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MG MGA - Door seals

Can someone tell me what is the slot depth in the door seal? i.e. How far over the edge of the door surround it needs. I'm asking b/c I just finished making the plate that covers the frame to inner sill gap, and I scribed its flange to the inner sill line and I only get about 1/4" at one point where the sill rises at the rear. I fear I may have to build up the sill a bit. I'm allowing a 1/8" gap for the frame packing.
Art Pearse

Art, If you plan using Todd Clarke seals they are designed to fit a 1/2" flange all around the door opening.

However if you carpet it before the seals are fitted then you can stand an extra 1/8" or so on the flange width across the bottom; if it's as low as 1/4" I would definitely build it up. Although the metal clip in the seal grips quite low down (about 1/8th from the bottom) if you don't have the full 1/2" support then the seal will flop around from side to side and quickly come off.

TC also specifies for the seal a maximum flange thickness of 1/8" i.e. equivalent to three sheet metal thicknesses..................Mike
m.j. moore

Thanks MJ. I think I will carpet after the seals. I'm using 18g, so 3 x .048 = .144 Can it stretch to this?
Art Pearse

Just checked out Todd's site. He is adamant about the .125" thickness. This could involve a lot of grinding. I used 18g for the sill, per Barney, and 18g for the cover plates. Maybe these should be thinner?
Art Pearse

The Todd Clarke door seals are expensive, and Bob West offers a MUCH cheaper alternative. Even though you have shipping costs from the UK to take into account, you will save $100 or more.
dominic clancy

Thanks Dominic. I emailed him for details. I assume you have Bob West seals? TC wants $130
Art Pearse

Have you tried MacGregor in Dundas? He has quality parts although others have complained of service. He doesn't currently list his own seals as in stock for MGA, but might be worth talking to.

http://www.macgregorukcarparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT
John DeWolf

The Todd Clarke seals are correct as original and work well over tow or three three layers of 18 gauge sheet metal. Been there, done that, posted the pictures on my web site. Love the Todd Clark door seals (worth every penny of the price). Don't like the Bob West seals. Really don't like the Moss seals See here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int108a.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int108b.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int108c.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/interior/int108d.htm
Barney Gaylord

Thanks Barney. He's sending a sample to test!
Art Pearse

The original seals are a "jam" seal which wedges under the door casing and compresses where it can't.

The other more common door seals are compression seals and generally will not fit very well at all as they tend to be too thick for the gap between the door panel and the body.

Steve
S L Bryant

This thread was discussed between 15/10/2011 and 17/10/2011

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