Enjoyed the video. You make a great argument for spending the money for the overdrive unit. I have a 72 that I am restoring (see TH-cam channel) that I have owned since 77 and thankfully it had an overdrive. Also bought a fully restored 71 a few months backs d it has an overdrive as well. Once you have had one, you won’t want to drive a B any other way!
Absolutely! I think in its day overdrive was probably considered a luxury. Today, with generally higher speeds on all our roads and the ability to safely and comfortably keep up with modern traffic, it's pretty much a necessity. I still have my 1966 MGB GT, but the purchase of a factory MGB GT V8 which I use daily has put this project on hold for a while. Best of luck with your restoration.
My 3-speed automatic MGB GT would be doing 76mph at 4000rpm and the top gear ratio is the same as a 4-speed manual without OD, but for that to happen the engine needs to be in good condition and the carbs and timing set spot on.
@@fuelupclassic Yes very rare and although I like autos I have to be honest in that they don't really suit MGBs. Despite that I love mine as it was professionally restored around 2010 and the owner only drove 1000 miles over the next ten years. The engine was replaced in 1994 and only had 13000 miles on it when I bought the car, so essentially a new car. As I said 3 speed autos have the same top gear ratio as a non-OD 4 speed manual, which gives a speed of 19mph per 1000rpm. That of course is assuming carbs and timing spot on and engine strong.
I hope that you also have the correct shift lever, as I've been led to believe they're not interchangeable with the non-ovd 3-sync ones. I'm in the process of restoring a '67 MGB GT; a UK delivery car to a US Serviceman stationed in Germany (where the car remained until 1988). I "acquired" it in 2020, but before I took anything apart__it had sat dormant, outside in Massachusetts since '95, sinking into the earth__I wanted to get it running/driving (and stopping...) etc., and also took a 3-year ordeal to get it properly licensed/registered. Anyway, I DID get it running/driving and was pleasantly surprised that the overdrive not only worked, SO DID THE VACUUM SWITCH! I've had a couple other 3-sync MGB ('66 & '67 rdstrs) that had overdrive, so I recognize the value in the fact that my current GT is VERY COMPLETE, VERY ORIGINAL, and very rusty! I'm retired (from working on BMW M Coupes/M Rdstrs) so what else am I going to do with my time ;)
Never realised the overdrive box was that rare. Guess i better hang on to the one out of my donor car then. Currently doing the bodywork on my 1970 gt.
on an early 3 synchro box, they are rare to come across these days. Later cars, (1967 ish) onwards were then fitted with a 4 synchro, which are not particularly rare to find with overdrive at all.
I agree with the other commenters, in terms of drivability this was an extremely wise decision. These cars really need overdrive or a five-speed to be usable, but with one they feel very modern to drive. With OD, 185/70R14 tires and the stock rear end, my roadster will sit very comfortably at 70 around 3000 rpm's.
A five-speed box was a consideration but it’s now quite costly when you start adding it all up and part of me wanted to keep it how MG intended. Sitting at 70mph at 3000 rpm is exactly what I’m aiming for :)
I’m doing my best to avoid a full restoration but the list of work is getting bigger and bigger that it might just end up being one after all! Thanks for watching. Matt
If you mentioned how much the Overdrive cost, I missed it. And 2+ Hours in MOST 'Classic Cars' is for Spartans and AA Members. I still love them ALL though. The Trick with CCs is to fix them BEFORE they break down.if you have a STILL working non Mechanical body or interior component, take it of and upgrade it's bits Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs is externally undetectable, UNTIL YOU SWITH THEM ON and FIVE Years later when they are still working ! Engine vibes and Pot Holes to not phase them. Mechanically get ALL Rubber Pipes off and Replace with Synthetics. Any OLD Mechanic is a TREASURE CHEST of future, low-naintainance tips. You should publish a handy list of these for your Subscribers to Refer Back to. I could give you a BUCKET of these Bloke Bodgit ideas, but I suggest you ask your Subscribers to contribute. You may get an AVALANCHE of Advice, and maybe a Cyber BOOK out of it ! Drive safe, get a LS400 while they are still affordable. Just keep your eyes of MINE ! NOTE;- They WRONGLY say you don't make money tidying/doing up/restoring Classic Cars (AND Bikes !) Well you CAN if you chose wisely. At 72 now I have made profits on ALL my previous Machines. My current LS for instance, One Owner, full SH and Keys, bought for £1,400, new tyres, battery, alternator and knock sensors (about £1500), plus a tidy WITH A TOOTHBRUSH, now insurance valued at £6.5K. Want to know how to find such deals ? Ask. .
