steering column/ fiberglass body

[Derek]

So since I got my MG pre-assembled, it has a few problems in the build. Someone didn’t take their time and do a good job all the time. But on the front of the car between the front left fender and body the steering column exits the body and goes to the steering stuff (brain fart…) but it is not cleanly done and the front fiberglass panel (that goes across the whole front under the grill) is bent out of shape around the steering column etc. Is there a way to fix this or do I just need to get a new piece. (several actually since they cut the grill frame to make room)

Thanks, and I will post a picture or two once I’m home from work this evening.

[Paul Mossberg]

Sounds likwe you have an early FiberFab MIGI.

 

In reaserching the diferences between the various manufacturers (see this thread) we learned the earlier cars had a one piece fiberglass grill shell that incorporated the front splash panel as part of the piece. The metal grill was optional and could be fit over the fiberglass.

 

Cars that had this grill had two major differences:

1) The steering column exited the left side panel and was clearly visible then tucked under the left side of the splash panel.

2) The front left fender was different.

 

Your comment about the bent bodypanel makes me believe the access hole isnot cut correctly. Before you hunt down and buy a replacement body side panel, are you able to just clean up the hole so the column fits through neatly?

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Derek]

So I read through that forum a bit and I believe I have a Daytona Migi with the separate panel in front of the fenders that bolts on.

 

I don’t know if you can see very well in this picture but it is lifted on the left side of the car.
And as you said the hole cut in the body panel is sloppy but that will be no problem to clean up.

PMOSSBERG2013-09-17 10:50:19

[Derek]

Did that image work? It doesn’t appear on my iPad.

[Paul Mossberg]

Hey nobody.

 

I fixed your post.

 

The img and /img codes work here.  But you need the full web address.

 

Your initial post had only a portion of the address (“uploads/27973/image.jpg”)

PMOSSBERG2013-09-17 10:53:21

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[KentT]

I also have an early FF kit, as best I can tell, with the exposed steering shaft.  Mine also was already built with some build issues – but my errors are on the rear and not the front.

On mine, there’s rubber pads about 3/8″ thick that go between the fiberglass front grille piece and the mounting bolts on the top torsion tube.  This raises that front grille piece enough that it clears the steering box, without having to trim it (as shown in your pic) to clear the gear lash adjustment screw.  My grille piece sits on top of the steering box.  Not sure how that slight difference in mounting height might effect the issues that you’re dealing with.

Early FF TDr on 69 VW pan
Slowly coming back from the ashes...

[newkitman]

Can’t help much here guys. My ff kit is the later model with my front fenders having the center piece molded in with the fender and meeting in the middle in front of the grille. Right now the pieces that fit in front of the grille, the driver’s fender just sits on top of my steering box with the grille resting on the torsion bar just in front of the lower tube of the front beam. Does anyone know how far in front of the front beam the fender piece should be? My assembly manual doesn’t give a measurement, just says to bolt the front bumper bracket to the mount bar on the front beam.newkitman2013-09-17 12:50:13

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Derek]

Thanks Paul.

The rubber is a good idea, but then it seems like there would be a gap between the fender and the bottom of the grille/front splash piece. 

I was originally thinking of cutting out around the steering column and box then making a mould of the box in fiberglass, this way the fiberglass grille piece sits flat on top of the fender.

Thoughts on this?

[Mark]

Hey Paul Mossberg. You said the left front fender is different. Is that why my tire rubs on it? What do I do about it?
Two Blades

[Paul Mossberg]

MArk,

“Happy Jack” wrote that comment about the left fender. I was just quoting him.

Here is the thread where he made the comment:

https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/fiberfab-migi-vs-migi-ii/

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[newkitman]

Guys and Gals,
Is it possible that the left fender fits differently because it has to? Right up front on the left side of the front beam near the fender is the steering box. There is no object like that on the right side and I’ll bet that’s why the left front fits differently than the right front fender. But then again…although I’ve worked VWs since 1979 I’ve only worked TDrs since two years ago. And I’m still learning all the time.newkitman2013-10-05 19:02:07

Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The Shack

[Mark]

Sorry…I thought it was you.

[edward ericson]

Allen might be onto something. Look at the fenders from the front and see if they hang “even.” You may be able to pull the left one up just a bit by adjusting the headlight bracket….somehow.

Or your car could be like mine, which is just a tad off center. My left front tire is almost flush with the fender lip, the right side is tucked under a half inch.

If you were to narrow your beam 2 inches it might solve the problem. Word I get is you can do it without threading the tie rod & etc. further, as there are enough threads to absorb the narrowing. I’m still kicking myself for not going with the new narrowed adjustable beam when I bought mine three years ago.

[Paul Mossberg]

I cast my vote for some sort of fender misalignment.

Remember…these car parts are hand made…and then hand assembled…perhaps by knuckleheads like us who may (or may NOT) have been expert mechanics.

I know I wasn’t. And no one will ever know by looking at my car curbside, but I do know where the assembly errors are.

Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica Roadster

If you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)

[Mark]

I’m going out now to check measurements. then look at moving my light bracket ( the hood side) in a bit to pull the fender up. Thanks for the help.

[Mark]

I’ve worked with the bracket but no help. I have a fix for now and posted it on the fender rubbing thread. Thanks for all the input.

[Author]

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