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MG MGA - Steering rack questions

I have to modify the pinion shaft on my modified A to gain some extra clearance to the engine/exhaust (yes its that tight), which involves taking the diameter down from 19mm to 15mm in 2 areas along the shaft. When I took it to the engineer today he asked me if it was hardened and I had to admit I had not checked. My question is this, if they were case hardened, will turning down the diameter weaken the shaft considerably?

Also, having fitted MGB kingpins I need to shorten the tie-rods 1/2" inch each, but this must mean re-threading the shaft the same distance, to enable the track-rod ends to screw-in further - or am I missing something here?

Chris
C J Bond

CJ, It is a long shot to think that the entire shaft was case hardened. The end condition that would have a rack gear pressed on would have the splines induction hardened. I could be wrong.

I also fitted MGB kingpins to my modified A and have to cut only about 1/4" and rethread an additional 1/4" for enough alignment.

Quick calculation is that you will be removing 38% of the cross section from the shaft. I ran into the same dilemma and made some small wedges to rotate the rack shaft down for clearance. It fouled up the floorboard seal but it solved the clearance issues. I didn't feel safe cutting the shaft down.
SJS Steinhauer

If you reduce the diameter, make sure you radius the crossover area. If clearane is that tight, you must be using another engine or something else is wrong.I think that you will have enough threaded area on the tie rods withou having to cut threads
dominic clancy

SJS - That was my initial thinking too - and yes the engine size is going up from 1500 to 3500cc (hence the need for MGBV8 disk brakes. Do you remember the thread size - assume UNF as I have not checked yet. Also, I have rotated the rack as well and still need further clearance around the block hugger headers.

Dominic - yes thanks for that, I have given the engineer a sample shaft which had been turned down with nicely radiused crossover areas, as an example.
Chris Bond

Chris,
Seems like we have the same project an ocean apart. Mine is a Buick 215 hicomp with GM T5, using all MGBGT brakes and suspension. I didn't cut the shelf but had to move the gussets and fab the first 5" on the stock tunnel. It's really tight but will look stock. My car was extremely rusty, 1500 w/drums, locked incorrect engine and missing alot of parts so it was destined for parts. It was actually given to me for $1 if I promised to complete the transformation (6 years ago...)
SJS Steinhauer

Chris, just get proper headers made up and the original rack will fit with a V8 without dramas. See my car undergoing full restoration with its V8 for the idea, and yes that is an MGB crossmember and full front end fitted (done 40 years ago when it was a racer). As for the body mods, well lets just say it will make some cringe ...
regards
mark



Mark Mathiesen

SJS,

Looks like we have. Mine is also a Rover(Buick)3.5/215, but with Rover LT77 5 spd, MGB rear end and MGB/John Hoyle front.
I'm working on the trans tunnel as well at the moment and it needs a little more modification but the shifter is in exactly the right position. Strangely enough, mine was also a 1500/drums, seized incorrect engine and only about 70% complete (thankfully they created eBay). Mine cost me a lot more than $1 and a lot longer then 6 years ago. Although the goalpost shelf is cut in this photo it was not necessary and has since been welded back in (and the pancake filter sits under the hood - just!)

Chris.


Chris Bond

Mark,

Which part of the Queensland are you in, im on the Gold Coast. That is an amazing project you are building there. You note "As for the body mods, well lets just say it will make some cringe ..." what are you doing to the body. Do you have a web page following your work.
DJ Lake

Hi DL Lake (sorry dont know your first name). Car is currently at Brisbane and runs a race built Rover linked to a 5 speed and running an MGB front end and an MGB rear end with mga twin cam disc brakes. Floor has been dropped level with the chassis bottom making for a flush underpan from the front crossmember back to the diff. Car was an old Lakeside racer special when I bought it in early 1970s and as such not worth restoring to original (besides I did this to 2 others already and a 3rd would be boring!). The suspension and body was finally approved by Queensland Transport in 1981 and the engine conversion in 1990. Since that time the Qld , NSW & Vict governments have intorduced legislation banning the inclusion of any engine bigger than 3000cc into a vehicle like an MGA (max capacity can be more than 3 times the vehicles original GVM). Lucky for me my approval predates this ruling and I have a letter from Qld Transport stating it cannot be retrospectively withdrawn. The body unfortunately has deteriorated so new repair panels are under construction. The body mods include a one piece tilt nose ala D-Type but similar in appearance to a 1960 pontoon Testa Rossa Ferrari whilst the rear is a cross between a Corvette Grand Sport convertible and a convertible Cheetah (not quite Speed Racer cartoon car but not far off it). Side pipes naturally but these extend up and over to exit at the rear to comply with Qld Transport. Should cause quite an interesting reaction when it comes to McLeans Bridge and Speed on Tweed in 2009. Its performance is exceptional to say the least However its in hiding until the big unveiling so you will have to wait till then.
regards
Mark
Mark Mathiesen

This thread was discussed between 12/02/2008 and 17/02/2008

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