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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Side window sealing strips

You know those infernal spring clips that hold the side window outer seal in position? Does anyone have a good technique for removal and refitting? I need to make a tool for doing it I think. Any useful tips anyone? Also, does the interior top door trim have hidden fixings or is it just held on by similar clips with the fur-flex inner seal?
Nick Nakorn

Moss do a tool and I found that putting a small blob of grease in the tool stops the clip from falling out before you get it in position. Still can be a pig of a job though.
The top door trim is held on by nuts and semi captive bolts that are in a slot on the back of the trim.

Bernie.
bernie higginson

Cheers Bernie!
Nick Nakorn

Ive used a little hook pic and a piece of sheet metal with a bend to pop them into place... also ive heard a abit of vasoline in the clip will make them slid on better

To remove I think I used a very small flat screw driver and pushed along the seal edge next to the clips and worked them off like that so the clips held the seal and didnt fall into the door... but I cant remember exactly to long ago

But im sure a magnet on a stick is going to be your best friend to fish them out

Good luck

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Nick

This is the tool that I made. It works a treat.

I didn't use anything to stick the clips to the tool, although you could try some Blu-tac.

Dave O'Neill 2

Yep... same as I made, but I didnt put the fancy finger loop holder on mine

But i can see where a climate controlled loop finger holder would be a great idea... heated for winter and A/C controlled during summer....nice

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Thanks Dave, that looks just the ticket. Was your tool made of thick enough material (oh matron!)or did it unfurl at all when in use? I have some 1.8mm and 2mm about the place but the next step up is 3mm and that's probably too thick.
Nick Nakorn

No, I didn't have any problems with it.

It wasn't that thick, either. I made it from the lip that I cut off the front inner wheelarch, to clear the Ashley bonnet...which is why it's finished in Tartan red!
Dave O'Neill 2

Hey nick

I think one of the tricks in bending the metal to make the hook portion is to square the hook portion the same thickness as the clip... (or reasonable close to)...if the hook is in a V formation then the clip will want to rock back and forth in the hook

I hope that makes scence

Another thought I had earlier today, use a strong magnet on the hook provided your using non ferrious metal, if it can be magnetized that will go along way id think in holding the clip into postion while holding and forcing into postion...(im guessing guessing with spaghetti in hand)

Nick... take some photos if you can, it would be great to be able to show others how this is done

Good luck...im looking forward to the out come

Prop
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2014 and 14/09/2014

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