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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Poly versus rubber bushes

Hi, I am about to convert my newly aquired 1500 midget to chrome bumper and will go the whole hog. Chrome bumpers, chrome bumper front wings, front and rear chrome springs. And new bushes all round in the process.

Given that money is tight how much of a difference do poly bushes really give ? Clearly rebuilding suspension with knackered bushes with new poly ones will transform the car but what about a new for new comparison.

On eBay I can buy front and rear rubber bushes for £17.75 where as poly is £92.50 ouch

I do tend to like racing about on windy country lanes in my Midget hence the post as if your just pottering about rubber is a no brainer.

Also there are allot of potholes where I live especially at the moment do poly bushes really crash about ?
B Brown

the rubber will last about 3-5 years, the poly bush,,,Ammm....your unborn Great Great grand-son may have to replace them when he is 80 years old

Chrome springs?

Im a huge fan of powder coat, So i cant really say anything, but Id think the chrome would distress and flake off, but I dont know that as a fact, more of a guess


Prop...yeah I exaggerate, but not by much
Prop

Hello, B.

I went with poly years ago, and have been very impressed since. I also fitted uprated dampers and a heavier ARB up front, so the cumulative effect was noticeable!

Just remember that if you're ordering new bushes, also order any pins, shackles, what-have-you that pass through them, along with all nuts and washers. If the hardware is pitted and corroded, it will eat your new bushes for breakfast. Plus, when I was replacing the rear spring shackle bushes, the first shackle nut I tried to remove twisted the end of the pin right off. So plan ahead -

Cheers,

-:G:-
Gryf Ketcherside

Hey Prop, I think you must have lost something in the translation. By 'chrome springs' I think B means chrome bumper - i.e. lower/shorter.
Dave O'Neill 2

Sorry Dave,

But "B." Clearly states mid way in his sentance....

>>>>>>>Chrome bumpers, chrome bumper front wings, front and rear chrome springs<<<<<<<<

Prop
Prop

If you have the time & ability, install poly bushings...the difference from OEM is night & day...Do it!

Dave
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

Yes Prop, chrome bumper spec front and rear springs.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks for the comments OK will go with poly bushes.

Sorry about the english prop not my strongest suite clearly wastn't talking about bling springs but lower ones :-)

And hadn't thought about corroded bolts damaging bushes so will double check the condition before rebuild
B Brown

why not lower it to chrome bumper height and keep the rubber bumpers.
just gut them of the exess steel and rubber and the weight diffrence is minimal.

saves you the welding and respray and leaves money to be spent on other go faster pieces
Onno Könemann

Now, I hadn't thought of gutting the excess weight from my bumpers.

Thanks Onno...I'll look into that.

Dave
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

This thread was discussed between 27/02/2010 and 28/02/2010

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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