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MG MGB Technical - Wing alignment/ Differences in Yr models

Afternoon all. Reposted in correct section..

Yesterday whilst tackling a drivers door problem I have (Not original door) I noticed that the Drivers side wing appears to either be offline or perhaps even the wrong type.

Can someone please explain the subtle differences between the chrome bumper wings- early and late type chrome bumper.

I have a 72 chrome GT Coupe.

Heres a pic of mine: Notice the drivers side- the shape around the grill and the gap running the seem of the bonnet. Even around the light the wing at its tip infront of the light seems to be a little too "off left" if you can understand what I mean. The pic is hi-res so if you can enlarge it maybe that will help!


JS Ahlund

Looks like pretty standard body panel fit to me. As far as I know there is no difference in the chrome car wings from the beginning up to the start of the rubber bumper models. I spent hours and hours trying to get gaps even when I built mine using Heritage panels. It is not at all easy and what you have noticed on your car is extremely common. What you have to ask yourself is "Is it the wing that's out of line or the wrong shape, or the bonnet, or is the grille the wrong shape"? All of these are possible. I would simply learn to live with it.
Mike Howlett

Thanks for the input Mike, I was unsure about the yr differences if any as on most MG parts places on the net they dont really compare parts or label them clearly.

Sometimes I think staring at stuff like this just makes me blind.

It may seem like Im being fussy, that pic is a few years old and the bonnet has been off the car during an ongoing engine rebuild and is actually now out of shape. I have refitted it and strategically weighted it until I can take it into work and improve on the shape. There are a few shell problems to adress, the usual perhaps- door skins not properly aligned or fitted right, pin holes in the wings and rear arch rust spots as well as knackered beading on the rear wings.

It will keep me busy!
JS Ahlund

It looks to me that the bonnet could do with being a bit further over towards the passenger side to get better alignment with the centre of the grille but then that leaves the drivers side wing to come a fair bit further in to close the gap with the bonnet. This may involve filing the mounting holes a bit. The fit between the bonnet and the top of the grille is about par for course and the fit between the RH wing and the grille side will come in a bit when it is moved but quite frankly it never seems to fit quite right in this area
Iain MacKintosh

Iain your bang on about the drivers side wing. It needs to come up a bit too.

With the bonnet refitted the gap size on the drivers side increases along the wing getting larger towards the front- even more than the picture currently.

The wings will both be coming off, thanks for the tip a bit of fettling may do the trick.
JS Ahlund

I don't know how you are going to get the wing up as it will then stand proud of the scuttle in front of the windscreen. Maybe the bonnet needs to have a slight bend put in it to lower it along the drivers side. The gap between the bonnet and the LH wing looks about right but of course when you move the bonnet over a bit the wing will have to move out. The trials of MG ownership!!
Iain MacKintosh

Passenger side is spot on, I think.

I meant with the drivers side wing that at the front of it is marginally lower which more than likely doesnt help the bonnet keep a true shape. The rail where the wing is bolted to the chassis doesnt have the same harmonic arc to it as the passenger side does the last 10 cms or so- Ill measure it all up. Plan is so far to replicate the passenger side completely when adjusting the drivers side whilst keeping the correct lines. The bonnet to suit the final product. All even gaps and straight as a dye.

..Given me plenty to dwell on for a while- Never a dull moment eh!
JS Ahlund

If you can cast your mind back to 1972 and saw how they arrived in the showroom, yours is good in comparison to many...
Hal Adams

As said wings are very iffy. My right-hand wing was about half an inch forward of the grille whereas the left-hand was flush. I had to do quite a bit of slotting those wing holes and altering the flange to get the right-hand to sit flush like the left-hand.
Paul Hunt

Just put two heritage wings on a re-build, the drivers side took two hours to fit, the passenger side 2 days!!! After that many hours of fiddling, pushing, shimming, cutting and welding just to get the fits close......NOT perfect! You learn to accept compromise. Has Hal said they came from the factory VERY compromised!
Allan Reeling

Thanks for all the kind compliments gentlemen.

The car has as many, been subject to fantastic british summers and winters. Cold a tad overcast and rainy at best and was not garaged for 3-4 years prior to my ownership. That said its in very good condition.

I wish the wings looked like that now, but the fact is they dont. The pic is a few years old and the wings are original as far as I know. They have suffered the weather but nothing that cant be sorted out.

I will be keeping all parts and welding as need be. I welcome the bodywork side of the project- its definately part of the kick of owning such a beautiful classic car and restoring it :)
JS Ahlund

Chrome bumper wings are different before and after -67, with the earlier cars having the sidelight mounted further outwards - not affecting alignment to bonnet or grill, of course. :)

Pictured is my left wing during modification of a newer (and GT) wing to fit my -65 roadster.


Johan Garmer

Johan,

Thanks old chap,

I knew there were some differences, just I was not quiet sure of what they were. I see you adopted the same route as I plan to- cut and weld.

Your headlamp insert, is that a replacement part from Heritage?

Looking forward to seeing your car in the flesh at some point.

/Jamie Å
JS Ahlund

This thread was discussed between 09/06/2013 and 14/06/2013

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