|
|
|
|
|
MGB RESTORATION - |
|
Click picture for a larger view
As always fire and safety precautions should be observed to ensure that work
is carried out safely without risk of injury. A certain amount of cutting and
welding will take place so the fuel tank, fuel pump and fuel lines should be
removed as a safety precaution. Also the batteries should be removed because
they can give off an explosive gas. The car should then be raised to a
convenient height and place on suitable ramps or blocks to allow safe working
underneath where required. Bear in mind the rear axle will be removed when
placing the blocks.
Rear spring mounting brackets are exposed and can be prone to rust over a
long period of time. The newest MGBs are now more than 25 years old and rust can
take its toll in this area. Replacement of a rear spring front mounting bracket
is best tackled when sill and floor have been remove to give better access.
Apart from a pair of replacement rear spring front mounting brackets you
should also get a pair of heel-board extension panels together with a set of
spring shackle bolts. These are available from good specialist suppliers. When you are ready to begin remove the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel line and
batteries as already mentioned. Following this, remove the rear axle and springs
but leave the springs attached to the axle. These will be used later for
aligning the new mounting bracket. It is important to remove only one old rear
spring front mounting bracket and leave the other in place because it will also
be used to align the replacement. Remove the first bracket by drilling out the
spot weld that hold it in place. You will be welding the new mounting bracket to
the flanges that remain so be careful to leave them in good condition. It is
unlikely that the heel-board extension panel will be in good condition if the
mounting bracket is rusted and so remove this panel. The next stage is to
de-rust the remaining metal in preparation for fitting the new parts. Offer up
the new heel-board extension panel and secure it in place with blind fasteners.
Once you are happy with the fit plug weld it into place. The next stage is to
fit the new rear spring front mounting bracket. It is crucial to get the
alignment exactly right, otherwise the rear axle will not be set properly and
this could upset the handling at the rear of the car and make it unsafe to
drive. Fitting the new bracket will be with the aid of the rear axle and
springs. Fit the new mounting bracket to the front of the appropriate spring and
put the rear axle in place and attach it using the three remaining spring
mounting points. The fourth mounting point which has the new mounting bracket
attached should be guided into place. Raise the axle to a height where the
spring is supporting the new mounting bracket in its location. Dress the
surrounding flanges so that the mounting bracket can be welded into place. When
you are happy with the positioning tack weld the mounting bracket into place.
Remove the shackle bolts at the front of both springs and lower them clear of
the front mounting brackets. If the sills are removed you should be able to see
through the new mounting bracket shackle bolt holes across the car to the old
mounting bracket at the other side. With correct alignment you should be able to
see through both sets of shackle bolt holes. It is essential that the new spring
mounting bracket is securely welded into place and seam welding is advised where
possible both to the mounting bracket and to the heel-board extension panel.
Once the spring mounting bracket is secure coat the seams with seam sealer
before painting for protection. Replacement of the rear spring mounting bracket
is dealt with as a separate item. Click
here to view that page.
'Kingpin'
|
|
© Copyright
all
rights reserved.