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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Fitting GRP rear bodywork.

Hello all,

I’m fairly new here, and there seems to be plenty of experience within the forum so I’m wondering if anyone can help me with some advice.

I’m the owner of an older restoration 1970 Midget GAN 5 and it’s distinctly a project car, but is also relatively roadworthy. I’m keen to carry out varying bits of work to make it mine. The first big job is to make it a RWA car and I’m more interested in fitting the Peter May Midget GRP rear end.

I need to know what metal I need to retain really, in terms of door shuts, rear “deck” hood fixings and can I modify the inner (outer) arches to fit the RWA arches?

I’m sure some will decry the fitting of GRP panels, but I’m wanting a fun road/track car and ultimately it’s about enjoying the journey not only the destination.

Over to the experts.

Regards,
Kurt
Kurt Barker

You might want to see how much Smith & Deakin charge for the rear end.

http://www.smithanddeakin.co.uk/home/4591211595
Dave O'Neill 2

I fitted a FB rear end to my frogeye as I couldn't afford replacement steel wings at the time, I wouldn't do it again for a road car as it's too easily damaged and difficult to repair. The FB rear I got and the FB front the car came with all sagged in the centre of the main panel as did the replacement FB front, It is correctable with heat but time consuming and the front needed bracing. I would want to see the panel I was buying before handing over any money to check the quality. I always wondered if they had been pulled from the mould before fully set.

Another option mentioned here on the BB before is Ford Fiesta rear wheel arch repair panels as being very close to RWA arches.
David Billington

Hi Kurt,
Two good replies so far. Dave O being slightly cryptic and I can only agree with him. David B again has a very good solution to accommodating bigger wheels on the rear and is a route I am taking with my Mk2 Sprite and I done with a race car some years ago. But no one has answered your question yet. I have fitted a few of them and can help you,give me a call on 07391353420 if no answer leave a message and I will call you back.
TONY GRIFFITHS

Earlier on with my Sprite restoration I very nearly decided to go the Sebring replica route as the rear deck had been badly cut about. I really like the coupe looks of a good Sebring. There are lots of linlks on the Sebring site of projects, some of which include photos of fitting the rear body, from which you might learn something about what is retained.

I would have expected the structural integrity of the rear to be rather different for a 1/4 eliptic sprung car, with all of the loading being taken forward of the wheel arches. With semi eliptics and the loadings transferred to the rear of the boot floor I would imagine some sort of cross bracing would be needed. The GRP rear end will add very little transverse support to the boot floor and rear valance.
GuyW

Hello Tony, I have tried to call you but it says the number is incorrect. I’m interested in having a chat if you have the right number.

Regards,
Kurt
Kurt Barker

Sorry Kurt the correct number is 07391352420
TONY GRIFFITHS

This thread was discussed between 11/06/2019 and 12/06/2019

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