The Great MGB Rebuild - Pt1

I finally managed to find an MGB which will be my next rebuild project - a bit of a change from the old bikes I've been doing lately. This is a recap of the events of week 1 where I start assessing what's needed, stripping it down to just a shell and getting it ready to send away for de-rust dipping.

[@los3627]

Incredible find! Wish you the best on the restoration. I have a 1970 one I'm gonna be doing my self .

[@jg769]

I see the potential. It’s going to be great. Please keep us posted on your progress.

[@cheftush]

Steve, you aren’t a baker by trade are You?

[@rpfree]

I so much wanted to do this to my 1969 MGB, but it had already been restored in the late 80's and really wasn't bad enough to warrant it. I really want to know how much heatproofing the cockpit you're going to do, or are you going to pretend that it's fine to put your legs into a toaster oven when driving? Ah the good old days ...

[@stevegnome]

Oh I remember the old one I have back in the late '70s and in the Australian summer they could get pretty toasty. I'm planning an underfloor heatshield around the tunnel. That should help.

[@rpfree]

@@stevegnome I love how you're sitting on top of the exhaust system with no heat shield. I'm going to try to do that myself

[@RedDawg2k]

I had a ‘63 MGB in the early 80’s and recall quite well the easy bake oven on the inside of the cockpit.

[@alfaromeoalfettarestoratio7817]

Congrats. You've achieved more with yours in two months than I have with mine in four years.

[@ronwalsh]

I have been tinkering with my 65 B for years now, but it is time for a true restoration. I really like the trolley for holding the body in place. I had a question about it (if you don't mind), what did you attach to at the front of the car? Thanks very much.

[@stevegnome]

it isn't actually attached - the back has plates that fits between the spring shackle mounts and the front just has a U piece that goes around the chassis. Makes it easy to drop the car onto - just line up the back and then drop the front down....

[@ericvincent2230]

Hi Steve, I start my own project on my ''Brand New'' Austin Healey Sprite '66 in few days. Have you paper work of what to do first or something like that? I will not open gearbox or motor, but I want to remove all parts removable for sandblasting and repaint them.

[@stevegnome]

No nothing specific. Ai'd love to get a sprite but couldn't find one!. The best advice I think is to do the car in order so you don't get everything mixed up - take LOTS of photos and bag all the bits/ bolts etc with clear labels - or in 6 months you'll have trouble!

[@ericvincent2230]

@@stevegnome Thanks Steve.

[@rudolfabelin383]

Hi from Sweden. What is de-rust dipping. What chemical is used?

[@stevegnome]

Its done by a company here in Adelaide - here's a link where you can get more info about the process... www.minuspaint.com.au/process/

[@rudolfabelin383]

@@stevegnome Very much thanks. I'm soon 63 and considering taking up an old interest, cars. Can't afford something like Ferrari's. Want something that you actually see the engine when you pop the hood and non electronic... Very best Seasons Greetings from Sweden.

[@RedDawg2k]

@@rudolfabelin383 The MGB or MGB GT will serve you well for what you have described. They’re simple, lower cost of entry, and provided one can still fit in the seat, fun to drive.

[@rudolfabelin383]

@@RedDawg2k Thanks!

[@jockofthebushveld299]

Nice Video,the only thing I would suggest before removing the Engine Gearbox and Differential is to tack weld on some tubing Diagonally across the Door openings to ensure the body stays in place during transportation and reassembly,otherwise you may have a problem with Door gaps when you come to hang the doors,only remove the Bracing at the end.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Nice MGB

[@stevegnome]

hopefully it will be!