Nigel the 1977 MGB Chrome Front Bumper Conversion

This video show the installation of the chrome bumper after all fabrication and body work has been completed.
includes installation of Chrome Grille.
(EDIT:)
my comments about missing parts in the Moss hardware kit were incorrect.
The Kit was intended for installing over riders, which we chose not to do.
MGB FRONT BUMPER BAR
453-090 $299.99
HARDWARE KIT, front bumpers
321-908 $43.99
FRONT APRON, with vent holes (British Motor Heritage)
457-115 $209.99
MGB Grille Assembly 1973-74 (NEW)
Ebay $180
MGB GT RUBBER BUMPER TO CHROME BUMPER CONVERSION BRACKETS FRONT ONL
Ebay $56

[@shaundunn007]

I was reading the guide for this at moss but seeing it in real life is way better. thanks so much for the detailed explanation. Love the magnet trick by the way.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Looking Good. Great progress on your restoration project.

[@fredthomas1061]

I like it, very trad. Proper job. Good man. 👍

[@bluzzjazz]

Man, this is timely. I have a 74 1/2 that had a Sebring kit installed on it. It came with a set of chrome and rubber bumpers. I'm not sure which was on it originally, but I think by mid 74, the rubber ones were being fitted. I want to put the chrome bumpers and luggage rack back on. I have some of the brackets/bolts etc. but will need to sort all that out.

[@AlexPlatacis]

Cool. Hope my vids help out

[@PhilGreeleyJR]

Thank you so much for this video

[@royhawkins7929]

thanks Alex

[@rayhill397]

Great Job

[@SZfiftyfour]

I don't know which is better, this clean and proper look, or the outlaw look with no bumpers. That would be a hard decision imo.

[@AlexPlatacis]

That is why I went with no overriders. It has the chrome, but stays minimal and clean

[@robgray3126]

Hi Alex, just a quick note to say when fitting your grill. The MGB Moss catalog shows 3 brackets that fit to the top of the Grill and mount back to the platform, bonnet lock section. I hope that this is a help for you. your G is looking great and much better than the rubber nose. cheers Rob

[@AlexPlatacis]

Thanks. I will check the diagram on moss. This grille was purchased on Ebay it is an after market replica from a company in CA that went out of business. I think it was part of thier left over stock

[@gerardflanagan5770]

I’ve done a chrome bumper conversion on my 77 B and used the three brackets that secure the grill at the top to the bonnet landing plate. You will notice the holes at the top of your grill, these are where the plate’s are secured to the grill.

[@davidwildstallionjohnson4458]

great hack with the magnet.

[@dfboiler]

Alex, I have a 77 that I am considering a cb conversion, I’ve been warned that many of the chrome grill frames do not fit right with different angles creating odd gaps. Did you find this to be the case and did any of the bodywork include adjustments to fit the aftermarket frame? Your final fit looks great. thanks

[@PhilGreeleyJR]

Hi Alex I tried to get your the brackets from your source but they changed their minds about shipping to US. Would you consider making a set I could purchase?

[@MultiPetercool]

Maybe I’m crazy, but I really don’t find the rubber bumpers to be that offensive. I think the folks in Abingdon did a good job. If they weren’t black and were painted the same color as the body it would look like a car that ran off the assembly line less than five or 10 years ago.

[@AlexPlatacis]

true. I agree. I have seen quite a few resto-mods that have painted bumpers. in my case, the existing bumpers were in pretty bad shape. I think they had been "used", and had some sagging. I felt that if I was going to replace them, I would go with chrome.

[@MultiPetercool]

@@AlexPlatacis I have a white 1979 that needs an engine rebuild. I’m planning on doing the job with my 19-year-old son. I really appreciate your videos because they will make it a lot easier for me when the time comes. 👍👍👍🤙🤙 If you ever need a few tips on replacing the windshield or replacing the dash pad, let me know. I have a couple of good tricks.

[@AlexPlatacis]

@@MultiPetercool great thanks. My son and I did a '67 mustang. Started his Junior year of HS. He was able to drive it to his senior prom. Great memories. Best of luck on your project

[@michaelannen4168]

@17:00 l think if you had put a nut on that bumper bolt and tightened it up it would more the outer bolt the way you needed without bending.

[@pedroduarte8950]

Hi Alex, thank you very much for this video. It helped me a lot being that I wanted the minimalist look. Could you please elaborate as to why it was a mistake to use the original apron/front valance? These are going $350 with shipping nowadays, and I don't see much of difference between the original and aftermarket. Could I do without it? Thanks!

