Ross Goldberg writes:
> This makes me think... is it possible to retrofit parts from later cars in
> my '66 MGB? From 66-80 many items were improved and I'm sure my car could
> benefit from them. Parts under the hood all the way to interior pieces? If
> so, I would be curious to here what types of improvements people have made
> to their older cars in this way.
Almost any part can retrofitted to the earlier 63-67 MGB - IF you are prepared
to take the time and effort.
On my currect 1963 MGB restoreation I have retrofitted the following :
- Rear axle from a 1979 MGB (so that I can fit a rear sway bar if needed)
- Radiator from a 1980 MGB - needs some work to get it to fit in the forward
location,
but it increased the cooling capacity and allowed me to use electric fans
- Collapsible steering column from a late model MGB - not an easy addition
because
you have to weld in the column support bracket behind the dashboard and also
weld
in the the tunnel support at the firewall.
Benefits : 1 - the column is collapsible ( a must for racing)
2 - the later columns use real bearing in the column and not those
silly
nylon rings
3 - I can use a variety of steering wheels, as the splines are
different
on the earlier cars
4 - I can use the later style column switches with the wiper/washer
on a stalk and the high beam on the other stalk.
- MGBGT rear springs, to give me a stiffer spring (6 leaves versus 5)
- Late model dash guages - they are easier to read at night
- Late model electric temp. sender - I do not use an oil pressure guage, so I
did
not use the earlier dual guage. Instead I use an oil pressure switch rated at
30 psi and a VERY LARGE idiot light. In racing I rarely have time to look at
guages, but I can not ignore a bright red idiot light.
- Late model windshield - it has provision for visors
There are other parts that can be retrofitted, but these are the changes I have
made which I know work.
gerry
- Late model vent windows - they are stronger than the earlier ones
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