why would you buy a 1975-1980

[robert1839]

i have noticed that the 1975 and up MGBs sell for more and are more common in the clubs and just on the road why is this i see the 1975 and up MGBs as a less of an MG than all the others and i would never buy one so why do i see them more

[Moderator]

You may need a larger sample size. There will be variance in prices due to "condition", color, optional equipment such as overdrive transmissions, etc.

Some people prefer later (rubber bumper) model MGBs for various reasons. For example, MG moved the radiator further forward, which is handy if you're installing a V8 engine. There's also a bit more room where the steering comes through the firewall. The late dashboard is nice and the seats are comfortable.

Other people prefer chrome-bumper models (due to styling/aesthetic preferences, lower ride height, lighter weight, less emission control equipment, etc.)  

I think you're mistaken about the rubber bumper MGBs selling for more, on average. The earliest MGBs (with "pull handle" doors, steel dashboards, no headrests, and banjo rear axles) command premium prices, but you don't see them come available very often.

[bestdog]

I would buy one or two, or ........

[bestdog]

Hey, i allready have one, with the Rover V8, and a chrome bumper too. they both are MG. aren't they?

[pspeaks]

I have a 72 but would much rather had a 75-80 when I put the 302 in it.  I don't prefer rubber bumpers but they can be replaced with chrome.


Paul

[denvermgb]

I have a '75 MGB that I converted to a SBC and chrome bumpers.  There were lots of reasons I did the conversion, one of which was that I noticed the later rubber bumper MGB's do not command as high a price and are less collectable/desirable than the early chrome bumper cars.

Brad

[wspohn]

You only buy them if you prefer the styling and/or intend to stick in another engine that mandates as much space as possible.

[MG wanna B]

I own a 76, but trying to get a 77 - 80, due to the bolt on application of the v8 conversion, then sell my 76. I would have to move the radiator mounts forward to do a conversion on it, and don't want to modify it, unless, I am unable to find a suitable candidate.

keeping my fingers crossed

[classic conversions]

In Ca 76 and newer are cheap, due to smog laws. 76 and newer are hard to pass smog test and can not be converted to anything unless all of the smog is installed as per new engine.

California a good place to look for 76 and newer.

[MG wanna B]

it would cost me a car to ship one from there, but you're right. here in n.c., 35 years and older do not get inspected. when I got my 76, I had to take it for a state inspection at the highway patrol station, in order to get the title returned, but they had no clue what was supposed to be on it, and the fact that it had been off the road for 2 years.

it's all over, now, home free

[classic conversions]

You are a lucky man :-)

[MG wanna B]

that's one of the very few things I like about n.c.

[pspeaks]

In Texas after 25 years you can put antique tags on a car: $50 for 5 years and no inspection.  It comes with certain restrictions but I've never had a problem.


Paul

[MG wanna B]

been workin on getting this for over 5 months, now. possible conversion candidate

[pspeaks]

Gonna have to change your name now Edward cause you're not a wanna B anymore.  Very nice looking car.



Paul

[MG wanna B]

I won't be able to change that.

 I guess i'll always want a B, because, if I get this one, it will be the 4th one in 6 months, even though I sold the 1st one, have a 2nd one, now, and have bought and parted out a 3rd one, because it didn't have a title, and was eat up pretty good, for my standards. drove it in took it apart, and there are just a few parts left, after 30 days.

[mgb260]

Edward, I know you are going Rover V8 through D&D. Are you going 4.6?

[MG wanna B]

I think that mark mentioned the performance level 2  215 skylark engine, with the t-5 5 sp., but we haven't set anything in stone. we don't have the service centers, here, that can handle the rover, and I'm kinda partial to the GM, even though all I own are ford trucks, used to build chevy's, so I'm more familiar with the GM's, especially, the old ones.

my big thing is that I want to do the conversion, with no modifications, because the car I'm after is in good shape, and shouldn't need to be dressed, before I start on it, plus, I'm not concerned with tons of horsepower, I just want the look that the v8 brings to the car, and the unmistakable sound of the v8.

 no one here has one, i'll be the first.

[robert1839]

here in WA where i live there is no test to pass at all but i know if you are closer to Seattle then u have to pass a smog test but you have to score what it was back then when the car was made so i have never hurd of anyone not passing here. we can get classic tabs after 35 years i think and you only pay 50$ then u never pay any thing for tabs for as long as the car lives

[kayakjack]

I like the 1980 bumper system.  I live in the Detroit area and these bumpers afford a little more protection than the chrome bumpers of the earlier B's.  But I did not like the black mass of the front bumper, so I added a little touch to the opening.  It is a 3/8 inch polished stainless round bar.  It is subtle and I like the look.  I modified my engine compartment for better heat dispersion for my Buick/Rover 215 engine, but the installation could have been done without it.  I am happy with the results.

[MGBV8]

That looks great, Jack!

[robert1839]

yes the stanless steel looks good there
how did u make the engine bay cool better?

[kayakjack]

I reworked the firewall by the engine rh cylinder head to get better airflow in to the trans tunnel.  The trans tunnel was raised about 3/4 inch from firewall to a few inches in front of the shift lever opening.  Around the "thru the apron" headers, the clearance holes are pretty large compared to most installations.  The aluminum radiator was moved as far forward as possible & I made an aluminum surround to force all air thru the rad. There is also a u shaped panel from the frt spoiler to the radiator to keep engine heat from getting in front of the rad.  Look thru the photo galleries.  You will see many approaches to cooling.

[DiDueColpi]

Nicely done John.
It's good to see someone who understands the airflow aspect of engine cooling.
And put it into practice.
Very tidy looking car.
Cheers
Fred