[@AlexPlatacis]

Yeah... Thanks for the question. Originally, I had intended to use the original apron. I was a little dented up, though, and by the time I had banged it out and welded patches in the signal ports, the whole thing was so badly distorted I would no longer fit. As it was the new one needed some adjustments to get it to fit on the 77 frame. If you have the time and patience, I am sure the old one will work well

[@royhawkins7929]

I have been enjoying your bumper videos a lot since I am about to do one. On the rear bumper video I haven't been able to find where you purchased the flare pieces under the tail lights. Do you still have the part numbers of these. I would appreciate this. Thanks

[@AlexPlatacis]

mossmotors.com/457-980-repair-panel-corner-below-taillamps

[@AlexPlatacis]

abingdonspares.com/products/repair-panel-corner-below-taillamps?_pos=1&_sid=c5c0a8ad8&_ss=r

[@AlexPlatacis]

www.mgsales.com.au/products/457-980-mb101-mg-mgb-rear-corner-repair-piece-under-tail-light

[@AlexPlatacis]

Seems stock is low for these. Moss apparently still shows stock available, but they don't always update. Hope you can find a few. Good luck

[@joseotero1588]

Where is the website you bought the bracket?

[@AlexPlatacis]

found it on Ebay.

[@AlexPlatacis]

this guy has front and back brackets www.ebay.com/itm/384095633335

[@PhilGreeleyJR]

Do you have anymore info like the seller name on eBay for the brackets? Did he only have the ones you bought? I searched ebay

[@AlexPlatacis]

try these search terms in google. "mgb chrome bumper conversion front brackets" it came back with numerous results

[@AlexPlatacis]

Just checked my history on Ebay. here is a link to the seller I used. quick scan he did not appear to currently have any brackets, but you might try contacting him. www.ebay.com/str/mgbhiveltd

[@AlexPlatacis]

if you absolutely cannot find a bracket, let me know, I will make some custom for you. I was contacted by a guy who wanted measurements for the custom rear brackets I made, who wanted to reproduce them for sale. so I think there may be a market for such Items.

[@PhilGreeleyJR]

@@AlexPlatacis strangely I’m the one that bought the last set on his page but it stated he would not ship to U.S I’m waiting for confirmation of that fact from him

[@CHIROPUNCTURE]

@@AlexPlataciscan you make some front bumper brackets?

[@michaelannen4168]

How about the rear?

[@AlexPlatacis]

I got you covered.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4vQe4OgjtWtrsUsi=r1f_j4rpWjA7Kjo5

[@anthonyuplandpoetwatkins5283]

beautiful, but why not just buy an older B?

[@AlexPlatacis]

@anthonyuplandpoetwatkins5283 this was a barn find. I did not search it out

[@DrewM91105]

Your "Bite Me, Ralph Nader" headline is a bit silly since Nader didn't create the huge rubber front bumpers on MGB's. MG created them. That they chose to add a gigantic rubber bumper was their choice. They did it to save a very outdated car instead of designing a new one that would be safer. Auto safety is a good idea. Stop blaming the people who encouraged it. Keep in mind that what you're doing here is purely cosmetic. It doesn't improve the car in any other way.

[@kentonhammond8938]

I had an original 1962 MGB right after High School, wanted one ever since. Retired now and just bought an all original "77" MGB with only 52,000 on it,.. but Damn I hate the rubber bumpers. But being on a fixed income trying to stay alive with this crappy Biden Flation stuff I probably won't be able to get this conversation. Do they make a grill like that in a more shiney stainless to match the bumper? Good job pal,.. love my MGB !

[@AlexPlatacis]

I agree. the rubber front bumper is pretty hideous. they don't age gracefully either. My solution for the front bumper is actually cheaper than buying the Kit at Moss. it does not have the over riders, and if you just go with the side indicator lights, that also reduces the cost. The Moss Motors Grille was almost $400. I searched out a less expensive grill, and it looks great. I think you can replace the front, and leave the rubber rear bumper for later. it would look OK. there is still a bit of body work, and metal fab to do. but I had fun doing it. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@mbrant4973]

@@AlexPlatacis I actually think my rubber bumper looks good. To each his own. My bumpers look almost new which is a testament to them being garaged most of the cars life. I have 77k on the car now.