Our 1975 MGB GT V8 has made a lot of progress recently, with the restoration moving from the bare heritage shell into the stages of mechanical and interior reassembly. Interestingly, the car is now beginning to look more recognisable again, but there is still a lot of work going on beneath the surface. Technician Rob has been rebuilding the car, and it’s certainly coming along nicely.
The V8 Returns to the Car
The engine has undergone a comprehensive overhaul before having its ancillaries and supporting components refitted. It has now been returned to the car, where the renewed front subframe and new subframe bushes have also been installed, providing a good foundation for the engine, suspension and steering components.
With the V8 back in place, Rob has been working through the smaller connections needed to bring the engine and the rest of the car together. The throttle and choke cables have both been connected, correctly routed and clipped securely into position. The heater cable has also been installed and secured. The temperature gauge pipe has been connected and clipped down too, and the washer bottle bracket was repaired before being returned to the car.
Rebuilding the Brakes and Suspension
The braking system has been thoroughly inspected during the reassembly. Rather than automatically replacing everything, Rob has assessed the individual components and either rebuilt or repaired them depending on their condition. The rear drums have been adjusted, while the brake callipers have been refinished before being installed.
A similar approach has been taken with the suspension. Components have been inspected individually, with worn or unsuitable parts replaced and serviceable original pieces repaired or restored.
Fabricating the Upgraded Exhaust
Another recent job has been making the upgraded exhaust system fit correctly.
Our MGB’s 3.5-litre V8 is fitted with an upgraded exhaust manifold and a larger-bore pipe running from the front to the rear of the car. As this differs from the original arrangement, it couldn’t just be bolted into place. The exhaust downpipe and centre section have been modified and fabricated to suit the car. Rob has had to make sure the system follows the correct route beneath the body, maintains suitable clearance around the surrounding components and lines up with the existing exhaust hangers.
These modified sections have now been fitted.
Rebuilding the Interior and Seats
Progress is also being made inside the car. The original seats have been completely stripped back to their bare frames. This allowed the team to properly inspect the underlying structures, prepare them and complete any necessary repairs. The restored frames can now be rebuilt with their padding, coverings and finishing details before being returned to the interior.
Our MGB GT V8 Is Getting Closer to Its First Start
Our MGB has now reached the stage where numerous individual jobs are beginning to join together. The rebuilt engine is back in position, the braking and suspension systems have been worked through, the upgraded exhaust has been adapted to fit, and the various controls and connections around the V8 are being installed.
All being well, the car will have its first start in the next four weeks.
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