1977 MGB chrome bumper

[@kingv911]

Why don't they make cars this charming anymore? My mood is lifted just looking at it.

[@petercarey6883]

Your MG is a masterful over-statement of subtlety! Save the Wave.

[@YTjndallas]

Had one. It was red. It was my Dad’s, actually, but we worked on it together. We installed a side-draft Weber carburetor on it, and a better exhaust. That helped. Very low power. I guess it was 1988 or 89 on one of the best days of my life when it died. On that day, I rode horses, shot guns, and attended a Billy Joel concert. It died on the way home. We walked to a house and asked for a phone. I guess the timing chain snapped. Good times. It was a dark red, burgundy color. I have a lot of stories with that car.

[@slick-rides]

Sounds like you should get one now, relive your youth. 🙂

[@danielkbarton]

WOW. That has to be the nicest MGB I think I've ever seen! Excellent job!

[@Howard.Stern.]

Wow.....might be the best MG I have ever seen. That anyone has seen even.

[@slick-rides]

Thanks for the compliment. All a matter of personal preference. I have seen many I feel is nicer than mine.

[@johndonnelly5971]

You did a beautiful restore on this car absolutely low key and tasteful. Congrats!

[@slick-rides]

Thank you.

[@plastic1492]

nice car i love those mgbs, still thinking about purchasing one , is that flame red color ?

[@DeenDesperado]

This is truly unbelievable. Looks like it just rolled out from the factory! You cleverly added all those modern day niceties without compromising the car's classic look. Brilliant man, just brilliant!

[@slick-rides]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@rosworld9129]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@brendaholland729]

I did the same restoration on my '77B. Mine is BRGreen with Autumn Leaf interior. After I put on the chrome bumper kit, my wife convinced me to add 72 spoke wire wheels. Your car and mine might have shared a boat coming to the US. Mine has a bit fewer miles at 67K. I've changed everything so that it starts first time/every time. SafetyFast. Joe Holland. Denton, Texas

[@tomdavidson7988]

I have a 77 and can't find any info on the chrome bumper conversion. Can you help ?

[@steveschramko2386]

I used to work for BMC and sold these cars as new. I even went to the Abington factory where they built them and toured the factory, went to Kimber House where the MG was born. Yours is one of the nicest, most intelligently built MGB's I've seen anywhere. In fact it is almost an exact clone to my own 1967 MGB even down to the color ! MG's were great cars until the EPA started to mess with them. To build a good MGB, you have to cherry pick the best parts from ALL the years of production...the best heads, transmissions, electrics, exhausts etc. You must not try to keep it stock to your correct build year. When you changed your bumpers, did you also lower the car back to the original height ? If not, you should. The best MGB's out of the box were 1966 and 1967. You want to get as close as you can to these. Sounds like you're pretty close ! Steve

[@slick-rides]

Thanks for the kind words Steve. The car is lowered, but it doesn't have an early front crossmember. It was lowered just using springs and spindles. To prevent bump steer from improper geometry, I had the steering arms modified to keep the steering rack and tierod ends level. Seems to have worked well.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding work. I have 5 MGBs that I completed the restoration. 68, 71, 78, 79 Limited edition and a 80 (all with the overdrive units) I just added a 68 MGC GT to the collection. I just started this restoration.

[@FSFLIGHTproductions]

Stunning car. Everything is just done so tastefully.

[@YTjndallas]

To this day, I Love the instrument panel and dash of this car.

[@williameudy6615]

What a lovely MGB!

[@josephrajnisz3677]

I had a 66’and a 71’ the best year MGB were made , yours is the best of both worlds, my 66’ I drove all over Europe , the 71’ I bought when I got home Nam , never the same driver 👍

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Why were the 66 and 71 models the best years? Or just the 71... why?

[@jfox195]

Wow - What a nice job on this car ! Congratulations on having one of the nicest MGBs

[@slick-rides]

Thank you.

