Just finished......a beautiful chrome bumper conversion in British Racing Green with tan interior and a nearly new tan top.
Drove it 30+ miles back to our shop the day it was acquired (in a sleet/rain storm), ran flawlessly, maintained 65-70 psi oil pressure, no drafts, was a nice drive at 75-80 mph the entire way. In our workshop, we checked the compression, 195 psi in every cylinder (as the cylinder head is painted a different color than the engine, we suspect it was redone and milled for a higher compression ratio), has a Weber carb with improved manifolds, and the result is smooth power and far better running than stock.
Body is excellent, same with sills, floors, no plastic filler, and with very nice paint. We eliminated the side lights, welded over the holes, and blended in some matching paint. New bumpers, grille, sheet metal, lights, a complete professional chrome bumper conversion.
Converted to wire wheels with all new splined hubs, new chrome knock offs, and a good set of painted wire wheels. Also lowered to pre 1975 ride height, new front bushings and springs, new fulcrum pins, AND with the front and rear sway bars provided on later model MGBs, with the Weber carb, and with the bumper conversion, we took a basically very nice car suffering from ill handling, an ungainly look, gutless (factory rated at a mere 62.5hp with the single Stromberg carb).....and now, a wonderful MGB combining the aesthetics of an early car with the far greater refinement of a later B.
What else? Has a new stereo/CD, full tonneau, wood steering wheel and dashboard, electronic ignition, larger radiator with electric cooling fans, new fuel tank, new exhaust system, and a lot of other new parts.
I think the best description is that this car represents 35% modern Toyota, Nissan, Honda and 65% period British car. While it has an entirely modern cooling, ignition, and electrical system, still retains the classic style and 'feel' of a wonderful sports car......quick, light, precise steering, positive power assist disc brakes, responsive engine, wonderful gearbox, no rattles, very good ride, an ideal car for the proverbial drive in the country. And from our recent experience, even nice on a fairly nasty day!
