MGB MGB Sebring fiberglass fenders

[tr8todd]

I am in the process of rebuilding a 72 MGB. It was a race car from new until about 1980. In it's last state of competition, it was a highly modified autoXer. The fenders were pie cut, pulled out to make a flare, a strip of steel was welded to hold the shape, and then they were covered with fiberglass and bondo. By the time I got the car, there was major rust. I was captivated by the shape and history of the car. I probably should not have, but I started a slow resto on the car. I installed all new seem welded floors, and rockers. Removed the bolt in cage and welded in a new roll bar. I wanted to keep the Sebring look to the car, so I made new bolt on front fiberglass fenders with flares. I cut away most of the rear fenders, and all of the outer clamshell for the inner fender. I made thick fiberglass fenders for the rear that are both riveted and bonded to the remains of the rear fenders. They are strong. You can lift on the fender lip enough to pick up the rear of the car. My intention is to someday turn this car into a street car that looks more like a race car. It will also see some time trial/track days. I was wondering if anybody out there has a similar set up. In particular the bonded on rear fenders. Has anyone experienced cracking from body flex? I have a BMW 2002 race car that has bonded on fenders. They have cracks. I did not build that car, and that car has more body flex than the stiffened up MGB. I will be dissapointed if they crack after all of this work. That is why I made them thick. For reference, those rear tires are 235's mounted on 14X8 rims.

 

[DrEntropy]

That's some impressive modification work, Todd. The only thing I'd wonder over would be the fact that the B's are a sorta-kinda unibody at the rear. But if you've layer'd up the 'glas well enough it'll likely be fine. I notice there's no "bulkhead" in the rear between trunk and cockpit. Are you going to "X" the structure with tubing in that area?

 

[tr8todd]

This car had access holes cut everywhere, including having the rear bulk head removed. There were holes in the tunnel for tranny fluid access, and for clutch slave access. Some I have welded up, others I have made aluminum covers for. I am undecided what to do with the rear bulk head issue. Most new cars have fold down rear seats, and they don't pose a problem. I might run some tubes back to the rear frame rail sections in the trunk, and then make a removable panel. My concern is that the front of the tubes will be pointing right at my back. Without a full cage, I hate to think what could happen if I take a hard hit to the rear. Any way it's a decision for another day. I made the roll hoop so a folding top and the hard top won't be hindered. I did not build it the way the SCCA would want it, but it is plenty strong, and takes alot of flex out of the car.

 

[Nunyas]

Tim at https://www.morSpeedPerformance.com sells fiberglass fender flares (not to mention some other goodies too /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )for B's. He's a regular poster on these forums. I reckon he might know something about that sort of thing.

 

[mgb4tim]

Rob - Todd and I have talked. I've seen some of his projects, and am duly impressed!