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MG MGA - Seperating body and frame

Hello all

I have recently acquired a 58 coupe(HMA 43/47661)
in a very well preserved condition ......I will be giving it a complete body off restoration......can anyone tell me the locations and number of fasteners holding the tub to the frame.......if anyone can offer any tips for this operation I would greatly appreciate the input.
Regards Dave
dave

I'll have a go at this. I'm sure others will correct my errors.

Start by opening this:-

http://www.victoriabritish.com/icatalog/mga/0035.html

Starting from the front.

2 bolts #5 on the extension;

5 bolts (#27 & 28) across the firewall;

2 bolts (#34) near your backside;

2 bolts (#43) at the rear from in the trunk.

Never actually done it, so please guys, let us know what I've missed.

TTFN

Derek Nicholson

Thank you for your reply Derek......I will take a look at those locations tomorrow

Regards Dave
d barton

The MGA Workshop Manual has detailed instructions for this in Section S.8.

You really should have it.
John DeWolf

Drats! Missed 2. The ones near your knees!

Derek Nicholson

Dave,
There are 31 Bolts holding the body to frame.
4 on front extention.
9 on top of the goal post
8 4 on each side of goal post
2 infront of doors
2 behind doors(From the bottom)
2 inside the boot front
4 at the back frame

You should get Todd Clarke's book along with the shop manual.
Jim Ferguson

Hi Dave
I have also just started re-constructing a '58 Coupe. Have removed the wings (which had been welded on!), the doors (again 2 hinges on one side welded on!), front outer bumper mounts, and rear bumper mounts.

The number of bolts fastening the body to the chassis depends how much "stuff" you have already removed. I can scan and email you section S8 from the workshop manual if you do not have it. This lists 33 bolts, but includes 4 around the pedals. So the actual number is either 29, or 27 if you go by the parts book ( no illustration unfortunately!).

Unfortunately my starting point would appear to be a lot rougher than yours. Send me some photos if you have them so we can compare projects. My refs are chassis HMT 43 53731, and engine 15GB UH 44133. Am waiting for the BMIHT certificate for this. It is currently OEW, but looks like it started as Ash or tyrolite green. It will be red with a white roof if and when I'm done, as a replica rally car. Then I can get Collector Plates here in BC.

Look forward to seeing you and your car at GT32 in Whistler (see GT32.com). Now there's a challenge.
P. Tilbury

Hi
dave, it looks like I'm a couple of months ahead of you on my body off restoration. I'm doing a 60 Coupe. All of the bolts are visible except for the ones at the front of the rear fenders. These are hard to find and may be rusted. Either lay on your back or use a mirror to find them. I used lots of penetrating oil and careful use of the air wrench to remove them. If you need any help let me know directly and I'll see if I can help.

Like you I think the Coupe is one of the prettiest cars ever made.

Andy
Andy Preston

Hi Dave. Glad to see you have found the MGA web forum! Lots of useful help here. Be sure to check out Barney Gaylord's website also. He has a ton of stuff that you will find useful. Cheers, Glenn in Kitchener. PS will photocopy or email you the pages on bolt removal to lift the body.
Glenn

The web address for Barney's site is www.mgaguru.com
JohnB

Good info here Dave. My 2 cents are to brace the door openings to prevent body folding in half if your sills are not in the best shape.

cheers,

Mitch
mitch

This thread was discussed between 05/09/2006 and 12/09/2006

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