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MG MGB Technical - Badge/spotlight bar mounting issues

Hello,

I have bought a Moss badge/spotlight bar for my Mk1 B.

It seems to me that I will have to make some cutaways in the bumbers rear upper side as the gap between the bumper and the lower end of the grille is so narrow that the flat iron section of the bar mounts need some more space. Maybe only 1/4 inch.

Any comments before I grab my angle grinder??

regards

Jan
Jan Emil Kristoffersen

Are you installing it correctly? The MGOC one fits between the number plate and the front of the bumper.

Paul Hunt

The Moss bar mounts go behind the bumber, between it and the grille frame. That is where I believe I will have to shave away some of the bumper rear upper lip.

regards,

Jan
Jan Emil Kristoffersen

I'd be inclined to modify the badge bar or add spacers between the bumper and the frame before I'd start cutting into the bumper. JMHO. Jud
J K Chapin

Ditto. But really it isn't fit for purpose, I'd be getting my money back and buying elsewhere.
Paul Hunt

Sounds to me that your bumper bar brackets are set wrong and need to be adjusted slightly so the bumper moves down away from your grill enough for the bar to fit between.
s p brown

Maybe, but I can't see space for anything like the Moss bar I have seen between my bumper and grille either. The top rear edge of the bumper is set back under the front face of the grille, with a gap of about 3/16" behind them. You would need an angle bracket bolted to the front apron bolts, rising about 1/2" and projecting forwards about an inch to clear the grille, but even then a bar rising vertically from that would be very close to the grille.

Paul Hunt

I think you are right Paul, I have realized that this job is demanding skills I dont have to give a good result, so I have made an appointment with a firend who is a skilled metalworker always with a good nose for elegant solutions to improve on not so elegant designs

regards

Jan

Pic: my B and two brand new Indian Chiefs

Jan Emil Kristoffersen

Jan
Just fitted mine - sounds like it could be the same one. i got mine used.
At first, I had a similar problem to what you describe.
I found that removing the towing eyes (lashing points) solved the problem and it now fits well.
I chose to remove the overriders - it does not affect fitting.
lights not tight yet hence looking wonky.
hope it helps.
G

Graham Moore

Hello again!

With the help of my highly skilled friend I made another attempt with the badge/spotlight bar this weekend. My car has a standard front end, not heritage, and the mounting irons for the front bumper are straight, and symmetrical in their position. The badge bar is 1/2 inch too short between its mounting points, and the RH mount has too much of a horizontal rotation to fit in any way. The box angle section that is supposed to sneak under the grille frame and over the bumper will not fit under any circumstances. I guess this is a case of individual cars varying in their dimensions, and also a case of an accessory which could have been better made. Most of the stuff I have bought from this supplier has been excellent or at least fairly easily modifiable. This badge bar will be put into service as a coat hanger on the wall of my garage.

We have now resorted to a typical 60-ies and 70-ies bodge; drilled holes in the bumper to install the spots and my vintage Norwegian Sports Car Club badge. I know that this will raise some eyebrows, but with angled SS adaptors made up in the lathe and a milling machine I believe it will come out as a nice and professional looking job. Pictures to follow

regards,

Jan
Jan Emil Kristoffersen

The final result. I am pleased with it, but regret I did not purchase the rear mounted version of these spotlights, that just bolts to the grille.

regards

Jan

Jan Emil Kristoffersen

This thread was discussed between 05/08/2015 and 25/08/2015

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