Many people share the dream of having an MG car that is restored to its original condition. While there are plenty of reputable companies offering this type of service, it’s important to know what questions you should ask and which signs should make you wary when choosing one. This article will also discuss time and cost considerations as well as share my personal experience with the MG restoration near me.
Map of MG Restoration Near Me
For “MG Restoration Near Me”, see the map below…
How Does the MG Restoration Near Me Work
The first step is to set up an appointment with a restoration business. They will need to know the car’s year and model upfront. They will use this information, along with observation, to give you service and work recommendations for free.
At most shops, you will be able to choose from various services that differ in price, so you can pick what fits your budget. After making a deposit, they will order the necessary parts and begin your restoration.
If you want your MG restoration process to be efficient and accurate, seek out a well-known company that will get the job done right. Not all MG restoration companies are created equally, so be sure to ask around and get multiple quotes before making a decision.
Ordering Parts and Beginning the Process
As soon as your payment is processed, the shop will get to work sourcing the parts you need.
Depending on what you’re looking for and the age of your MG, they may source components from different sources, such as salvage yards or directly from the UK, since MG parts are still available. The source of the parts could also be influenced by whether you want an original restoration or a resto-mod.
At the shop, staff will begin repairing your MG by gathering all the necessary parts for your car. They’ll then take it apart and clean each part before starting to repair rust, straighten the frame, apply paint, make customizations (if you requested any), and fix whatever is broken. Once they’re done with all of that, they’ll put your car back together again and custom tune it.
Important: Original Restoration vs Resto-Mod
There are two main types of restoration: original restoration and resto-mod.
Restoration projects can quickly become expensive, so it’s important to know what you want before starting the process.
If you’re planning on driving your MG every day, then a resto-mod might be a better option for you. Resto-mods are more driver-oriented and will have updated features such as air conditioning, better suspension, and a more powerful engine.
However, if you want your MG to be as close to the original condition as possible, then an original restoration is what you’re looking for. This will entail sourcing period-correct parts and adhering to strict guidelines set by MG.
While an original restoration might be more expensive and time-consuming, it will be worth it in the end if you want a car that’s a replica of the MG you drove (or dreamed of driving) as a kid. An original resto will be worth more to a collector than a resto-mod.
What to Expect in Terms of Cost and Time
MG restoration costs will vary depending on the year and model of your car, as well as the services you choose.
A full MG restoration can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, although it is not uncommon for it to take longer.
The cost of a full MG restoration can range from $10,000 to $40,000, with the average cost falling around $15,000 to $25,000.
Of course, you can always choose to do some of the work yourself to save on costs. But unless you’re an experienced mechanic, it’s best to leave the big jobs to the professionals.
What Are the Steps Involved in an MG Restoration?
MG restorations can vary depending on the car, but they all follow these simple steps:
- Disassembly of the car. In this stage, they ensure that all parts are accounted for by disassembling your vehicle.
- The cleaning of all parts. After disassembling the vehicle, all components will be cleaned and inspected. The engine block will be removed and examined for any issues that need to address. If necessary, the engine may be rebuilt or remanufactured. Likewise, chrome parts will undergo a triple-plating process if needed. Upholstery repairs will also be made as required with potential reupholstering if necessary.
- Repairs and Replacements. The shop will fix the frame if it’s rusty or rickety, and they’ll also replace any MG parts with those from the original manufacturer.
- Source parts. The process of finding the right parts for your car can be time-consuming. They might have to visit multiple junkyards, talk to different dealers or fabricate parts if necessary.
- Sandblast the frame and all other parts. This will eliminate any rust or corrosion.
- Paint the frame, body, and all other parts. Restoring your car’s paint job will make it look brand new.
- Reassembly of the car. Finally, all the work comes together and the vehicle is reassembled. In some cases, original parts are used again and new ones where needed.
- Test drive and tune the car. The team will put the car through a series of tests to ensure that it meets, or even exceeds, the customer’s expectations.
What Questions Should I Ask the MG Restoration Near Me
Any company you consider for MG restoration needs to have experience with your model of car. Different MGs from different time periods require distinct care because of engineering changes in the UK, so make sure whomever you hire is knowledgeable.
- What type of MGs do you specialize in?
- Do you have experience with my specific model or era of MG?
- What is your process for restoration?
- How much will it cost to restore my MG?
- How long will it take to restore my MG?
- Are you able to provide a warranty on your work?
- Where will you source parts from and what will you do if you can’t find the parts you need?
- How will your work impact the value of the vehicle?
- Can you provide a list of references?
- Do you have any before and after photos of previous MG restoration projects?
How to Choose a MG Restoration Near Me
Keep the following in mind to choose a MG restoration shop that fits your needs.
Experience
You want a restoration shop that has experience with your specific model and year of MG.
Process
Prior to selecting an MG restoration company, ensuring that you are confident in their process is vital. Request a walk-through of their process and what you can expect during the duration of the project. This will give you peace of mind that your car is in good hands.
Cost
Restoring a vehicle can be costly, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple companies. It’s also a good idea to set a budget for how much you’re willing and able to spend on the project.
Timeline
Plan your restoration project by the amount of time it will take. MG restoration can take a significant amount of time, so be sure to factor that into your planning.
References and Reviews
Always ask for references and photos of previous projects so you can get an idea of the company’s skills. Always look for independent reviews when you’re considering a new business. You can find customer accounts on websites like Google My Business or Yelp.
Warranty
Always confirm that the company you’re entrusting with your home offers a warranty on their services. By doing so, you’ll have recourse should something go awry during or soon after the completion of restoration work.
My Experience Getting a 1973 MG MGB Restored
I found an old MGB on Craigslist for $6500 that was completely disassembled. It was the frame and all of the parts in boxes. The previous owner disassembled it in 1981 and hadn’t touched it since. Once I started the reassembly, I found that there was work needed beyond my expertise.
I took it to an MG restoration shop near me and they were able to source all of the parts I needed. The process took about six months and cost just under $10,000. The finished product was better than I could have imagined. It was like driving a brand-new car.
MG Restoration Near Me – Conclusion
If you’re considering MG restoration, be sure to do your research. There are a lot of things to consider before entrusting your vehicle to a shop. With a little bit of planning, you can ensure that your MG comes out looking better than ever. That’s what I have learned from the MG restoration near me.