Reviving a Classic: Rimmer Bros Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Your MG

Restoring an MG classic car is a labour of love and a test of patience, skill and dedication.

Whether you’re bringing an MGB, Midget or a modern classic like the MGF back to life, understanding the process is essential to ensuring an authentic, high-quality restoration. Each nut, bolt and trim piece contributes to the car’s character, and sourcing the right MG car parts plays a vital role in preserving originality while improving performance.

This step-by-step guide will walk through everything from initial assessment to final detailing, helping you confidently restore your MG and keep it on the road for years.

1. Assessing Your MG – Where to Begin

Before stripping the car down, conduct a thorough inspection to determine the scope of work required.

Bodywork & Chassis: Look for rust, structural damage and alignment issues. Typical areas of concern include floor pans, sills, door bottoms and wheel arches.
Engine & Drivetrain: Check if the engine turns over. Assess for leaks, worn components and missing parts.
Suspension & Steering: Inspect bushings, dampers and joints for excessive wear.
Brakes & Electrical System: Test for fluid leaks, seized brake components and deteriorated wiring.
Interior & Trim: Evaluate seats, dashboard condition and missing fixtures.

Tip: Before committing, research model-specific issues. For example, MGBs often suffer from corroded castle rails.

2. Planning the Restoration – Originality vs. Upgrades

Decide whether you want a factory-spec restoration or if you’ll incorporate modern upgrades for reliability and performance.

Factory Restoration: Using original-spec MG parts ensures historical accuracy, preserving the car’s value.
Period-Correct Upgrades: Includes electronic ignition, uprated cooling systems and improved brakes, enhancing reliability while maintaining authenticity.
Performance Modifications: Modern enhancements such as Weber carburettors, coil-over suspension or five-speed gearbox conversions improve drivability.

Tip: If aiming for Concours-level originality, research factory paint codes, trim materials and period-correct detailing.

3. Stripping Down & Cataloguing Parts

Before dismantling the car, document everything.

Take detailed photos of wiring routes, suspension layouts and engine components.
Use labelled storage boxes to keep fasteners and small parts organised.
Make a parts inventory to track what needs replacing, refurbishing or repainting.

Common replacements:

Chassis panels & sills for rust repair
Wiring looms to prevent electrical faults
Suspension bushes & dampers for handling improvements
Engine mounts & seals for longevity

4. Restoring the Bodywork – The Foundation of a Classic

If rust is present, cut out corroded sections and replace them with fresh metal.

Media blasting removes old paint, rust and grime without damaging panels.
Lead loading or welding fills imperfections for a seamless factory finish.
Epoxy primer protects against future rust before repainting.

Common MG rust repair points:

MGB sills – Structural areas prone to corrosion.
Midget floor pans & boot floors – Often weakened by water ingress.

Once repaired, choose a paint finish that matches the original MG colour palette or opt for a bespoke re-spray.

5. Rebuilding the Engine & Drivetrain

A classic MG engine is the heart of the car, requiring careful rebuilding to ensure performance and reliability.

Cylinder Head & Pistons: Inspect for wear, cracks or warping. Replace gaskets and seals.
Carburettors & Fuel System: Rebuild or replace SU carburettors, upgrade to a Weber setup or install modern fuel pumps.
Cooling System: Fit a high-flow aluminium radiator to prevent overheating, a common issue with MGs.
Exhaust & Ignition: Stainless steel exhausts improve longevity, while electronic ignition enhances reliability.

Recommended upgrades:

Fast-road camshafts for improved acceleration.
High-torque starters for reliability.
Five-speed gearbox conversions for smoother driving.

6. Restoring the Suspension, Steering & Brakes

To ensure your MG handles as it did when new, all suspension and braking components should be replaced or refurbished.

Suspension:

Upgrade rubber bushings to polyurethane for improved longevity.
Consider telescopic dampers instead of lever-arm shocks for better ride quality.

Steering:

Check rack-and-pinion units for play and replace worn tie rods.
Grease kingpins to prevent stiffness in older MGs.

Brakes:

Disc brake conversions improve stopping power on early MGs.
Fit braided brake lines for improved pedal feel.

7. Wiring & Electrical System Overhaul

Classic MGs often suffer from fragile electrics. A new wiring loom ensures reliability and safety.

Replace corroded connectors to prevent electrical faults.
Upgrade to LED lighting for better visibility and reduced power draw.
Install modern fuse boxes for easier troubleshooting.
Consider a 12V alternator conversion for improved charging capacity.

8. Reassembling the Interior & Trim

Seats & Upholstery: Reupholster using period-correct materials or opt for modern comfort foams.
Dashboard & Instrumentation: Restore Smiths gauges, replace worn switches and ensure accurate readings.
Carpets & Headliners: Fit new moulded carpet sets to maintain originality.

Common interior restoration points:

MGA wooden dashboards need careful refinishing.
MGB & Midget vinyl seats often require re-trimming.
Door cards & trim suffer from moisture damage.

9. Testing & Roadworthiness Checks

Before hitting the road, conduct a full mechanical inspection.

Fluids & Lubrication: Change engine oil, gearbox fluid, differential oil and brake fluid.
Alignment & Tracking: Ensure proper wheel alignment for safe handling.
Brake Testing: Verify stopping power and handbrake function.
Electrical System Check: Confirm lights, wipers, horn and indicators are operational.

Tip: Take the car on short test drives before long journeys to identify any issues.

10. Enjoying the Drive & Preserving Your MG

With your MG fully restored, regular maintenance is essential:

Keep the car garaged and covered to prevent weather damage.
Wax & polish frequently to maintain paintwork.
Conduct seasonal fluid checks and keep an eye on cooling system performance.