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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rubber to Chrome Bumpers

Hi chaps
I know this is an old topic but after giving it much thought I've decided I'll have a crack at this in the spring/summer. I've researched it fairly well and have a fair idea of what I'll be getting into. I have the grille so far, that's all! If anyone has any useful bits or advice then let me know. I'm not into welding, it's not something I've done, so I thought at the front I'd mesh/fibreglass the indicator holes, and cover up the valance holes with the numberplate. If anyone knows a good source for getting any useful bits please let me know.
Jamie1978

Incidentally, I don't think its worth the money changing to chrome... but I am considering the change to bumperless... which I think is pretty cost effective. Equally would like the guidance on it.
Christian Carter

Im not sure doing a rubber to chrome conversion is possiable with out welding. (Structual)

I dont know that you would need patch over the indicators at the front... they would just sit a bit higher over the chrome... not noticable to the untrained eye

C carter I think has a better idea... "BUMPerless" not near the work and expense

Just new front springs and alot of body work both front and back... and is still considard acceptable in the midget world

1500s in make belive 1275s catches irre fast

you have to cut out the old bumper mounts and weld in new ones on all 4 corners

all new suspension because all 4 springs have to change to the lighter 1275 set up, and that normaly also means brakes and steering over haul as well

It wont be cheap, fast, or easy

But bumperless is a better choice in my opinion

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

I know that I will need to cut out the bumper mounts, that doesn't look difficult, and the indicator holes definitely need to be blanked / reduced in size. There are a few cars using small round clear indicators which look good, something like:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-Lucas-Type-L760-Clear-Indicator-Lamp-with-Amber-Bulbs-for-Kit-Classic-Car-/190758715687?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c6a1b0127

(these maybe too big)

There's a lowering kit for the suspension, my suspension needs an overhaul anyway so I'd do that all in one go.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MG-MIDGET-1500-FRONT-REAR-RUBBER-BUMPER-LOWERING-KIT-EB79-/310805677340?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item485d76451c

I've been considering the bumperless route, but I think the car looks a bit odd without any bumpers at all. Ready to lose the rubber bumpers though.
I'm aware of the bodywork required, that doesn't worry me as I have a good bodyshop near me who I will use once the prep work is done, if my rattle can job doesn't square up.
Jamie1978

Jamie,
now they're working again have look in the Archives, even in 2013 archive as I'm sure this subject was covered fairly recently

apart from the likes of Landies round lights are '60s or kit car use - not that it matters - but IIRC some other very easy solutions have been found for the front indicators

also research modern made chrome bumpers and overriders as they seem to be possibly poor fit to the car and each other

I've no idea of the price of s/h original bumpers and overriders but check the price for rechroming before you buy - or some just paint or colour the bumpers (again see Archive for photos in posts)
Nigel Atkins

Jamie,The weight saving alone makes it a job worth doing, but for some reason I found I did not need to lower the suspension after doing my 1500 many years ago. The springs were replaced a few years before I did the de-rubber bumpering so it wasn't that the old ones were sagging or tired.

I would suggest you do the bumper and weight removal, run it about a bit to settle things, and then assess if you need to alter the suspension. You probably will but I certainly didn't.

The photo is how my car is with the same suspension as it had with the rubber bumpers, the ride height was much the same with them too.

Odd but true.


JB Anderson

Bumper less for me after the MOT this month (Christmas holiday time). Can't wait.
Dave Squire 1500

JB,
(I'll put it, possibly before Dave does) I hope you've learnt to fold the hood properly since that photo especially with the cold you get in your neck of the woods
Nigel Atkins

ETA: lost the first bit of previous post -

(JB,)
unless you've got oversized wheels and/or tyres or the road leans a lot that looks a little low set for even a c/b car
Nigel Atkins

I prefer to see 1500s with their rubber bumpers, especially if the car is red or black. I suppose it's down to individual taste.
Pete Ottewell

Incredible!
I had heard about this forum and it is all true!

