Sunday, November 12, 2017

For Sale: 1972 MGB, Needs Work, $1,500 Firm



A friend of mine is looking for a good home for his 1972 MGB. The good news is that it runs and drives. The bad news is that it will need substantial rust repair in the very near future. This will be a project car before it's a good driver again and the low price of $1,500 firm reflects that.

Overview:

  • 1972 MGB, runs and drives but needs work.
  • One owner since 1995
  • Mileage unknown, but only 5,000 miles since engine rebuild in 1997.
  • Four-speed transmission (no overdrive).
  • Needs rust replacement of rockers, frame rails, plus some repair in  fenders and floor panels.
  • Price is $1,500 firm.


Here are the details:

The good:

  • Engine rebuilt in 1997. Has double-row timing chain and valve seats hardened for unleaded gasoline. Starts easily.
  • Mileage unknown (Speedometer/Odometer was not working when first acquired, though this has since been fixed.)
  • Only about 5,000 miles driven since 1995, but no long periods of inactivity in that time.
  • Gauges all work.
  • Includes tonneau cover, timing light, dwellmeter, original jack, stone guards for the headlights, a tool for balancing the SU carburetors, and a very well used Haynes manual.
  • Seat covers and interior in decent shape.


Improvements made since 1995

  • Engine rebuild
  • New front bumper
  • Mallory dual-point distributor
  • New starter
  • Radiator rebuilt
  • Electric fan
  • Delco alternator conversion
  • New gas tank 8-9 years ago
  • New gas tank sending unit, Spring 2017
  • New ignition switch, 2015
  • New convertible top in late 90s. Still watertight, though the windows have some fogging.
  • New trunk lock


The Bad:

  • The paint is a classic Earl Scheib "Porsche Red" job over the original red. Looks okay from a distance. Not so great up close.
  • The wiring is best described as suspect. At a minimum it could use substantial cleaning of the contacts and fixing/repair of some connections. A fresh start with a new wiring harness may be easiest.
  • Windshield wipers need to be hooked up.
  • Heater control valve works, though the heater itself is not currently hooked up.
  • Tires are 15 years old. They hold air, but not recommended for driving. Spare tire doesn't hold air.
  • Passenger window crank works, but it needs a bit of help getting up and down.
  • Shocks need rebuild/replacement.
  • Brakes work, but pull to the right a bit. Hoses have been replaced within the last 20 years, but the system should be inspected and may need some parts replaced or rebuit.
  • There's a bit of oil leaking from engine and rear differential, but not bad.
  • The worst item is the rust underneath. There is substantial rust in the rockers and the frame rails and they will need to be replaced. there are also some small spots of rust in the fenders, and at a minimum they will need some patching. Make no mistake. If you buy this B you will need to do some cutting and welding before you have a good, roadworthy car.


Price: $1,500 firm.

Leave a message below if you're interested and we'll sort out contact info. Thanks!


Video: It runs!



Photos:

Exterior:





Engine bay:





Interior:



Trunk, including some of the throw-ins:



And now what we call "the full disclosure photos," showing the rust.

The fenders are generally solid, but there are are a few small bubbles and holes:





Here's the worst of it, the frame rails and rockers. As you can see, they'll need complete replacement:


(What looks like a bend in the frame rail above is just an illusion from the fish-eye from my iPhone lens. Sadly, the rust is real.)



The floor pans look okay at a glance, but given the state of the rockers and rails I wouldn't be surprised if they need some work, too:


Front suspension:




Rear suspension and exhaust:





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