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Spridget Body/Chassis Structure Question

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CLynn85

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First post, but been lurking on here for a long time.

I'm curious as to the similarities between the bugeye chassis, and the later 62+ chassis. I'm looking through the victoria british catalog at the floor stiffeners and cross-beam/jacking support in the bugeye section, and it looks remarkably similar to the pieces (that I need) in my 62 Sprite. Can someone confirm that these are the same? It'd really make it easier on me if I didn't have to fab my own.

Thanks guys.
 
The chassis parts are identical for all the 1/4 elliptic cars. You shouldn't have to fab any of these items.
Welcome to the forum.
Jeff
 
Welcome to the forum,

As Jeff correctly states, most of the chassis parts are identical for the quarter elliptic Spridgets; that would be up to Jan. '64, HAN8-38854, GAN3-25825. A good number of the body parts and panels for the MKII Sprite and MKI Midget are in fact interchangeable with later models of the Spridget; for example, the "A" post (including the tapping plates) are the same until 1969, BUT, the skin which covers it and joins it to the scuttle, changed with the onset of the roll-up window cars.

In some ways our MKII Sprites (I also have a '62) are more akin to the bugeye than the later Spridgets, under the bonnet for example, or in the case of the chassis components you mentioned, the outer sill with the single jack hole.

If you haven't found it yet, do check out the on-line resource at https://www.mossmotors.com , click on the AH Sprite/MG Midget link on the left side of the screen. Yes, it's basically an on-line version of the Moss catalog, but it will provide you much reference information concerning parts and interchange.

You might also want to check out "The Spridget Project" link on my web site https://www.raysmg.com . I've just finished replacing a LOT (read MOST) of the chassis components in my '62 and there are photos there documenting every procedure.

The few parts I did have to fabricate included the "B" pillars, the footwell fronts, and the gusset for the driver's side "A" post (I notified Moss and they are having the "A" post rerun by the manufacturer in England to include the gusset).

Ray
 
Thanks for the input. I guess that solves that problem. When funds are more readily available I'll order myself some new sheetmetal. Right now the car's blasted and half cut apart, just waiting for some new panels. I wish I had the time and $$ to put it back to 100% the way it came from the factory, but I'll just have to be content with a decent drivable car for now.
 
Hi Jeff,
First Post here also. I've ordered rocker panels, floor pans, spring boxes and that cross beam jacking support from BV for my 61 BE and am pleased with the merchandise and service so far. I had the same question with that cross beam jack support but it seems identical to the rusted one on the car.
Ray has some good photos on his link that have been very helpful..thanks Ray.
This is a great forum!
 
Welcome, stick around and enjoy.
 
dwert said:
. I had the same question with that cross beam jack support but it seems identical to the rusted one on the car.

This is a great forum!
Click to expand...

welcome! and yes it is a great forum, - I would be nowhere without the advice & help here - FWIW I have a guy in my club who welded his jack support holes closed as prt of his restoration. At the very least, the general consensus is not to use the original jack as it damages the paint - many here have bought scissor jacks instead. good luck with your project! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/hammer.gif
 
J-P,
I did it to give a bit cleaner look to the tub, which is losing all unnecessary adornment, but also have decided that I would not being using them anyway. I will not even be carrying a spare or jack most of the time.

Ray

P1010009.jpg
 
and it really does improve the look - I'm keeping mine "just because" but I won't be carrying the original jack
 
OK, now that I'm in this, I have a question about the sequence of restoration. I'll be replacing the rockers, floor pans, and spring boxes on both sides. The tub is on blocks with supporting timber crosswise. I have a metal braces on top between the front and rear door posts fixing the distance between them. My plan is rocker first, then floor pan, then spring boxes, right then left side. Is this a good plan?
Any suggestions, comments appreciated.
Sorry, no photos yet...I'm a technopeasant.

Don
 
I would think spring boxes before floor pans.
 
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