MGB Roadster

1962-1980 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All MGB Roadster problems All workshop issues

Minor Body and Structure

Door Skin Corrosion

Symptoms

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

Cause

Drain holes in the door bottoms block, trapping water inside the door shell. The steel corrodes from inside out.

Fix

Replacement door skins are available.

The skin is peeled off the frame, the frame is treated, and a new skin is crimped on.

Cost: $300--600 per door.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $300

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// More MGB Roadster problems

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.

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

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.

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

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 Roadster problems