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.