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MG MGA - 1960 MGA: Please read and respond!

I was recently offered a 1960 MGA with the MGB engine that has been partially restored for $8500. It has a few dents but paint is in great condition and the chrome bumbers have some rust that needs to be repaired. Inside it is overall pretty good, just needs some repair to the dash board and the seats. The only things that really trouble me is that it doesn't have the original engine, but a MGB engine which the owner says is faster and more reliable. Also, the floor boards made from wood at the bottom of the car were replaced with aluminum during resoration to make it safer. The engine is in pretty good condition, but may need a little work. I was wondering if $8500 is a good price for this car as I don't know much about MG's. Please tell me what you think, because I don't if I should go for it. Thanks!
Matt

Matt
The one thing you need to check is the condition of the frame and sills. Lots of threads in the archives about this concern. IMHO if the frame is good I think the price is probably pretty close. I paid $8000.00cnd. for my 61 two years ago which I had appraised at $11,500. Yours sounds like it is about the same condition more or less. I have since spent over $3000.00 on the car including putting in an MGB engine.
Good luck
Kris
Kris Sorensen

Not just frame rust but the areas inside the fenders and rockers. The metal pieces that have rubber seals around the inside the fenders (parts 3 4 5 &6 at this link) Print the drawing for reference
.http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29234
These pieces allow the dirt to get in but not out. I have seen dirt fill 6 + in. deep. now go to http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29236
and print the drawing.
In the first drawing #23 is the bottom front corner of the rear fender (wing). # 26 is the rocker panel. #28 is the rust repair panel for the front fender (wing)
These 3 parts hold the dirt against the inner structures and they all rust away.
#'s 13 14 & 15 are the lower parts of 12. # 19 & 22 are the inside pieces that hold in rust. If you can see inside # 3 4 5 & 6 That is where body rot starts. Study the 2 drawings and the cost of the parts. The bottom rear corner of # 13 is the first place to rust through. Hopefully this will help you to know where to look. Go to this website and study his repair work I just wish I was this good at rust restoration. http://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/
I know this is a long post but the difference between a solid car and a poilshed turd isn't always apparent.
Good luck Randy, (3/4 way through my 4th frame off with 2 more waiting in the wings). Any projects for sale in Denver contact me I am a glutton for punishment.
R J Brown

I left of my Address again, here it is.
R J Brown

Matt!
No way, don't get that car!
but lemme know who is selling it?
Heeheeheeheehee.
Seriously, my son just finished a restoration on a '57 A.
With an 18g engine, and the Moss supercharger kit.
Whoooeeeee!
Safety Fast
Dwight
Dwight

Matt,
That price is in the ball park for a solid daily driver that just needs some attention to cosmetic details. If you want it to drive, and not for a show car, then the added power of the MGB engine is an advantage. Like the others have said, you really have to do your homework to know where to look for rust. Hidden rust can change what appears to be a solid car into a long term frame off restoration project. In addition to the body, you also need to carefully examine the frame for rust. Carefully examine underneath around all the brackets for the floorboards. Also, pull up the carpet and examine inside the car around the floorboards for rust. The frame can be completely rusted thru without any signs showing from the bottom of the car. Any rust at all should be probed with something like an ice pick to make sure the frame is solid.

Good Luck,
Jeff
Jeff Schultz

Thanks so much you guys for all the answers. I'm still debating it though. I think I'm gonna go take a look at the car again and look for the rust you guys are talking about. I absolutly love the MGA's though so if it's not this one, it'll probably be another. One more question though, what do you guys think about buying them of ebay? Answers to this question and the previous one would be really appreiciated still. Thanks so much!
Matt

This thread was discussed between 04/09/2005 and 16/09/2005

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.