my boys as much as I can so they have all the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my life.

[@crieff1sand2s]

Good work & great to see the kids involved....from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@w.rustylane5650]

When I was in the USMC I bought a 1972 red MGB and had the car until I got married. On the day of my marriage, someone backed into it and smashed the drivers side door in. Ended up selling it like it was. Wish I still had it. Cheers from eastern TN

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

A few days ago I went to get a Red 73 MGB I found on marketplace and ended up having the guy sell it out from under me an hour and a half into my trip to get it! I had a green, 67 MGB that I sold last year that I regret selling. I know how that is.

[@Rick356A]

This brings back it all back, I am in the UK & i had a 1969 MGBGT for 10 years, 95 to 2005, great to see one of these in the USA, this one looks like a solid car so should should be a good one to bring back to the road.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes, this one is definitely solid and will make a great driver once back on the road! Thanks!

[@thetransporter2143]

Them boys learned more doing this then they will in a whole year of school

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Truth!

[@markeyre6916]

good to see young american kids been taught how to work on a old British car, the MG still has a massive following here in the UK and help or info you need just go online they is always someone willing to help

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

The boys definitely love working on them! Makes me happy that they are so interested.

[@paulblack2402]

Keep going chaps you started off well!!!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@robertmorin6495]

Brought back memories for me. When I was younger I had a 74 MGB with the same dual carburetor setup and gauges. Fun to drive on winding roads.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Can’t wait to get this one on the road!

[@Paul-md8de]

Loved watching this, i was born and bought up 10 miles from Abingdon Oxfordshire UK where MG (Morris Garages) factory was , a school friend did an apprenticeship there in the mid 70s , my brother owned a MGB GT with the big rubber fenders ( we call them bumpers) , the MGs are fun to drive and the engines are very easy to work on (think it dates back to the late 40s early 50s) plenty of spares about , here in the UK the body work was a real swine for rust though on all models . Love from the UK ❤

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! We’ve had lots of fun working on it so far and excited to get it driving soon!

[@RoadHeros610]

Pretty good deal and it sounds amazing for sitting do long ....really cool

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

It does doesn’t it? Thanks!!

[@stevenhollingsworth733]

Good job guys I enjoyed it I look forward to following you On the MG Project.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!! We put that one on the back burner for a bit, we are currently working on a Triumph GT6, I had it completely disassembled so we spent the last several days putting it back together and are now just waiting for a break in the rain to film a will it run video on it.

[@austinswallow]

That's a nice sounding B-series engine, good result, well done! Good that you are getting the youngsters involved, hopefully, they might get interested! Greetings from the UK!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! They are definitely interested! They are the ones that convinced me to start the channel, lol

[@Shakez76]

Fun video. Record everything! Your boys are gonna appreciate it later. Revived an 88 Fiero with my oldest boy for his first car. Now that he is older he really appreciates the work that went into bringing that car back to life.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

That’s awesome! I am a hoarder, so I always save everything, lol I know my kids will definitely look back on all the videos one day and be happy we made them.

[@LawnMowersThingsThatMakeNoise]

please please please more videos on this beaut. I have a 1974 Round wheel arch 1275 Mg Midget (little brother of the MG B and MG B GT) I love this video !!! i hear the distinctive MG sound !!!!!!! wooooooooooo

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!! we plan on doing many more videos on this car.

[@robleary3353]

Nice one! Love seeing old bits of kit bought back to life!. Nice to see the younger generation getting involved!. Nuff said!. 🙂

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Yeah, they love getting to work on the car and I love the time I get to spend with them while doing it.

[@mgbsandotherstuff2982]

Nice find, great kids and good attitude. Can’t wait to see running down the road. I’m subscribed.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I can’t wait to see it driving either!

[@DavidSmith1307]

Great fun, simple cars. 'This Week In Cars' channel is a great reference for MG and other old UK sports cars.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks for the info! I’ll look them up.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I like the Triumiph you have sitting there. When I was a kid we had a family project building a 72 Spitfire. Frame swapped it. I was only 6 when he did that so hopefully I was sorta helpful for him. 😂

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! We have several Triumphs, 4 Spitfires, and 2 GT6’s currently. The GT6 in the background is going to be a full resto. That one I’m really excited about doing but it’s going to be a long term project.

