convert from 74 rubber overiders to 73 style ?

[Jer]

My new aquisition (74 Midget) has the ugly rubber overiders, the chrome is shot on the bumpers so I would like to convert to the earlier 73 (it think the overiders were 74 only) style without the rubber overiders - is the mounting the same or what mods have to be done to fit the 73 style bumpers ?
I'm assuming someone has done this swap, any advice is appreciated.

 

[vagt6]

Mine also is a MKIII with the "Sabrina" overriders.

They come right off, just bolted to the bumper. The smaller bumpers are readily available from the usual suppliers. Each cost about $45 or so X 4.

I'm keeping mine, they're in good condition and correct for the car, even tho' they're kinda ugly (costs less that way).

 

[SilentUnicorn]

Some day those over riders are going to be worth somthin. Every one throws them away. They were only 74.5 i believe. i would hang onto them...stick them on a shelf some where.



m

 

[Jer]

I'm all about sticking to original equipment in most cases, but the "Sabrina's" are a bit much for me, they will be going on the shelf so they could always be put back on if so desired, your right they are probably getting rare for sure.

 

[vagt6]

Jer, one positive thing about the Sabrinas is one seldom sees them on a car at car shows, etc. I think everyone removes them!

Last two years at the largest MG car show in my area (MG Car Club of DC), mine was the only Midget with Sabrinas.

And after all, she is a girl.

 

[dfwip]

I just did conversion.
Can provide pics if you get stuck.

Paul

 

[JPSmit]

I just did conversion.
Can provide pics if you get stuck.

Paul

so basically we are looking at er "sabrina" reduction surgery?

 

[JPSmit]

and BTW this is Sabrina (Norma Sykes)

 

[Jer]

I just did conversion.
Can provide pics if you get stuck.

Paul

Paul what (if any) mods are required ? are the mounting brackets different or do I just order new front & rear bumpers for a 73 & bolt them on ?

Thanks

 

[vagt6]

Jer, look at the bumper bits in the Moss or Vicky Brit catalogue and you'll clearly see how these over-riders fit onto the bumper in the exploded parts diagrams. They just bolt on and off.

You'll need the right bolts/hardware, which prominent and not so prominient vendors will be glad to sell you.

All the parts just bolt on/off to the bumper. You probably don't have to remove the bumper, but it's easier if you do.

Bolt on, bolt off. Very easy.

 

[Jer]

perfect, thanks for the confirmation.

 

[dfwip]

Hi Jer-

Reference the attached photo.
Look closely.
The top bumper is from a '74.
The bottom bumper is a pre-'74.
So long as you keep EVERYTHING else the same, you can
simply swap the overrides.
Problems start if you mix and match (which I tried...).
You will see the pre-'74 has a mount in the bumper center
that the '74 does not have. You will also see that the
brackets that mount to the car on the '74 are heavier than
the pre-'74. I learned most of this stuff the hard way,
as I tried to mix and match the best pieces from my parts
collection...not a good idea. Note I also switched to the
pre-'74 style license plate lights.
Similar caution applies to the front, as the integrated
chrome "mounts" are different as well. I can provide details
on the front if same is needed.

Hope this makes sense...

Paul

 

[Jer]

Much appreciated, I will be sure to get all the matching bits when I place my order later this winter, your info. has been & will be helpful !

 

[Jer]

Did the swap this weekend, I now see what you mean about it working as long as you don't mix & match, basically I just took the old rubber mounts off & direct bolted the new overriders in their place, the 3/8 NF x 2" that I ordered were 1/2" short (maybe okay for a pre 74 bumper), so I went to hardware store, got some 2 1/2" long bolts & snugged the new overidders on. The chrome on my bumpers is shot but the bank account only allows for overidders this year
Still looks much, much better than the rubber overiders, which will go on the shelf in case I have some urge in the future to return to stock (which I'm all about in most cases except for government stupidity induced mods ;-) )

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Who needs bumpers. SWA Spridgets look so much better without. And yes I know they are turned upside down. I think they look better that way.

 

[hooey]

I here that

 

[sqbsprite]

Who needs bumpers. SWA Spridgets look so much better without.

I agree.

 

[dfwip]

Bumpers are important when your spouse
parks by ear....

Paul