MGB Will it Run and Drive after 35 years? MGB Barn Find Pt. 3

After sitting in a barn for more than 35 years, we attempt to get the MG running and driving. --and without having a set of keys for the car and a gas tank that has a rust hole in it.
#mg #MGB, #britishcars #vintagecars #barnfinds

[@julianneale6128]

What a fantastic little series on this lovely little barn find. What a find it is too!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!! It's been a lot of fun for a little bit of money. Thinking about adding 4 new tires, a marine boat tank in the back, and do and document a road trip over the holidays!

[@julianneale6128]

@@classicperformance oh please do, I'll look forward to it?

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for your support!!

[@williamharper7]

I had a friend in the Navy back in 1972 that had a car that looked a great deal like yours. He was from Sabetha Kansas. I bought one of these in 1973 and it was my favorite car of all time. Thanks for the memory!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. One of our favorites too and so much leg room (up front). Amazingly comfortable and easy-to-drive cars!

[@alancrossley509]

Well done for rescuing and getting her going again.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks! Boxes of new parts coming in, and most excited about having a proper gas tank!!! Stay tuned, gonna give her some love!

[@gregmooradian3711]

Great video, beautiful MG. Wont take much to get that lovely little British classic a daily driver. Amazing it cleaned up and ran so well since 85!

[@classicperformance]

Many thanks! Super fun project and the dirt floor and broken windows in the barn didn't seem to weather it as badly as we suspected upon first finding it. The story goes and paperwork supports, the family's daughter drove it back and forth to college, car was parked for a period of time while she did a study abroad and the keys were lost. So, just forgotten about and years turned into decades as is the case with most barn finds. Always some reason or another a car is parked. It usually is not storage and preservation, as clearly was the case here.

[@robertturner4955]

I liked the cloud of dust, cobwebs and dead leaves that blew out of the engine bay when it started!

[@classicperformance]

Always a great sight! I was surprised it ran so well and the carbs quit leaking gas on their own. More to come on this project. Thanks for your interest!

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Thanks for bringing her back to life. She’ll be a fun car for someone.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks for following along, Ron. It's been a lot of fun!!

[@philsmgb4393]

This is great! She definitely wants to live and go for a ride.

[@classicperformance]

You are absolutely correct!! And amazing most all the electrics worked too!!!

[@JONMEREDITH]

Congratulations! Great to see the MG is running good too! Excellent video! Thanks!!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!!! We were shocked at how well it ran and drove! The carbs leaked like crazy and floats/needles stuck open and leaked like crazy. After having some gas and carb cleaner in them for a bit, they "fixed" them selves. Did not want to have to take the carbs off and go through them at this point. Really, did very little to get the car going. Figured the engine would be stuck, carbs frozen up, starter inop, etc. Thanks for the support!

[@johnwinter9722]

Sounds terrific! I have the Moss stainless steel exhaust on my car as well. Good to see it on the road.

[@classicperformance]

Thanks!!! This has the chrome (or once chrome) tubular header, and Monza system back from the collector. It has what appears to be a mid pipe resonator as well as the muffler at the back with dual pipe exits. Don't know much about the system but it has the yellow Monza decal on one of the tips.

[@johncaballero8013]

Amazing little British sports car! Looks like you got a really good one.

[@classicperformance]

It's a good running and driving project car, John. Need a project?

[@VintageCarHistory]

Just letting you know, this Tuesday I'll be shouting you out on my channel 'cause I love what you do.

[@classicperformance]

We can't wait!! We THINK 😉

[@VintageCarHistory]

@@classicperformance It's all good.

[@classicperformance]

Subscribed and bell on!! 🔔

[@kenmiddleton9471]

Wow that’s amazing how quickly you got it up and running, nice video!

[@classicperformance]

Thanks! We were amazingly surprised considering the environment it was stored in. A few broken windows and a dirt floor. For everything to sort out as quickly as it did is impressive and that rodents had not eaten any of the wiring harness is a gift! Got one right rear wheel cyl that is locked up, the drum stays cool even under barking tests. No leaks so will let it ride for now while we attend to more pressing needs... including reassembly of the steering column lock and cowl, now that keys have been fitted to the lock cyl. and, with the new keys, that work the rear hatch too! So, small wins and they keep coming. -also working on oil and fluid changes. Thanks for the continued support and following along on this fun little project!

[@marknelson5929]

Great video, I've owned a few MGBs in my time including a lovely GT like yours. BUT I noticed when you were in the car talking about the ignition barrel issue etc the amount of what appeared to be green mould on the headrests behind you and the door cards etc and know doubt elsewhere in the interior, seemed really apparent. Believe it or not mould can cause various health issues particularly in old houses - BUT we least expect it or think about it in regard to old cars. I'd advise giving the interior a really good clean - there are many internet sites advising on the issue of mould. All the best.

[@classicperformance]

You are correct, Mark. I was unable to get it off the headrests. I am going to attempt again with some spray bathroom cleaner and a soft brush. The rest of the interior I was able to wipe it off. It has a milky white fog over everything! Thanks for the tips!

[@marknelson5929]

White vinegar is a very good product for cleaning off mould.

[@classicperformance]

@@marknelson5929 Thanks!!! Will try it tomorrow!!!

[@johncaballero8013]

I wouldn’t mine owning this little car. If the price is right. You mentioned it’s a project. Other than a gas tank, some work on the brakes. What else is it needing?

[@classicperformance]

Haven't sorted the car at all and only driven it on the test ride and took it out one cold am after that. Starts right up cold, brakes work and solid but might drag a little. Speed was working briefly and only gauge not working. Most everything electrical works inc dash lights and dim and bright options on them, high ans low beams work as seen, brake lights, license plate lights and backup lights work. Spare, jack and tools in bag, lead hammer all in the back. See 1st pt1 video for image of original window sticker when new. 90k miles as best we know.

[@cliveburton8992]

Nice find and turning out to be a great little car . Gears all seem good , I'm assuming no overdrive since you didn't mention it .

[@classicperformance]

Yes, all gears good and syncros. The car does not have OD, but, I do have an OD trans that came with it!

[@lib556]

Nice. Can I have it?

[@classicperformance]

Well, we might just be selling it. Got a lot of projects right now. This is a great one. DM on Instagram for more details.

[@lib556]

@@classicperformance Sorry to raise your hopes. My spouse would never allow it. I've always thought of the GTs as the practical MG that is still sporty. I'd love one. I like the colour on this one.

[@classicperformance]

@@lib556 we appreciate your passion for the GT version often overlooked. Keep working on him 😉