Paul Belluomini's Journal

This is my second installment of my attempt to build a poor mans Abingdon Edition MGB. I purchase a rust free 1977 MGB through ebay. The price was quite reasonable at $2200. The car was originally sold in Arizona where it remained for many years before being brought north to Chicago. There it was stored in a garage and only driven in warmer months. I wanted to get a chrome bumper car, but rust free ones are hard to find and much more costly. So the car was purchase and towed back to my home in western Pa where in underwent a full teardown. Upon teardown the car was as I thought- there were nicks, scratches dings and dirt. But zero rust! It was the first time that I did not have to use penetrating oil or a torch to disassemble an old British car. Most bolts, nuts and screws removed using fingers after loosening them with a wrench.....it was easy! I removed the interior and trashed most of it as the sun had taken it's toll- all dried out. Out came the wiring harness, dashboard, windows and regulators, windshield, door locks and all other trim parts. I pulled the engine and trans, removed the radiator and cooling system, removed the gas tank, hydraulic and fuel lines. All the lights, bumpers and exterior trim were now gone. I left the rear axle and front suspension with steering so I could move the now empty shell around my garage as needed. I also removed the front fenders, hood, trunk lid and doors to make access to the interior and other panels easier. Upon inspection it was a nearly prefect rust free MGB shell that did not need any panel repaired or replaced. I di find one mice nest in the heater area though, all that remined were dried out skeletons.
I began to formulate a plan on how to advance with my project