Subject: [Mgs] '65B Restoration Status, How to Proceed

From: Dan DiBiase via Mgs <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:52:21 +0000 (UTC)

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I apologize for the length of this note.....

My '65 B has been stuck in limbo for a few years now, as circumstances have made it difficult for me to free up any time to work on this project. But I expect to have sometime this coming year to re-start.... Here is the background -
I purchased this car in 1999 with the intention of restoring it to (mostly) stock condition, not to be a concours car but an enjoyable driver. 'Mostly stock' meant, in my mind, 
that it wouldn't necessarily be as it came from the factory - I want to put an O/D in it as well as upgraded tires, etc. The condition of the car was pretty darn good for a $600,non-running example. There is one rust hole in the passenger's side rocker, so I assume that there is additional inside and on the other, although frankly they are in bettershape than the ones on my '76 B! Also some rust in the rear fender. But overall, the body is in good shape. Mechanically, the parts are all there but the engine accessories
were all removed when I bought the car and the engine itself is seized. It is probably the incorrect engine for the car, being a G-series 3 main bearing car - it should be a GB5 main bearing engine based on the build date. I have a couple of GB blocks that are rebuildable. I may also just take the '75B engine out of my '76B and use that, as I expectthe '76B - being pretty rusty - to only have a few years of life left in the body....

Current status is 'mostly' stripped. Wiring loom, engine/trans, steering column all remain in the car. Everything else has been removed and stored away.
I'm at the point where I need to make a decision about proceeding. I am assuming that my next step would be to remove the engine/trans and wiring, and I can proceed to havethe body looked at...? I don't really have the skills/tools to do the welding work necessary to replace the rockers, nor am I really that interested in learning... ;-) The nearest MG 
'specialists' are over an hour away but there are several reputable body shops in my area (at which I have had work done on my 'regular' cars). I'm wondering about thoughts on 
using a regular shop. And also what sort of things I can do in terms of prep to reduce the cost of this work. 

Other comments appreciated.
Oh, and lots of pictures are here => http://s24.photobucket.com/user/ddibiase/library/1965%20MGB?sort=3&page=1