[@RustyBeauties]

Great video! The kids are so excited :) looking forward to seeing her on the toad. And all the other rusty beauties as well. You have quite a collection :)

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks Elin! You have been a great inspiration as well as a huge wealth of information for me. My kids and I have watched your videos for a long time now and eagerly anticipate every new one that comes out. I can’t hope to match the amount of incredible content in your videos, but I’m going to do my best!

[@friguy4444]

Just a whole lot of fun guys!! Those little MG's and MGB's are great fun cars once you get them going!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes, they most definitely are! Can’t wait to get her on the road again! Thanks!

[@clarkpink1955]

Great work from the boys and a great learning curve

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@simonwoods3827]

So nice to see a dad and his boys working together and having a common interest rather than hiding in a room playing playstation... Go daddy go

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Exactly! I try to limit their electronics usage, but in today’s world it’s hard to do. They love helping me work on cars, which is an absolute blessing. Thanks!

[@darrenbyrne4622]

Hay you guys are doing real great we enjoyed ta vid keep at it cant wait for the next one good work the 2 sons to

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I hope they have the next one out in a day or so, editing it now!

[@andrewbridges8270]

That was awesome look forward to the next video.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Hope to have the next one out very soon! Editing all the footage now. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe! Thanks again!

[@m.rogers5846]

Good to see your boys involved. Dads job: teach. Boys job: learn. Have fun too. You'll get better at video production I'm sure.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! We are definitely having fun and my boys are eager to learn.

[@dickdaley9059]

It is better build boys than mend men. 🇺🇸⚓️ St Marys, GA

[@nappyheadedhoe]

great video.MG's are way under rated .Awesome your teaching your boys about mechanics.They dont even teach it in school anymore.Great Job !!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Definitely want my boys to have mechanical aptitude, it is an invaluable skill!

[@luisg.leivaboza2782]

Intresting model!!! It's a Beautiful car Congratulations for to rescue it

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@Retireddeputy23]

Great video brother! I enjoyed it a lot. Can’t wait to see more videos and the progression of this car among others. Keep it up!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks brother! I’ll give you a ride in it once we get it running and driving!

[@Retireddeputy23]

Awesome video brother!! Can’t wait to see more!! Great cars!!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@MuhammadNadeem-gn4in]

Happy to see that the little Boys are helping Daddy.❤❤❤

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@kathleen9737]

Awesome! Sounds really good after 32 years😊

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Yes it does!

[@Glenn-bi1od]

Awesome job! It would be cool if you could mount the front end of the B on the GT6 in the background...call it a GTB.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Lol! Well, being as I really love the GT6 engine I think I’d rather stick with it, we got it running in a later video on the channel by the way! I absolutely love the sound of the GT6 engine! Both of them are great cars, though! Thanks!

[@andrewcumming6319]

Awesome video, you guys did well. Great to see dad with the kids.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@unclekevin5094]

That was risky jacking it up like that. I was waiting for the jack to go through the rusty floor. Is that a MG Midget and a GT6 in the background. I rebuilt both but had to get rid of them when I could no longer bend to get into them. Spent more time at the side of the road fixing but that is the pleasure with British vintage cars. Great video and great to see the children really learning about fixing cars.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I jacked it up by the sub frame right below the jacking point for the jack that comes with the MGB and not by the floor. I would never trust jacking it up from the floor itself. Yes, that is a 73 Midget and a 71 GT6. Those are going to be long term projects and with the GT6 I plan on doing a complete nut and bolt restoration of it. For the Midget, I’m actually considering putting some type of modern engine in it, I am a bit partial to the Mitsubishi 4G63T engine as I owned a second generation all-wheel-drive Eclipse once and really loved that car. The engines are extremely over built and nearly bulletproof. Not to mention they provide a ton of horsepower. That motor would be insane in that little Midget.

[@Transit67F2]

@@DownSouthRustyClassics I wouldn't trust the jacking point either, I watched the sill bend jacking a Rover 2000 in the right place :)

[@lawrencesargant1669]

Great start this is going to be a long but rewarding journey, excellent for the boys too look forward to seeing this develop. 👌

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Getting ready to put our next episode out, hopefully a bit later on this afternoon.

