MG Car Repair: newly purchased MGB, paint job, many cars

Question
QUESTION: I recently purchased my first MG. Wanted one for ever. 73 roadster. As far as I can tell everything is original except for the paint job. The car has had 1 owner and has been rustproofed!!!!!
I would like to use this car for everyday driving and would like to make it a little more reliable. I have put 1000 miles on her in the past 10 days since I purchased her and no issues that I can tell of. What are the first things I should do or check to help prevent a break down? Are there any after market parts that I should avoid or install?
I know this is a very broad question but looking for a place to start with a fully running car.

ANSWER: Hi Chris,
Yes, it is a very broad question. Especially when you didn't tell me if it was a "B" or a "Midget". Most of the parts you buy today are aftermarket parts since the "B" and the "Midget" have not been made in 28 years.

Their are some complaints on some body panels and I have purchased some that were so thin I could read a newspaper through them. But generally most of the stuff is useable and how many cars on earth have so many parts available after the car has not been in production for close to 30 years?

If you plan to drive out of town just carry some spare parts in the trunk like hoses, fuel pump, ignition parts etc. If you only drive locally I wouldn't worry about it. I do it and carry the phone number of my local wrecker service in my wallet and he knows where I live. Just keep in mind no matter how much you love your car, a 35 year old car in dog years is considered a collectors car.
Howard

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry it is a B. Thanks I am sure I will be back. Is there anything besides belts and hoses that I absolutely should check now before driving for hours at a time?

Answer
As with any newly purchased car you should change all oils and fluids so you know what you have and are not depending on what someone told you. Look at the thickness of the front brake pads and maybe even pull a rear drum off to look at the life left in the shoes. First of all go purchase a manual like a Haynes or a Bentely if you intend to keep it.
Read my tech tip on how to check the condition of an engine.
http://mg-tri-jag.net/tech9.htm Also read the one on how to make a straight stick transmission last. Put tech4.htm in-place of tech9.htm It would not hurt to read several tech tips by clicking the link at the bottom of each tech page to get the index. Not all apply but several do.
The "B" is a good car but you will need to locate an overdrive trans if you intend to use the US expressways. The B is fast enough but the cruise speeds will turn the engine too fast. It was designed for secondary winding roads and it is a pleasure to drive but it is not an expressway cruiser unless you change the gear ratio. It does require maintenance. I drove my "Project" BGT (on my web site) back and forth to work for five years after my son wore it out auto crossing it. If you learn how to care for them they are indestructible. I put 189,000. miles on a 66 B and never had the head off and the engine was still good when I retired the car due to rust.
Howard