Thx,
Dan D'76B, '65BCentral NJ USA

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<html><body><div style=3D"color:#000; background-color:#fff; font-family:He=
lveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif;fo=
nt-size:12px"><div id=3D"yiv9191085328"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_14243465960=
16_21187" style=3D"color:#000;background-color:#fff;font-family:HelveticaNe=
ue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif;font-size:1=
2px;"><div dir=3D"ltr" id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17213"=
>I apologize for the length of this note.....<br></div><div id=3D"yiv919108=
5328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17259" dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><div id=3D"yiv9=
191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17260" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_=
0_1_1424346596016_22104">My '65 B has been stuck in limbo for a few years n=
ow, as circumstances have made it difficult for me to free up any time to w=
ork on this project. But I expect to have some</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1=
_1424346596016_22134" dir=3D"ltr">time this coming year to re-start.... Her=
e is the background -</div></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_14243=
46596016_17261" dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_=
1424346596016_17262" dir=3D"ltr">I purchased this car in 1999 with the inte=
ntion of restoring it to (mostly) stock condition, not to be a concours car=
 but an enjoyable driver. 'Mostly stock' meant, in my mind, <br></div><div =
id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17528" dir=3D"ltr">that it wo=
uldn't necessarily be as it came from the factory - I want to put an O/D in=
 it as well as upgraded tires, etc. The condition of the car was pretty dar=
n good for a $600,</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_=
17527" dir=3D"ltr">non-running example. There is one rust hole in the passe=
nger's side rocker, so I assume that there is additional inside and on the =
other, although frankly they are in better</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui=
_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17438" dir=3D"ltr">shape than the ones on my '76 B!=
 Also some rust in the rear fender. But overall, the body is in good shape.=
 Mechanically, the parts are all there but the engine accessories<br></div>=
<div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17432" dir=3D"ltr">were =
all removed when I bought the car and the engine itself is seized. It is pr=
obably the incorrect engine for the car, being a G-series 3 main bearing ca=
r - it should be a GB</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_14243465960=
16_17470" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21811" dir=3D"l=
tr">5 main bearing engine based on the build date. I have a couple of GB bl=
ocks that are rebuildable. I may also just take the '75B engine out of my '=
76B and use that, as I expect</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21=
919" dir=3D"ltr">the '76B - being pretty rusty - to only have a few years o=
f life left in the body....<br></div></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16=
_0_1_1424346596016_17515" dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui=
_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17516" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_14243465=
96016_21198">Current status is 'mostly' stripped. Wiring loom, engine/trans=
, steering column all remain in the car. Everything else has been removed a=
nd stored away.</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21319"><br></div=
><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21645" dir=3D"ltr">I'm at the point =
where I need to make a decision about proceeding. I am assuming that my nex=
t step would be to remove the engine/trans and wiring, and I can proceed to=
 have</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21359" dir=3D"ltr">the bod=
y looked at...? I don't really have the skills/tools to do the welding work=
 necessary to replace the rockers, nor am I really that interested in learn=
ing... ;-) The nearest MG <br></div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_2=
1646" dir=3D"ltr">'specialists' are over an hour away but there are several=
 reputable body shops in my area (at which I have had work done on my 'regu=
lar' cars). I'm wondering about thoughts on <br></div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0=
_1_1424346596016_21647" dir=3D"ltr">using a regular shop. And also what sor=
t of things I can do in terms of prep to reduce the cost of this work. <br>=
</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21949" dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><d=
iv id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21950" dir=3D"ltr">Other comments appre=
ciated.</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_22063" dir=3D"ltr"><br><=
/div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_22017" dir=3D"ltr">Oh, and lots =
of pictures are here =3D&gt; <a id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_22016" hre=
f=3D"http://s24.photobucket.com/user/ddibiase/library/1965%20MGB?sort=3D3&a=
mp;page=3D1">http://s24.photobucket.com/user/ddibiase/library/1965%20MGB?so=
rt=3D3&amp;page=3D1</a><br></div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_2173=
8" dir=3D"ltr"><br></div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21739" dir=
=3D"ltr">Thx,</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21740" dir=3D"ltr"=
><br></div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21741" dir=3D"ltr">Dan D</=
div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21742" dir=3D"ltr">'76B, '65B</di=
v><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21743" dir=3D"ltr">Central NJ USA<b=
r></div></div></div></div></div></body></html>
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_______________________________________________

[email-masked]
Archive: http://www.team.net/archive
Unsubscribe: http://autox.team.net/mailman/options/mgs/[email-masked]

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From: mgbob--- via Mgs <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 22:45:14 GMT

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Hi Dan,  Wasn't it Secy Cheney who talked about Known Unknowns, Unknown =
Unknowns, and those sorts of puzzlements? All are likely to be found in =
this project, one that can be a fine experience if time is not a factor.=
  Since the engine is seized, might as well get it out of the car now. T=
he carcass will be lighter and easier to move around. Engine project is =
different from the body anyway, and quicker to do also.   Removing the s=
teering wheel, column and shaft improves accessibility to everything, an=
d you can steer the engine-free car easily.    I would suggest that you =
go with a new wiring harness.  A couple of years ago I thought the harne=
ss in my TD was good, and it was good in all the visible places. When I =
removed to install a new one, I found faults all over the harness. That =
sure spooked me, and if I do anything of significance to my '72 GT, I wi=
ll install a new harness at that time.    As others have said, the body =
structure is concealed inside the rocker. While it would be ideal to fin=
d someone experienced with the MGB, a good shop that knows unit bodies a=
nd plans to weld reinforcement braces across the door openings to stiffe=
n the structure before removing rockers should be able to do the job. On=
e of us in the CT Club has just done this, and the car is just back from=
 the paint shop looking very good.  I believe the LH overdrive is the on=
e fitted to five-main engines. It'a bolt-on, and would be easiest way to=
 enjoy OD. If correct, a five-main engine would be the one to use.  Keep=
 us apprised of your progress.Bob =

---------- Original Message ----------
From: Dan DiBiase via Mgs <[email-masked]>
To: MG List <[email-masked]>, MGB Group <[email-masked]>
Subject: [Mgs] '65B Restoration Status, How to Proceed
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:52:21 +0000 (UTC)