[@robm6750]

Another subscriber here in England. Great stuff!!! :D

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Next video should be out in a day or so!

[@ianburit3705]

Lovely find an old "B" You might not understand this but In the UK I and many others raced old cars on oval tracks called "BANGER RACING" and going back 30 years or more, the car to use as a 4-door saloon called an Austin or Morris A60, and, the MGB engine looked the same as the factory smaller-engined car so many swapped In the twin carb MBG lump to make the cars we used faster, and, the moment your B lump fired up brought back so many memories of them days I once took part most weekends racing in.. Some drivers even used MGB GTs complete to Banger race.. Banger Racing is a sport raced on an oval track with the intention of hitting or pushing other slower cars out the way around doing 30 or more laps.. Pure Madness but so much fun.. Anyway, I hope you get on with your "B" GT as It looks worth saving, but If It was found like that In the UK it would have got raced (And wrecked) sadly.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

We have something similar here in the states, but I have not been to any of the races. I’m definitely excited to get her running and driving again!

[@clayt2k]

Really enjoyed the video fella great stuff 🤗

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@ronbunker5778]

That car has been a real challenge! Good job.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes it has! Thanks!

[@clarkpink1955]

Great work guys

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@chuckmaddison2924]

I went to an MGA one day, the owner as far as I remember, bought it in Texas .Theory was from the south would be rust free , a safe buy. He got it home and on closer inspection was an expensive pile of rust. Anyway all the best from Western Australia. , Yeah, it was a very expensive mistake

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

The south really isn’t a safe bet for rust free vehicles, we may not have all the salt on the roads here, but we have plenty of moisture and humidity. The best place to find any old vehicle is out west where the climate is much dryer.

[@robames1293]

If any valve is stuck using the starter motor will destroy the engine. Better to remove spark plugs and turn over by hand to see if it can make full revolutions. Also good to put a little transmission oil down bores to ease things along.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

That was the first thing I did when I got the car. I turned it over several complete revolutions by hand. I also sprayed a lot of PB blaster and marvel mystery oil down in each cylinder before attempting to turn it over by hand. I don’t believe the 1800 MGB engine is an interference motor anyways, but I always like to be safe than sorry.

[@1chish]

I am glad you found a US spec 'B' but with the better chrome bumpers. Looks like you have found a pretty good bodyshell and the electrics / mechanicals are pretty easy to work through. You will find a lot of similarities with your GT6. great project so best of luck from across the Pond. 👍👍

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!! Hope to start on the GT6 soon!

[@philg9872]

What a great car find !. Really good to see your sons so involved and enjoying it. I like the way you explain as you go along, regardless of whether its a fail or a win ! Am watching from London in the UK, so keep up the good work, as I love old MGs and Triumphs etc.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Much appreciated! I have several MG’s and Triumph’s so hope to be putting out lots of content on them in the near future

[@jamesberdine8574]

Cool car. Keep up the good work! I crewed one that went to the 24 Hours of Daytona in ‘72 or ‘73. Made it 11 hours an broke a valve. Did not qualify for Sebring. Brought back some great memories.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! That’s really cool!

[@nicholasmarshall3191]

My Dad and I raced an MGB in the 90's at Sebring, with my Dad racing it several times at Daytona in the SCCA. My Dad, who lives in Florida, is about to get to work on an MGB that has been in parts in his garage since the 90's. We are from the UK.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

@@nicholasmarshall3191 very cool!

[@jamesberdine8574]

@@nicholasmarshall3191 Get to it. It is a very basic car. No computers and such that makes things much easer. I also had a Midget Mk2 that I auto crossed. Loads of fun! Good luck with the project.

[@danphelps8865]

Awsome project

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!!

[@paulcarter2907]

Great to see you educating the kids..UK

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@philflip1963]

Firt time running in 32 years? Amazing! Best of luck with the rest of it!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yup! Thanks!

[@murrayblack1078]

Great work team. Pleased to see the sons are out there learning from a great dad. We hear all the bad news stories but never the good ones. Our dad walked out on our family when I was eight. So it moves me to see that father. Oh yeah I have a 1974 MGB GT. You will all enjoy yours too.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Yeah, I grew up without a father too so I try to be there as much as I can to help teach my kids and be there for them.

