76 MGB Stewardship

As I was looking around the cabin for things to fix or improve my attention was drawn to the steering wheel. As you can from the photo the cover was in need of replacement. You will also notice the metal work is a bit rusty and could use a buffing. I'll attempt that too. Removing the steering wheel isn't a complicated process but it does take some effort. I started by removing the horn button and contact. Then using a socket I loosened the steering wheel nut. I did not remove it all the way but left it at the end of the shaft. I did this so I might avoid damaging the threads during the next step. To remove the steering wheel I sat in the driver's seat with my knees firmly against the wheel and pulled the steering wheel toward me. At the same time I gently, but firmly, whacked the end of the column with my hammer to jar the wheel loose. After a few solid swings the steering wheel was persuaded to come off. After removing the steering wheel I used my sander and some ...

Brakes on these old MGBs are relatively simple. Stock they have front disc and rear drum. Upon inspection the front pads were mostly spent and the rotors were pretty worn out. I decided to replace them. As for the rear, they are pretty good condition so while I purchased replacements I have decided to run the existing set for another season. First fun project... When I first drove this car I noticed the typical scraping and grinding from the frontend that indicates brakes need some attention. Once I got in there it was clear that pads needed replacements. See all of that "piston" showing?? After pulling the caliper off I was able to get the pads out. From the photo you can see how worn and uneven they are.  I've also included a photo of one of the rotors. See the grooves? Out with the old, in with the new...  With the old components out of the way I was able to install the new rotor and pads. There are several posts, videos, how to's, et...

One of the key things I noticed during my initial drive with the MGB was the front end seems "squishy" and "bouncy" when going over even the smallest bumps and road hazards.  While I was doing the brake job I inspected the shocks. Boy are these things interesting! Anyway, upon inspection I noticed an "excessive" amount of fluid on and around the shock. Before just replacing the shocks I decided to do a little research first. There are several interesting articles and forum posts on these shocks work, as well as companies that will recondition your shocks. I did have a fleeting thought of replacing the whole suspension with something more modern and manageable. After getting some pricing I decided to remain the purist that I am and stick with original components. (I'm also known to be frugal and budget conscience, so I found a less expensive way.) So, I ordered a replacement and went to work. Replacing the shock is relatively easy. Lift the car,...

This is an account of how I acquired my 1976 MG MGB Roadster. First, a little backstory. I've been in love with MGBs for most of my life and have always wanted one. For one reason or another it was never the right time so I had to wait. As luck would have it an opportunity presented itself in 2016 when my friend Tom mentioned wanting to sell his MGB. I made an offer with only having seen the car 1 time previously. Tom was surprised by offer but nothing ever came of it. So, I waited some more. Fast forward to July 2018 and Tom texted me about my interest in buying the MGB. I said, "YES! How much?" After waiting a weekend he stated his price and I replied that we'd drive from North Carolina to Ohio to pick it up within a few days. The plan was to drive our trusty '03 Chevy Tahoe to Ohio, rent a U-Haul vehicle trailer , and tow the MGB back home. This plan went off without a hitch! I am proud of the old Tahoe and she gracefully navigated the hills of We...