I apologize for the length of this note..... My '65 B has been stuck in =
limbo for a few years now, as circumstances have made it difficult for m=
e to free up any time to work on this project. But I expect to have some=
time this coming year to re-start.... Here is the background - I purchas=
ed this car in 1999 with the intention of restoring it to (mostly) stock=
 condition, not to be a concours car but an enjoyable driver. 'Mostly st=
ock' meant, in my mind, that it wouldn't necessarily be as it came from =
the factory - I want to put an O/D in it as well as upgraded tires, etc.=
 The condition of the car was pretty darn good for a $600,non-running ex=
ample. There is one rust hole in the passenger's side rocker, so I assum=
e that there is additional inside and on the other, although frankly the=
y are in bettershape than the ones on my '76 B! Also some rust in the re=
ar fender. But overall, the body is in good shape. Mechanically, the par=
ts are all there but the engine accessorieswere all removed when I bough=
t the car and the engine itself is seized. It is probably the incorrect =
engine for the car, being a G-series 3 main bearing car - it should be a=
 GB5 main bearing engine based on the build date. I have a couple of GB =
blocks that are rebuildable. I may also just take the '75B engine out of=
 my '76B and use that, as I expectthe '76B - being pretty rusty - to onl=
y have a few years of life left in the body.... Current status is 'mostl=
y' stripped. Wiring loom, engine/trans, steering column all remain in th=
e car. Everything else has been removed and stored away. I'm at the poin=
t where I need to make a decision about proceeding. I am assuming that m=
y next step would be to remove the engine/trans and wiring, and I can pr=
oceed to havethe body looked at...? I don't really have the skills/tools=
 to do the welding work necessary to replace the rockers, nor am I reall=
y that interested in learning... ;-) The nearest MG 'specialists' are ov=
er an hour away but there are several reputable body shops in my area (a=
t which I have had work done on my 'regular' cars). I'm wondering about =
thoughts on using a regular shop. And also what sort of things I can do =
in terms of prep to reduce the cost of this work.  Other comments apprec=
iated. Oh, and lots of pictures are here =3D> http://s24.photobucket.com=
/user/ddibiase/library/1965%20MGB?sort=3D3&page=3D1 Thx, Dan D'76B, '65B=
Central NJ USA
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<html><div>Hi Dan,</div><div>&nbsp; Wasn't it Secy Cheney who talked abo=
ut Known Unknowns, Unknown Unknowns, and those sorts of puzzlements? All=
 are likely to be found in this project, one that can be a fine experien=
ce if time is not a factor.</div><div>&nbsp; Since the engine is seized,=
 might as well get it out of the car now. The carcass will be lighter an=
d easier to move around. Engine project is different from the body anywa=
y, and quicker to do also.</div><div>&nbsp; &nbsp;Removing the steering =
wheel, column and shaft improves accessibility to everything, and you ca=
n steer the engine-free car easily.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp; &nbsp;I would=
 suggest that you go with a new wiring harness. &nbsp;A couple of years =
ago I thought the harness in my TD was good, and it was good in all the =
visible places. When I removed to install a new one, I found faults all =
over the harness. That sure spooked me, and if I do anything of signific=
ance to my '72 GT, I will install a new harness at that time.&nbsp;</div=
><div>&nbsp; &nbsp;As others have said, the body structure is concealed =
inside the rocker. While it would be ideal to find someone experienced w=
ith the MGB, a good shop that knows unit bodies and plans to weld reinfo=
rcement braces across the door openings to stiffen the structure before =
removing rockers should be able to do the job. One of us in the CT Club =
has just done this, and the car is just back from the paint shop looking=
 very good.</div><div>&nbsp; I believe the LH overdrive is the one fitte=
d to five-main engines. It'a bolt-on, and would be easiest way to enjoy =
OD. If correct, a five-main engine would be the one to use.</div><div>&n=
bsp; Keep us apprised of your progress.</div><div>Bob</div><div>&nbsp;<b=
r><br>---------- Original Message ----------<br>From: Dan DiBiase via Mg=
s &lt;[email-masked]&gt;<br>To: MG List &lt;[email-masked]&gt;, =
MGB Group &lt;[email-masked]&gt;<br>Subject: [Mgs] '65B Restorat=
ion Status, How to Proceed<br>Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 14:52:21 +0000 (UTC=
)<br><br></p><div style=3D"color: #000; background-color: #fff; font-fam=
ily: HelveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, san=
s-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div id=3D"yiv9191085328"><div id=3D"yui_3_16=
_0_1_1424346596016_21187" style=3D"color: #000; background-color: #fff; =
font-family: HelveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Gra=
nde, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_=
1424346596016_17213" dir=3D"ltr">I apologize for the length of this note=
.....</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17259" dir=