[@sweetnsour2352]

Beautiful! Can't wait to do the same to my 76 MGB.

[@gregoryvanderpas4176]

Nicely done, very clean. I also have a 1977 with the chrome bumpers and grill, my son and I have sanded it down to the original orange paint. We have some body work to do and going with a silver metallic paint job. I had a plan of where I was going with our MGB project, but seeing what you have done with your MGB I'm inspired to a new level of restoration.

[@slick-rides]

Nothing better than a Father/Son project! My son helped a little, but he was still a bit young to really get into the project phase. He loves going for a cruise though. Good luck!

[@jett3332]

Real nice. A show winner.

[@sw651]

It's in beautiful condition, I love these cars. They are lots o fun on back roads.

[@gryphon123456]

Wow. That is a work of art! Beautiful car Great great job.

[@jimhartzel4640]

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L.! You did a fantastic job on the restoration. Very jealous!!

[@sydsyd]

Beautiful car!

[@doubtingthomas736]

Beautiful car, looks great with the bumper conversion... just how they were originally supposed to look. They were spoiled by the rubber bumpers and ride height.

[@slick-rides]

Thanks, although I have to admit I like how the 80 special edition looks, especially when lowered some. Probably because the bumpers blend in with the black paint.

[@mgman6000]

Nice I had a 79 which I did a chrome conversion and I lowered it back chrome Had minilite minotaur wheels it l just had the stock engine with a single SU and a Morris minor manifold it looked like yours but nowhere as nice Beautiful car you did everything right congratulations

[@loveitorscrapit6673]

Looks great condition very stylish. Thumbs up.

[@narinderdhillon6109]

You just made my day! I have a 73 chrome bumper which has seen its day. I have had it for over 40 years. I recently drove it across Canada ( 4200Km) over 5 days with the top down 90% of the way. I highly recommend you do a trip like this in yours. Unfortunately ,when i got home and put her up on a hoist it was bad news everywhere. Typical rust issues with sills, floor boards, bubbling paint on rear wings etc. So, what do I do I go out a pick up a 74. 5 shell which is in pretty good condition very little rust, sills and floor boards are solid. It also came with a 75 engine, tranny, suspension, seats , dash etc. So, why am I telling you this. Well my plan is to do exactly what you have done with your 77. I want to add chrome bumpers, lower it, new suspension, new interior, rebuild the 75 engine and tranny. Likely pick up a overdrive or use the one from my 73. So in any case I am super excited to pick the shell ( everything accept doors and front fenders) put it up on my home made wooden rotisserie and start to restore it. Given what I am about to do and given what you have done to your 77 is there anyway I could contact you ( PM or phone etc to learn more what you did to get the car to where it is now. I would really appreciate it. Cheers.

[@slick-rides]

You can shoot me an email at [e-mail]. I'll reply with my thoughts about your project and some info from mine.

[@davidthornton6191]

Looks great working on my 75

[@LordMany88]

Gorgeous toy.

[@thomasfreiesleben]

Nice restoration!

[@fetlocks3]

beautiful car you should be very proud of the work you have had done, from a m.g.b. gt owner.

[@slick-rides]

Thank you. Can't wait for spring to go cruisin!

[@KathleenJean53]

Very beautifully done from a very happy MGBGt owner!

[@djhatstand7312]

Gorgeous car

[@MGB-learning]

Super Great Job! You should be proud of yourself as a MGB owner.

[@hapfp1]

On the VP12 cam, try 1200 rpms for an idle speed, it likes it there. I've built many engines with this cam, it is my "go to" MGB street performance cam.

[@slick-rides]

Thanks Hap. I'll probably bump it up a little this spring. It runs good with the cam, increased compression, matched distributor curve, and side draft. I recognize your name from the mg forum. That forum was a great help when I was putting the car together!

[@enyionyeobia5103]

Excellent restoration. Love the chrome bumper conversion. I did same to my 79 MGB. My guess for the color or your SBC is British leyland’s Guards Red even though it appears as Flamenco Red on my devices screen.

