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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Bent Spridget Front Frame Rail

Hi,
I'm currently working on a '65 Sprite repairing rust holes and patching panels. I've noticed that the front frame rails appear to be bent upward ( about 1/2" at the rad supports compared to the frame under the floor pans).
The stripped shell is on its back on a poor man's rotisserie (2x6 and 2x4 notched wooden frames) so I don't know if the bend straightens out with the engine and running gear installed. Should I be concerned?
Maybe it's just the result of too many trips on a tow truck's hook.
Bob in Calgary, Canada
R.W. Davis

Bob, No,don't worry that's the way the frame was designed. Lots of fellows have thought they had frame damage when they didn't.
Clive Reddin

Check the archives and you will find numerous times that the question has been asked.
http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=&mode=archiveth&subject=97&subjectar=97&thread=2003020905254712660
http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&access=61551411004047&mode=archiveth&subject=97&subjectar=97&thread=2004020111590616133
G Lazarus

blimey Gary

done a healthy bit of research there mate

I remember them as if it was four years ago...

Where IS Growler?
Bill

No I did a quick search on the archive section.
G Lazarus

Hello All,
Thankyou for the reassurance. It's great to have access to the accumulated knowledge of so many people that have been there before me.
Next step rebuilding the suspension, fitting new brake lines,etc., etc. etc. ...

R.W. Davis

Yeah, that bend can seem abnormal, but it's how the midget gets caster in the steering geometry.

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

thanks gryf,

for the explantion, I have known it wa supposed to be bent but never knew why

prop

Prop

>>> for the explantion, I have known it wa supposed to be bent but never knew why <<<

Tilting the kingpin back like that provides the same function you get by tilting the headtube and forks back on a motorcycle or bicycle; it projects the steering axis to a point just ahead of the tire footprint, so that during forward motion, the wheel automatically steers to follow that point - i.e., "caster," just like the front wheels on shopping carts.

Just without all the wobble. Maybe.

;-)

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

I too had always wondered why they were like that. So having the rear of the car slightly lower than the front will help with caster? Mine is slightly higher so that may be why the steering feels a bit dead. Something else to look at over the winter!!
John Payne

John

Lowering the rear would help (very slightly) with castor... but you should remember the MIdget is designed to run lower at the front than rear - it's more stable this way.

If your steering feels dead check the king-pin, upper trunion, TREs and rack run freely by jacking the front, grab a wheel - you should easily be able to turn if from side-to side.

If not, then something's sticking... should be easy to isolate and fix.

Or maybe your tracking is out - again easy: use a long bar placed mid front wheel, horizontal with the length projected along the car body. If one side is parallel, the other side should diverge slightly, i.e. the suspension tows-in a fraction.

A
Anthony Cutler

John

Lowering the rear would help (very slightly) with castor... but you should remember the MIdget is designed to run lower at the front than rear - it's more stable this way.

If your steering feels dead check the king-pin, upper trunion, TREs and rack run freely by jacking the front, grab a wheel - you should easily be able to turn if from side-to side.

If not, then something's sticking... should be easy to isolate and fix.

Or maybe your tracking is out - again easy: use a long bar placed mid front wheel, horizontal with the length projected along the car body. If one side is parallel, the other side should diverge slightly, i.e. the suspension toes-in a fraction.

A
Anthony Cutler

John
I know I have said this before on here but check that your steering column hasn't collapsed slightly! This may show up with the steering wheel rubbing against the cowling around the indicator stalk etc, or try pulling or pushing the wheel in and out. If there is any movement check the connection at the rack. If that is secure then it could be the column. I know it happened to me!

Carl
C Bintcliffe

There you all go with (steering) geometry.
At 54 I'm heading into my 2nd quiz in PRE-algabra at Community College!!
This is my first math class in 38 yrs.
So far I've got a solid B average
Phil Wish me luck, the test is Wednesday


Phil

Hey phil,

Forget PRE-algabra quiz, How is that PE class workin out for ya...LOL

Like I can throw rocks....lol

I got to admire you phil, I dont think Id like going back to school, myself.

So when is the "Toga" party....

good luck on the test...and watch out for Dean Werner and his super double secrete frat house probation tactics...lol


prop
Prop

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2008 and 07/10/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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