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MG MGA - anti-sway (roll) bar on 1500

While I have the car apart still, I want to add a sway bar. I have a 1600 frame extension with the mounting points - but Barney shows the addition of a sway bar under the frame extension. The Moss price of $385.00 is too dear for me - is there a cheaper option that uses the stock 1600 mounts? (MGB perhaps - though I read that they have arms that are too long for the MGA A-arms?)

Anyone have an extra one they want to part with? Could I make one myself or have one made from 3/4" stock?

JIM in NH
AJ Mail

Summit Racing have them at about US$190.00 ..I think their website is www.summitracing.com. I was about to buy one from them and ship to australia until i got the transport quote of US$180 ...I got a similar one over here in Oz ( fits underneath front extension) and fitted it earlier this year,,,very simple made a tremendous difference..see Barneys site.
neil ferguson

Hello Jim:

I bought an Addco 5/8" one from an eBay store, Never Enough Auto Accessories, last spring. I'm pleased with it and it was a really easy install. I believe I paid about $160.00 for it.

Here is a link: http://cgi.ebay.ca/MG-MGA-Addco-Rear-Anti-Sway-Bar-RSB-271-5-8-Stabilizer_W0QQitemZ310117650581QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item483473d095&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

Glen
Glen Perchie

Oops. The link was for a rear sway bar. But I know he has front ones, because I bought one.

Glen
Glen Perchie

Maybe the Moss price includes the LH and RH links, bushes and bolts whereas the cheaper prices are just for the bar. If not try Brown & Gammons where the bar only (original 5/8") is £110. Mike
m.j. moore

I bought a good used MGB bar for a few quid on fleabay. It's in good condition and came with mounting brackets and rubber bushes (probably replace those with poly).

I don't want to hijack the thread, so Jim, I can add that these come up all the time and go very cheap.

But I also have some questions regarding installation: Where to buy the links to attach to the lower wishbone? What length? are these standard parts in another application?

Neil
Neil McGurk

AJ, I have the Moss one I never used. Will sell it to you cheap. Trying to clean house my garage. Drop me an email.
WMR Bill

More hijack, but I have the Moss kit and would like to modify my 1500 front extension to the 1600 style. There were some pictures on the Eclectic website showing what it needs to look like and how the work is done, but I haven't been able to find any patterns or drawings that show exactly how it is laid out on the extension, which I'd like to have before I start cutting metal.
Del Rawlins

Del, I made a dwg (well, dimensioned sketch) of my 1600 front extension, also some photos. I will email you. (too big to post). It should be easy. Cut out the depression and weld in a flange. The only critical dimension would be the fore/aft position.
Art Pearse

Rading some of the comments above and to ampify a litte I recollect that the bar from Summit racing for $190 was 3/4 in and came with all fittings for assembley to the frame and the links..just like the one I assembled here in oz ..took about 3 hrs work...very simple .
neil ferguson

WMR Bill - thanks. On the road next two days - contact you via email when I get back. Send me a note to jimmail001@comcast.net. Thanks. Thanks also to all others who posted.

JIM
AJ Mail

Art, -- If you send me the dimensioned sketches I will endeavor to make CAD drawings and post it on my web site. I would have done it long ago, but I have never had a later type front frame extension in my possession (perhaps someone would loan me one). My car is a 1500 with original front frame, and I have installed the aftermarket type sway bar mounted underneath (very easy).
Barney Gaylord

Barney, they are in the mail!
Art
Art Pearse

Barney,
I've made drawings of the MGA Swaybar factory Hold-down Brackets in case they're needed
Doug
D Sjostrom

Hello Jim, Scarborough Faire sells the correct 1600 front sway bar that mounts in the front extension. I fitted it to my car and had to cut and weld in the mounting points on the front extension. The set up looks just like factory and the car handles superbly very fat around the corners. I'd highly recommend this installation.


Andy Preston

Hello again Jim, this is a picture after welding in the steel plate and trial fitting the sway bar.

Andy


Andy Preston

Jim, this is the final sway bar after fitting.

Andy


Andy Preston

Andy, that looks great - just what I am looking for...though Bill's deal sounds too good to pass up.

Did you change over to front disk brakes from drums?

JIM
AJ Mail

WMR Bill - please send me your email address!

JIM

jimmail001@comcast.net
AJ Mail

Jim, sent it on wednesday, it is under the name

tosail@erols.com
I will hit the garage tonight and dig it out and send you a pic to make sure it fits your needs.
WMR Bill

For my 1500 I bought an MGB bar. I fitted the modified pan and side arms. I also had to cut and re-weld the drop links to get the correct alignment. Altogether it was an easy and enjoyable afternoon's work. See image.

Steve


Steve Gyles

This thread was discussed between 12/10/2009 and 15/10/2009

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.