Great video. I have 67 mgb gt with overdrive, it’s a great set up. Just the right ratio so that it still pulls well in O/D fourth. Did you get the vacuum switch as well? The vacuum switches are like gold dust to find. Good luck. Enjoy. I look forward to the next video.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. I’m on the hunt for a vacuum switch but as you say, they’re like gold dust! Apparently you can run without one and not have any issues, so worst case it will have to go without.
im currently resto modding my 1967 bgt to have a rover v8 with EFI on, i got the car for £800 and its been a fun time ever since, i have a lot of spare parts tho
@@fuelupclassic I am glad you have a Classic Car sense of Humour. I have little for unreliability, so I am on my THIRD Lexus LS400, each replacement with a Tidier job. PS. I had to replace my Alternator and Knock Sensors on my current 99 one ! (Shhh, don't TELL anyone !) .
@@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23 wonderful cars the LS400 and LS430 - strangely you hardly ever see them in the UK these days. Dealing with any classic cars, you have to have a sense of humour at times! Although, almost all the cars i've ever bought for their claimed 'excellent reliability' have never really lived up to the hype in my experience. I've owned 20+ Land Rovers and Range Rovers and never once been left at the side road broken down, the same for my 24 year old Bentley, which just keeps going!. The last MX5 I had dealings with, had rotten arches and sills after just 5 years, my 'bulletproof' Toyota Hilux has been awful! Having said that our Lexus RX400 has never put a foot wrong! I've come to the conclusion all cars go wrong at some point, so these days I just buy what I like, enjoy it and repair it when necessary. Happy motoring!
@@fuelupclassic The reason the LS400 and 430 is becoming scarce is idiots crash them at unviable repair costs and total wankers a technical term for 'Drift (read 'Daft'), Car wreckers take their GLORIOUS Engines out and put them in Celicas, etc. The LS price has bottom plateued (?) and is going up now. To make a Mint on a Motor, pick a MILESTONE One that changed 'The Game's and buy the Most Untidy but still sound one you can find. You WON'T be amazed when I point out how LAZY Non Car Freaks can be, and a full ashtray, manky carpets and a disorganised boot can knock ONE THOUSAND POUNDS of the asking price. They take about 15 Minutes to fix, which equates to £4,000 per hour ! (That's more than Taylor Swift earns !) Buy the cheapest, tidy it, sell it at 'Tidiest' price. On the subject of selling or replacing, why SO MANY Land rovers ? You been sending them to Ukraine ??? .
Bought my first B brand new in '66... toured all of Europe over the next few years, I can't imagine having done that without the O/D !
Fantastic! O/D makes all the difference, especially on todays roads.
Enjoyed the video. You make a great argument for spending the money for the overdrive unit. I have a 72 that I am restoring (see TH-cam channel) that I have owned since 77 and thankfully it had an overdrive. Also bought a fully restored 71 a few months backs d it has an overdrive as well. Once you have had one, you won’t want to drive a B any other way!
Absolutely! I think in its day overdrive was probably considered a luxury. Today, with generally higher speeds on all our roads and the ability to safely and comfortably keep up with modern traffic, it's pretty much a necessity. I still have my 1966 MGB GT, but the purchase of a factory MGB GT V8 which I use daily has put this project on hold for a while.
Best of luck with your restoration.
