What To Do With A Rusty 1966 MGB GT: A Closer Look At The Problem Areas and Plans For The Future

I’m joined by a special guest in this one, Mathilda the Viszla - who seems to like the MGB just as much as I do. After an overwhelmingly positive response to my previous 1966 MGB GT videos where we managed to get it running, I thought I’d share a little update of some of the worst areas and start a plan for the future of this British classic. It’s quite clear that this MG needs a lot of love, but I’m adamant to stay away from a full restoration project. This will firmly be a ‘recommissioning’ project with the aim of using the car on some great road trips and bringing you along for the journey too!
Join me as share a look under the bonnet where there’s questionable DIY wiring, and take a closer look at some of the worst areas of bodywork. A plan has been made to gently recommission this 57 year old classic in 2024, but where it goes after that is very much open to suggestions?
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[@onlinebizjp]

It brings me great joy to imagine this MGB being reborn. Thank you🙏

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you too!

[@gregmooradian3711]

The MG has a beautiful bonnet which I belleve is aluminum. Nice and straight. Love your idea of installing the original steering wheel! Wont take much to get that lovely girl tidied up.

[@fuelupclassic]

Yes some are aluminium (like this one), and others are steel. Thank you for watching, i'm looking forward to getting it tidied up and using it more.

[@steveschramko2386]

This actually looks like quite a nice MGB....and it's the right year. Many feel the 1966-1967 Series I cars were the best of the whole lot, so you're right in that sweet spot. I would caution you against doing things on the cheap. Spend some money and do things properly. This is definitely a car worth keeping. And...keep things as original as possible. As for the projected road trip...this would be a great car to drive around some of the back country roads of Scotland. I wish I could go with you ! Safety fast !

[@fuelupclassic]

I'm rather taken with it and it being a relatively solid early car was certainly a big attraction to purchasing it. There's plenty to do though! A road trip around Scotland is a wonderful idea :) Thank you for watching.

[@jettrink7510]

What a good presentation... a plesent personally and no wise guys.

[@fuelupclassic]

Very kind of you to say and thank you for watching. Matt

[@Vince_uk]

Get it road worthy Matt, recommission it, tart it up, was we say up Norf, and take it and us on a road trip. Matilda is adorable by the way.

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank's Vince, that's the plan. I think Matilda has already reserved her seat for the road trip haha.

[@user-jf9no5cq2x]

This car is a beauty. I recently purchased a 1965 MGB Roaster, so I'm looking forward to more videos related to the recommissioning of this MGB. Safety Fast

[@fuelupclassic]

Thank you, there's much more to come. Best of luck with your MGB too!

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

you cannot do better than originality - solving water leak is quite straightforward using hosepipe and rubbers and panel fit. I would put gaffer tape on the various seals to stop water ingress in the wing panels. Hope you have deep pockets and MGB repairs are expensive and better to do yourself or a local club member could help you. MGB garage only needed if you have serious suspension issues.Try and do what you can with club membership this works well. garages are for supplying parts and possible serious issues only. Remember this is generally a very easy car to work on as long as the structure is safe from rust. Good luck. BTW I help club members with Jensens, we all do.

[@muzzlehatch303]

A suggestion for road trip where you are unlikely to bump in to another MGB GT - how about Iceland ! Might cost a bit to get it there though !. Less ambitiously I took my Feb 1966 MGB GT to the Isle of Man a few years ago, lovely place ,nice roads. Good luck with the recommissioning

[@fuelupclassic]

Great suggestions! Thank you for watching.

[@stephenhoskins1532]

Ive had 2 the current one is a running resto, Id be surprised if the sills arent totally rotted out internally , they need replacing first . Then replace your petrol tank and lines coz they will be shot . Then radiator will go and fuel pump. Also youll get a clonk due to worn wire splines or axle Unless you are really good mechanically and can teach yourself to weld thin sheet metal you will have some huge bills ahead. These cars in that condition arent for the faint hearted but you will end up loving it.

[@fuelupclassic]

Luckily upon inspection the sills, castle rails and floors have all held up extremely well. It's running and driving very well as it stands. In the New Year it will undergo a mechanical overhaul as a precaution. I'm sure it will find many other ways (along with my other project cars) to drain my wallet as the project continues. Thank you for watching.

[@p.istaker8862]

Thankfully it one of those rare ones where some idiiot hasn't cut a bloody great hole in the roof

[@MartinZT]

Based on my 1966, I'd say stay off the motorways and dual carriageways, and head onto the country roads; maybe Yorkshire, Wales or even up north of the border, although getting there will be a motorway, most likely!

[@fuelupclassic]

Very keen to keep off the motorways! The lack of overdrive makes it quite 'busy' at 60+mph. A good B road seems to be where it's happiest, or perhaps fitting an overdrive box or 5-speed conversion might be a sensible way forward.

[@MYMIATAISFAST]

restore it!

[@alunprice8537]

Sorry but this is going to be big bucks to fix. I am trying to sell a minter at the moment. Bad time to sell a car at present wait till the weather warms up. Good luck with the resto

[@fuelupclassic]

Thanks.

[@Happy-as-Larry]

Take on NC500 Scotland

[@fuelupclassic]

I like your thinking :)