Is It Worth Saving My 1966 MGB GT? (5,000 Subscribers Special!)

In an almost unbelievable chain of events, we've hit 5,000 subscribers!
I cannot thank you all enough, and to celebrate here's a first look at my latest purchase: a 1966 MGB GT. It's rusty, a non-runner, has bodged wiring and that's just the bits I know about so far.
In this first walkaround video, I will talk you through some of its best and worst bits, discuss my plan for returning it to the road and highlight what to expect more of on the Fuel Up Classic channel in the coming months.
Once again, thank you very much to all 5,000+ subscribers. I hope you're enjoying the content of Fuel Up Classic, and there will be lots more classic car reviews, buying guides, road trips and projects coming up soon.

[davidhannah]

A very nice project; Mk1 MGB GTs are well worth the time and effort to save. We're doing a '66 at the moment (new Mineral Blue paint, no rust central California car, 70K miles, full history, etc.). We even found an extremely rare new interior mirror for it (on a dusty shelf in Birmingham!).

[Vince_uk]

A lot of work to be done there but the end result will be worth it. Looking forward to watching this develop.

[stephenhampton]

Definitely looking forward to seeing more content with the MGB!

[lamprenen]

I rewired mine completely with a looom from Autosparks. Very good quality, and very reassuring to know that no old bodges will set it all ablaze. Label everything before dismantling, and rehearse the correct wiring diagram over and over until you understand whats going on. And then go easy. With trepidation you turn the key, and find everything works as per what the makers intended. And then you have a beer with any friends that have witnessed or helped.

[kellybrickey]

I just bought my first MGB, so I'm glad to find your channel. Mine is a 1967 MGB GT. The former owner was a bit of a rally guy, and there are many plaques glued in the engine bay. Not something I would have done, but I've decided to just go with that theme and do a patina amateur rally car. I'm in California and the car has only the slightest surface rust. mine has some package they devised to sell it to us Americans, called a special. They came with spoke wheels, a Les Leston wood wheel, whitewalls, and the badge. I'm looking forward to see your project move along.

[marknelson]

If someone else hasn't already commented, the rusted tail gate is from a 70s GT (badging was quite different). Check out pics of a 66/67 GT.

[rockatansky]

Looking forward to your endeavors with this B, . I've owned a 78 roadster (new) and a 74 V8 GT, so I've got a soft spot for them, so much so, that my current car is a 928S which has been with me for 30 years now, and I think to myself a GT would be so much easier to take care of now I'm getting older, plus parts prices are more easy to bear.
Good luck, and thanks for sharing your views...,

[peterclarke]

All the locks have the number on the operating arms, new ignition switch not to dear, great to get rid off the duff wiring. led lights are great, use less voltage, brighter.

[onlinebizjp]

Thank you. I like MGB. Especially, I enjoyed washing the car🙏😊

[MartinZT]

Hi Matt, Lovely project and looking mostly original right down to the trim clips on the A-posts that only the MkI GT had and also original rather than reproduction bumpers which are worth getting rechromed as the repro units have the wrong end profiles normally. My last GT was a Sept 66 that I mentioned at the NEC when we were chatting and it had a red interior but also tartan red and was in lovely condition and I regret selling because as you say the MkI had a certain charm to them. All the pre-safety stuff like toggle switches and door opening levers. I note on yours it looks like the tailgate and o/s front wing have been replaced at some point as the badge looks to be a 70 onwards type and position on the tailgate and the o/s front wing has the indicator and side light closer to the grille as was the norm from late 67 on, if I recall. The n/s is definitely original judging by the amount of rust and the correct position of the light unit relative to the grille. I assume no overdrive judging by the lack of switch and the style of the gear lever which is correct for a non-overdrive 3-synchro gearbox. If you do get offered an overdrive box grab it but make sure that it has the shorter prop-shaft with it as there is a difference in length unlike the 4-synchro units, and the gear lever is also straight as it further back than the non-overdrive which is why yours is crooked to bring it closer to the driver. Mk II doors should work as they still have the apertures for the earlier style door lever but the window winder mechanism will be different and have the hexagon base on the handle rather than the square which yours has so if you can save the door shell, rather do that. If you don't have yet, get a Heritage certificate as that will also give the key numbers assuming the original barrels are still fitted.

[lamprenen]

Congratulations on your purchase! I have a 1967 MGB GT also originally Tartan Red. I think you will find that there is quite a lot more rust than meets the eye, mine looked pristine, and now two complete sills, two rear arches and lots of other metal later, I think I am on top of things. As you said, everything is available, also all the panels that you will need. I will recommend "Original MGB" by Anders Ditlev Clausager, the MGB bible.

[DanielBODell]

My project is a 69 mgc gt us, need to get at it!