1973 MGB GT V8

The last tax disc was dated 1984 – meaning this vehicle had been parked up for over 22 years! Time had taken its toll – despite being parked in a shed – with rust, mice, cats all taking an interest in the accommodation afforded.

It had one owner from new – who now wanted to restore the vehicle to its original glory.

 

The corrosion on the shell was not as bad as might have been expected – the basic structure only needed the usual full sill / inner sill rebuild. However, both front wings, bonnet, doors and o/s rear wing needed replacement.

O/s rear wing removed.

 

N/S sill replacement

 

Rear wing replaced

 

Engine bay sand-blasted and cold galvanised

 

Engine bay repainted with 2-pack

 

The engine bay was stripped of all components before being sand-blasted to remove all rust and dirt. It was then cold-galvanised before being repainted with 2-pack paint. All engine-bay components were individually sand-blasted, primed and repainted in the correct colour before being reinstalled.

The engine-bay starts to be re-assembled.

 

The engine had covered 80,000 miles but the compressions were still excellent and even – this was one of the first things established. Therefore the decision was made to do a ‘part’ rebuild of the engine – new cam shaft, water pump etc – leaving main engine intact.

Start of engine rebuild

 

Sand-blasting front pulley

 

Engine nearly ready to install

 

With all engine bay components back in place and the engine rebuilt, it was time to install the engine.

The engine and gearbox gets installed.

 

All engine bay components were either completely stripped and rebuilt or replaced – including alternator, oil cooler, starter motor, carbs, air filters, distributor, brake system, pedal box, radiator, cooling fans etc.

Engine fully installed and running sweetly

 

Doors rebuilt and fitting well

 

 

Back from respray with original wheels reconditioned to a high standard.

 

Brightwork now all refitted and anti-corrosion treatment completed (comprehensive injection of Bilt-Hamber Dynax S50 into all cavities and crevices).

Interior in progress shown below – very slow and tedious work! Every piece of upholstry (new and old) was refitted using original screw holes with only one exception. This was both incredibly difficult and time taking.

 

 

 

And finally the finished vehicle in all its glory!

 

 

 

Last taxed 1984. Now fully roadworthy again and raring to go! Over 730 hours of hard work.

A huge thank-you to Sandra and all the staff at MGB Hive – a service second to none!

Also to Clive at MGV8 for specialist parts and advice.

And finally to Jeff Allen (body repairs) for an excellent paint-job.

To Peter: Enjoy! – I re-built it to be driven.