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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MK1 Sprite bonnet locating pegs

I have a problem with the bonnet locating pegs sticking in their receiving holes in the chassis front extensions. Not every time, but if, on closing, I let the bonnet drop the last few inches, the pegs sometimes jam quite tightly in the holes. I think what is happening is that the cone part of the pin is going so far into the hole that the rear edge of the cone catches like a barb in the hole.

Do I have this assembled correctly, or maybe I am missing something. Maybe the pegs (new, replasement ones) are badly made and slightly undersised. Or should there be a rubber cushion to support the bonnet and prevent the guide pins from going so far in. I just have metal to metal contact there.
GuyW

There is a small amount of adjustment on the pin which may help.There is nothing shown in the parts book but I have a rubber seal on the pin. (its a large grommet) I put it there to stop rattles as the metal to metal contact seems a bit harsh
Bob Beaumont

Thanks Bob (again!)
The peg adjustment is lateral, which doesn't really help as they are both centering correctly. My arrangement is Peg, large washer below the web in the bonnet, second large washer above the web and then a locknut. If that is all that is supposed to be there then I will experiment with some rubber bushes or maybe a piece of cycle inner tube glued to the top of the receiving plate on the chassis leg. Its just that the peg is going too far down but I don't want to lift the bonnet too much as that would upset the curved gap at the top of the sill!

Was it you that backed your chromed grill with something to stop it chafing on the paintwork? I have threaded the spires to take small nuts rather than the spring clips so that should give it a more positive hold.
GuyW

Hi Guy, the assembly is the same as mine. You may find an additional washer will still retain the sill/bonnet line. Its a case of trial and error I guess. The bonnets are so heavy and unwieldy I can't image the fit was that good when new!

Yes it was me who 'lined' the grille. I originally used some thick polythene but have since found some self adhesive thin foam sheet which may be better. The pins on the grille I threaded M3 and used brass nuts and washers.
Bob Beaumont

I think there should be a rubber washer. My car had one when I bought it in 1978. It's about 5mm thick.

Les
L B Rose

I had a metal washer and I can move the locating peg in 2 directions.

Flip Brühl

This thread was discussed between 03/04/2020 and 04/04/2020

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