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MGB Question on MGB door innerds

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drooartz

drooartz

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So I've been disassembling the interior of my MGB in preparation for replacing the interior panels and touching up some paint on the floors. I got the door panels off and was looking inside the doors at their condition (not bad, really) when I noticed this issue. On the right door the front most window track seems to be missing the bracket at the bottom that connects it to the door.

Picture's not great, but you can see the missing bit here:

mgbdoorinnerds.jpg


So my question is this -- do I worry about this missing bracket? I've got the door mostly disassembled now, and this would be the time to do a fix, before I have the new panel on and everything buttoned up. If it's not a big issue, I'll wait until I get around to having the outer door skins fixed.
 
Drew, Is the bracket your missing slightly triangular in shape? I have some for a 72, but I'm not sure they'll fit your track. I don't see a tab coming out the side of your track bottom for the missing bracket to bolt to. It sticks out a couple inches. Is that tab broken off or am I missing something? In my opinion, you should replace it to keep it steady and not vibrate while driving. JMHO. PJ
 
The tab coming off the window track is missing, broken off I assume. The one on the other door is present. The missing bracket is triangular-ish, #10 in the Moss diagram.

https://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=29042

Looks like I'd need to source another vent window frame for that door, or try and weld/rivet on a tab to the one I have. Getting the rest of that door apart doesn't look like all that much fun...
 
Drew, I have some frames and brackets. Let me look and see how the tabs are attached and see if they are easily removable. You might need the complete frame. Do me a favor and show a photo of the wind wing vent handle, they changed a couple times over the years. I'll get back with you. PJ
 
Thanks, PJ. I'll get a picture when I get home this afternoon.
 
Drew, Here's one of what I have for a right hand door. The vent handle makes no difference as these don't have the windows attached, their easily remounted between frames. I do have vent windows stored elsewhere if needed. This frame I photoed has a minute crack in it, so I pulled another in better shape. The bracket is riveted on the track. The top vent hinge is slightly pitted, as most are. They can be replaced, but it's quite a task. Here are some shots of one frame I have. The frames will buff out to a mirror like finish on a power buffer. PJ

email me at, pgc161 at fairpoint dot net









 
Thanks for digging that up for me. Will contact offsite...
 
Got the vent window frame out today, no question that the frame has had the bracket broken off. Will be good to have this properly fixed and ready to go.

windowbracket.jpg
 
Got a few last parts in today, and was able to spend a few hours fighting with the vent window assembly. I'm never buying a car with wind up windows again, very overrated. :grin:

Still, I was able to get the new frame assembled with all new rubber seals and window channels. Still need to put the door back together, but at least that part of the job is done. Making progress!
 
I hate that job! Almost as much as installing a windshield. Every time I look at the scissor lift mechanism, I wonder what masochist/sadist invented that!

Good to hear you've advanced.
 
Later this week I get to try and get the rest of the door assembled, including fitting that scissor mechanism. Oh boy...

Really makes me miss my Bugeye doors -- just a piece of metal with some trim and a simple latch. :smile:
 
Suck it up, Bub! You only have to do this ONE time. :jester::devilgrin:
 
DrEntropy said:
Suck it up, Bub! You only have to do this ONE time. :jester::devilgrin:
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I will have to do it again -- I'm not prepared right now to fix the door skin crack-of-doom, so I will have to disassemble it again at some point in the future. Ah well, at least I'll know how to do it...
 
And the parts will be cleaner next go. :jester:
 
Well, that's something at least. :smile:
 
Driver's door is now done! I'm waiting on finishing the trim until the other door is complete, but all the mechanicals are back in place and working as intended. In the end this proved similar to other projects I've tackled -- a bit daunting at first as I've no idea what I'm doing, but once done it wasn't so bad. Took an hour or two to dismantle the first door, the second one was a matter of minutes.

First time I've tried to use the Lindsay Porter MGB Restoration Manual. Found it to be quite helpful, really, with useful pictures describing the process to dismantle the door. Pleasantly pleased.

Just waiting on a few bits I need for the other door, and I can get that one buttoned up as well. Onwards an upwards.

mgbdoor.jpg
 
YAY!!
 
And the other door is done!

Had to completely disassemble the vent window on this side, as the pivot pin/spring/nut/spacer was all rusted together. New parts including window glazing came in yesterday and I was able to get it all back together with a reasonable minimum of fuss. So both doors are now mechanically solid -- still need to tackle the crack-of-doom repair some day, but that will have to wait for now.

Hope to get the door cards and other panels installed in the next few days, and that will wrap up the interior refresh.

mg2doors.jpg
 
Lookin' really good, Drew. When I did Herself's, I put in all new rubber. Now the vent seals are cracking as well as the windshield bottom seal. :madder:

Means sooner or later I have to do it all over again.
 
I did do all new seals and window channels -- only thing left from old is the outside riveted-on water excluder. I'll replaced those when I finally get to repair the door skins, couldn't see replacing them now just to replace them again when I have the doors repainted.

Bummer yours are already cracking, Doc. While I enjoyed learning how to deal with the doors, I'd just as soon not do that again anytime soon. :smile:
 
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