MGB? A great choice in some respects.... ££££

[s-type]

I think the fact that the editorial in the magazine is given over to arguing why this is a great and different project says it all. If Danny really thought this was what he is saying he would not be using his editorial to pre-emptively argue its case.

I think as readers we sometimes forget this is not a club or a co-operative its a business. I can only assume these are the factual reasons it was picked;

1) supplied by a family friend of the business / magazine to restore it.

2) to be restored by a writer in the magazine, in his business.

3)as its such a drastically popular car the restoration will be aided by a big MG specialist.

4) MGB on the cover sells copy's.

I have nothing against MGB's, nor Business and commercial deals.

I just think a less commercial car would have been more interesting. Although I guess the counter argument is a less commercial car would not get the backup and advertising etc so would never get restored!

On balance its a good business decision, because its probably not going to upset subscribers (like me) enough to make them stop, but with more MG owners responding to the poll commissioned by the magazine than any other its going to find a wide base of support, its also going to bring new people in...

Interesting - no....A good business decision in tough times.... yes.

[rich.]

needs must im afraid! & with the amount of mgbs about it shows they are still popular.. id love to see a datsun or mazda resto soon.. not everyones choice but it would help the few who have a weakness for j tin.. i loved dannys datsun & the renault stories. i was a nice change to see something different... not forgetting mr glovers fantastic collection

[OneCarefulOwner]

The fact they are so popular makes mockery of the "great & different project" argument. MGs have been projects so many times in so many mags, and there's even commercial recreation of the model 50 years on!

If you want something "different", pick something that doesn't have a huge base of remanufactured parts, like an NSU or even the Princess 100 Club that's been doing the rounds recently as a "such a shame it's being scrapped" story - something where replacing a wing will take some fabrication that we can learn from, rather than picking up a phone to order a perfect replacement.

[Minxy]

Have to say I have little or no interest in an MG resto but readily appreciate others will drink it in. What would have worked well for me, from an interest point, is if the MG resto had been done side by side with something less mainstream with difficult to get parts then we could have appreciated the differences in the way the individual processes were tackled. This would be of particular interest to anyone thinking of taking on a resto but were unsure of how ‘deep’ to go or how much to bite off.

[mach1rob]

Not another MGB resto?

Wouldn't it just be cheaper to reprint a resto rather than do another? Surely there are plenty of others out there that would make far more interesting reading, or are we getting like the BBC and running off repeats?

[hobby]

There's even a book on doing it!

Another vote for something different... That Princess would have been a different resto that's for sure, and I suspect more challenging! Though they wouldn't have got their money back on it!

[Fuzz Townshend]

Ah, the uncontroversial MGB causing controversy.

Some of the points raised are indeed true, but it must be said that the restorations of the 80s and 90s generally speaking, are not of as high a quality of those performed nowadays, as tools, materials and processes available to enthusiasts improve. These improvements are included in the latest restorations.
While I am with you in many respects, the use of new and used parts on this MGB, as well as the re-use of as many of the original items as possible should make it a bargain restoration, one that is thorough and a project that can be completed by a competent hobbyist.
You've hit the nail on the head when it comes to the problem of financing lesser known projects.
The magazine doesn't have a restoration budget as such and so the team has to come up with imaginative solutions in order to provide resto' content.
This current project costs the mag' nothing, but my writing fee - I'm paid for words, not for tin-bashing. None of the practical work is paid for by the mag'. The parts are paid for by the car's owner.
Advertising inevitably plays a part, as much of any magazine's funding is derived from such revenues.
Adjacent to the PC MGB sits my Jensen 541R. Much of its restoration has been covered within the pages and I would dearly love to get this car back to the road. But doing this quickly without great expense is tricky. Parts sponsorship would be the quick way forwards, but achieving this from small suppliers is understandably difficult and so progress is at the pace my pocket can stand.
As for PC having a rarity as a project, currently there is the Westminster restoration.
Bespoke parts manufacturing methods feature within the mag's pages from time to time and these may be used as guides by readers.
If there is anyone out there wanting their project car restored inexpensively, they should perhaps put forward a proposal to the team. The trouble is that it would be difficult for anyone to guarantee the continuous supply of funds necessary to keep a magazine feature car project on track through the twists and turns of a restoration.
I'm sure that there will be many methods used in this restoration that can be used for lesser-known types and as for it being boring may I suggest that instead of by-passing the MGB restoration, you have a read and check out what's going on.
I, for one, have picked up many new tricks of the trade working on this car.
Finally, it's doubtful that I'd buy one of these cars, they're just not my cup of tea. But another classic car back on the road is a small victory to be celebrated by all of us.
Right, that's enough talking on t'internet - I'm off down the pub.
Anyone fancy joining me?
FT

[SEE YA]

Well some good views, on both sides there people. We all know that for long term readers this is not the first MGB that has been done. If I am right, but also the readership has moved on as do people in the classic scene views on what a classic car is etc . The MGB is a solid choice for dipping your toe into a restoration project in the first place. It has a huge following just look at the clubs and its members ?. Some people like myself, did one then moved on to other classic to restore Morris, Beetle's .


The parts for these cars are still around, you can even buy a full bodyshell ?. Also due to so many people having one, there are many around for people to buy and enjoy one.

Maybe PC could set a budget, for the MGB to see if they can do it for a set amount only.
This may help readers who are planning one in the future?. Also as the budgets, on previous ones have all gone £££££. Maybe also get the owner to help on the car as well ?.

You cannot please everybody ?. There may be a few things on the restoration to surprise people as well.

[Talking Hoarse]

Me - I am not particularly interested in any MGB restoration article. For one - however unique or original this particular car may be - the restorer should be able to buy almost all of the parts required new etc, so there should be little need for imaginative repairs or innovation. Besides - I remember MGB's in the 60's-70's & even 80's - and sadly they were (to me) a joke - lumbering along with exhausts that hit the road all to easily, latterly with deck chair seats, and the MGB GT had rear seats that were for kids or contortionists only.
But they now make great classic cars for owners - we see them out on historic & classic rallies & tours now mostly with their original woes all properly sorted - and they look and go well.
Will I read the article - of course I will.

[s-type]

wow! did i make a good post for once! Everyone seems to agree, the £££ is mightier than original projects!


I assume you all know that if you try to go to http://www.practicallyclassics.co.uk/ you just get a SQL error?
-that's why i haven't posted for a while!