I'm so happy to see this car come to life on the road. it's truly delightful. Thank you🙏🙂
Glad you are enjoying the journey and thank you for watching.
Matt
Fantastic update 😎😎
Thank you
My 3-speed automatic MGB GT would be doing 76mph at 4000rpm and the top gear ratio is the same as a 4-speed manual without OD, but for that to happen the engine needs to be in good condition and the carbs and timing set spot on.
Very interesting you say that! How do you find the auto box on the MGB? They’re quite a rare thing!
@@fuelupclassic Yes very rare and although I like autos I have to be honest in that they don't really suit MGBs. Despite that I love mine as it was professionally restored around 2010 and the owner only drove 1000 miles over the next ten years. The engine was replaced in 1994 and only had 13000 miles on it when I bought the car, so essentially a new car. As I said 3 speed autos have the same top gear ratio as a non-OD 4 speed manual, which gives a speed of 19mph per 1000rpm. That of course is assuming carbs and timing spot on and engine strong.
I hope that you also have the correct shift lever, as I've been led to believe they're not interchangeable with the non-ovd 3-sync ones.
I'm in the process of restoring a '67 MGB GT; a UK delivery car to a US Serviceman stationed in Germany (where the car remained until 1988). I "acquired" it in 2020, but before I took anything apart__it had sat dormant, outside in Massachusetts since '95, sinking into the earth__I wanted to get it running/driving (and stopping...) etc., and also took a 3-year ordeal to get it properly licensed/registered. Anyway, I DID get it running/driving and was pleasantly surprised that the overdrive not only worked, SO DID THE VACUUM SWITCH! I've had a couple other 3-sync MGB ('66 & '67 rdstrs) that had overdrive, so I recognize the value in the fact that my current GT is VERY COMPLETE, VERY ORIGINAL, and very rusty! I'm retired (from working on BMW M Coupes/M Rdstrs) so what else am I going to do with my time ;)
Thankfully I have the correct gear lever for the overdrive box.
Good luck with your project, it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!
Never realised the overdrive box was that rare.
Guess i better hang on to the one out of my donor car then.
Currently doing the bodywork on my 1970 gt.
on an early 3 synchro box, they are rare to come across these days. Later cars, (1967 ish) onwards were then fitted with a 4 synchro, which are not particularly rare to find with overdrive at all.
@fuelupclassic ahh I see.
New to the mgbs myself
I agree with the other commenters, in terms of drivability this was an extremely wise decision. These cars really need overdrive or a five-speed to be usable, but with one they feel very modern to drive. With OD, 185/70R14 tires and the stock rear end, my roadster will sit very comfortably at 70 around 3000 rpm's.
A five-speed box was a consideration but it’s now quite costly when you start adding it all up and part of me wanted to keep it how MG intended. Sitting at 70mph at 3000 rpm is exactly what I’m aiming for :)
Gearbox, right decision, I would now go the whole hog with a full restoration.
I’m doing my best to avoid a full restoration but the list of work is getting bigger and bigger that it might just end up being one after all!
Thanks for watching.
Matt
Overdrive a good move! I thought you were going to say some suspension mods which aren't really essential but loads of people do.
Ohh no! The suspension will definitely need a refresh at some point but I’m going to keep it pretty standard in that department.
3/4" anti roll bar is worthwhile but otherwise the standard setup is hard to beat.
If you mentioned how much the Overdrive cost, I missed it.
And 2+ Hours in MOST 'Classic Cars' is for Spartans and AA Members.
I still love them ALL though.
The Trick with CCs is to fix them BEFORE they break down.if you have a STILL working non Mechanical body or interior component, take it of and upgrade it's bits
Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs is externally undetectable, UNTIL YOU SWITH THEM ON and FIVE Years later when they are still working !
Engine vibes and Pot Holes to not phase them.
Mechanically get ALL Rubber Pipes off and Replace with Synthetics.
Any OLD Mechanic is a TREASURE CHEST of future, low-naintainance tips.
