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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Sway bar Question..

I was wondering if someone out there could send me a picture of what a properly installed sway bar looks like when installd on a 60 Bugeye. I recently purchased a 5/8 dia bar from ebay but when installed,after a lot of cussing, it rubs the inside of my wheels when turning a corner. It seems like it is just to long.
Thanks
Joe
Joe Shaw

Joe sorry I haven't got the answer but there is another thread for the Frogeye that remains unanswered so far

Perhaps if you do another thread titled Frogeye both threads might get noticed - perhaps

By sway bar I think you also mean anti roll bar, so you could title it something like - Frogeye ARB (sway bar) question

at least my reply will bump you up the list for a bit
Nigel Atkins

There are different sway bars available and different links as well as wheels with different inset. How about pictures of what you have?
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Sorry I haven't been able to get back to you folks sooner but my cellar has been flooded due to melting snow. I finally took a picture of the anti roll bar that was susposed to be the correct one for my Bugeye but I doubt it. Hoping one of you guys can identify the one I have installed. And possibly send me a picture of a correct setup for my car.

Thanks,
Joe


Joe Shaw

Looks like the standard A-Series Spridget 9/16" swaybar to me. Looks like a home-brew bracket on the A-arm, but made by someone looking at a factory item. I would guess that a DPO bought a swaybar at a swapmeet from a later Spridget, then bought new links for it and made his own brackets. Poly bushings are readily available. Nothing wrong with it, although I prefer a beefier unit myself.
David "3/4" Lieb
David Lieb

I do not think that is the correct bar.
Trevor Jessie

I fitted a 5/8" IIRC ARB off a later car to my frogeye and it looks nothing like that. The ARB outer end is inboard of the drop links and IIRC the drop link pick-up on the wishbone adapter plate is between the inner and outer fixing bolts. Don't know what that would be for as the one on my old Austin A40 farina connected further out on the wishbone but still didn't have the multiple bends as the one shown.
David Billington

Looks incorrect roll bar - the extra set does not look original to me.

R.

richard boobier

I'd have to dig out an old b&w photo and scan it or take a fresh photo of the one on my car. I don't thank that roll bar is correct for the car and while I've seen a few different ones on Spridgets in the UK and USA I've not seen one like yours.

The problem is that it's so wide (too long) it bolts to the outside of the droplink (the think that looks like a small dog bone) when it should bolt on the inside (which it would if it was a lot shorter).

Yours fouls because it is too far out.
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Different model I know, but the general arrangement should be the same


S G Macfarlane

and another


S G Macfarlane

Allow me to revise my earlier mis-statement. Bear in mind that my Spridgets have aftermarket 3/4" bars ;-) The DPO went to a swapmeet and allowed himself to get talked into buying an MGB anti-sway bar. It kinda fits. Sorta.
David "I knew the shape looked familiar..." Lieb
David Lieb

Thank you S G MacFarlane Those pictures you sent answer my question without a doubt. And thanks to all you folks who answered my questions. I am going to tear the bar that is installed and find the correct one.
You folks are great.
Thank you,
Joe
Joe Shaw

Joe,
My 72 midget did not come with the optional ARB. I installed a stock bar and it made very little difference. I upgraded to a 3/4" and it made a huge difference. Some people like more bar, some people like less. Part of the fun of a Spridget is its willingness to swap ends for you and this is discouraged by adding more bar. To some, this feels less nimble. I was autocrossing on race rubber and felt that more bar gave me more control and I liked it. YMMV. Any bar at all was an option, so don't feel that it HAS to be there.
David "it is your car, do whatever you like" Lieb
David Lieb

Joe

Get yourself an Addco 3/4" bar, they come with all hardware, brackets, etc. & bolt up in about 30 min. depending on your skill level & tool box.
Dave Rhine ('78 1500)

This thread was discussed between 20/03/2011 and 25/03/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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