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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - mamba plates midget to mgb damper conversion

Ive worn out my second Frontline kfronsuspension kit.
Despite it being a kit that gives good handling it sure has its weaknesses.
Basicly a single arm system like we have on our spritgets puts pressure on the toparm when fast cornering or hard braking on speed.
Idealy a double arm would be great for that.
Could have bought the next generation Frontline kit with polybushes insted of the oilite bronze bushes.
But I would still have a single arm kit...

While thinking of how to improve the Frontline kit to addapt a second toparm I was given a link from a fellow spridget modifyer.
He has mgb dampers on his K or Zetech powered midget.
Mamba motorsport sells a plate kit to fit a mgb damper on a spridgetbody.
plus it also allows to adjust camber.
Frontline kit has 2 negative camber and always like the improved handling of the negative setup.

Just placed an order at Mamba Motorsport
It does needs some panelcutting arround the old dampergap in the wheelarch.

Not throwing away my Frontline kit and might still go on improving it but i am very intrested to see what this kit will do to the handling of my midget.

Next and bigger issue is where to find proper mgb dampers?
There is so much crap reconditioned ones for sale...






A de Best

Searching the internet I found this Welsh company who sell modified damper.

https://www.vandcengineering.co.uk/adjustable-lever-arms

Adjustable spridget Armstrong dampers.
Dropped them a mail to see if they do adjustable valve mgb dampers too.

to be continued....


A de Best

I have a Mamba motorsports kit sat on the shelf waiting for a suitable vehicle :-)

At the time, the seller said it was his last kit in stock, I can't remember if he said they would be continued.

If you can't get a kit, we could perhaps get mine copied? I would let you have it, but then again .... ;-)
Tarquin

I've also got a Chevalier additional top arm kit.
And a spare Frontline kit from back in day.

SO enough for 3 nice front ends .

My Midget (erm still in bits)
Innocenti (possibly)
and something else not yet decided.

SO thats about 8 years worth of tinkering already lined up haha

IN additon to the Morgan (nearly done), Mini (nearly done), Nimbus, RME, etc etc

Who has time to work nowadays!
Tarquin

Hey Arie,

See this thread in the tech' archives. 2022. "Lever arm rebuilds"

I 'found' the same company you linked to. VINTAGE & CLASSIC ENGINEERING Ltd.

In 2022 I posted ----
" I just rang them. Refurbished 50 quid each plus vat plus return post. 120 quid the pair, plus 12 quid returned. If done as well as it appears, nice chap on the phone, I reckon that's very good value; -- given that if done proprely they actually last quite along time.

Tel. 07544 596014. Wonder if they'd do bulk discount for a club. I think he said he offered them to (moss?), but the price was considered too high."

Based on the discussion I had with them in 2022, in which I talked about the pictures I posted here, that includes rebushing them properly.

It's worth reconfirming that in an eamil with them. I don't know if anyone else followed up. But they do look good if done properly.






anamnesis

Original dampers run the shaft directly in the cast and machined soft zinc alloy bodies.
A few thoughts !
Photo shows a bronze bush fitted however damper shafts are soft and not heat treated.
Use of both bronze or acetal type bushes would more generally demand use of hardened shafts, typically Rc50.
Does immersion in oil bath make any significant difference ?
Need to confirm with tribologist for optimisation.
As shafts cannot be readily replaced option could be to grind and chrome plate although not a simple process to limit to required contact areas only.
S G KEIL

You need a pair of these in the photo:

Adjustable, triangulated and 1.5 negative camber. Probably cheaper to buy a new Frontline kit though!




John Payne

Tarquin, I already ordered the plates as they have a new batch made soon.
You and your projects LOL!! some day your have one finished :)

Anam: think will ring them this week and see if they can make the mgb damper adjustable in stifness.


John, I was shown this kit by another spridgetfriend of mine.
Its american made so exoect mucho dollars to have it on my doorstep.... looks brilliant tho!
A de Best

I suspect only made by one company but available from various sources now these adjustable valves have been available for a few years so has anyone tried them https://www.mgocspares.co.uk/parts/1_3_355_3784_3785/armstrong-damper-adjustable-valves-and-gaskets .
David Billington

Anam
I recently emailed V and C engineering and they now charge £65 + vat per lever arm plus postage. Still not bad though.
Bill Bretherton

Ahead for Healeys are refurbishing Big Healey Armstrongs by machining the housing and fitting an oil seal. It also includes a refurb of the shaft as required. They are planning to develop a similar process for the Sprite.
Bob Beaumont

£65 + vat. Yep, that does still sound good value Bill. Just need to know somebody who has used them to see if they are good.

Never heard of Head 4 Healeys before Bob. Says they started in 2007. Have you bought stuff from them before? Says they're " -- a leading manufacturer, stockist and spare parts service provider for the Austin Healey marque -".

That could be very good news; esp' if they start supplying quality rebuilt front shocks for Spridgets too.
anamnesis

Anam

I have bought stuff from them and its been ok. The owner used to work for AH Spares but was unhappy with the quality control so set up on his own. He owns a concours Frogeye I believe.
I had to replace the dipswitch wiring and the usual suppliers could not supply one.
Autosparks were not interested in a one off.After a discussion with A4H, they agreed to purchase a sufficient number from Autosparks. They were the only supplier at one stage but that may have changed.
Bob Beaumont

Thanks Bob. I'll give 'em a try next time I need something.
anamnesis

This thread was discussed between 23/03/2024 and 26/03/2024

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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