newer parts on older body

[mtgoatboy]

I have an oppertunity to get a very solid 67 B body with no running what so ever. Body is in pretty amazing condition, needs a couple of holes in the floors patches (smaller then a dime) and under coated. Doors are hungs well as the trunk lid (no hood, but I have an aluminium one in the garage). I have the running gear from a 76 I can use, now I understand the steering is different, can I still use the suspension if I lower it, and replace the steering rack and column? Can I bolt a 67 or olderr tranny to my 76 engine without a problem, I know I can't fir the 76 tranny in 67 body? Or am I just looking for trouble with this project, I am not looking to restore a car or make a trailer queen, I want a fun driveable car. Any help is appreciated.
mtgoatboy

[Flash75]

I think the 76 tranny will go into the 67 body. I know the tunnel isn't as big as later cars but I think Barry Parkinson has made the switch. You may want to try reaching Barry at;
[email protected].
You may have to work on the tunnel with a hammer, I believe it was made bigger to make room for an automatic transmission.

You didn't provide enough information on the 67 body. Does it have an interior to include dash with gauges, seats, panels and carpets, steering column and steering wheel, wiring harness, front crossmember, gas tank and radiator?

I mention these items because you will have to source most ot them if they are not in the car. It can become a rather expensive swap if you have to purchase most of these items. Sounds like it will also need painting

I believe the front engine plate will need to be replaced with an earlier plate and motor mount brackets. You will need a chrome bumper type crossmember and steering rack. Barry may have some information on that, I can't remember which way he changed things. The rear should bolt in without worring about lowering, most of the raising on later cars was the locatoin of the spring and shackle mounts. Most of the change in the front height was in the crossmember.

I mentioned wiring harness because if the 67 doesn't have one and you have a 76 harness there is so much difference you may never get it working.
In either case you may need to buy a new harness.

In short the change can be made but to have a nice car it may cost more than buying a good running car. That's my opinion.

Clifton

[mtgoatboy]

Thanks for the reply, I am planning on turning it into a Cobra-esque, bare bones roadster. I had planned to redo all the wiring, fuel cell, Autometer guages etc, so the electronic side is not a concernn (there is no harness anyway). This shell would be great because it is a clean slate for me to build the car I really want and not have to undo factory or previous mods. I think the biggest hurdle is going to be the engine and transmission, I have access to a chrome bumber front end and steering box just need to find a 62-67 column, unless I can modify the one of the 76 to fit the 67. The dash panel is included witth the car, so I don't need to retro fit or find one.

Again thanks for the responce
mtgoatboy

[MGBSS63]

A 67 trans will bolt to a 76. But you have to change rear engine plate ,flywheel,starter,solenoid,shifting plate where shifter goes through will have to be modified,trans support,driveline plus you won't have a 1st gear syncro with an older trans.Be better to sell older trans I'm sure some 64-67 MGB owners would love to have that trany if it's any good and find a 68-80 full syncro trany. mgbss63

[MGBSS63]

Sorry for my reply I thought you were putting an early trans in a late car.Still you have some of the same problems.mgbss63