Checklist

MGB GT V8

BODY & CHASSIS

Rust attacks the floors, sills, lower mudguards and behind the headlights . Once it gets to the fire-wall and Macpherson strut towers the bills can become uneconomic. Replacement panels and structural steel are available from UK suppliers and local specialists. Water does find its way into MGBs. Local suppliers will also have in stock body rubbers, some glass, chrome and rust repair panels. Decent bumpers, grilles and early tail-lights can be difficult to find and new bumpers at $1000 each are relatively expensive. Complete rear lights are relatively cheap at $85 each.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Be wary of exhaust smoke from engines that haven’t been run in a while. They may have cracked or sticking piston rings which can cause further damage if the engine gets hot. Overheating can be cured in most instances by chemically cleaning the radiator and spending $100 on a new water pump. Everything needed for a complete engine rebuild is still available from local suppliers and parts are relatively cheap. The twin SU carburettors often need a rebuild and that runs into money. The gearshift can be sloppy due to worn linkages so make sure gears engage easily. Clutch shudder is usually a symptom of component wear but look also for tired engine mounts.

SUSPENSION & BRAKES

Basic components and design backed by cheap and easily found parts mean no excuses for an MG with worn and dangerous chassis components. Clunking from the front end and wandering in a straight line suggests worn king-pins and bushes. Bouncing after hitting a bump pretty much guarantees the shock absorbers are shot. King-pin kits cost under $200 with pairs of replacement coil springs at similar money and kits of quality bushings at $150-180 per set. The rear leaf springs can crack or move in their shackles, even allowing the axle to move laterally when cornering. Spring sets can be rebuilt by specialists. The V8’s brakes are a basic disc front/drum rear system and can be upgraded.

INTERIOR & ELECTRICS

Just because these cars have an American-designed engine doesn’t immunise them against the electrical gremlins that afflict four-cylinder MGs and other British cars. From the outset make sure everything in the cabin works and if you can, that the headlights shine with equal intensity. Absolutely everything needed to perform a complete overhaul is available, as are correct trim materials. Flat, ripped seats are common fare in older MGs but complete kits of foam cushions, covers, carpet and console covering cost $2500 plus shipping from the UK.