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Kyle Busch
Automotive ExaminerKyle is an auto enthusiast and consumer advocate with over 30 years of experience. Author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He welcomes your comments and car questions on his website www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Kyle’s car has over 500,000 miles and he even has the same name as the #18 NASCAR driver.
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MGB Classic
2 comments
by Kyle Busch, Automotive Examiner
MGB Classic - Part two
The MGB provides pure and honest driving pleasure. The
car's transmission and interior will help you to have an excellent
driving experience.
Transmission:
The MGB used a three synchromesh transmission up to 1968 and this unit is most likely to give trouble because it is less robust and spare parts are hard to find. On all MGB transmissions, noises and grinding are caused by worn bearings, gear teeth, or thrust washers. Also, look for the gearshift lever jumping out of second or third gear when the clutch is not engaged. If the gearbox has problems, it is best to replace it with either a good used unit or a professionally recondition unit (with a warranty) as the cost of buying the parts yourself is expensive.
More than an inch or so of play in the clutch pedal indicates a worn master or slave cylinder that will require replacement. Clutch replacement usually requires the removal of the engine and gearbox.
Faulty overdrives may be suffering from a clogged filter, low gearbox oil level or electrical issues. If early overdrive transmissions fail to come in or out of third or fourth gear, a worn solenoid switch may be the problem. Check to see if the switch which prevents overdrive operation except in gears apart 3rd and 4th has not been shorted out because this will allow the overdrive unit to operate in reverse and will destroy the clutch arrangement in the overdrive unit.
Vibration especially at speeds over 50mph could be caused by worn universal joints at either end of the prop shaft or it could be the prop shaft itself that has gone out of balance. Universal joints are cheap and easy to repair but the prop shaft has to be removed.
The rear axle on a MGB can leak to due faulty seals, a clogged vent, or just careless overfilling. Never overfill the axle as the excess gear oil will contaminate the rear brakes. Clonking as the axle is engaged is actually acceptable, but excessive noise will require attention to the rear differential although they will continue for some time in this condition.
Interior:
The interior of many MGBs have been neglected and can be in poor condition, some have received creative modifications. The best situation is to find a complete, but well-worn, original interior. On most un-restored MGBs you should expect to spend a considerable amount of time and or money to bring the interior to original (or better) condition. Most items are available from leather seats, carpets to door panels, however, these will be expensive. A quality wood inlay dash kit can upgrade the appearance of dashes, although it will deviate from the original design. You can even upgrade your steering wheel, but remember the factory-installed wheels have a large diameter for a reason - MGBs do not have power steering!
An un-restored car is also likely to need a new soft-top or fabric sunroof if it is a GT. The vinyl tops tend to get torn from improper folding and storage. The top frames are ruggedly designed and even those that do not raise and lower smoothly can be cured with lubricant. New soft tops are available now and in a large range of materials and colors than when the car was new.
The interior of the car is where you will get the most out of your driving experience, so it is worth spending extra money. Also, if the interior is a bit worn then it is a good topic to negotiate the price.
I welcome your comments and car questions at my auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com.
Topics: Classic car , MGB , transmission , interior
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