[@stan525]

I subscribed because of your teaching the kids, nice to pass along the mechanical aspect of life.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I absolutely love teaching the boys how to be mechanically proficient, and they absolutely love learning about cars!

[@cauzinkaos6219]

Awesomeness y’all!😎

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Great to meet y’all today!

[@PaulCowie1]

Well done in getting her going!! I look forward to seeing your progress. We are currently restoring my dad's old Jaguar Xj6. Greetings from South Africa 😊

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I almost picked up an old 60s XJ6 for almost nothing, regret that I didn’t get it now! Good luck with it!

[@drew2757]

Classic car, classic kids.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Haha! Thanks!

[@andylewis7360]

Good job sir! Great to see you and your lads bringing that old beaut back from the brink. It’s great to see someone who’s prepared to tackle old British wiring 😂

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! The boys really love working on it with me and I love having them help me work on it, quality time! My wiring problems are far from over though, Lucas, the prince of darkness is not finished with me yet, lol

[@andylewis7360]

@@DownSouthRustyClassics If it’s any consolation they were taken over by TRW many years ago 🤣

[@dickdaley9059]

Great fun to see you and the boys revive the GT. The only B I owned was a ‘71 that was rusted out underneath but ran every day, summer and winter, like a Swiss watch. Hated to give up on her but it was becoming Swiss cheese. Subbed to your channel to follow along with you guys as long as you can. Blessing to all… 🇺🇸⚓️ St Marys, GA

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!! by the way, Saint Marys is a great little town! I had the pleasure of visiting it when I went to Jekyll Island one year.

[@dickdaley9059]

@@DownSouthRustyClassics….Jekyll Island is a GA State Park and welcomes visitors. It has a great water park for the kids and the famous beaches are wide open. Shrimp season just opened and Brunswick has a wonderful supply of local shrimp to take home. There is a shrimp boat that takes folks out for a ride and demonstrates how shrimp are caught. It is just over the Sidney Lanier Bridge behind a restaurant as you drive north toward St Simons Island Causeway. The kids may like climbing the St Simons Lighthouse at Neptune Park. Good family fun everywhere. 🇺🇸⚓️

[@EricV63]

My second car was a '70 MGB GT with a '73 engine, around 1983. Plan on a fuel pump. The plastic ones back in the day would get hot and seize, shutting down the car at inopportune times, only to work fine for a day or a week after cooling down. The OEM version was expensive, but never failed me for the 3 years after I installed it. (sold the car) Have fun tinkering on the old girl.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I am a bit concerned that I found two fuel pumps laying in the trunk area, definitely not a good sign, L O L. I’ll be putting the new fuel tank in soon and testing the fuel pump that’s in it, may end up getting a new one. Thanks for the info!

[@sauljob2396]

This is how you raised boys, engaged them in something men do.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

💯

[@playnicebegoodtoothers6944]

This is great! Keep at it! You’ve got another viewer!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@graemeburr6463]

Great video. I had a couple of early Minis down here in NZ. Those SU carbs are really basic and easy to clean. Take the top off and clean the needle up so the plunger moves up and down freely, I used to use a bit of metal polish on it and make sure the dashpot has oil in it for the damper (you might know all this stuff as I see you have a GT Triumph too....that will be one neat car to build).

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Yes, I cleaned the plungers and dashpots out and made sure they had oil, but it’s not wanting to run now after it ran just fine earlier. I’m thinking the carbs have gotten gunked up. Going to have to tear them down and rebuild them which sucks. Hoping to put another video out on the cooling system here in the next day or two. The GT6 is going to take a bit longer, but I am extremely excited about that one, that is my absolute favorite! Want to do a full restoration on it.

[@johnsharonwhitaker9242]

I think the original colour was sandy beige. An official BMC colour but not used a lot. A couple of weeks ago I hauled our '67 MGB GT out of the pasture where is has sat since 1986 (we bought the car new in Saskatoon SK in 1966) and it is sandy beige. I got the engine running and compression is now 120 on all 4 and am hoping with more running will get increase. But now dealing with no clutch and no brakes. Thanks for posting. I follow Elin Yakov and Cheftush for Triumph (we have a TR2) and now will follow you for the MG. John in Manitoba.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

It’s so hard to tell for sure what the original color is, but it definitely could be sandy beige. Glad to hear you’re working on getting your GT running! I follow Elin and ChefTush as well, I love their videos! I have lots of Triumphs also that I will be working on soon, so hopefully I can provide at least a part of your Triumph fix as well, lol. Good luck with your BGT!