=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_=
17260" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_22104">My '65 B=
 has been stuck in limbo for a few years now, as circumstances have made=
 it difficult for me to free up any time to work on this project. But I =
expect to have some</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_22134" di=
r=3D"ltr">time this coming year to re-start.... Here is the background -=
</div></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17261" di=
r=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016=
_17262" dir=3D"ltr">I purchased this car in 1999 with the intention of r=
estoring it to (mostly) stock condition, not to be a concours car but an=
 enjoyable driver. 'Mostly stock' meant, in my mind, </div><div id=3D"yi=
v9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17528" dir=3D"ltr">that it wouldn'=
t necessarily be as it came from the factory - I want to put an O/D in i=
t as well as upgraded tires, etc. The condition of the car was pretty da=
rn good for a $600,</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596=
016_17527" dir=3D"ltr">non-running example. There is one rust hole in th=
e passenger's side rocker, so I assume that there is additional inside a=
nd on the other, although frankly they are in better</div><div id=3D"yiv=
9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17438" dir=3D"ltr">shape than the o=
nes on my '76 B! Also some rust in the rear fender. But overall, the bod=
y is in good shape. Mechanically, the parts are all there but the engine=
 accessories</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_174=
32" dir=3D"ltr">were all removed when I bought the car and the engine it=
self is seized. It is probably the incorrect engine for the car, being a=
 G-series 3 main bearing car - it should be a GB</div><div id=3D"yiv9191=
085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17470" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_=
0_1_1424346596016_21811" dir=3D"ltr">5 main bearing engine based on the =
build date. I have a couple of GB blocks that are rebuildable. I may als=
o just take the '75B engine out of my '76B and use that, as I expect</di=
v><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21919" dir=3D"ltr">the '76B - be=
ing pretty rusty - to only have a few years of life left in the body....=
</div></div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_17515" di=
r=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yiv9191085328yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016=
_17516" dir=3D"ltr"><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21198">Current=
 status is 'mostly' stripped. Wiring loom, engine/trans, steering column=
 all remain in the car. Everything else has been removed and stored away=
.</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21319">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D=
"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21645" dir=3D"ltr">I'm at the point where I =
need to make a decision about proceeding. I am assuming that my next ste=
p would be to remove the engine/trans and wiring, and I can proceed to h=
ave</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21359" dir=3D"ltr">the bo=
dy looked at...? I don't really have the skills/tools to do the welding =
work necessary to replace the rockers, nor am I really that interested i=
n learning... ;-) The nearest MG </div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_142434659=
6016_21646" dir=3D"ltr">'specialists' are over an hour away but there ar=
e several reputable body shops in my area (at which I have had work done=
 on my 'regular' cars). I'm wondering about thoughts on </div><div id=3D=
"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21647" dir=3D"ltr">using a regular shop. And=
 also what sort of things I can do in terms of prep to reduce the cost o=
f this work. </div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21949" dir=3D"l=
tr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21950" dir=3D"ltr"=
>Other comments appreciated.</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_=
22063" dir=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_220=
17" dir=3D"ltr">Oh, and lots of pictures are here =3D&gt; <a id=3D"yui_3=
_16_0_1_1424346596016_22016" href=3D"http://s24.photobucket.com/user/ddi=
biase/library/1965%20MGB?sort=3D3&amp;page=3D1">http://s24.photobucket.c=
om/user/ddibiase/library/1965%20MGB?sort=3D3&amp;page=3D1</a></div><div =
id=3D"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21738" dir=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D=
"yui_3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21739" dir=3D"ltr">Thx,</div><div id=3D"yui_=
3_16_0_1_1424346596016_21740" dir=3D"ltr">&nbsp;</div><div id=3D"yui_3_1=
6_0_1_1424346596016_21741" dir=3D"ltr">Dan D</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0_=
1_1424346596016_21742" dir=3D"ltr">'76B, '65B</div><div id=3D"yui_3_16_0=
_1_1424346596016_21743" dir=3D"ltr">Central NJ USA</div></div></div></di=
v></div></html>

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[email-masked]

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