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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Leaf Spring - Plastic Strip between Leaves?

Hi

I'm just in the process of rebuilding the rear suspension on my 71 Sprite. I've stripped the rear springs down to clean and repaint them properly but have noticed there are no plastic strip between the top 3 leaves.

These aren't the original springs but would they benefit from the addition of plastic strip like the original type? I was thinking of making some strips from heavy duty plastic sheeting (Visqueen type material). Anyone have any rough dimensions?

Harvey '71 Sprite

I can remember people talking about the springs with plastic strips 20 years ago. The consensus from those that had experienced springs with and without was that those with plastic strips, OE spec I believe, were much better than those without. You can buy the material for this purpose in the US but i don't know any sources in the UK.
David Billington

Harvey

A quick google search brought up the following.

http://www.beaverbushes.co.uk/services.htm

Matt
Tarquin

Thanks for that Matt.

I looked into it a bit further on the net and it would appear that the inserts were only fitted to some later model cars and were nylon or PTFE material, approx 1mm thick.
As I want to try and get the car sorted ASAP I've opted for the clean up, repaint and wayoyl between the leaves option!

The car is now back on 4 wheels - I can start on the front suspension next!
Harvey '71 Sprite

I am a proponent for the plastic inner leaf strips on leaf springs. One of the inherent characteristics of a leaf spring is friction between the leaves as the spring compresses. What happens as the spring is loaded is that no movement occurs until the inner leaf friction is overcome then the spring moves quickly to a position relative to the actual loading. During cornering this usually will feel like the rear suddenly squats about half way round the corner. The plastic inner leaf material reduces the inner leaf friction allowing for a much more progressive spring rate and less sudden movements. It will also give a noticable improvement in ride as well.
Bill Young

I notice that MGB's now have the option of parabolic rear springs which are reputed to be an improvement over the original set-up.
Perhaps it's possible that they could be introduced for the midget?

Dave P.
Penwithian

This thread was discussed between 23/02/2008 and 25/02/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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