[@slick-rides]

Thanks. Color is Flamenco red.

[@bawest47232]

nice looking car.

[@johng.4959]

Awesome MGB!!! I had a '77 back in high school and miss it dearly! I would have loved to had the Chrome Bumper mod... Awesome car!! If they made a modern version of this it would sell-out! (Yes, the Miata.... Had one for 15 years!!! But.... it lacked the dynamics of the MG!)

[@slick-rides]

Thanks. Just got it ready for its winter nap today. :(

[@brucemartinez5343]

Very nice, this is exactly what I want. Trying now to find a good project car.

[@billp5656]

awesome!

[@Vintageaudionagoya]

Beautiful

[@shanehnorman]

Very nicely-presented 'B'. The engine, especially, is a treat and, combined with the subtlety of the styling mods, helps to keep the original spirit of the car, if not the pure substance. Concours purists are a pain where Bs are concerned: it's not as if the car's a rarity. Just one gripe: it's a pity the early-style B dash wasn't used. I think it's one of the best-looking dashboards ever, with those chrome-bezelled dials set in a black crinkle-finish binnacle and fascia.

[@slick-rides]

Shane Norman Thanks for the kind words. I made this video when I was thinking of selling, but have decided to keep it. I like the early steel dash as well, but didn't want to take on that project at the time. I do like the 77-80 dash compared to the pillow dashes.

[@newerafrican]

Would you still consider selling it?

[@slick-rides]

Sorry, not really looking to sell at this time.

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

Incredible. Very nice; thank you for posting this video. This car should have won! I love the bumper mods; the plastic bumpers were ugly. Years ago I owned a '72 MGB, red, with wire wheels, dual SU carbs, no overdrive of course. I live in the Cleveland area. My MGB was a daily driver to CSU. Sadly, it was a rusty/bondo car. I patched up the rust and painted my car. I have some appreciation of the effort that went into your car. Please let me know what car rallys you plan on attending; I would love to see your car. I would like to hear more about the extensive restoration work. Incredible. Incidentally, at last year's Willoughby car rally, there was an owner with a factory-authorized, California added, supercharged MGB. That's rare.

[@slick-rides]

Michael McFeely I've never been to a rally race event. What events are in the Cleveland area? I'd like to take the car and my son to another British car show as well.

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

www.mgcleveland.com/index.html

[@NFexec]

Rubber - not plastic!

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

It is ok to use the word plastic for the bumpers used on later model MGB. According to Hemmings, they are polyurethane, which is a plastic. "They were made of Bayer's Bayflex 90 polyurethane over steel, and were molded by Marley Foam in unique chrome-plated molds that gave the finished bumper casings a semi-gloss black finish." www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2010/03/Maligned-Magnificence/2949181.html

[@williamrafff]

Very, very nice !!!!!

[@boogelymonster310]

As the video went on, I realized, that e/thing this car has had done, is what I actually would want in an MG. This is an utterly amazing car. But, I am stuck in keeping my 20k lowmiler (me 2nd owner) '73 BRG Roadster w/OD, radio delete BUT all in its original patina condition.

[@slick-rides]

I wouldn't modify a low mileage chrome bumper car if you think you'll have to sell it sometime. If you never plan to get rid of it, I say do what you want with it! It definitely is easier modifying a rubber bumper car since they aren't worth as much.

[@stonylawncottagepipe4429]

Very nice...wouldlove an MG

[@michaelgroves3900]

FUN!

[@stevejones7593]

Nice

[@frankcaprino6372]

You did a great job on the modernizing and restoring the car. It's a beauty. I've been considering buying an MGB and having it modernized and restored. I was wondering where you found the parts and skilled labor. I'm also wondering how much you spent on parts and how much you spent on labor. Thanks!