[@macsmechs]

Your doing fine in front of the cam don't worry ,,,great job.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I appreciate that. Still feel I could do a lot better, lol

[@Wiltshire-observer]

Well done guyz (all 3!). The MG cars were great to mess with, owners here in the UK loved the driving of them and keeping them running well. The ignition points can be tricky, the points gap is set first, then time the ignition with a multimeter using the static timing marks on the front pulley. You will get it fairly accurate on static set up. The cam lobe on the distributor will need some lubrication though, you can’t let it run ‘dry’. It will wear out the points plastic cam very quickly without some smear of grease (not too much!). If the plastic cam wears too fast it will close the points gap until the engine won’t start or becomes quite rough.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks and thanks for the info! I’ll definitely dab some grease on the points cam!

[@mowler8042]

I like that you paid $600 dollars for it because we know it's a lot of money to restore one.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes, that is for sure! Lol

[@BigBoss-vy7ci]

Those boys are going into school tomorrow saying their Dad can fix anything.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yeah, I’m sure they are going to have a lot of stories to tell their friends when they go back to school next month.

[@williamwoolcock]

Nice model year- no ugly rubber bumpers.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yeah, I’m definitely NOT a fan of rubber bumper MG’s

[@steveneastland4128]

That sounded quite nice once it settled to idle🤔

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Yes it did! It runs great!

[@MrRidders123]

Cool video team

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@noamz1740]

Hi. Very nice ! it sounds really great. Just a small remark- I you want to keep the audience with you and have more subscribers, you must keep up the pace. Most people will drop out after some 10 min on battery wires. I have subscribed. Good luck ! 👍👍 Noam.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yeah, that’s the problem I’m having now is editing my next video to keep it interesting. It’s a lot harder than it looks! I knew it would probably be difficult watching other KZbinrs for years, but definitely was a lot harder than I expected. My problem is not so much with the editing, but with the camera setups and filming. I’ve got to get better at setting up the right angles , and getting the right content. Thanks for subscribing! I hope to have a new video out very soon!

[@ion123456]

Watching that ratchet turned so many times; you should grab an electric 90* ratchet. Affordable options on the jungle site.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Haha! I have an air powered one actually, but we had this car parked pretty far away from where my air compressor is. I do have a 18V cordless Rigid impact that I use a lot when there are lots of bolts to remove. Thanks!

[@garywinterbottom6073]

As a boy these were fairly common over this side of the pond in the 🇬🇧 but due to our wet and cold climate they rotten as a 🍐 after 10 to 15 years from new so not many now around over here so best wishes to you to save this British classic 😊

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Not very many of them left over here as well, at least around me.

[@dannymostarac1799]

So kewel😊❤

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!

[@kevinjohn725]

Your doing well and engaging with your children. Keep going. From kev in the UK...

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!! The kids and I are loving it!

[@nickreid5297]

I've just put a new wiring loom into my 1968 MG GT. If I were doing it again, I'd get the loom unbound, because it didn't fit and I couldn't see which wire was which under the binding. I'd probably go for some after-market, universal loom because they are cheaper.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I’m hoping I don’t have to completely replace the wiring, just repair the ones that have been cut. We all know how that goes though, usually fixing one problem leads to another, lol

[@gregmooradian3711]

Car doesn't seem to have much rust which is always a plus!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Unfortunately, we found a bit more that’s going to require welding patches in which I was trying to avoid doing on this one but it’s still not too bad overall considering.

[@ThePudgie123]

Had a '72....I liked the electric fuel pump.....just turn the key and wait for the clicking to stop.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I’m hoping I don’t have much trouble from the fuel pump, I found two “spares” in the trunk, which is not a good sign, lol

[@ThePudgie123]

@@DownSouthRustyClassics ....it's nicely mounted in the trunk instead of buried inside of gas tank.

