Restoration Account of a 1978 MGB Roadster: Part 3
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The story is now finished and the car is completed, so this is my last report for you. We started back in January 2008 on the car after the Christmas holidays and my specialist restorer Alan Caldwell got quite a shock when I told him the car had to be completed and on the road for the M.G. Owners Club long weekend in Scotland stating on the 6th June 2008. A shock indeed as the car still had to go to the paint shop, which Alan had no control over. I had indeed booked the MOT for the 20th May to allow me to run the car for a few days before leaving for the Scotland trip.
Work started on building the car and preparing it for the paint shop. Brian Crawford the specialist painter used by Alan had looked at the car and had told us because of the age of the paint it had to be a bare metal paint job. This put more pressure on Alan as the 20th May looked very close indeed.
Alan rose to the challenge and the car was prepared for painting and away it went in no time at all. The car returned from the paint shop around 8 to 9 weeks later looking like a new car. All worries on the time disappeared when I saw the stunning finish on the car. With time marching on Alan again pulled out all the stops and got stuck into rebuilding the shell after the painting.
We managed to keep to my brief of replace only if necessary. This has meant that I have not finished up with a new car but my “own wee car” restored to what I can only describe as better than when I bought it as new in 1980. As well as refurbishing the body, interior & engine bay we also replaced the front discs, pads, cables, back springs, cable straps, etc., etc. The original wheels were shot blasted, painted and had new tubes and tyres fitted.
After 219 hours of work plus the time at the paint shop the car was finished and not only made the MOT date of the 20th May 2008 but passed with no problem. June and myself took the car on the Scotland trip in June and did around 300 + miles in glorious sunshine with the hood down. I would like to thank Alan Caldwell of A.C. Restorations in Hillsborough for all his hard work and the excellent standard to which he works. I would also thank Brian Crawford for the painting of the car and to Lyn at Brooklands Motor Group for supplying all the genuine heritage parts needed.
I’ve included more pictures of the finished car.
Bye for now,
Desie, Treasurer, MG Owners’ Club Northern Ireland
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