Restoring To original specification
Between Jan 2013 and April 2015 my MGB went through a nut and bolt restoration.
Having restored previous MGB’s the temptation is always to replace bits and pieces with new, because parts are so readily available and inexpensive. However, the object of this project was to resist the temptation to replace and remanufacture original parts instead.
For the purest I do concede this MGB has now been restored so technically it is not the same car that went down the Abingdon production line in June 1963, but all the original main components and a vast amount of the smaller parts, have been restored or remanufactured using a wealth of UK craftsman. So I believe this MGB is as close as you get to the actual car that was built in June 1963.
Before restoration
The MGB was in remarkable good condition, but was in need of a complete restoration
Body Shell renovation
Body shell renovation included a bare metal re-spray in Iris Blue - the original colour when it left the MG factory.
Over hauling the mechanicals
All the original mechanical components were remanufactured. The only modifcation was the fitment of an unleaded cylinder head on the original remanufactured "G" series engine.
Remanufacturing smaller components
The vast majority of the smaller components have been remanucatured. This includes all the original chrome, for example: front grille, quarter lights, bumpers, etc.
Reassembly
Reassembly was handled by MechSpec MG Centre. Installation of components and rooting of wires and cables followed orginal production specification.
The completed 1963 MGB
I should state this car represents a snapshot of what was being manufactured in the summer of 1963. During the production life of any vehicle there are many changes for cost cutting and technical reasons, as well as upgrades to extend the life of the product. However, June 1963 represents a time where many of the early technical and manufacturing issues would have been rectified meaning the production process had settled down. Therefore this period of Abingdon production should give a good indication of what features existed on early MGB’s.