1980 Body Shell

[NCtim]

Hey there,

I've been studying the journals and build pages and I have a question that I'm sure is answered somewhere here. I just picked up a pristine 1980 MGB except that it had an engine fire and has been parked out of the weather for a number of years. I know this shell is the one that's easiest to use because it was designed to accept the Rover V8. Can I just transfer my chrome bumper parts to this car, crossmember, springs, steering rack, etc instead of buying all the lowering stuff?

Thanks,
Tim

[Moderator]

The forward leafspring mounts on the rubber-bumper bodyshells are at a different height (i.e. the bolts are lower compared to the floorpan), but that shouldn't be too hard to fix and while you're at it you'll want to reinforce them too.

[NCtim]

Thanks, Curtis. So my '73 crossmember, suspension, and steering should mount right up? I'd fix the rear spring mounts when I do the reinforcement mods.

Tim

[rficalora]

You should also modify where the bump stops for the rear axle are.  On the RB cars there is an extra plate there holding the bump stops about an inch below the frame rail.  Remove that plate or you will lose an inch of compression travel.  While you are at it, you could remove the bump stop buldge to make room for wider tires

[BlownMGB-V8]

You'll need to do something about the length of the steering shaft to fit the early crossmember. That's the only real issue in the front I think. Drilling the upper holes in the front mounts for the rear leaf springs in the right place is going to be very difficult. Having a new main leaf with an inverted loop made up is probably going to be easier.

Jim

[NCtim]

Thanks, Rick and Jim. I wasn't aware of the bump stop issue but getting rid of the bump stop bulge on the inner fender is a great idea.

[MGBV8]

Study this thread:

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,1329892