Peter Lombardo Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 It has been quite a while since I last posted anything on my MGB model I am working on and rather than dig up the old posting, I will start a fresh thread on the car. As a quick recap, it is a model of my actual MGB that just completed a 4 year complete rebuild this summer. The car is a 1977 MGB that had those ugly black rubber bumpers on it. I have retro dated it back to a chrome bumper car but updated the paint with a GM Merlot Pearl Metallic finish. Also I installed a brand new tan leather interior and an upgraded engine and overdrive transmission. I just love tooling around in it and its stable mate, a 1960 MGA that shares a garage with it. Here is a shot of the real car. So I decided to build a model of this car but that has turned out to be quite an undertaking. The kit is of a chrome bumper car but it is a curbside kit with right hand drive. I opened the hood, trunk and doors and built hinges for all. The motor had only the bottom detail molded on which actually looked pretty good so I left it in place and just built the top of the engine and am detailing it to replicate the real car. I had to rebuild the fender walls and create the radiator, oil radiator and hoses. I scratch built the heater and motor which are attached to the scratch built firewall. I will add the charcoal canister to the right side and the master cylinder to the left side of the firewall later. I scratch built the inside door panels and am beginning to replicate the new dashboard in the left hand drive configuration. I painted the car with the exact same paint that the real car is painted so that is perfect. It is clear coated and rubbed out with wax. I gutted the grill and installed black mesh, just like the real car has. I also opened up and covered with black mesh the air inlet for the oil cooler radiator in the front lower fascia. Since I have lowered my real MGB, I also lowered the height of the model by an appropriate amount. The top and the interior will be done in a matched tan and I still have to paint the wire wheels to reflect the aluminum color of my cars wire wheels. I have to complete the carburetors, air cleaners and heatshield to the left side of the engine and finish the seats and interior and truck carpeting and then complete some more wiring to the engine bay. I have to say, it is looking really nice and will be a faithful representation of the real car.
Nick F40 Posted October 17, 2009 Posted October 17, 2009 The 1:1 is just stunning! Well, growing up around these and BMC cars and my dad having the Sprite, I naturally love these and yours is just incredible so far and quite correct
Foxer Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Looking really spiffy!! I have a love for these old British cars ..had a 67 TR4A. I see you have the "in the garage detail EVERYTHING I can see" builditus. ehhe . I also love that sickness.
simonr Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 Nice job, my friend!..Keep it on! What's the brand on this MG model car? Simón P. Rivera Torres
Peter Lombardo Posted October 18, 2009 Author Posted October 18, 2009 Ok, here is the box top and the side info on the MGB model, It is the Aoshima kit which I understand comes in a few versions. This is the Euro Sports Club version. I purchased this a few years back from Lenny of Fantastic Plastic in PA. I did some more work on the engine last night adding the exhaust header, SU carbs and the air cleaners. I also enclosed a shot of the real cars engine and interior for reference when I complete those two areas.
Guest arni Posted October 18, 2009 Posted October 18, 2009 This is looking very nice Peter,I love all of the old BMC cars including the MG.The gold reminds me of when BMC sold reconditioned engines.. There was the 'silver seal' Honed cylinders,new rings and bearings and a top end overhaul.. While a 'gold seal' engine got you a rebore,reground crank and a top end overhaul..LOL
elan Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 I love it! What a great looking model. I too have a soft spot in my heart (or head) for those old British cars. I wish there were more examples to build.
crispy Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Peter, that is beautiful!! Great work so far! Chris
E St. Kruiser50 Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Hi Peter Now this looks like a fun project. Something "light and easy" , and fun. Your 1 to 1 came out beautiful, and I'm sure this little model of it will be just as nice Peter. I'll keep watchin' to see how it progresses. Have fun driving your new toy - dave
simonr Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Could you give us a closer picture of the engine, specially the SU carbs? Simón P. Rivera Torres
coopdad Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Great color! (both the model are real thing). John
jbwelda Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 wow, you are doing an OUTSTANDING job on that! fantastic! and it will look great next to your 1:1!
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