[@slick-rides]

Sorry, can't be of much help. I did most the work myself and a friend painted it for me. I bought parts from many vendors, including the usual places like Moss Motors, Victoria British(now gone), etc. I started with a really nice car, which helped. I still have over 15k into it. If you will not be doing the work yourself, I would highly recommend finding a car already done. At least get one with excellent body and paint, as that will be the most expensive part.

[@frankcaprino6372]

@@slick-rides Thank you for the information. Again, the car looks greatQ

[@michaelannen4168]

You put some serious money in this car. Well done and beautiful but It would be hard to recover it if you sold it.

[@slick-rides]

Thanks, but I think I could get my money back now that the market is getting stronger. Doesn't matter though because I don't plan to sell anymore

[@jmcgraw1]

Absolutely beautiful. Your commitment to detail is amazing and expensive. I currently own 1973, that went through a full body restoration. my question is, where did you purchase the chrome wiper blades and alarms?

[@slick-rides]

Thanks. The wiper arms are Tex brand, labeled for 69-72 MGB roadster. Moss part # 164-670. Then just get stainless wipers for 69-72. Victoria British might have them as well, but they're closed until coronavirus situation is over

[@jmcgraw1]

Slick Rides thanks for the quick response. Safety Fast....

[@prettyboybebe1]

Nice man I just bought my first project 1976 mgb how much did you drop on it this car in all

[@awjensen467]

I am just starting a 1977 MGB restoration. I am using this video as my end goal. I love what you've done. Any advice? How long did it take?

[@slick-rides]

Adam Jensen The MG forum was a big help for me. You'll end up with more $ in it than it's worth, so be sure it's what you want to do.

[@slick-rides]

Adam Jensen www.mgexp.com/phorum/list.php?1 I have a journal on there that I posted some during pics.

[@awjensen467]

Thanks. I am already a member of this forum. :) They have already helped me quite a bit. I've got it running. Working through the brakes right now. Should hopefully be on the road this next week.

[@Billy65438]

wow

[@paulsutton5896]

Very nice indeed. But if you ever do it again, I would say "Go easy on the side repeaters for the indicators". You want a car - not a fairground.

[@thrunsguinneabottle3066]

@Mighty Stonehaven The cars produced for the home market had more modest lamps in this position, which is why they called them "side repeaters" not something that belongs on a gambling establishment in Las Vegas.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Nice job.... However I would put the SUs carbs back on it.

[@pauloisidoro2]

immaculate condition especially the engine bay. you must have spent a fortune.

[@slick-rides]

Definitely put more in the car than its worth!

[@jkmaclachlan]

Not sure if you are still responding to questions. Just wondering about the dash restoration...I see 'covers' offered through Moss, etc. Yours looks like new. Are you able to provide more information on the product / process. Looks like you have inspired a lot of people to 'age' their late model MGBs. Thank you.

[@slick-rides]

Hey Jim, it wasn't as easy as I had hoped for. First I tried the dash pad Moss sells. The face of that one looked great, but it had a terrible crease along the top edge towards the windshield and around the sides. This crease was from the way it was formed at the factory. Maybe they addressed the issue by now? I ended up using the pad sold by British Parts Northwest. This pad looks a little more "puffy" or rounded at the edges than original. The glove box area also took some effort to make fit ok. In the end it looks ok though. The process... remove all gauges, switches, etc. Remove old vinyl and soft foam cover. Make sure you leave the hard foam around vent and glove box area. Fit new cover and foam without glue until you are happy with it. You might have to trim some foam, etc. You'll have to cut the openings for gauges too. I initially just cut 2 gauge holes and used those to help line up the pad. Once you're happy with the fit, use contact cement to glue the pad on. A heat gun helps with softening the edges to pull tight and wrap around the backside.

[@slick-rides]

www.mgexp.com/journal/Phils-MGB-Facelift-Project.4172/11-11-15.13672/

[@jkmaclachlan]

Many many thanks. Great project and an appreciative B community. I am most grateful for the in-depth coverage of the dash issue. Seeing your end result (I will have to outsource most of the work) has pushed me in favour of sourcing a 77-79 car rather than a pre-'68. JM

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

The Willoughby Car Cruise-In is on June 17. Can you bring your MGB to the east side? Most cars are domestic, but there have been MGs and Jag E-types.

