Dick,
I just found this e-mail in my message list. Oops! I guess I owe you a
response since I can't find any evidence that I have responded previously.
Firstly I would say, do you really need to use a new shell? It's
important to realise, as I didn't, that each and every MG is unique, and
each and every shell is similarly unique. What this means in practice is
that nothing fits, and even the bits that do don't fit very well. I had
particular problems around the pedal box area and am still fighting to get
the windscreen to fit well in relation to the quarterlights. A normal tool
used at the factory in these areas was a large hammer. Look at other MGBs in
this area and you will soon appreciate what I mean.
I got my shell through a firm called Brown and Gammons in Baldock, who
are one of the larger more respected dealers in the UK. They prepared the
shell for painting and painted it for me in a modern two pack finish. I went
for two pack as this car is meant to be an everyday driver when it's
finished.
The preparation is in general very good, and before painting the
underside was protected with a resilient anti chip coating. The hidden areas
are not painted as well as I would have liked, especially on the underside,
but those areas underneath seem to be well protected with antichip, and
inside the car with the undercoat.
Brown and Gammons trailered the finished shell to me on a pair of
dollies, which I took back as soon as the car was back on its wheels for the
first time. (It's been on and off them several times since then.)
One of the first things you realise with a new shell is how many holes
there are in it. Both ones that you need and ones that you don't. Not only
that but there are lots of holes missing that you do need. This means a lot
of time spent finding the right grommets and blanking plugs for the holes
that are there, and being very brave with a drill on the newly painted shell
for the extra holes that you need.
Have I put you off yet? I'll keep trying.
As for how long it's taken me. I dread to think. The car failed its MOT
with rust and was taken off the road about ten years ago. The shell however
only arrived about 3 years ago. Last time I looked at the spreadsheet of
costs it was over the #8000 mark not including the original car.
Hope this is all of some help. If you would like to know more then I
can go into more detail. Just to finish this one. Don't go for a new shell
unless you are sure taht it is the best option.
Nick Pitt (73 B Roadster on the road to recovery but not yet on
the road)
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From: DamitDick
To: nick.pitt
Cc: mgs
Subject: Building a Heritage MGB-GT
Date: 19 November 1996 12:10
Nick...
Now that a GT heritage body shell is being offered, I'm getting
more and more serious about building one. I have a '64 roadster and
a '67 GT to use as doner vehicles. I would like to know just what
I'm getting myself into.
Did you buy your body from a vendor such as Moss? Or did you get it
from MGOC? Or some other English vendor? How did you handle
shipment (Especailly if it came from overseas)?
How did you handle the body prior to getting the suspension
installed? At what point did you have it painted?
What went well? What went poorly? What would you do differently if
you had a chance to do it over again? How many hours do you
estimate it has taken?
As you can see I'm full of questions.
Any and all words of wisdom will be appreciated.
Dick :>)
Vintage Parts & Products
Camarillo, California
Have MG will travel
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