You should publish a handy list of these for your Subscribers to Refer Back to.
I could give you a BUCKET of these Bloke Bodgit ideas, but I suggest you ask your Subscribers to contribute.
You may get an AVALANCHE of Advice, and maybe a Cyber BOOK out of it !
Drive safe, get a LS400 while they are still affordable.
Just keep your eyes of MINE !
NOTE;-
They WRONGLY say you don't make money tidying/doing up/restoring Classic Cars (AND Bikes !)
Well you CAN if you chose wisely.
At 72 now I have made profits on ALL my previous Machines.
My current LS for instance, One Owner, full SH and Keys, bought for £1,400, new tyres, battery, alternator and knock sensors (about £1500), plus a tidy WITH A TOOTHBRUSH, now insurance valued at £6.5K.
Want to know how to find such deals ?
Ask.
.
Great video. I have 67 mgb gt with overdrive, it’s a great set up. Just the right ratio so that it still pulls well in O/D fourth. Did you get the vacuum switch as well? The vacuum switches are like gold dust to find. Good luck. Enjoy. I look forward to the next video.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it. I’m on the hunt for a vacuum switch but as you say, they’re like gold dust! Apparently you can run without one and not have any issues, so worst case it will have to go without.
im currently resto modding my 1967 bgt to have a rover v8 with EFI on, i got the car for £800 and its been a fun time ever since, i have a lot of spare parts tho
Sounds like a very fun project :)
Had three of these MGB GTs in the 60s non of them were an easy fix 😊
New clutch kit...
Definitely!
To get that car RIGHT, you should take it's badge off, (before it FALLS off), and put it on an MX5.
It'll save you a LOAD of money and trouble.
.
haha!
@@fuelupclassic
I am glad you have a Classic Car sense of Humour.
I have little for unreliability, so I am on my THIRD Lexus LS400, each replacement with a Tidier job.
PS.
I had to replace my Alternator and Knock Sensors on my current 99 one !
(Shhh, don't TELL anyone !)
.
@@a.bloke2.0alwayslearning.23 wonderful cars the LS400 and LS430 - strangely you hardly ever see them in the UK these days.
Dealing with any classic cars, you have to have a sense of humour at times! Although, almost all the cars i've ever bought for their claimed 'excellent reliability' have never really lived up to the hype in my experience.
I've owned 20+ Land Rovers and Range Rovers and never once been left at the side road broken down, the same for my 24 year old Bentley, which just keeps going!.
The last MX5 I had dealings with, had rotten arches and sills after just 5 years, my 'bulletproof' Toyota Hilux has been awful! Having said that our Lexus RX400 has never put a foot wrong!
I've come to the conclusion all cars go wrong at some point, so these days I just buy what I like, enjoy it and repair it when necessary.
Happy motoring!
@@fuelupclassic
The reason the LS400 and 430 is becoming scarce is idiots crash them at unviable repair costs and total wankers a technical term for 'Drift (read 'Daft'), Car wreckers take their GLORIOUS Engines out and put them in Celicas, etc.
The LS price has bottom plateued (?) and is going up now.
To make a Mint on a Motor, pick a MILESTONE One that changed 'The Game's and buy the Most Untidy but still sound one you can find.
You WON'T be amazed when I point out how LAZY Non Car Freaks can be, and a full ashtray, manky carpets and a disorganised boot can knock ONE THOUSAND POUNDS of the asking price.
They take about 15 Minutes to fix, which equates to £4,000 per hour !
(That's more than Taylor Swift earns !)
Buy the cheapest, tidy it, sell it at 'Tidiest' price.
On the subject of selling or replacing, why SO MANY Land rovers ?
You been sending them to Ukraine ???
.
@@fuelupclassic
Bentley ?
Pishaw !
It WISHES it was an LS !!
In its CAR Dreams !!!
(A little Classic Car elbow digging there !)
.
What is this budget thing people keep going on about?
All I know is that it keeps going up!