MGB newbie w/ 79' blue b

[dakotaman4dr]

I'm a new comer to the world of MGB's. My grandfather picked up a light blue 79' b from a guy who owed him some money about 4 years ago. He drove it about 50 miles and put it in his storage building upon reciept of it. 6-8 months later I started relacing interior parts such as carpet and adding seat covers. He had trouble with the starter so we tried pulling it be hind a truck and poping the clutch, but the engine would'nt fire off. Well, we put it back in the storage building and 3 years later I'm ready to get this car on the road. I'm gonna have the starter rebuilt, change the oil, and oil filter, distributer cap, roter, spark plugs, wires, air filter, drain the old gas and replace with fresh fuel, and charge the battery. Is there anything else I might need to do before putting this on the road? If it still doesn't start I believe it might be an ignition problem. Anyways, I'm itching to get in this car. The paint is in perfect shape.

Also I have seen a pic of an 80' MGB with the front bumpers painted to match the car. Are these the same rubber bumpers or fiberglass bumper covers. If you've seen this as well or have it done to your B, any info on what's involved in upgrading my black bumper to the matched blue color of the car would be apprietiated.

Thanks,
Blake

[persona_non_grata]

Welcome to the world of MG owners...
If the car has sat idle, suggest you drain the fuel tank even if it's been kept indoor storage; How's the brakes? You may well know about Victoria-British LTD (and Moss Motors) - both specializing in MGs ; however, Autozone does have several parts (special order, but no biggie) for MGs. I had serious work done on my 78; still pending state inspection; coming along sloooowly. I have hear that Moss Motors has chrome retrofit bumpers for us poly-black bumpers; however, I don't know about "painting" Hey's use that tire stuff on the black bumper after a quick wash; at least might look better - mine do.

R

[dakotaman4dr]

Thanks for the info. Ya, I planned on draining the gas because theres no telling how old it is. Haven't been able to check the brakes yet, but I've already checked with Autozone and yes they do carry all of the tune-up parts if your willing to drive around from location to location to round them up. Looks like that's what I'll have to do. I know the ignition was replaced before my grandfather and I aquired it, and if it was done right, then it shouldn't be an issue with it not starting. I've done the tire stuff on the bumpers, and ya it does put a nice gloss on them. Well, I'll keep ya updated on the progress of the mini restoration. Thinkin about having the spoke rims blasted, and repaint them with a high gloss black while leaving the center lug cover chrome. Just and idea.

Later,
Blake