Vintage Cars: MGB restoration, careful job, rust free

Question
Hey Jo, I am looking at a 1979 MGB (the VIN is GHN5UL490975 G, not sure
what the last G is for...) and am wondering what a restoration might run me.  
From what I can see, the body is straight and rust-free and the interior is
complete and in great shape.  It may have been rained on, but doesn't seem
to show it.  I know a price would be hard to give so I was hoping that you
would be able to provide me with a list of things that would need to be
looked at in greater detail before I get to serious so I can price the parts
myself.  Also, it has a removable hard top, did those come with the
convertibles or was it an either/or thing?  I appreciate your help.

Mike

Answer
Apologies for the delay: didn't see the email, and my daughter just got married!

This is a bit weak in the knowledge area, but let's try...

I think that a restoration of a 79 B is not at all worth it: $10,000 even for a quickie job, and higher for a careful job. In contrast, if you bought a near-perfect showroom-condition B of that vintage (via Hemmings or EBay) it would be much less than your restoration cost. It may well be that the hardtop is worth as much as the car (they are rather rare).

If all it needs is a 2-coat paint job, then that's much less, and may be worth it...if you can find a buyer.

I'm afraid late Bs are not collectibles at all, so the value is low. Check Hemmings/EBay for asking prices.

Jo