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MG MGB Technical - Changing interior door handles

i want to change the interior door handles on my bgt. They are currently the standard rectangular 'pull release' handles and combined lock.

I am looking to replace these along with the interior door trim with the handles that came from earlier models and look like a handle which is positioned above the window winder.

Can anyone offer any advice about this? do you think it will be a fairly straightforward job - will all the mountings etc be there or will i need to buy some new 'old type' doors?
Brian

Brian,

I own a '65 roadster, so i already have the exterior puSH handle doors, but still the interior of the pull handle doors, as you'd want them to be in yours.

So now you know it was done and parts should be available, BUT I'd like to point out one thing:
those things are a real PITA to use!
The standard item is some kind of plastic and those things bend (and even break) when you push them too hard, which is necessary to open the door. I've just bought metal replacements (I've seen similar ones in MGA coupes, don't know if they were standard there, mine were bought from the MGB hive, http://www.mgbhive.co.uk) and will be using those as soon as I can.

HTH,

Alexander
Alexander M

The 1100/1300 used a similar door pull, as did the Mini. They were changed to the later design for safety reasons.
As to them breaking, they certainly will if used carelessly, or forced, but drilled alloy versions are available from quite a number of tuning specialists.
Not sure what the difference is as I recall my 65 was a case of pulling one way to open and the other way to lock the door. Not sure if the mountings would still be there on later cars. Chrome plated rectangualr ones are available if you just want to modify the looks.
Martin

I seem to recall hearing that the later MG window crank handles are designed to break away in the event of an accident. Perhaps this style door handle is designed to do so as well?
Rob Edwards

I dont believe you can swap one for the other . The pull handle was up until 1968 or 69 I believe then was replaced by the rectangular type you have. I'm afraid you will have to get the earlier style door unless you want to do a lot of cutting, welding, etc.
william fox

Brian,

In order to make the change you have described you would definitely need to replace the entire doors. The doors were redesigned in 1967 commencing with the Mark II MGB and the internal mechanism is different. This includes not only the door lock hardware but also the window winder mechanism. As the Mark I style are harder to come by and replacment parts are not as available, I would reconsider this change.

Peter G
Peter G

My 79 B has the rectangular interior door relase handles as well. However the driver's side "lock" position does not work. If it is and easy fix I'll get into it. If not, then not. Please advise Thanx

cheers

gary
gary n.hansen

Gary,
I have my '69 door apart last weekend -- I think it's the same as on your car. There is a steel rod that drops into the little flip-lever on the handle. This rod runs back to the catch mechanism on the door and slides a little plate back and forth that blocks the motion of the door handle to lock it. Most likely the action of that plate on the catch is just stiff.

It's not that big a deal to correct. It will involve pulling the door panel, disconnecting the lock rod and the release rod, removing the three screws that hold the catch to the door, and withdrawing the catch. I cleaned mine up in a bucket of kerosene. Once cleaned, I lubed it with Wurth HHS 2000 (got it from the local Mercedes dealer). I would imagine that spray lithium would work as well. Then, as they say, assembly is the reverse of removal....

RobHTH!
Rob Edwards

Brian,
I have a mark 3 and used to have a mark 1.
I too have thought of changing back to the mark one style of door handle, They are stylish and easier to reach/use I think. I really can't see why the mark one mechanism can't be retro fitted by some careful drilling of holes. You/I might need to be a little creative, make some sort of mounting plate etc, make allowance for the window, if it really does get in the way.I haven't looked into this thoughly yet as I've got my hands full with this V8 conversion, but soon will, where there is a will there's a way!.
I would not however use the plastic handles. I never had any trouble with them on the mark one but I think metal would look better . The seat angle adjusting handles on the mark 3 look to be the same as the earlier plastic door handles, except made of chromed metal.
One other useful thing I noticed the other day, In a wreckers yard I saw some cars called a Leyland Marina (I think), which has the same seat adjusters as the Mark 3 MG (it also has the same MG flip door openers and various switches trim etc for those others looking for cheap spares)
Peter

Peter
Some of the Leyland Australia stuff is sometimes unique to local manufacture, although you would have had some parts sharing within (Mini, Nomad, 1500 and Marina) The Mini in Australia had recessed exterior door handles whereas the UK models never. Also, as with Leyland SA, you had 1/4lights on Minis that were never fitted in the UK. However, the shaft size for the seat and the dor is probably the same, but remember, the metal door handles should be pointing up towards the front of the car to avoid injury to knees in an accident. I agree, though, ergonomically, the recessed position is awkward.

Martin.
Martin

Guys,
I've suddenly developed a yearn for electric windows.
These were fitted on the Costello cars and the RV8. cheap enough second hand and they would be nice to have when I get onto freeways with allot of trucks. The noisiest part of them (trucks) seems to be at MG driver ear level, windows up (roof down!) and it's much more comfortable.
It also occurs to me that I might hijack the manual winder mechanism/mounting for mark one style door interior handles, no cutting or drilling so I can change it back easily if I have to (for whatever reason) .Would need longer rods, but thats no problem.

Martin,
Its a pity that there isn't a MG parts interchangeability list some where. MG parts here are very expensive. Especially trim/switches (headlight rocker switch = $65-00!!).
For example I remember years ago someone telling me that the MGA subframe and running gear was identical to another car of the era, except the one you couldn't give away and the MGA was worth heaps. "Morris cambridge" or something like that.
Peter

Morris Oxford, Austin Cambridge.
Paul Hunt

This thread was discussed between 21/03/2003 and 27/03/2003

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