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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Front valence

Hi I am thinking of changing the front valence on my RWA midget.Can anyone tell me how it attaches please.I know that both ends attact to the front wings with bolts and I assume that the top is spot welded to the bottom of the radiator grill housing but would be grateful for any help please before I get the grinder out !

thanks
M Teal

Hi M Teal,
When I rebuilt my last Midget I didn't want to spot weld the front valance as it then becomes integral to the front nose cone. Therefore I made some plates which I welded to the top lip of the front valance. I then bolted these to the nose cone and of course still used the ordinary bolt fixings to the front wings. This meant I could remove the front valance as a panel on its own (rather than it being welded to the nose cone). Hope this makes sense.
Neil (K series)

Neil
Do you have any pics of that mod you did to your front valence ?
Ian
Ian Webb '73 GAN5

Ian,
Here are a couple of photos. Not great but will give you an idea.
Neil


Neil (K series)

And the other


Neil (K series)

OK, one more then,


Neil (K series)

Neil,
That is a really good idea and will fit in really well with my future thoughts of putting my car on a body roller.
Thanks

Mark
M Teal

Neil
Yes I see how you did it, very neat.

Now I am wondering what was the purpose ? Because you still have to release all the fiddly wing nuts & bolts and as it seems only to give nice access to the horns and not much else....Ive probably missed the point!
Ian


Ian Webb '73 GAN5

Neil. Like Ian I'm struggling to see the point. How have you fastened the valance strengthening rib to the lower tray? If you haven't, doesn't it rattle alot.

To answer the OP, the whole front section is bolted to the 2 uprights that are welded to the chassis legs (2 bolts each side) and also 2 bolts through the lower tray into the front crossmember.

If you have the wings off, the front section is easy to remove (6 bolts as noted above). If you buy a new valance it's so much easier to weld in place with the front off the car. However, it's also better to line it up with it on the car so you can also line up the wings.

Graeme
graeme jackson

Ian/Graeme,
M Teal asked how people had attached their front valance. I simply responded with my method.
I wanted the ability to remove the valance without removing the nose cone which requires removal of the radiator etc. M Teal thinks it might be useful. I think it's useful as I can remove the valance easily for respraying after stone chips etc.
Neil (K series)

Neil
I didn't mean to sound critical.
I initially I liked the idea, it was just that in the end I was just wondering why you did it.
Ian
Ian Webb '73 GAN5

I had the same question Ian had.
Why?
Just intrested to hear

I modded the inner panels so the compleet nose/wings can be removed without detaching rad oilcooler etc
Just need to unplug a bit of wireing
Onno Könemann

Sorry Neil, no offence intended. I was just curious.

back to the OP, I've given some incorrect info.
After looking at the car, there are 3 bolts either side on the uprights and 2 bolts either side through the lower pan into the chassis extensions. You can just make out the bolt holes in the attached photo.

Graeme


graeme jackson

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2010 and 15/09/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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