[@slick-rides]

Michael McFeely I'll check into it and let you know by posting here. I have a Chevelle that I usually take to shows and might have a prior commitment for that Sat. Will you be bringing a MG to this show?

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

Sold my '71 MGB a long time ago. I attend these shows as a watcher. I would love to see your MG and talk.

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

If I can influence your decision making: Detroit muscle cars are common at these shows; your MGB will be a standout.

[@andybarrera6766]

I have a 1979 mgb with the rubber bumpers and I want to know if I can get chrome numbers for it but I haven’t been able to find anything on it so if you know anything please let me know where I would be able to get them

[@slick-rides]

They are just the earlier year bumpers. The conversion requires cutting and welding so paint work is then needed. Moss sells this kit with everything needed, plus the instructions can be downloaded so you can see if it's something you want to attempt... mossmotors.com/chrome-bumper-conversion-kit

[@jjpell]

I love that colour, what is it?

[@slick-rides]

James Pell Flamenco Red

[@pjt.2829]

nice, do you still have it, where di you get the bumper conv kit from?

[@slick-rides]

Pete T. Yes, still have it. Moss sells a conversion kit. Here's a good link that shows the steps done during a conversion... www.motorcar-garage.com/gallery/mgb/mgb-rubber-to-chrome-bumper-conversion/

[@bluzzjazz]

Slick Rides thanks for posting. I want to convert my 74 to chrome. Previous owner put on a Sebring kit and It was not done very well.

[@vbeck5517]

i got a 76 in same shape where did you get the conversion bumpers i would like them too????

[@slick-rides]

Vbeck 55 The bumpers are just standard reproduction ones. There's cutting and welding involved that will show, so paint will be needed. Moss sells this kit and you can download the instructions to see what's involved. www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=43224

[@vbeck5517]

thank you !!!

[@waylenecampbell651]

where did you have your headers done at ?

[@slick-rides]

Advance Paint Technology(216-676-8770) in Cleveland ceramic coated the Peco header.

[@vikos78]

Are your Minilite wheels 14 or 15? Thanks

[@slick-rides]

15 inch Minator wheels

[@vikos78]

@@slick-rides I would have guessed so. Thank you for the quick answer, I am looking to swap my old Rostyle wheels for these.

[@slick-rides]

I like them. Not many wheel choices for a MGB

[@vikos78]

@@slick-rides Agree! Apart from those, not much acceptable choice. Great car you have.

[@daxflame163]

I know this video is 3 years old but would like to know if this car is available for sale and still is in the shape in this video, thanks.

[@slick-rides]

I still have it and it's in the same shape. Not really for sale though. Just took it to a car show on Sunday and was surprised at the attention it got. Wasn't a British car show and MG's usually don't get that kind of respect at a mostly muscle car type show.

[@daxflame163]

@@slick-rides That's nice, and thank you for replying to my question. You really did a wonderful job with your car. Best wishes.

[@pattygq]

11:43 What is that white knob under your right hand?

[@slick-rides]

Fresh air vent lever. If you have an early MGB, the lever doesn't come down like this one. The later cars had this style.

[@pattygq]

@@slick-rides Awesome. Thanks! Who makes the front and rear chrome bumper kit? Moss?

[@slick-rides]

Yes, Moss sells a kit... mossmotors.com/chrome-bumper-conversion-kit

[@cars2nv1]

Nice!! U wanna sell?

[@davidmg1925]

Would look better with wires?

[@slick-rides]

Guess it depends on personal taste. I don't care for wire wheels on a sports car. I'm not in love with the wheels on it either, but very few choices for an MG unless you can afford custom made.

[@davidmg1925]

They're acceptable. Wires IMO more in keeping but like you say YMMV.

