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 - 1500 Radiator Removal

Currently trying to remove the radiator and cowling from the 1500. Having removed the four set screws at the sides and the two screws through the slam panel, it doesn't seem to want to move.

Unlike the 1275 (crossflow) the parts book doesn't show any screws at the bottom of the cowling and Haynes don't mention them, either. I'm assuming there aren't any other screws?

Hoping someone hasn't welded it to the front panel!
Dave O'Neill 2

Aren't there 2 set screws in the lower air duct tray behind the grill, in front of the rad?
GuyW

There are on the 1275, but as I say, the parts book doesn't show any and Haynes only mention the other six fasteners.

I can't see any down there, although access is a bit limited.
Dave O'Neill 2

Sorry, misunderstood that those are what you referred to viz the 1275.
GuyW

I didn’t know you had a 1500 Dave but I understood that the front nose panels are welded to the chassis on a 1500 not all bolted on like a 1275
Mike Fairclough

Dave,
if you're trying to separate rad and cowl for removal (?) then it appears earlier 1500s (before mid-1976 according to Moss) had four radiator & guard to cowling setscrews (I realise yours is a '78/'79 car but ...).

1976 Parts Catalogue shows Screw-radiator to cowl quantity 4.

Screw, hex head, 5/16" UNF x 1/2" - SH605041
Nigel Atkins

Mike

I've only had it since yesterday - See 'Project midget 2021' in General.

Nigel

It's the cowl that I'm trying to remove, complete with rad. Yes, there are four set screws holding the rad to the cowl, as per 1275.

Having poked around, it does indeed look like someone has welded the cowl to the front panel. It looks like the cowl should slot in, in front of the tabs, but it's been fitted behind and then welded. Nice one!





Dave O'Neill 2

Dave,
you've found the added-in welded joints so you've sorted it, wonder why they're there, no doubt you'll discover why unless it was on a whim.

According to Moss, your '78/'79 shouldn't have four radiator to cowl setscrews as they were only up to mid-1976, make of that what you will.

Some POs do a lot of work and effort to do things differently and/or wrong.

Nigel Atkins

So your car's been in the hands of an 'expert restorer' !
David Smith

This thread was discussed on 10/01/2021

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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