Hello MG owners!
This is my first posting to this list. I have been on the "Mini" list for
years and have a very suped up race type Mini. My girlfriend has a rather
old and tired Ford Fiesta and we have decided to sell it and get an MGBGT!
She wants a sporty car to drive around in and she loves MGs. I have a good
mechanical knowledge of engines etc and have rebuilt my mini many times and
built a few engines too. A Mazda MX5 is a little out of her price range so I
suggested getting an MG that is in good condition for around 4000ukp. I
don't want some old heap that I will be constantly working on, but am
prepared to do some tinkering here and there.
We have seen a 1978(S) MGBGT in the paper for 4000 pounds. If the car is not
already sold we'll go and take a look tonight.
Some questions for you experts...
- Kim, my girlfriend, especially wants the chrome bumper type. Are these
interchangable with the later black plastic bumper?
- Were the wire wheels standard or are these after-market mods added on by
owners?
- MGs seem to have that three spoked thing in the centre of the wheels. Is
it one big retaining nut for the wheel, or is this a purely cosmetic
covering for 4 normal wheel nuts?
- As I understand the engine is a B series 1.8L. (1793cc?) Is this engine
much different from the A series which I know like the back of my hand? Is
this the same engine which was used in the Austin Maxi?
- What is the difference between the MGA and MGB? A series and B series? I
know the Midget used the A series.
- What carbs are fitted to the 1.8 engine? Twin HS6? Twin HIF44? (I have
twin HIF44 on my mini)
- I have been warned that rust is a big problem. Any particular hidden areas
which I should be aware off?
- Is the MGB rear wheel drive?
- Is the over-drive simply a kind of clutch device which puts in a higher
gear? Can it be engaged in any gear? I seem to remember it is a switch on
top of the gear stick.
- What sort of insurance price are we looking at? Two adults, both over 25,
3yrs NCB, nice area, garaged, etc fully comp. I am hoping it won't be too
much, but am prepared to pay up to about 500 quid. The fiesta is currently
~200 quid and is group 4. We don't really want to buy the MG and then find
insurance is extortionate. I will try to get a rough quote beforehand. I
have my mini insured with a specialist broker (Graham Sykes) as it is
heavily modified.
I know I sound like a havn't got a clue and maybe I really should be buying
a Clio or Polo instead but I want to get into the MG scene and get along to
some shows. I attend mini shows all the time. The advantage with an MG over
other modern cars must be that parts are cheap and plentiful, especially at
shows. I bought a copy of "MG World" and it seemed to be full of MG-Fs and
not much else. Is there a better mag?
I live in Hampshire, fairly near Guildford. Are there any shows in the South
coming up?
Does 4000 quid sound about right for this car? It says excellent condition,
reluctant sale, so I am hoping the car has been lovingly restored and is
worth it. Hopefully I'll post again later and let you know whether we looked
at it. Also, would you recommend some sort of HPI check before buying?
Scott
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