MGB GT V8 body shells are the foundation of any major restoration. The bodyshell carries the structural members, the floors, the bulkhead, the firewall, the rear axle area, and all the body panels that mount to it. A sound bodyshell is essential for a sound restoration; a corroded bodyshell undermines all other restoration work however well executed.
V8 Bodyshell Specifics
MGB GT V8 bodyshells share most major structure with the contemporary MGB GT four-cylinder, with V8 differences concentrated in the front-end substructure (V8 sidemembers, V8 crossmember, V8 engine bay area dimensions to clear the V8) and the fascia panel mounting (V8 fascia HZA4916E). The body otherwise matches the MGB GT specification of the period, with the chrome-bumper or rubber-bumper specification depending on production date.
Restoration Approach
Major bodywork restoration work falls into three approaches. Spot repair using individual repair sections addresses localised corrosion in otherwise sound shells. Major panel renewal addresses corroded panels (sills, wheel arches, floors) on shells that retain sound major structure. Complete shell renewal, fitting a new or new-old-stock shell, is reserved for cases where existing shell condition does not justify repair.
Restoration Components
Whatever the chosen approach, the bodyshell work uses the components covered under Repair Sections, Panels, MGB GT Unique Panels, Front Internal, Front Outer, Rear Internal Floorpan and Tunnel and the related sub-sections. Each addresses specific bodywork areas with the appropriate panels, repair sections and fixings.
MGOC Spares
MGOC Spares supplies bodyshell components and the full range of body restoration parts for the MGB GT V8, see individual sub-sections for details.