MGB GT V8

1973-1976 / Coupe / United Kingdom

All MGB GT V8 problems All workshop issues

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Symptoms

Soft or perforated floor pans, particularly in the footwells and under the seats. Wet carpet is a telltale sign. In severe cases, you can see the road through the floor.

Cause

Water enters through deteriorated door seals, windscreen seals, and from below via road spray. Carpet retains moisture against the metal. The floor pans are thin and have minimal factory corrosion protection.

Fix

Repair sections are available for all floor areas.

Weld in new metal.

Cost: $500--1,500 per section depending on extent.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $500

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Other known issues

Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion (Inner and Outer)

The outer sill skin bubbles, softens, and eventually perforates. In advanced cases, the outer sill crumbles when prodded. The inner sill -- the structural member -- rots from inside the box section and loses its load-bearing capacity.

Minor Body and Structure

A-Post Corrosion

Rust at the base of the windscreen pillars where they meet the scuttle panel. This area can be invisible until advanced.

Minor Body and Structure

Door Skin Corrosion

Rust along the bottom edge of each door, working upward from the inside.

Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Corrosion

The mounting points for the leaf spring rear suspension corrode, crack, or tear away from the body.

Critical Engine

Bottom End Bearing Wear

Low oil pressure at idle when warm (below 15 psi). A deep rumbling or knocking sound from the lower engine, particularly at idle and on acceleration. This is the main and big-end bearings wearing out.

Minor Engine

Overheating

Temperature gauge climbs into the red, particularly in traffic or on hot days. Coolant loss through the overflow.

View all 18 MGB GT V8 problems