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MG MGA - hood latch bar

What is the best method for replacing the bonnet latch bar? It seems there are two bent brackets on it that weld to the reinforcement bars under the front shroud, and two captive nuts at the ends that wing bolts fasten to. And the bonnet latch must be aligned to it as well. Any suggestions?

Thanks (again), George
G Goeppner

The most desirable way is to stay as close as possible to factory issue. That part was spot welded in place, almost certainly before the top body cowling was installed. It will be more difficult for access without removing the body cowling, but can be done.

Start by breaking the spot welds. Easiest way should be with a spot weld mill or a spot weld drill in a hand drill. Try to bore the first layer of metal only, leaving the base metal part behind it. Since you most likely cannot get a spot welder into the space allowed, next best is to punch or drill some holes in the new part and plug weld it in place using a MIG welder, giving results very much like the original spot welding.

Least desirable would be to cut the bracket short of the ends and try to butt weld or lap weld the new bracket to the old ends. You can likely make a good structural weld that way, but it might look like crap.
Barney Gaylord

Barney, there are access issues, but the body is off the frame so that should help. I don't have a spot welder, I'll MIG plug-weld the new brackets in. The shroud reinforcement bars are a little beat up as well, probably from a front end "bump", so they won't be much help for location of the latch bar although I'll straighten them as best I can. Given the mess I have, I'm trying to figure out how to get the new latch bar in the right location so I don't have issues with the bonnet latching. Maybe I should install the latch assembly as a location point?
G Goeppner

I removed my latch bar partly to remove some dents in it but also I had to replace both wheel arch strips complete with all the wing nuts. As I had to remove both inner wings as well releasing the ends of the latch bar from the wheel arch strips wasn't difficult Two of the wing nuts (third from front) are spot welded to a bracket which in turn is welded to the ends of the latch bar.

I replaced my bar recently but before I did any welding I made up a pair of new brackets to fit to the ends of the bar. The brackets were bent to an angle of 30-40 degrees and were spot welded to the underside of the latch bar ends and bent around the tip so that the upper portion landed up vertical and right against the wheel arch strip. It might take you two or three goes to get the shape right but they are easy to make (the width of the latch bar channel x 3 or 4 inches). See photo.

The upper part of each bracket must line up with the wing hole. Then I positioned and clamped the bar so that the bonnet latch hole was central with the bonnet peg and marked the position of the bracket holes through the wing hole. Then I drilled and welded a circular nut to the back.

Assuming you haven't removed your bar yet I would grind off the tips plus bracket with a 4" grinder going in through the radiator grille hole; there's plenty of room for this. The original 5/16" captive nut was caged and the cage spot welded to the top part of the end bracket.

The latch bar is fixed at five points: dealing with the other three is fairly straightforward.........................Mike





m.j. moore

Mike, thanks for your comments. What are the five points that you mention? The two bent brackets are welded to the shroud reinforcement bars (I'm counting this as two points). Are the ends of the latch bar that contain the caged nut also welded to the inner fender flange? That would be two more fixing points if so. The fifth location??

Thanks!
G Goeppner

George, There are the two end fixing points plus the two points four or five inches in from the ends. Then there is the large five inch wide bracket right at the centre which is spot welded to the underside of the front shroud drainage channel. I kept this latter bracket attached to the bar and it helped location when I replaced it.

The latch bar itself is not welded to the wheel arch strip. It's the bracket that is welded to the strip on the outside and to the bar on the inside. I've drawn a sketch to give you a better idea of what I think was the original arrangement. I found it easier to weld the inside of the bracket to the underside of the bar as you can see from the last picture. Don't forget that if you do cut the ends off the latch bar doing any MIG weld repairs will be a doddle as the steel is 16 gauge.

If you need any more pictures just ask..................Mike

m.j. moore

Hi George
I recently made a new bonnet platform piece: not that difficult really. My old one was completely shot. You will see in the pic that the ends are seperate pieces that are welded on. This gives some small adjustment when fitting.
Matthew

M S Randell

Mike, Matthew, thanks a lot, I got it now (I think). Now to get to work....!
G Goeppner

This thread was discussed between 30/06/2011 and 01/07/2011

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