MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - uk bonnet - california shell???

I am trying to fit a UK bonnet to a calafornian reshell, the hinge on the usa is totally different. Is it as simple as making out and drillng and tapping the bonnet for the two fixings or do I need to make a transfer plate and lower the hinge to compenaste for plate thickness. Would love to hear from somebody who has know how to.
ian slaney

your correct they do have different hinges...USA market uses a scissor hing, UK has some kinda bulky box thing. The USA bonnets have 2 captive nuts inside the bonnet on each side and uses something like a 3/8h to 9/16 inch bolts on fender washers, so I'm not sure how you would convert a UK bonnet to a USA car or vise versa

Prop
Prop

USA hinge is better - takes the bonnet away from the wiper spindles and opens wider.

Do you have the hinges? If so, would perservere with them.

A
Anthony Cutler

Hi yep do have the hinges but unsure of best way to mount the UK new bonnet. Looking at making a plate as I dont think I will get the depth to tap the bonnet. Agree the USA hinge is much better than the original UK this used to be a nightmare to get just right so you dont damage the paint on the bonnet when lifted fouling the bulkhead.
ian slaney

Ill see if I can get some photos of the USA bonnet and scissor hinges for you in the next day or so.

maybe that can provide a clue on how to convert the bonnet to a USA spec.


Prop
Prop

hi Prop , I have the USA scissor hinge on the car and tonight have fitted a 80mmx80mmx3mm plate to the UK bonnet, wings are off, fitting front of bonnet latch so tomorrow will mark where the usa hinge holes go and see what the bonnet top level looks like. When I offered it up earlier it looked high even with the USA hinge as low as possible. Might have to slot the hinge of better would be to remove the last link in the hinge (bit that bolts to the bonnet) and replace with a custom piece that is welded to my plate, could do a double sided and bolt through. Think I am out of the woods on this one now. Thanks for replies.
ian slaney

Heres the pics I offered eariler as well as some measurement...so they are in english, but should be able to convert easily enough...sorry for being a bit late...busy life.

the measurement are

1. from corner edge of bonnet to ward the center horizontially = 6 1/8th inch from that location down 2 3/4 inch this is the center for the 1st hole, then drictly below another 2 3/4 inches is the center for the secound hole the bolts appear to be 1/4 Inch x 20 andout an 1 inch long with fender washers...there is a captive nut on the back side of the hole.

Let me know if you need any more help..please post pics when your done, Id love to see how the modification turned out....good luck...2 pics


Oh the other holes with out the screws, ????, not used, my guess, bored factory workers at BMC with a drill and nothing else to do...LOL


Prop

and the 2nd photo...

I hope those help

Prop




Prop

Hi I have fitted a uk bonnet to a california shell with no problem. Prob the bonnet up and fit 2 bolts to the existing holes. Mark the bonnet for the 2 extra holes and remove bonnet. Yes you have to drill extra holes I used a nut sert tool which a threaded unit into the hole. Other than that on my second midget I just drilled and tapped. If you want your shell to look as a uk version then you can drill out the spot welds from your old shell surrounding the hinges, the whole unit will come out. Using the old shell as a template you can mark up the bulkhead and cut out a section to fitt the uk units. This I did on my 3rd car as I wanted it to look totaly original. I can send photos if you like. or contact me and I will discusse further with you. (ps I work in a bodyshop up in hartlepool in the north east and I'll help as much as I can.
J Jones

This thread was discussed between 06/06/2009 and 17/06/2009

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.