[@GREENECAMARO]

If your ever going to sell please contact me...Thanks

[@crazeyspivey]

Is this car for sale??? If so, let me know.

[@slick-rides]

crazeyspivey No, not at this time.

[@crazeyspivey]

OK....I just bought a 78, and after seeing your SUPERB work, I will consider getting the chrome bumper mod as you did. But I would consider buying yours in the future since you did such great work.

[@slick-rides]

The chrome bumper conversion requires cutting, welding, and paint work. Unless you already plan to paint the car, might be more cost effective to buy one with chrome bumpers. I have way more into this car than what it's worth.

[@crazeyspivey]

Ouch.....more mod work than I expected. You are right.....I will just keep the black ones shined-up and the bugs and skeetters off. You have a fanastic car, and the right person will pay a premium price for it, hopefully as much as you have in her. Maybe just keep her in your garage as part of your 401K plan.

[@kjscards]

Are ready to sell?

[@slick-rides]

Sorry, not really looking to sell unless someone offered something I couldn't refuse.

[@classiccartvfilms]

Lovely car! Here's a video of another MGB Roadster here in the UK, and why it's loved so much as an everyday classic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpzPkoCfj56MsJY

[@craigpennington1251]

The car is great but trash the stereo. Not needed in these. Plus it's an easy rip off item that thieves love to get I had 4 MGBs and love all of them . Would still have them but they were flat wore out.. All of them I usually put 100.000miles a year on them.They're fun to drive and go the distance without much fuss.

[@slick-rides]

Craig Pennington The stereo is needed to drown out the terrible sound of that pathetic British engine. Sounds like a Darn sewing machine. :)

[@craigpennington1251]

Then why buy a British MGB.? Most people do not know how to set valve lash properly. When this car was started up on the video-you could tell right off the valve lash needed worked on. When done right-that engine will purr right on down the road. I' ve had 4 of them and drove the hell out of each one. More then a 100,000 miles with no problems when maint. is done correctly. This car looks great. My passed experience has been no good with convertibles& stereos. They're gone usually within 24hrs. after they're installed by some asshole.

[@slick-rides]

I was just being sarcastic Craig. I know most MG owners like to listen to the tune of the engine, including myself. I do like to have a stereo you can actually hear when cruising on the highway though. That's about the only time I turn it on. The VP12 cam I have calls for .018in and .020ex valve lash, so it's a little more than the stock spec. I've thought about tightening that a thousandths or 2 to quiet up the clatter, but the cam manufacturer advises against it.

[@craigpennington1251]

Very understandable. And yes solid lifter cams are noisy,no matter how they're adjusted. They make noise whereas hydraulics do not. A lot of people don't understand it. What is top end with the new big cam RPM&MPH?

[@slick-rides]

Craig Pennington To be honest, I haven't pushed the engine anywhere near its max rpm or mph. Advertised power band is 2100-6400 rpm.

[@terrybrown7601]

Best looking car I've seen in a while ...except those cheap looking wheels....for the love of cars ...a man and his money are soon separated smdh ...So is this a sales video ? Sounds like it !!!

[@slick-rides]

At the time it was going to be a sales video. Decided to keep it and still have it 6 yrs later.

[@johnholzhey8149]

Great job. The rubber bumpers suck and look like crap.

[@alexandervanbrocklin9230]

Cool car, but this dude sounds like he's asking for drug money the whole time "y'all got some o' that crack ly'n 'round?", very disconcerting.

[@slick-rides]

I made the video at a time I thought I would be selling it, hence the salesman commentary. Lol

[@davidmg1925]

Bullshit!!!! Chrome bumpers ran out in '74. This is a conversion fair enough but should be clearly stated.

[@slick-rides]

David Farmer Uh, at the very beginning of the video it IS clearly stated that it's been converted.

[@davidmg1925]

OK, so it is, apologies. It should also be in the text. Why wouldn't you?