JB Anderson

I hope it was all good JB.
Welcome if this is the first time you have been here.

Dave Squire 1500

"I had heard about this forum and it is all true!"

Well, don't keep us guessing JB. What have you heard?
Lawrence Slater

"Well, don't keep us guessing JB. What have you heard?"

JB is probably a bit miffed that after posting his thoughts and a photo on converting his car to CB, he gets comment on his hood folding!!!

Jim
J Smith

By the way JB, I think that is a tidy looking car - Much better with CB.

Jim
J Smith

... or with no bumpers at all, as favoured by many of us CB Midget enthusiasts...

Anthony
Anthony Cutler

>>JB is probably a bit miffed that after posting his thoughts and a photo on converting his car to CB, he gets comment on his hood folding!!!

Jim<<

Jim, JB,
the comments I made were to help, if the hood is folded incorrectly it's more at risk of damage especially in cold weather

the photo JB put up shows his 1500 sitting unusually low as he noted for a r/b to c/b swap but as I put its a little low for even a standard c/b so as to inform Jamie in case he thinks his sits very high if he does the same

I'm not sure if JB is brand new to this forum, if he is the information stands as is, if he's not he'll know the regular hood folding comments

this isn't a children's forum where every post has to contain praise (or ego stroking for adults) but as I put my comments were not criticism but for information to help

and Jim before you get upset by my next comment check my Profile photo - personally I don't like Damask red on a Spridget, just a personal opinion that's of no matter to JB or other Damask Spridget owners, it's a light comment and shouldn't really bother another person, I also don't like wire wheels but that doesn't mean I've got it in for JB or his Midget

this is just a forum about cars little of any real great importance regularly appears here but possibly it's not a place for the over sensitive

lighten up, have a laugh
Nigel Atkins

Thanks for the comments and photo JB as I will be interested to compare my ride height once done. In fact I will post a photo on here for reference. As it happens I also have a damask red (happen to think it's the best colour!) and also don't fold my roof properly (takes too long and my side windows were ruined by previous owner anyway so no point, I enjoy being able to get the roof up/down in seconds without leaving the drivers seat! So .. snap!
Jamie1978

good response Jamie

you might have enjoyed your hood more if the previous owner hadn't already ruined the side windows on it

that was my point, for Jim to not potentially ruin the windows on the hood

I'm with you I find dropping the hood to be a slow process particularly after having a Mk2 MX-5 where you could lower the hood in a couple of seconds from the driver's seat and not worry about damaging it

I still say in my opinion Damask is not a colour for a car like a Spridget, more suited to a more sober saloon or perhaps a B or BGT
Nigel Atkins

Well

Im offended by the lack of black color on JBs tires, way to dark grayish

Shame on you JB

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Hey JB

I Just noticed

Are the seats from a 1500 ?

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Look like MGF seats to me.

Bernie.
b higginson

Hi Jamie,

Just wondered if you have attempted this conversion yet?

I am also in Cambs :)

Chris
C Lathey

I ran my 1500 for a few days without the bumpers and didn't notice any height issues (They are back on now for an imminent wedding using wedding cars tonbridge photocall).
This got me thinking, is there a definitive way or place to measure ride height? Pretty sure my 1500 is "age-lowered" and so is probably lower than new with the bumpers off. Here it is with them back on again.


Alan McKewan

I measured a 1275 leaf spring against a 1500 a while ago (layed on top of each other on the floor)and there was an 1 3/4 difference between them or about 44mm with the 1500 giving the deeper arc and being a lot stiffer. Hope it helps
Dave
Dave Pratt

ride height is from centre of wheel hub to underside of wheel arch lip, it'll probably vary from one side to the other and obviously front to rear, differences will depend on how the car is loaded, if the car is on level ground, original build, wear and tear on components and parts

early r/b Midgets sat about 5.5" from bottom of sill (front?) to ground
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 06/12/2013 and 29/03/2014

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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