Classic/Antique Car Repair: weber carb, rusted nuts, radiator shops

Question
I am in the process of restoring a 1971 MGB that hasn't run for 15 years.  The Weber carb is clogged, probably full of varnish.  Any suggestions on what to use, and how to clean it?  Also the exhaust manifold pipe has totally rusted bolts holding it to the exhaust pipe.  Any suggestions on freeing same.  I have tried several products for loosening rusted nuts with no success.

Answer
Hi Al,
If the car has not run in 15 years you should drain any stall fuel out of the tank and remove the tank and clean it out. Most radiator shops can do that. Blow out the fuel lines and remove "Weber" carb. Look at the carb number and you should be able to get any parts needed from a Weber distributor like Red Line or someone like that. Get a carb cleaning tub from most auto parts stores. They are usually a gallon can with a wire basket in them. Sometimes you can get away with just taking it apart and spraying the inside and passageways with a spray can of carb cleaner. If you need any parts like a float or needle and seat you will need the number off of the carb as a 71 "B" came with two "SU" carbs., never a Weber.
When penetrating oil won't free up the pipe to manifold nuts you will need to heat the nuts to a cheery red with a torch to be able to loosen them and even then some may brake the stud off. Use a 6 point socket with a half inch drive extension and pull handle. Then if you brake some of them off you will need to remove the exhaust manifold and drill and retap the holes and install new studs. This sometimes happened even when the cars were newer. I had to do that to many when I worked in the MG dealerships back in the 60s and 70s.
I hope this helps, let me know how you do.
Howard