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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Bonnet/hood sizes

I am looking at purchasing a used bonnet from the USA. The seller states the size as 47 7/8". I have measured my existing bonnet as 48 1/2". Was there such a large difference (5/8")in the types? I understand from Clausager that there were only 2 types, and photo's of the one that I am interested in show it to be of the later type, with the body prop at the side.
Gary Lock

Gary,
The length difference arises as a function of the increased curvature on the later bonnet & seems about right from my recollection. The biggest problem you will have in using a different bonnet is achieving a decent fit around the 'shut' edges. After dabbling with various bonnets or spares that were offered for trial, I eventually reskinned my original corroded bonnet skin to get a good fit.
regards
Colin
Colin Manley

I believe that the bonnet openings were all the same size. The difference in the bonnets were in the height of the "dome" shape. The difference is in the height of the top and the clearance underneath. ALL bonnets were designed to fit all openings. If this understanding is not correct please verify.
R J Brown

Related question, my bonnet is off. What is the easiest way to reinstall and align it without dinging the paint? (I assume place a towel between the bonnet and the body but my assumptions are rarely right.)
Steve

Steve, I like to use foam pipe insulation to protect the edges of the bonnet when installing. Comes with a split down one side, just slip it over the edge and secure with a little masking tape. P.S. Make sure you have the grill removed before you try to align the bonnet latch!
Bill Young

Steve, 6 pairs of hands!!
Barry
BM Gannon

Both the "flat" and "domed" bonnets wil fit all pushrod MGA's, but only the "domed" bonnet will fit the Twin Cam. The bonnet openings are all the same, but the Twin Cam engine is higher.

Mick
Mick Anderson

Six pairs of hands!? Not enough room in my shop for that many fat fingered friends! Two pairs of hands and pipe insulation it is. Maybe a six pack after installation, we'll see.

Steve
Steve

Pipe insulation is too thick. A soft towel and a second pair of hands is what I use. First closing is done with the towel in place just in case the back edge catches on the way down and damages paint (been there years ago..)
dominic clancy

My 1600 had the longer bonnet when we purchased it in 1966 and I never liked the looks. Most of the other A's I saw had the flat looking bonnet, which I found more appealing. After having the bonnet ruined by a painter and his sand blaster, I resorted to purchasing a shorter version, which I like better.
I still have the original longer version, but it has more waves than the North Sea!
Does anyone sell the skin to repair the bonnets?
Cleve

This thread was discussed between 21/06/2007 and 22/06/2007

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