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MG MGB Technical - Steering Wheel Boss Sizes

Does anyone know the differences between the various columns fitted to the pre 72 MGB's.

Mota Lita list several different bosses for the various years.

Did the column diameter change for the various bosses or the number of splines.

Have got a boss and it wont fit as internal diameter was too small for the column. Was there more than one diameter for the boss??
G J Slope

Oh yes, I had this too. I had a MotaLita on my 1971 MGB. When I swapped to a 1969 MGB the boss didn't fit. I was in the MGB Hive one day picking up bits and they took my old boss and exchanged it for the correct one free of charge. Tremendous service when you think about it. The column changed when the model changed from GHN(D)3&4 to GHN(D) 5 in 1970.
Mike Howlett

Thanks Mike ..

Do you remember why it wouldn't fit??

Was the 71 boss to big or to small for the 69 column.

Can work out which one I need then..

G J Slope

Unless you think your column has been changed simply telling Moto-Lita the year should be enough. Clausager says their were four sets of splines over the years making the various wheels non-interchangeable - 62-67 (Mk1), 67-69 Mk2), 69-76 (GHN/D5), and 76-80 (77 model year and later). Unless your car is very close to one of the change points, in which case you would have to consult the chassis numbers, it should be easy, except Moto-Lita's change points don't tie up with Clausager. Tell them your year, and what style wheel you have now (wire spoke, five-hole flat spoke, no hole flat spoke etc.) and if they send you the wrong one it is their fault for sending you the wrong one, not yours for ordering it.
P Hunt

Unfortunately the column is not in a MGB but a 72 Mk2 Gilbern, which uses the steering column from the MGB.

But at the moment I cant identify which column, so need some way to identify between the different versions fitted to MGB's pre 72... Number of splines and diameter, whould be ideal.
G J Slope

Gosh now you're asking. I THINK the 1971 column splines were smaller diameter than the 1969 column splines, but I wouldn't swear on the bible. It's a few years ago now. I could whip out the horn button and try to measure the diameter of the splines on the 1969 if that will help. I no longer have the 1971 car.
Mike Howlett

Mike

Any details you have at all would be brilliant.

Many thanks
G J Slope

Right, my car is all dismantled at the moment so I have been able to measure across the splines at the top of the steering column. On my 1969 BGT the diameter across the splines is exactly 3/4 of an inch. I hope this helps.
Mike Howlett

Thanks Mike

Much appreciated.
G J Slope

I have an original wheel from a 69 in very good condition, if interested. i believe it only fits 68 and 69.
donsmidget at yahoo dot com
don g

This thread was discussed between 13/01/2010 and 30/01/2010

MG MGB Technical index

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