Well here it is!

The restoration has taken me just over 2 years. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every minute, however I’m now taking a break to attack those DIY jobs that have been stacking up.

No real issues in the last weeks of the rebuild, insured, MOT’ed and Taxed (free of course!)

Had a 20 mile shakedown run without a problem. It was so good to finally get to drive. It’s been over 10 years since my last outing. Sunny day, top down, MGB, just great!!

So I’m taking a short break but I expect to be back out in the MGB soon.

 

Nearly there...

Once again I've not update the blog for ages.
So here's a summary in pictures and a few words:
After some thought, I decided to have the windscreen frame professional recondtioned. Not cheap but the MGB screen is a major visual focal point of the car and I wanted it to look right. It was away for about 3 weeks and I'm pleased with the result.

Work on the engine bay continued.

The carbs went away for restoration. Bling!

Engine bay nears completion

Attention turned to the interior. Dash and sound deadening.

Installed the fuel filler neck

And then worked on the doors

Next job will be the side moldings and refitting the boot and bonnet.

Progress...

It’s been ages since my last update, so here’s a summary in pictures:

The rebuild has started in earnest. After 18 months of shell restoration, I’m now definitely in the ‘put it back together’ phase.

First the services were fitted underneath, followed by a trial fit of the peddle box.

Next the loom.

I had the air filters and a few other bits blasted (Thanks Bob!)

The dash top vinyl followed. I’m really pleased with my restro of the fasteners. It’s the small things you know :-)

Moved to the rear…installed the axle, tank, pump etc.

Brakes as well. BTW I found two new Banjo axle brake drums, however one of them has stud holes that are too small???

Tackled the heater next. What a pain even after careful planning. Fitting the internal heater outlets was a nightmare.

Engine bay getting more gear.

After some time considering option for the windscreen I bit the built and sent it away for restoration.

The engine had been reconditioned about 500 miles before the car was taken off the road in 2000. I wanted to be sure that no corrosion had taken place whilst it stood around in the shed. So I stripped off head and sump. No surprises, just lapped the valve and rebuilt with new gaskets and a fresh coat of paint.

Made a modification to the gearbox crossmember so that the gearbox mounting block bolts can be easily accessed.

Engine bay ready!

Engine ready! (I must thank Vern for loan of the hoist)

In we go.

It’s in!

Now time for some mindless cleaning and painting of engine ancillaries…

It's Back!

I have a grin from ear to ear!

I must thank Phil Jackson for a fantastic job!

Ready for Paint!

Check it out, the MG goes away for painting. It’s taken me 16 months to get to this point.
Hopefully in 3 weeks it will be returning in glorious Tartan Red.

The last several weeks have been challenging. Getting a good fit on the front wings took forever and included a repair to the scuttle, but I’m happy with the final fit. I also painted the inside of the front wings with anti-stone chip followed by body colour cellulose.

The car came of the rotator, which meant fitting the suspension to get it rolling.

I had a trail run of fitting the under floor services. I’m not going to put the car back on the rotator, it's just too risky with the paint on.

In between getting the shell ready I have cleaned the gearbox and a number of parts associated with the pedal box. Not the most fun part of a restoration.

My first jobs on its returns will be: Fit fuel tank, pump, services and pedal box.