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MG MGA - Windscreen Washers

I have picked up from one of the other boards here that windscreen washers have to be retrofitted even if not originally installed on the vehicle (and not having a folding screen). This is a requirement of the MOT (although it appears that my car has passed numerous MOT before without a problem).
My car is a late Mk2 and USA import, which may be why they are not fitted in the first place.
I see I can buy single double spray washers or install two single spray units. Looking in Clausager's book I see examples of both although two heads seem predominent.
I wold prefer to only have to drill a single hole if I can get a suitable spray pattern rather than stick to the letter of originallity.
Advice and experiences would be appreciated.
Graeme W

Graeme,
Unfortunately this is one MOT item that does apply retrospectively to any vehicle with a fixed, or non folding windscreen.

One or two holes is your own preference, but if actually tested at the MOT station, the pass criteria is that the jet(s) clears the swept wiper area - that will probably drive you to two jets.

I know of other vehicle types where it is known to remove the windscreen at the time of testing, but that is going to the extreme and still puts you in a dodgy situation if pulled over on the road by knowledgeable police.

regards
Colin
Colin Manley

When I drill holes in the bodywork like that, what is the best way to protect them Colin?
Graeme W

Interesting one. I wonder what the situation is with pre 1960 MOT exempt MGAs? As it happens I have a pair fitted.

steve
Steve Gyles

Irrespective of the MOT, Construction and Use regs require "every wheeled vehicle required by para (1) to be fitted with a wiper or wipers shall also be fitted with a windscreen washer capable of cleaning, in conjunction with the windscreen wiper, the area swept by the wiper of mud or similar deposit". They have been an MOT fail since Dec 1977 - I didn't know that, I looked it up. You don't need them if the vehicle is not capable of exceeding 20mph or is a track laying vehicle buts thats quite an extensive modification.

I think the only other piece of retrospective regulation is to have two rear reflectors - pre war cars usually managed with one rear light/reflector, the so-called five light set (2 head, 2 side and 1 rear) sometimes mentioned in contemporary adverts/brochures. You can amuse yourself on this one by watching TV programmes set in the 1920s and spotting cars incorrectly sporting two rear lights.

Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

If I don't get out of first, would I get away with it?
Graeme W

Graeme. Place masking tape over the position where you want to drill the holes. Use a slow speed drill with a small drill bit and work your way up the size of drill bits to get the required hole diameter. De burr the underside of the holes and prime and colour paint them and let the paint cure off before fitting the jet.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Thanks Colin. Obviously the position is a very visible one and the last thing I want to see just there is corrosion starting.
Graeme W

This thread was discussed between 27/10/2015 and 28/10/2015

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