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MG MGB Technical - One Body to Another

I have a 1971 mgb roadster that is running fairly well mechanically. My problem is the age old one of rust in the rocker panels and floor boards. I don't have the money to pay someone to fix it, or the expertise to do it myself. However, I do have another option, and I am looking for input form others.

I have an opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price the body of a 1973 MGB roadster that has had the rocker panels, floor boards and some other areas already repaired. It is basically stripped of everything except the wheels, rear axle, steering, and a few other pieces.

My question is this: Can I take my rusted 1971 B and transfer everything that works or has been repaired over to the rust-repaired shell of the 1973 B? Are most of the parts interchangeable? In looking at the Moss catalog, it seems many are. I'm looking for some of you guys out there who know MGs to give me your opinion on whether the transition can be successful? I have the time and patience, and the mechanicals have already been repaired on the '71. If they can be transferred, it would be a great challenge for me.

Please let me know your thoughts and expert opinions. Thanks.
Curt

Dear Curt,

I am quite certain that the 71 and 73 body are very similar. I cannot see why there would be any difficulty in doing this project.

The emmision controls are different, and you will have to sort your serial number and registration. Check your local requirements incase they are difficult.

There will be a slew of perishable bits that you will probably want to renew like body gaskets, grommets, brake lines, and bushings.

The only problem I can foresee is the common one many other restorers run in to. "While this is apart I might as well tackle this" And this list continues. What started out as a weekend project can lead to multi-year restorations.

While you have a bare shell I would take to time to look over all the susceptable places for corrosion now while it is easy. Take care of the floors, rocker sections, and the inner part of under the front fenders (trumpet sections, and behind the splash panel). Double check to make sure it was done to high standard and is protected. If the body has been repaired very well get the car oil sprayed so you always have this solid foundation to work from.

This just might be my bias in life because I grew up in Canada and hate rust and repairing it. Mechanical systems I will gladly rebuild time and time again.

Once you had a solid body to work with I would do subsystem by subsystem. I would not take everything apart then have to remember where everything has to go. Digital camera and ziplock bags can be good friends.

A few months ago there was a posting about the general order to tackle this. Check the archives. For example it recommended replacing the brake lines before installing the engine so you could sit in the engine compartment and be comfortable and have great access.

Best of luck with your project. I am sure the experts will chime in soon and pass their wisdom on.

Shareef
Shareef Hassan

Curt,

My gut reaction is "go for it!". This is what folks do all the time with the "one-size-fits-all" Heritage shells for chrome-bumpered models from '68 to '74. I can't think of any structural changes between '71 and '73 which would prevent this. It should be straight-forward.

A couple of minor issues: when completed will the "new" car be a '71 or a '73? There are some differences, although no compatibility problems. If you're going to use your '71 dash, interior door pulls, upholstery and grill, the car will come out looking like a '71 and will raise fewer eyebrows - until the fanatics discover the chassis number - which they probably won't if you swap the vin plates over. There is nothing "wrong" with doing this. The body is just one more replaceable component of an MGB. If you call it a '73, I guess the fanatics might also see your engine number and point out that this is not a correct engine for a '73. Not that it makes much differenct - how many existing MGBs have their original engines? So, I'd say, keep it titled as a '71.

Of course, hmmmm, the '73 grill, dashboard, and interior door pulls were real improvements...

This could go on for hours. The point is - if I were in your position, I'd do the same thing. The only question: is this actually easier than fixing the rust on your '71. You can set yourself up in the MIG welding business for about $500, take a night course in MIG welding at a local technical school or community college, and you're in business. It might be less work than you think - then you can sell that repaired '73 shell to me. 8^)...

FWIW,
Allen
Allen Bachelder

This thread was discussed on 09/06/2007

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