new member from the Netherlands Gilbern 1800 GT 1966

[karmann]

Hi there,
My name is Nico and I recently purchased a Gilbern GT 1800 1966
I'm from the Netherlands... apologise for my poor english )

This car has been dry stored in the netherlands for quite some time ...
Original plates on the car and papers all there
RUP 445D
VIN C00262 (one of the last ones manufactured, total of 277) ?
Frost white
Complete but parts and bits in boxes
In need of restoration

I have registered the car for the dutch DVLA and the new licensenumber is AR1119

Maybe someone can help me out with do and don'ts to prevent me for doing stupid things !
Are there parts available for the GT
Is it possible to fit another engine i.e. MGC6cil or V8 ?

I currently drive a Citroen XM V6 3 litre 1996 estate (daily driver)
also have some other cars

Rover P5 coupe 3 litre 1964. Imported from Aspley Queensland (just in time..... otherwise it would be swimming now with all the floods)
Citroen DS 1970 estate (currently under restoration)
Peugeot 304 S Coupe 1973 (Italian import)

I have tried to upload a picture from my GT but didn't succeed.... any suggestions ?

Hope to hear from you

best regards

Nico

[alastair_james_cox]

Hi Nico,

Some photos of my ongoing restoration here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56572753@N ... 381265159/

Let me know if you need any detailed photos and I'll post some up for you. Full mechanical rebuild complete but still a long way to go with cosmetics.

Plenty of member with race / rally GT's so they'll best for engine advice ...

Al.

[karmann]

Hi Al,

thanks for swift reply....
Nice car you have there... is the red paint the original colour, looks great in red ! Mine is frost white and I have not decided yet in which colour I will paint the car.... I have plenty of time to think about that issue.....

As for the enigine I have decided to stick to the original tech specs. I guess I have to change a lot of things when fitting a non original type of engine.

I have not yet started with the car but will be soon, thanks for the offer to sent me detailled pictures I will let you know when I am in need of any...

I noticed on the back of your car the Gilbern emblem, does it belong there originally. My car has the emblem on the hood and no signs of a badge on the back ?

thanks again

Nico

[Camo]

Hi Nico,

I am new here myself, can't wait to get set up as a member and start asking 101 questions !
I started work on my Invader today... really enjoyed myself
Hope you have as much fun as I do.

Stu

[Tree man]

Welcome to Gilbern ownership, a splendid way to start the New Year. You'll find it a a very friendly club and we are always happy to help to keep a Gilbern running. You'll have to get used to people admiring your car and asking you what is it. I currently run a Gilbern Genie that I use for competition (polishing is not for me) but other members have concours cars and some just a garage full of parts (sorry restroration project ) so you see we can cater for all.

[karmann]

All thanks for the warm welcome.... )
Question for Alastair...
When having a closer look at your GT I noticed chrome trim in the rear windowseal. Is that original as I cannot find this chrome trim amongst my parts.... ?

Thanks and have a nice weekend

regards

Nico

[alastair_james_cox]

Hi there,

Yes, that's the original paint. I'm loathed to do any bodywork because it will eventually mean a respray but I love it as it is. It's got a great patina. Not sure about the badge. By the looks of the other cars though ... I guess it shouldn't be there?

The rear window (laminated glass rather than plastic) was new last year from the club and came with a new rubber and a silver sealing strip which was originally in black.

The previous owner spent a lot of time and money doing a mechanical rebuild to the 1966 spec so most of the credit goes to him as almost every moving part has been restored / replaced.

Not exactly sure what the end game is yet. To get it back to concourse is going to take years but it's not a bad ambition. Although motor sport would be great at some point.

I've got an Arnott supercharger under the bench too so that may be the starting point for a new / alternative engine ... as the current one's too good to play around with.

Happy days. What more could you want from a classic

Al.

[Richard Adams]

Hi Nico. Great to hear you have a GT. My one is 1966 and like you mine was a box of bits to start with. I planned to get it back on the road in a year and it took three. The car is very simple to work on based around the MGB so most mechanical parts are easily available. (Look on the MOSS web site they can supply almost anything) If you have not get one get hold of a Haynes MGB workshop guide this will deal with 90% of the mecahnics. Most difficult for me was the electrics as my car had had all sorts of wirring modifications and sorting it all out was difficult. The club is very helpful so if you have problems just ask on the forum as there is usually somebody that has been there and done it before you. Good luck and hope to see it a national day some timne in the future.
Best regards

Richard Adams

[dronelebeau]

Cool car you have there Nico.

My friend's car has that same color and he is also wondering what color to choose from. I suggested red but I wanna know what you guys think.

[karmann]

I would like to know which exterior colors were used on the GT's. anyone out there who can help me out ?. Pictures ? colorcodes ?
thanks
Nico

[Fareham GT]

Hi Nico,

I have all this information to hand including a colour chart, let me know your membership number and I can then look up your address and send you copies.

Regards
Brian
GT Historian

[lanshan75]

I am totally agree with what you said,but my English is poor, sometiomes I don't know how to express my feeling,I just want to make some friends who can help me in my English and share the happiness with each other.
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