Preserving & Protecting a 1979 MGB Roadster from Rust & Corrosion

Jun 25, 2025

In this episode of Driveway Icons, we turn our attention to a British classic that’s synonymous with open-top driving and timeless style — the 1979 MGB Roadster.

Standing in for Mark this time is Simon Chester, a modern sports car specialist who meets with proud owner Andrew Denley, an engineer and lifelong classic car enthusiast. Andrew has owned a number of MGs over the years, and this one is his current pride — lovingly maintained, well-used, and thoroughly enjoyed as only a true MG should be.

An Icon of British Motoring and Punk Rock Nostalgia

The MGB Roadster was a defining car of its time — stylish, accessible, and fun to drive. Andrew shares his memories of the 1970s, including his punk rocker youth, and how cars like this became part of the cultural fabric.

Together, Simon and Andrew take a detailed look around the vehicle, discuss its engineering, and celebrate what makes it such a joy to own and drive.

Read the video transcript:

Meet the MGB Roadster

Simon:
Hi everyone! I’m Simon, stepping in for Mark in this episode of Driveway Icons. Today we’re joined by Andy and his stunning MGB Roadster. Great to have you here, Andy!

Andy:
Thanks! Great to be here.

Simon:
We’re going to chat about this iconic car, why Andy owns it, and the journey he’s taken with it so far.

Inside the Cockpit

Simon:
We’re sitting inside what feels like a luxury MGB. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of work into it. Can you talk us through some of the changes and why you’ve stuck with the MG brand?

Andy:
Sure! This is actually the fourth MG I’ve owned since around 1982. I love the brand—the engineering is simple, the parts are affordable and easy to fit, which suits a DIY enthusiast like me. It’s also a joy to drive: heavy, responsive, and it sounds great.

When I bought this one, it was in a pretty rough state. The seats were worn, the dash was flaking, and the instruments were the original black-painted aluminium. I took everything out and refurbished the dials with chrome bezels, repainted the dash with powder coating, and added a custom dash cover for a cleaner, classic look.

Simon:
It really does pop. The wood steering wheel looks great too!

Andy:
It’s surprisingly comfortable to use, even though it's thinner than modern wheels.

Under the Bonnet

Simon:
Let’s take a look at what’s under the hood. You mentioned making it more usable—what’s been done?

Andy:
The engine is mostly original, from when I bought the car about eight years ago. I started by reconditioning the carburettors with new jets, repainted the air filters and housings, and replaced the oil cooler and pipework.

I also upgraded to electronic ignition. I had a garage install it—they did a better job than I could’ve in my garage. Beyond that, I just keep it clean. I do basic maintenance myself—oil and filter changes, topping up the dashpots, brake work—but otherwise, the engine runs beautifully. Good compression, doesn’t use much oil. It’s reliable.

The Underside Story

Simon:
Now we’ve got the car up on a ramp. You’re probably not used to seeing it from this angle!

Andy:
(Laughs) Definitely not! It’s interesting seeing it from here.

Simon:
I can see you’ve done a lot to the front end.

Andy:
Originally, I took it apart to replace the trunnion bushes. But as these things go, that turned into a full job. I replaced the wishbones, springs, and fitted PTFE bushes instead of rubber for better wear and noise reduction. I also upgraded the brakes with new discs and calipers.

Simon:
We noticed the previous chassis treatment is flaking—it’s definitely at the end of its life. Now is a great time to reapply something fresh like Lanoguard to preserve the solid base.

Andy:
Absolutely. Seeing it from this perspective really helps identify areas needing attention.

Blast from the Past

Simon:
This car’s from 1979—a big year! What were you up to then?

Andy:
I was just finishing Merchant Navy training and joined the British Antarctic Survey, heading to Antarctica in ’79—the same year this car rolled off the production line.

Simon:
That’s amazing. And no safety pin scars from the punk rock days?

Andy:
(Laughs) My dad was a police officer, so I kept my punk side quiet. But yes, I was into The Clash, Gary Numan, Tubeway Army—New Wave stuff. My brother was into glam rock, so it was a blend.

Time to Lanoguard

Simon:
Let’s talk protection. We’ve seen some vulnerable areas underneath—now’s the perfect time to treat them.

Andy:
Absolutely.

Simon:
It’s dry and clean, ideal for applying Lanoguard. It won’t harm electricals and adds a solid weatherproof layer. We’ll start at the front and mist our way back. Just a light coat is all it takes—if it’s dripping, it’s too much.

Andy:
It goes on really easily, and I love that it doesn’t clog or turn into a stressful job. Plus, it’s not acidic, so it’s safe for everything underneath.

Future Plans

Simon:
What’s next for the MGB?

Andy:
I plan to keep it for a good few more years. It’s my hobby—I enjoy working on it and driving it. My wife would love to drive it too, but we haven’t quite figured out the seat and pedal setup for her height!

Simon:
It’s certainly a car you can enjoy as both a driver and a passenger. Thanks for sharing your story, Andy.