Chris, et al.:
I guess I'll express the contrary opinion here and even say a few things
that border on heresy.
All of your options are do-able more or less, with differing ammounts of
time and money donated by yourself. Personally, I think you should opt for
the Saab (provided its really worth the asking price---I have no special
affection for Saabs) and relegate your B to the parts-car category---with
*every* intention of, when the time is right, getting back into an MG, but
doing so with some thought, patience, and planning---and making this next
one a top drawer keeper!! Bide (sp?) your time until a reasonably solid car
comes along, and then grab it and get busy. Scavange the good bits from
your current car (at least the engine and OD box), and fence the remainder
to your buddies on the MG list. With the mid-70's parts car you will most
likely want to look for a mid-70's replacement. You might find a real
bargain because you don't need a car with an engine/drive train. Your
search should be reletively easy as the mid-70's constituted the peak
production/export years for the B.
Enough of the practical advice, now for the heresy: I worry about holding
onto and driving a badly rusted and potentially unsafe car only for reasons
of sentimentality. In one sense its "only" an MGB. There were half a
million of them made and you'll find another one and enjoy it too (honest)!
Don't turn yours into an albatross/money pit. It sounds like the body is
*very* tired. One more rusty clapped-out body sent to the bone yard is not
a sin, even if it is an MG. This is doubly forgiveable as BMHT is selling
shells anyway. Your putting this car to its final resting place will not
mark you in the book of evil doers.
Obviously, I love the marque and its tough to give up on a specific car that
has been a lot of fun. In many ways I still wish I had the '72 roadster
("Nigel") and the ugly bumpers on the '74 B/GT ("Hermes"). Still and all, I
now have the '63 (aka Old Whitesides) and I'm loving it too (honest)! Best
fun you can have with your... nevermind.
I'll step down from my soapbox now.
Will Zehring
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