[@MrAussieCrasher]

Jospeh Lucas the prince of darkness

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

So true! Lol

[@shaneraines2094]

Out lived any UK car!

[@chinbin2006]

Great video guys. One thing, why are you pumping the throttle on the SU carbs? they do not have accelerator pump discharge diaphragms. More important on SU carbs, is the piston dampers. They need very light machine oil to work correctly and should offer some resistance.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yeah, I found out afterwards that the SU’s don’t have an accelerator pump. At the time I was wondering why pumping it wasn’t doing anything, lol

[@sulistiman]

Good job It’s a runner 😅

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks!!

[@gfurstnsu]

The grill is wrong for a 1973 B. In 1973 the grill was a black plastic honeycomb affair. Please list the serial number or look at it carefully. This car looks more like a late 60s B. It has a air pump bracket and carbon canister. I have a ‘73 B tourer that I have owned for 33 years. I stand corrected, the steering wheel is definitely for a 1973 B. Someone must have changed the grill to a more desirable earlier MGB. They are fun cars to work on and great on the road. I look forward to you future videos.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes, the grill is from a 69 B. The original was broken, and I actually have a 67 iGrill that I will be installing on it eventually. I also have a set of 67 tail lights on it as I prefer the earlier style of them as well. Thanks!

[@DirkWrightxyz]

Why are you worried about the mechanicals when the body needs a complete restoration? Are you going to restore this car or just drive it as is? It's great that you saved it. I wish I could restore something like this.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Not planning on doing a full restoration on this one, just getting it running and driving for now. Might revisit that possibility in the future, but have a lot of other vehicles that I want to restore ahead of this one.

[@SuccessShared]

That was brave putting jacks underneath an MG that's been sitting in the woods for 25 years! These things rusted away like butter in a warm pan in the UK climate and were so poorly assembled by British Leyland that I'm surprised any of it is still standing!

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

There is rust underneath it, but not nearly as bad as other LBC’s I have here. I put the front jacks on the sub frame, which is solid, and the rear jacks on the leaf springs, which already hold the weight of the car when the wheels are on the ground. Jacking up a vehicle is one thing I don’t play around with.

[@stevenholton438]

nice kids...dad well you know dads

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! I think, lol

[@lazaroyonerkisceperocarden5789]

🤝👍

[@JammyCrackcorn]

Please put Marvel Mystery Oils in each spark plug hole…let sit overnight

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I did that when I first got the vehicle. Engine was not seized up and spun over freely by hand. I always put something in the cylinders of any vehicle that I am trying to get to run, whether it be marvel mystery oil, PB blaster, or transmission fluid. It’s important to lubricate, the piston rings so they don’t break if they are stuck to the cylinder walls. Thanks

[@nikjames2965]

SU carbs don't have an accelerator pump, so it's no use pumping the throttle spindle before attempting to start it

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yep! I learned that afterwards, lol

[@usernamesreprise4068]

S.U carburetors dont possess an accelerator pump on any version, nor do the Stromberg equivolents as fitted to that Triumph GT6 I see in the background.....unless it has a 2.5 P.I injected engine in it of course lol. they are called constant velocity carburetors, and rely on the velocity of the air being drawn in lifting the dashpot in relation to the amount of vacuum created between it and the butterfly valve to lift that damper- and with it its attached main jet needle, so all the cranking you were doing on the throttle linkage was just a wasted exercise in this case, before you try starting it you should check that the throttle butterflies are opening and closing freely and that the dashpots are free lifting, do this by lifting each one with your finger through the throat and watching how quickly it returns to rest (if at all, if it sticks) the damper contains the tapered main jet needle inserted into a round fuel inlet bore which expands the throat opening size as the damper rises and withdraws the needle in direct proportion to the amount of carb throat exposed as the damper rises, plus all S.U's require three quarters to full choke at initial start up even in warm weather when cold - BECAUSE they dont use accelerator jets,- the choke cable quickly being reduced down to zero bit by bit as the engine warms and begins to hunt. the choke device basically mechanically lowers the main jet tube by an internal bell crank lever allowing more fuel to get past the tapered main jet while not opening the dash pot thereby increasing the stoichiometric ratio (fuel to air ratio) making the mixture richer, you mentioned toward the end you felt the engine was running smoothly, when actually it was running like a bag of spanners compared to how well it WILL run once both carbs are synchronised, plus once syncronised the idle speed can be lowered down to about seven fifty/eight hundred revs and it will sit burbling away happily all day long. this post is already long enough so if you would like any advice on how best to tune and synchronise the carbs and setting the timing or any of the other mechanical or electrical stuff etc from someone who used to do it for a living thousands of years ago when Adam used to bring in his for service (god it feels like it now) let me know in a vid before you set to doing it and I will attempt to give advice should you need any - if you create a throw away Email address and give it to me I could respond with mine (dont like to put mine out on here) . by the way as regards the batteries, modern maintenance free Li On batteries will fit in one of the battery trays comfortably.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yeah, I realized afterwards that SUs don’t have accelerator pumps, I’m used to American classic cars that have them. In the video, I said that the engine was starting to smooth out, I didn’t intend to imply that it was running smoothly. I was surprised it even started at all after 32 years without even at least cleaning the carbs out. The choke cable is seized up and I have not had time to try to work it loose. I greatly appreciate the offer to help, thanks!

