Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possible?

[franco07]

I have a 1976 MG Midget with the rubber bumpers. I will like to know if the chrome bumpers and grill can be install on this 76 midget to give it the classic look. Is this possible or is there some type of conversion kit that I have to use?

 

[RickB]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

Yes!

Here's my 78:

 

[RickB]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

And the back:

 

[jlaird]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

That turned out quite nice Rick.

 

[mccalebr]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

And the early tail light lenses sets off the rear nicely.

 

[JPSmit]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

Yes it's possible - other than having to cut back the front bumper brackets so the grille can be installed. As well, the back curves (under the taillights) will have to be reinstalled. I am in the process of doing it and have a dubious advantage that the car was rear ended - thus I bought a chrome bumper rear valance which I will install shortly. Likewise the front signal light holes were cut larger to make the rubber bumper fit. Apparently you can fit the chrome bumper signal lights without surgery (see previous pics) however, I've had the holes filled and will be using bugeye turn signals instead. It's not a difficult conversion but there are a couple of things that do need to be done to make it "right" - good luck - I can post pics if anything I've said makes no sense

 

[rulle7]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

I just made molds of my front signal hole areas and the pieces under the rear lights for a friend here in Tokyo who's doing the same conversion. Made glass-fiber copies from the molds and it worked out very well for him.
Didn't cost anything either.

 

[JPSmit]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the Rubber Bumper cars sit higher than chrome bumper - partly because they were higher to start with (bringing them up to "legal - low speed impact height.") and then because of the weight lost when the rubber bumpers come off. 1275 front springs are and easy conversion and I'll let you know about the rear springs soon as I am off to have them compressed today.

 

[JPSmit]

Re: Chrome bumpers and grill for 76 Midget. Possib

Took the rear springs into a spring shop today - was quoted about $60 to take an inch out of the height. Will pick them up tomorrow or so

 

[bobreynolds]

Yes its possible, Ive done it. A 70-74 junker has the best hardware to work with.The licsense plate lamps are in the split bumper, and the lic. plate bracket is simple & sweet . Moss can supply you with new parts.I think I have all the bumper pieces and brackets from a 67, some sand-blasting and paint will be needed to do a good job hovever. I had to find a good hole saw for a half inch power drill. Two grommets, four bolts, nuts washers, sundry tools..A few choice words. I used dead reconing to locate my holes ,But Ill work it out for you if youre interested. The brackets from the donor car mount to the frame where the "tow" pull loops are ,just behind where the rectangular air inlets are. the bumpers I have are good, but not great. Please let me know and Ill harvest the brackets from the donor car. Good luck ,those rubber bumpers must weigh 250 lbs.

 

[JPSmit]

Having done it, can you tell me if the rear bumpers can use the holes from the rubber bumper bracket holes? also, the fron bumper bolts (attached to the car - is there a removeable bracket to hold that bolt? could you post a picture of your mounting points front and rear?

thanks

 

[bobreynolds]

Yes and no on the rubber bumper holes(rear) youll have to drill holes for centermost bracket mounts. I used large od fender washers to sandwich the rear panel.I didnt reinforce the interior of the boot you could try I suppose. out board bracets mount to two of the four r/b holes, two you plug with bolts & nuts. As soon as I can borrow a camera ill post some pics. ( I wanted to clean the shed some anyway!)

 

[RickB]

I used two of the holes and kind of angled the mountings on the bumper. Not much angle was needed, and min had the chrome covers for the mounts and the chrome nuts. It ended up looking pretty good, now if I can figure out what to do about the tail light bottoms...

 

[aeronca65t]

~HERE~ is my webpage with instructions on this modification.

 

[JPSmit]

thanks all - would still love pics - especially brackets - the more the merrier.