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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 - Midget and sprite front panel

I'm wondering if there's any difference between the sprite mk2 - 4 front panel and the midget mk3 one - part no AHA5549. The reason I'm asking is that the MGOC / BMH / Moss ones are all over £180 whereas I could get the same panel from Austin Healey Spares Ltd for £130.
http://www.ahspares.co.uk/products/VALANCE-lower-front-complete-XOBP134.aspx
graeme jackson

Sprite 4 & Midge 3 are the same; note the AH price is ex-VAT so it's actually just over 150, but still a worthwhile saving. Over the years I've learnt that Moss is the yardstick which almost everyone else will undercut :-)
David Smith

Pressings or cut outs under the bumper perhaps?
Shawn

Yeah, I just realised it was exc vat but as you say, it's still a tenner cheaper than the MGB hive who I find are usually the cheaper of the big names.

Shawn, I'm not after originality so as long as it fits and has the cut outs for the bumper mountings then I'm happy although, from what I've seen it's only the rubber bumper valance that has different pressings (and different holes).
graeme jackson

For what its worth...
I have always tried to use AH spares if I can since I can absolutely recommend them, they also used to be on my way home from work, so that kinda helped...obviously they are slightly bias towards the earlier cars though.

Rob
robnrrugby

That panel is a complete rip off!!

I've needed a couple, and managed to find them at decent prices (£25) by keeping an eye out on the classifieds.
Tarquin

I've got a front panel - repaired but needs a good rub down and repaint but it's without the valance. If you're interested there's a photo attached.
Jeremy
Jeremy 3

oph are we talking about the whole slam panel, or the valance? I thought 'panel' would refer to a single panel, not the whole assembly. stupid me.
Tarquin

sorry couldn't attach the photo - too big. Had ro wait for the IT expert (son) to come home! Now attached. I think the description is slam panel assembly - it's the front panel which sits infront of the radiator but without the valance - hopefully the photo will show. (the dark spots are rain!)

Jeremy


Jeremy 3

I thought I saw a new one on ebay the other day.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve


Andy Jennings supplied me a good front end assembly including valance recently for £60. Needed a bit of cleaning up but was totally sound and is now on the car and looking spot-on. Worth making a call to see if there's a good second hand one available.
MarkH

its worth bearing in mind sussex classic cars...they always seem cheap.
Rob McGeown ( LMG 5K - '72 RWA)

Having seen the prices, I had another look at my old one and it's not too bad (pretty much the same as Jeremy's) so I've decided to patch it where neccessary and fit a new valance.
Thanks for the replies all the same.
graeme jackson

Try the manufacturer - Ashley Hinton. 01372-456304
Alan Anstead

A few years back I repaired mine. Blasted it and welded on a new valance skin. Worked a treat. Now sold on to another BBS member so it will live again.
Clive Berry

This thread was discussed between 03/09/2008 and 04/09/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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