[@sirgeorgescott2995]

What color are you going to paint it? What was the original color?

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I’m not sure yet on either account. It looks like the car may have been repainted once in its life. It’s very hard to tell but it looks like it may have been some type of white, may be Leyland white originally, and then maybe painted Primrose yellow after that, but most of that paint has flaked off. When I first got it, I pressure washed it and it flaked a lot of the paint off of it. I like patina on cars, but this one doesn’t really look good with all the chipped and flaked paint so I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet.

[@777dragonborn]

This likes almost like a datsun z

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yep! That’s because the Datsun 240 Z was inspired by vehicles like the MGB GT and Triumph GT6.

[@jamescoleridge7368]

Some available with a v8 -whoosh

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Not in the US unfortunately. I would love to have one!

[@michaelperez8946]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😇😇🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰👍👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯

[@Brooksyscarrestorations]

G'day New sub here, trying to do similar things on my Channel!! keep up the cool work i got 2 young boys also hopefully as they get older they'll help a bit more!! 🙂

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks! Definitely a blessing to be able to teach them, and that they have an interest in it! I’ll check your channel out, thanks again!

[@Brooksyscarrestorations]

@evers310 yep I love the old European cars also. I do a bit of everything though I got a 1975 superbug beetle that's my main project at the moment others just sorta flips helps pay the bills

[@enyawnivlag1]

Sorry to let you know but "su" carburettors don't have jets that pump fuel in the engine...so pumping the throttle does nothing....

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Good to know! I’ve learned that now after reading up on it a bit, I see that the SU carbs don’t have an accelerator pump in them. I’m used to working on old American muscle. Thanks for the info!

[@andylewis7360]

Worth making sure you’ve got some oil in the dash pots too or you’ll never get her to idle smoothly. Ask me how I know 😅

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Thanks for reminding me about that, I had meant to check and then forgot!

[@nikjames2965]

Did you even check the oil? The first place to check on these old engines is the ignition system, then the fuel supply. You should never start these engines with no coolant.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

Yes, I checked the oil and It actually looked great. first thing I did after that was fix all of the problems with the electrical system, then moved on to the fuel side of things which did not require any work at all besides freeing a stuck float valve. 🤷🏼‍♂️Running an engine for a minute without coolant will not hurt it. The next video I’m currently working on details our work on the cooling system

[@obfuscated3090]

Fix 'er up and make a dollar. British cars and bikes of their era were pretty but terrible vehicles best suited to owner-mechanics (I collect vintage Triumphs and Nortons) which is why they killed their parent companies. However they're easy to work on though and the right buyer will be happy to pay. The enthusiast community has answers to every question so get familiar with MG owners groups and of course get the factory service manual and parts catalogs.

[@DownSouthRustyClassics]

I have a Haynes manual for it, but hadn’t bothered buying the factory service manual because I wasn’t going to keep it originally. I have mostly triumphs, so I have factory service manuals on most of them. Who knows, I may end up keeping this one though since the kids like it a lot. I think they just like it because they’re actually Hands-on doing the work on it though.