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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rear Springs

Hello all, my question is,'are all midget standard rear springs the same. Can rubber bumper car springs be used on a mk111 please? Look forward to your comments, regards Peter
P J Wilgoss

Peter,

no they're not the same

a rubber bumper car is a Midget 1500, a Mk3 is normally thought of as a chrome bumper

Midget 1500 sit higher

details of rear springs according to Terry Horler's book:-

Mk3 (c/b)
5 leaves
80 lb/sq"
4.72" free camber

Midget 1500 (r/b)
6 leaves
86 lb/sq"
5.58"
Nigel Atkins

There is the extra weight of the later car Peter. The rubber bumpers (big lump of steel inside) and of course heavier engine. These all lead to the need for stronger springs. The ride height was also increased as a standard for the american market because of their impact height legislation (pedestrians) I believe.

And thats why all 1500 owners talk about lowering and particularly if they are thinking of taking the bumpers off.

Springs on 1500 look the same - but different spec.
Dave Squire (1500)

Thanks Nigel for the valuable information, regards Peter
P J Wilgoss

Hello again, this is a PS to my original question. Is there a standard measurement, say from the ground to (in my case)the square wheel arch that will tell me if my springs are sagging and need renewing. My car does look low at the rear with the front end seeming slightly high? Regards Peter
P J Wilgoss

Pete,
your best to measure from the centre of the wheel hubs to the start of the wheel arch lip to get ride height

measure both sides and front and back and then start a new thread giving your figures and asking other SWA owners for their figures but bear in mind you'll need a matching, that is if your car is factory standard then it's no good comparing it with one that has been lower or has uprated springs

if you need front springs Kim Dear at Magic Midget is your man but I think he only does lower springs for rear

Dave,
the early 1500 front springs were the same as those on the late 1275s - I learnt a bit about front springs when Moss sent me the wrong spring but kept denying it despite all evidence
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed on 02/04/2013

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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