Overcome Spannerphobia and maintain your MGB yourself!
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- I’m one of those MGB owners that loves to tinker, and whilst I’d like to do more, I don’t feel confident to do much more than than oil and spark plug changes. Of course, one of the problems is that there’s very few opportunities to learn - professional garages want to do the work themselves so aren’t likely to show you how to do them out of a job, and many car clubs are more social clubs that camshafts and carburettors.
However, the MG Owners Club runs a practical workshop focussing on the MGB and we went along to find out more. This video shows how we got on!
I don't even own a car but I did find the video interesting and thought provoking. I am not a person with mechanical aptitude but I do find that when I "have a go" at fixing something that is malfunctioning I usually do a better job than I expected.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks for your comment... and the words of encouragement!
I came back to classic cars after learning some auto mechanical skills while owning Cortinas and escorts in 70s and early 80s, and having a stint with motorbikes in the 90s into the 00s progressing from 125cc onto big tourers for traversing the uk and continent.
Anyway, I have a little basic knowledge of working on classic cars from way back ,having worked on ignition systems either changing points and condenser and plugs or even replacing a mechanical points distributor over to an electronic distributor, also working on brakes as far as working on hydraulics and replacing brake discs and pads on the BGT which I've owned for the last 12 years, where a lot of restoration and repair of various parts has been done.
For many of those years, I've just booked onto various classic MG workshops to have servicing and repair work carried out as I've sometimes lacked the confidence to carry out some of the jobs, but am finding that classic workshops are getting so expensive these days with labour charges, and I often think I should be more DIY, but, for me and probably many others, I don't have enough room in my garage to move about around the car and lack the appropriate tools along with the correct knowhow but I think these workshop lessons at MGOC Swavesey are really beneficial in restoring some confidence if the jobs haven't been carried out by the owner for a long time.
Thanks for your comment. Yep, the MGOC workshops are very useful. It's actually really difficult to get tuition on mechanics these days - most modern courses even when available focus on the newer stuff and the classic garages obviously want to do the work themselves!
I don’t have a choice I’m 15 so I’m broke haha, great video though! I love working on my Mgb
Thanks for your comment! It's great you can do the work and great to see younger people into MGBs! I might try a few things after this workshop - wish me luck and watch this space :-)
These workshops are great. I like the hands-on aspect. I've been doing my own restoration and maintenance on my '72 roadster, at least 99% of it. UA-cam is my teacher. And I post my MGB vids up on UA-cam as well.
Yes, the tools are pretty common and the cars are pretty easy to work on. But I totally understand if one doesn't have the time to do it yourself, then you need to find a local mechanic who knows these cars, and is experienced. But you should still go to the workshops, even if you don't plan on doing the work yourself. It's fun to know what makes these things tick.
If u want a MGB, but don't plan on doing the work yourself, then it's a good idea to locate a mechanic near your home, before buying the car.
We need some of these workshops in Long Island, NY, especially for addressing rust issues and how to properly weld in the new sheetmetal. Nice video - thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for your comment - Excellent - I'll take a look at your videos! :-)
@@ClassicMGB Thank you. Well, I certainly don't have spannerphobia. I'm still learning about MGBs. My vids are simply a cross-section of my hobbies, hardly refined or anything like that. But just me in my workshop (my driveway) tinkering with cars. I only bought my first B a few years ago. But I learn what I can in my spare time. The condition of my B was far from perfect, but within my capabilities to troubleshoot and repair. I look forward to more of your workshop vids, if you plan to make more.
Many thanks - I do have a mate that's going to help as well :-)
What a wonderful world you have at your fingertips. If I lived in the area you would not be able to get me out. Here on the west coast of Canada we once had this sort of clinic on a yearly basis. The owner sold the shop after a number of years which put paid to that avenue. Locally, our all British marque club is quite active and we meet every Friday morning to discuss and point at all sorts of things. Great fun.
Thanks for your comment - and great to hear from someone in Canada. It would be lovely to do a "Viewers Cars" video if you fancy sending a few pictures and the story to hello@classicmgb.com :-)
Hi Tompugh6917. I'm on Van Isle and thinking about grabbing a B in the spring. Would love to connect with local B owners. Is your club on the mainland?
Our club is based in the Abbotsford/Chilliwack area. Club name is Fraser Valley British Motor Club. A quick google will reveal all. Another area club is LAMB.@@cancruzr
Thanks for sharing and I must get myself on this course in the future so will need to look out for when the next session will be held - great content
Thanks for your comment - Yes, well worth it. Drop them a line at the MG Owners Club to see what's planned - mgmember@mgownersclub.co.uk
You should mention that a Haynes manual is an essential piece of kit for any DIY er.
Thanks for your comment! Absolutely, the Haynes manual and the original workshop manual are both essential reading!
this is amazing- i have always enjoyed working on my own cars. I just got my first MGB and would LOVE the opportunity to attend this sort of seminar
Thanks for your comment - I think the MGOC run these every year so worth a call to them - not sure where you're based though... that said, if you're used to working on cars, this might be a little basic for you...
I bought an MGB GT Auto four years ago and knew absolutely zero about mechanics and maintaining the car. Within a year I'd done all of these jobs myself(and many others), apart from brakes, and if someone like me can do it then literally anyone can.
Thanks for your comment - and the words of encouragement. Planning on rackling new discs and pads soon - wish me luck!!! :-)
Great work shop video.
Thanks for your comment - always appreciated!
The number one piece of advice is: drive it.
Thanks for your comment - couldn't agree more! I love driving my GT, but I'd like to do some of the maintenance as well...
How can I sign up to one of these? Have looked for info on their site but no luck! Thanks!
They run them once or twice a year.. perhaps drop them an E-mail and ask when the next one is - would be great if you mention Classic MGB!