John's British Classics

1977 MGB

This MGB came to me with very low compression on #1 cylinder and lower than average on the other 3.  The engine was rebuilt per owners instructions with .020" over pistons and a mild cam.  The engine needed to be skimmed as it wasn't flat, and the cam and followers had to be replaced.

The job was to remove, rebuild and refit the engine.  After the initial strip down I found the usual cracks in the cylinder head as well as worn valve guides.  The head was replaced with one found from an early smog free engine, the guides and springs needed to be replaced in this one also.

The block was very dirty due to multiple oil leaks. The rear seal was rock hard as was the front seal in the timing cover.  So if you want to fix the leaks in your MGB, plan to remove the engine, it's the only way.

Below is the block back from the machine shop.  A little additional cleaning and it's ready to be rebuilt. 

1969  MGB

Below is an engine I built for a 1969 MGB.  The engine had been rebuilt many years ago but had been assembled with no matching parts and had a later mid 70's cylinderhead.  A good early head was found and the untit was rebuilt with .020" over, new pistons, reground crank, matched rods and a mild cam.

1974  MGB

 The MGB above was purchased as is but without an engine! The engine was removed from the owners 1979 MGB which had sat for several years.

The transplant invoved a partial rebuild, including rear main seal replacement as well as having to use the early front engine plate and mounts from the 74 car

1977 MGB

This next project was to fit a new interior and new soft top, changing the color from Tan to Black.

This interior has seen better days! 

The floor while rusty where quite solid with no welding need, just a clean up and repaint.

The dash was badly damaged, I fitted a replacement dash capping.

New carpet going in.

Interior complete including new seat covers.

Later in the year the car came back to have the front suspension rebuilt, brakes system overhaul, and the rear axle clunk fixed.